TeeJay

Okay, this isn't really mine, as I bought it for a friend for his birthday in November (it arrived saturday, but I've been too busy to get a picture and post it) Nothing spectacular in terms of replication, but still a damn nice watch, and a non watch enthusiast wouldn't have a clue Sorry, that's pretty crappy pic, here's a better one:

No fresh wrist shots, but I've got the 2531.80 on now, and when I go out with friends tomorrow evening, might swap it for the 2220.80. I haven't quite decided yet...

This is why women can be somewhat hesitant when it comes to 'backdoor fun'... Oh, we're talking about watches, aren't we... Oh well, either way, when it comes to promises of waterproofing or servicing from dealers, someone's still getting well and trully Effed in the Ay So seriously, save the dollars, order in the standard watch and then take it for independant testing, or, better yet, just wear it in your swimming pool and see if it leaks.

Ahh yes, can't wait to see how it works out

I spent

Thanks. My original intention was actually to put Planet ocean hands on a Railmaster, but was a little put off by the size of the watch, so felt the AT would be more suitable. (Which itself has a larger than anticipated dial) I figured the Planet Ocean hands would look 'more uniform' (than the two different shape stock-hands) and, being larger, improve the readability, and I'd say the new hands accomplish both those tasks. The removal of the Seamaster Text was actually because the 'r' of Seamaster got damaged when I was replacing the hands, so it was a case of removing all the lettering so it again, had a uniform, if unorthodox appearance. Glad you approve

Indeed, the one you found really was a very nice rep. I'd be happy with the correct 3 marker, but I just can't stand the joined letters of the Omega text, which is why I prefer this less perfect version as it has printed text instead. With regards the depth of the wave pattern, without comparing two gen SMPs, I wouldn't like to say for sure that they are supposed to be identical, or if the 2220.80 is supposed to have a stronger pattern than the 2531.80 (as in intentional design improvement) The pattern on my 2531.80 is quite noticeable with the naked eye, it just doesn't capture so well on camera... Glad you liked the side-by-side shots though

For some reason, I'm not so keen on this specific model in GMT, as the numerals are on the dial, where as on 'the other' SMPs, the GMT numbers are on the bezel insert, which personally, I think a ) makes it easier to adjust the 'second time zone', and b ) creates more of a 'visual difference' between the standard version of a watch and the GMT version (be it Omega, Rolex or even Panerai) That's just my own feeling though. Either way, the SMPs are awesome watches, way nicer than Rolexes

I have something of an aversion to hot metal, so I find the easiest way of re-alligning the bezel insert is to simply open the back, remove the crown, remove the movement, push out the crystal, then very gently ease the insert up from the back. Okay, it might not sound the 'easiest' way, but, it's certainly more straight forward than prying the bezel up and then having trouble re-alligning the bezel spring (they have a tendency to launch across the room during the process of returning the bezel to the case) and, saves the risk of heating up the watch too much (if the plastic movement retainer warps, the rotor can't spin, and the watch becomes 'hand wind only' [something else I've had happen before]) Sure, dismantling the watch is a more involved process, but it's very straight forward, and is simply a case of reversing the process to get the watch back in one piece. With regards the water resistance, as long as you put the case back on as securely as possible (will require tools of some kind) if it didn't leak before in a shower, then it should still be good. (Just be sure not to damage the large O Ring in the back of the case while the back is off) Best of luck

Here're the photos of the Aqua Terra on the new strap (which I'm currently 'wearing in', but will go back to the SMP once it starts 'holding the shape') Sorry they're nothing special, but these are about as good as it gets with this watch. For some reason, it is really hard to get a decent picture of it... Please note, the 'Seamaster' text was deliberately removed, and the hands were deliberately switched for hands from a 42mm Planet Ocean. These are not manufacturing flaws, but intentional modifications by me...

I can't see this coming off my wrist for the forseable future With regards strap changes, I bought a new leather strap for the customized Aqua Terra I'm giving my dad for his birthday next month. It was on a basic black calf-leather strap, but have swapped it onto a dark brown strap of unidentified leather. I'll try and get a pic of it later (the watch is a real b1tch to photograph properly )

I don't think there's much in the watch world that can top the Planet Ocean, as that is just a seriously nice watch. That said, it is definitely more towards the 'rugged and functional' end of the scale than 'smart' (Sure, it can 'pass' as a smart watch when worn on an SS bracelet, but if it was really 'smart', Bond wouldn't have swapped to the SMP to go to the casino ) Personally, I think the SMP is one of those watches which everyone should have in their collection, and, rep or gen, I rate it higher than the Submariner as it as a better engineered clasp, larger hands, larger markers, and larger hands, so generally easier to read

This is the thing, initially, I thought that 'black watches' were the way to go in terms of smart, but, the coloring of the bezels of the SMPs showed me differently Ahh, but not so... Think about in Dr.No when he was forced to trade in his existing gun for the Walther PPK against his own preferences (the novel makes it much clearer that he was obeying an order he disliked) Also, in GoldenEye, 006 wore the exact same watch as 007. It was only later, when Bond was issued with 'the new model', that they were different. (Had 006 remaine a loyal agent, he would undoubtably received 'the new model' as well.) No enemies at all, and I totally agree with your opinion between the two. In a way, it's like comparing the dial of a contemporary Submariner (raised markers) to the dial of an older model Submariner or Sea-Dweller (with the flat, white markers). In terms of 'an older man's version', I would view that as the 'older man' having bought the watch new a decade ago, where the younger man has had to purchase the most up to date version. In terms of overall favorites, I think the 2220.80 is the more elegant and visually appealing of the two, but my personal preference is for the 2531.80. As for review, wait till I get my 45mm Planet Ocean back from being regulated and waterproofed... Then I'll be writing a comparitive review of 'the Bond watches', aka the Sub, the SMP, and the PO, in the same manner as my review on the VC Overseas

Yes you are, you said in the preceding paragraphs: The simple and undeniable facts of the matter, are that Andrew and Joshua have been proven to be liars and manipulators on numerous occasions, and there is evidence of that right here on this forum. The fact is that they cannot be 100% trusted 100% of the time, and have been caught selling 'less that perfectly described' merchandise on more than one occasion (read Predfan's comments on Pg 1...) They are nothing but leeches on the community of this forum, and profit by 'shooting fish in the barrel'. The last thing n00bs need to read, is good intentioned people defending them, when the facts available are indefensible... Just my .2c

I'm planning on building a regular SMP with that color dial and bezel insert as a 'dress watch'

Here are a couple of wrist shots of my AT. Sorry about the poor detail, I couldn't get the camera to focus any better...

That wasn't my AT... The pic I took of mine turned out looking like garbage... On mine, Omega isn't underlined or with a line through the middle, just individual metal(ized) letters. Looks pretty sharp to the naked eye though, I'll try and get a better pic of it... Mine's also the regular SS case

An awesome watch All it needs now, is the custom-fit Planet Ocean hands, and you'll be set to go I'm not really a fan of the HBB, but that's an awesome purchase

As promised:

At last, I have both my SMPs together for comparison. They are so similar, yet so different. Do I have a favorite? Hard to say as there are aspects I like about one which the other does not have, and they all cancel each other out... A quick summary: 2531.80 The first Omega worn by James Bond (okay, the first was the quartz version, but that's a minor detail.) I've read a review where the author criticized the color choice as not being 'serious', and claimed that Bond would actually have chosen a 2254.50 instead. Personally, I disagree for two reasons. 1. Sure, the blue color might not be black, but it is certainly elegant and serious. In low light, it looks black, in direct light, it is a gorgeous blue. Way more interesting than black... 2. Bond never chose his watch at all, he was issued them from Q Branch, irrespective of his own tastes, so no more of this 'Bond would have chosen this or that' nonsense... Anyway, moving on The dial markers of the 2531.80 are larger and more easily read, so slightly more functional, and, as that was the original design, it remains something of a personal favorite. 2220.80 The updated Omega worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale. This watch is as different from it's predecessor as it is similar... The dial markers are slightly smaller, but, with the metallic surrounds, slightly more elegant and eye-catching (not in a functional sense of the word eye-catching). The red Seamaster text below the Omega text is probably one of those love/hate details. I did not expect to like the watch (being such a fan of the 2531.80) but it immediately 'won me over' Please note, this only applies to my specific rep of the 2220.80. The gen 2220.80 has the Omega Logo, and Omega Text as metal dial attachments, which I think utterly ruin and cheapen the dial. I would never prefer that detail over the printed text of the 2531.80, or my 'flawed' rep... Both watches are nice, although each will have it's own fans for different reasons. In terms of my own watches, the 2531.80 has had it's factory bezel insert substituted for the replacement insert I was sent for the 2220.80 (due to the accidental damage the '3' numeral) as I felt that with a printing flaw on the 'triangle', and a minor scuff by the '51' marker, it was more noticeably in need of the new insert than the 2220.80, where the damage is much less visible than the pictures suggest. The 2220.80 had a clasp with stronger springs than the 2531.80, so I swapped those round so the watch which will get worn more will have the better quality clasp. My own mental classifications of them, are: 2531.80 - Everyday version 2220.80 - Smart version Time for some photos...

Awesome watch My first 'expensive' watch was a Rolex, but since wearing an Omega, I am a firm convert, with the SMPs being among my favorites (after the 45mm Planet Ocean, of course ) Wear it well

That's true, and I totally appreciate that these watches aren't made on the same production line as the genuine ones, I was just pointing out how in many cases, a lot of 'high end' items, are not actually worth any more than their cheaper counterparts, and are sold at a premium simply because of the logo attached. As far as I care (call it willfull ignorance, if you will ) I have a watch on my wrist, the dial says 'Omega', and it tells the time... That's good enough for me

Sounds good to me I'm aout to head to bed, so we can go over the details tomorrow (well about 10 hours ) In terms of 'slice capacity', it depends on the size of the slices... I can just about eat a 12 inch pizza by myself, but, that would be the only food I would eat at that sitting, and likely not eat anything else for another 12 hours (I also leave the crusts )

All I want is for it to get a good and appreciative home. Sure, I can look after it, but it won't get the attention it deserves, so I'd rather it go to someone who will make sure it does I think it's just one of those things where it's just 'not me'. Another friend said that when she thought of me, her first thought was 'Omega', so that's what I'm sticking with

Yes, I still mean it. I can't stand to see it gathering dust any longer, so PM me with some details, and we'll go from there