TeeJay

I have it GMT version.. very slick watch

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 just received the watch--bezel misaligned as expected, but the gmt hand is keeping perfect time and I LOVE THIS WATCH. Has anyone tried to remove the bezel per by-tor's guide? I tried first with fingernails, then a knife... No luck. (Still want to fix the bezel though!) Any experience with this particular model's bezel? For $108 + shipping, this is probably one of the best deals out there (UPO lite is up there...)

Also, i took a shower with it... no fog!

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 )

TeeJay, I couldn't have said it better. When I started looking at reps, it was all about the black. When I finally purchased a few, I have yet to buy a black one- although, the black UPO on a black strap has made it to my list. However, the blue IMO makes the best looking watch for my taste.

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

Hmm, now that you put it that way, I think I agree with you, TeeJay.

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

This one is more problematic because though certainly Q Branch would issue him with gadgetry, and the like, which wouldn't take his tastes into account, after a while, they must've realised they had to coddle him more than the other agents, because of the aura he projected was extra smooth and elegant.

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.)

Looking at them carefully, I choose the one to right as being more impressive and more 007ish. The first one looks like an older man's version of the SMP, with a weightier, more classic, more "solid", but also duller feel.

Did I just make more enemies with that statement?

Great review, TJ!

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

If i had a good web master for example and a friend did not ... as are somethings in the business i am contracted for ... we would help each other out.. i am assuming that if i had 100 products and needed help moving some of it i would sub contract a friend to help me... i am not saying this is what is happening but it could be one possible senario..

Yes you are, you said in the preceding paragraphs:

It is no secret that this is true ... because of certain dealers commitments to the makers they are able to create change for the better in the Rep industry .. Joshua and Andrew are two such dealers .. ie. the attempt at better fonts and cyclops...

I am sharing this so that there are no conspiracy theories ... they both have provided exellent customer service after the purchase ... so please don't interpret this as me trying to promote one dealer over the others..it is better for customs that i deal with Joshua and Andrew

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

does anyone know if they make a Rep of this:

Man, I would buy that in a heartbeat!!!

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...

Hi TJ nice AT, how is omega writen on this one, line through the middle, underlind or non, is it rose gold or yellow looks rose! nice

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

AquaTerra day today

An awesome watch All it needs now, is the custom-fit Planet Ocean hands, and you'll be set to go

I also wanted to look beautiful...

But as I have no cash and am unable to put 700 dollars in one single watch, I went for a Quartz Hublot RG (yes, a Quartz !), full of flaws, but looks great on the wrist...and has no dummy features...

Last but not least, the price : 41 pounds shipped, much better than the cheapest Asian 21J from our dealers.

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

This is slightly different. Only aesthetically may you find it being close to the genuine, and even then there are almost always flaws, some are glaring, others are not. Also, the inner workings may be very different - eg. rlx or Omga GMT watch movements used in the genuine are completely different to the unreliable b@st@rdized version of ETA used in the reps. You can also look at such as the PAM187 with Asian 7750 which has inferior materials and construction used, as well as no functional date pusher. This movement also causes a flaw with the recessed date.

Therefore your comparison doesn't stand up the same way, as these are not watches made on the same production line as the genuine, otherwise, I would buy up most of the stock and sell them as genuine!

Anyway, that is all beside the point....

And silix also have ETA Cartier Santos 100s for $150 - and when they say ETA they really do have ETA.

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

I will play fetch and walk it religiously every day!

PM coming up, since I had my 2nd and last slice. I heard that some guys can do 5 slices (my bf...), but I have to keep an eye on my figure...my hand figure for the wristies.

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 )

WOW! THANK YOU! I just saw it on Stephane's hand now, and said, no way. This can't go to waste. It will make dad happy.

I love you, TeeJay!

But first comes the pizza.

(PAM 190, 8 Days Radio on Wojtecki black strap. The StrapCulture one was too thick!! Sniff)

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

TeeJay, really, you still mean it? I will say YES! But only if you read this. *g*

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

I'll try and get a fresh wrist shot tomorrow, but I finally got my 2531.80 back from it's trip to the watchsmith The funny thing, is after all this time wearing the 2220.80, I am actually prefering that as a watch... I had been sent a replacement bezel insert, as the 2220.80 got a tiny nick in the '3' of the '30', but in the end, after comparing the two SMPs, I put the new insert into the 2531.80, as that had a more noticeable 'printing flaw' in the triangle marker, and the pearl was not as good. Having compared the two side by side, I can see why I prefer the 2220.80, as the greenish markers of the 2531.80 do not look as nice as the white markers of the 2220.80. However. The 2531.80 has larger markers, so easier to read at a glance. The 2220.80, with it's smaller markers (with the metal surrounds) comes across as a 'more refined version', so that's how the wear shall be. Everyday beater, 2531.80 (or 45mm Planet Ocean), smart watch, 2220.80 (until I build my White Seamaster as a total 'dress watch') I might even still order another bezel insert for the 2220.80 just to get it flawless again, although in all honesty, the nick in the marker is unnoticeable at a glance, and does add 'character' to the watch...

I still haven't read this entire thread, although I have read every page of Edge's 29 page thread which is equally damning of the Cartel's behaviours. I've said before that I am totally against the behaviour of the Cartel, so saying so again would be an unnecessary repetition, and besides, thanks to Slay, I now have a nice sig that can do that for me.

I just wanted to add something about product markups, and how they apply in the West which folks might have seen me mention previously, but just in case, here it is again:

In a highstreet store called Burton, I bought a plain white sweater for

Damn, that just sucks. I've always found Flav really helpfull with advice about my own projects. Whoever's pulled this crap is one sorry SoB. Having worked in the retail industry several years ago, I know first hand how unpleasant it is trying to deal with aggrevated customers. The guy who came up with the phrase "the customer is always right" wants to try working in the 21st Century and see how well his motto holds up to his home-spun values... In my experience, customers that ger really narky like this are often pathetic inadequates who couldn't afford the product in the first place, are hoping to get their money back by complaining about it, and are probably so beaten down in their lives, that their only outlet is sales staff who have to bite their tongues for fear of losing their jobs... It's a sad day when schmucks act like this, because it has knockon effects which then impact everyone. Very sorry state of affairs. Keep your chin up, Flav

it means something like the wise man is powerless before the dumb

I guess it loses something in translation, but that certainly makes sense. There's no helping people who don't want to be helped... I wonder how long we'll be able to keep our sigs for

After the resounding apathy we had as a result of the mind-bendingly long white lies thread, I doubt anything will come of it.

One can always hope

In germany we say "gegen den Dummen ist der Weise machtlos".

I learned German at school but I'm pretty rusty.... Could you translate?

Edge is absent for personal reasons.

Ahh, that's fair enough.

Nice one again to Slay for having the stones to create such a signature. Hopefully more people will read, take note, and maybe even act upon it

He who spells the worst.

In that case, I shall use my best spelling abilities

Out of curiousity, is Edge actually banned from the forum, or did he simply leave because of what happened when he revealed further details of the Cartel's lies?