TeeJay

Kind of a long, strange, story, but here is the condensed version.

My wife and I were in Tokyo a couple of months ago and stayed in Odaiba, on the water. I was hanging outside AquaCity, smoking a nice cigar, and relaxing while my wife was inside shopping before the mall closed. When along came a guy and started talking to me... He was also smoking a cigar and that's how the conversation started.

He spoke English but was obviously from France due to the accent. He said that his wife was shopping also and that he was on holiday for a few weeks, visiting Tokyo and China. We started talking and he said that he was walking by and noticed my watch...LOL. I had purchased it the week before at a mall on the otherside of Tokyo... My, Pimp- Star Performer

It was going nuts, ...flashing and lighting up like crazy... he was asking because he said his son would like one

After talking for a while I noticed his watch. It was big and bright... I had never seen a B&R before in real life and was shocked. He told me he was able to get it through his work. He said that he worked for the French national police. He said that it wasn't like the regular police but that they handled "situations" as he called it. It was so bright and simple. I asked him if he could get me one and he said that they were all gone..

When I got back to the states, I found out that it was a limited release and only given to the police force. I couldn't find any on Ebay or any other sites... Finally I found one on a rep site and have to have it.

RAID edition

(The pic here is bad, It's all black and the metal is black also, it looks blue because of the flash...)

So I finally got the watch and love the boldness of it. Only thing is that it doesn't glow like the Genuine one that I saw

I see that some people do "Super lume"...Can it be done on my watch? Can any of the people here do it? Still looking for a gen tho

Personally, I can't see any reason why it shouldn't be possible to have it superlumed, but you'd be best to check with Ziggy or Flav for a definite yay or nay... Awesome watch. Not my style, but definitely an intersting one. (I find watches that are 'issued' have a real 'character' that everyday watches just don't have) Best of luck with it

Heck! Well take anyone who can read. Period.

Are they easily removeable like the leather straps, or are they more tricky to deal with? I've got a new PAM on the way (not sure of the code) and it's coming on a rubber strap. I hate how rubber straps look on PAMs, and have a spare black leather strap, and wondered how easy it might be to put the buckle onto the leather strap... Thanks in advance

Awesome straps, how much are you asking for one?

Have you considered the smaller version of the Chanel J12? That's 33mm... I swapped the bracelet on my fiance's for a synthetic leather cuff-style strap and she wears it most days. I know it is not a very clear picture, but this might give you another idea

Best of luck with your selection and purchase

We still haven't bought it, and all suggestions are STILL being considered though I am partial to Andrew, as stated.

But if that is the case, that all of our rep dealers get it fromt he same source, why is it that there is such disparity in the photos and descriptions of watches, not to mention when you actually get two identical watches -- same movement, etc. -- from two dealers, which are COMPLETELY different? It already happened.

If you look at all the examples of this 007 watch, the colour of the bezel is such deeper with Andrew's shots, but it's more than that, it's deployant buckle etc.

To me, this suggests that it's not all the same supplier, but hey, what do I know.

I admit, not all dealers use the same sources, but, Andrew, Angus, Joshua and King do... That's why they're known as the Cartel... I'm fairly sure (although obviously not 100%) that my SMP is from the same factory as Silix uses. Color is something that could appear to vary from photo to photo, purely by the lighting conditions. For example, if you look at the Omega rubber straps on Ofrei.com, the rubber Seamaster strap appears black. In comparison, the Planet Ocean strap looks a light charcoal grey. Personally, I am of the opinon that all the Omega straps are actually charcoal grey, but the eye simply catagorizes it as 'black'... For details like movements, even bezel inserts, it could be the difference between this run of watches, and that run of watches... If you look on their sites, there are dealers offering the 2531.80 SMP as having the luminous 3 marker, but, several people have reported receiving a watch which is sans 3 marker... (the 2220.50 I have on order will be sans 3 marker, but, I knew that before I ordered it) so sometimes, the difference in photo and product, can be down to a different batch of watches... Lots of different factors to take into account when dealing with 'how the watch looks'... :smile:

We need more muslims here

I read the Qur'an, if that's any help...

Awesome watch, is that a jump-hour?

did u say anne hathaway?

I did indeed, I've got a feeling that's how she'll look in a few years... I'm sure Cait wouldn't mind me re-posting one of her 'MySpace-style' pics...

and ur only gonna give her a 35 pounds rep .. u should get her something with swiss eta in it heeheheh

If I was to spend too much money on her, my fiance would get jealous Besides, joking asside, I've actually had better time-keeping results with Asian movements rather than Swiss ETA. Also, as far as I know, the rep is only available with Asian movement...

Awesome watch, and excellent result. I like that they only cared about reps of Rolexes

I wouldn't worry about it. I have a 17 year old neice I have been buying replica bags for for some time. Trust me she is a very trendy and fashionable girl She knows they are reps, and she doesn't care. They are stylish and look good and that is all she cares about

Thanks for the reassurance

When I was 17, my girlfriend Brooke had a Cartier. Two factors I'd consider if I saw a 15 year old kid wearing one of these.

One, 99% of the population won't even notice she's wearing a watch. Of the 1% who do, 99% of those won't know a Rolex from a Timex.

Two, the believability factor of said watch on a teenage girl completely depends on how "hot" the girl is and how well she keeps herself, quite frankly. If she's an very attractive girl from a comfortable family; if she's got great hair, an expensive smile, French manicure/pedicure, brand label clothing, European car, etc., it's not too incredible or unbelievable. My high school was a performing arts school and there were no shortage of cute ballerinas getting a Lexus, BMW or such for their sweet 16th. If parents can drop 40K on a teenagers car, a 15K watch isn't out of the question.

As tempting as it would be to say she's a sweaty, fat skank, the truth is she's very attractive, and will likely look something like Anne Hathaway in a few years She doesn't drive, but indeed, the family is 'comfortable'... Not mega rich, but certainly not begging for change either. As above, thanks for the reassurance that the watch would either go un-noticed, or not appear unrealistic

I'd never consider such a gift for my 16yo nephew, if she get molested and robbed for a replica, I'd never forgive myself... Get her a G shock and some fancy clothes or a Vuiton rep

I know what you mean there, and would likely follow your advice, but when she saw the watch on the screen, and was hyper-excited about getting one, so it'd be mean not to follow through with that having promised her one...

Actually, this is something that occured to me a while back as well, in terms of people's wrist shots, but, as mentioned, this is such an international community, that more than makes up the diversity factor Sure, I might look fairly 'Scandanavian', but I've got quite a mix of nationalities vying for genetic supremacy in the mix, including Algerian and Austrian Jewish... Oh, and just to add to the confusion and the diversity, I enjoy reading the Qur'an, but am not actually a practicing Muslim. Takes all sorts to keep things interesting

@ TJ

Have not seen an Aspen model, so I can't comment.

Okay, thanks anyway I'm hoping it'll be with me within the week, so I'll be sure to post a review of it

Cristiano Ronaldo (God, thank you for not calling him "Ronaldo" like 99.9% of English-speakers...) is said not to be the brightest person in the world. In fact, I would bet you he and Wayne Rooney together have lower IQs than many dolphins have.

Having heard what was said above, it all makes sense now. He probably went into the Burlington Arcade watch shops, and chose "big, shiny, expensive, and MUITO FASHIONABLE, please", and that's it. What a dip.

No surprize there, dolphins are very intelligent :biggrin:

Hope it sorts out for you with Jay. I have had only good experiences with him.

I bought this watch two years ago, and yes it had the same rectangular button on the clasp... If there was a "2nd generation" of this watch with a genuine Ti-bracelet, correct caseback and the new crown I would probably buy that, even at a much higher price.. But that is not realistic.

To be honest, I'm not confident that things will get worked out. His email today has said that I can ship the faulty watch back, and have a replacement sent. Which will still cost me money in shipping the watch back. Given that the watch was faulty when sent out, and any level of QC would have revealed that (goes to show that he doesn't actually QC, and any time that is given as a reason for a delay, it is just a stalling tactic ) I sent another email saying I am quite happy simply to be shipped replacement parts and fix the watch myself. I know he's sent parts to other people who had a problem, hopefully he'll be able to do the same here. I don't feel it's an unreasonable request, so here's fingers crossed...

I wouldn't expect to see one of the 2nd Gen X-33s available, as the new crown has totally different functions to the other, and it might be too much hassle to fit it to the existing mechanism... That said, I do prefer how the 2nd Gen looks. The bezel insert in particular, because it at least has a luminous marker...

That's the very one, TeeJay. Thanks Marrickvilleboy!

We've decided that the slightly larger 42.5mm Andrew version with Swiss ETA, and upgraded features (slight AR, as I mentioned), will be the one bought. I owe Andrew my custom after he came through with me, big time.

Well, it's your money, but, as mentioned, those dealers all use the same supplier. You'd be getting the same one from any of them (including the dealer I mentioned, who would get it at about a 10th of the price) Also, as mentioned, the gen watch does not have AR coating... Best of luck with your purchase

Thats a great combo you've chosen TeeJay..

I've got a few of those Omega buckles in my parts bin already... whats the lug width of the x33?... I'll have to start looking for a strap.

And Please keep us (me) posted on the dealings with Jay... I await with baited breath and clenched wallet.

Thanks. When I saw the strap, I just knew it would be good for something, and the OEM buckle really upped it's status. The X-33 has 20mm lugs.

Jay has said that he will send a replacement (I think watch, rather than movement) I think it is being shipped at his expence, but have no confirmation of this yet. If this is indeed the case, then I'll be happy that he's corrected the problem which the QC should've picked up

Looks nice on that strap! Was that the one you tried on the SMP also? The X-33 is an interesting watch, not one that I have seen much of. Hope things work out with Jay!

Thanks, and yes, that was the same strap. I originally planned to use it on the X-33, but thought I'd also try it on the SMP. It works much better with the X-33 The thing I'm most pleased about, is that the watch/strap combination looks exactly as my photoshop mockup predicted

I remember that strap! It looks better on the X-33. After all, the astronauts wear this on a kevlar strap.

Be aware that the replica X-33 uses two batteries, one for the analog part and one for the digital. I thought my X-33 was broken when the hands stopped. It did not come alive after I had replaced the battery, so I gave it away to a German member. He discovered the hidden battery and got it going!

I thought it was pretty funny how none of the astronauts or pilots who wear the X-33 wear it on the bracelet That was something I considered, but the thing that made me suspect mechanical failure rather than a lack of power, was the second hand wasn't really stopping permanantly, even when it 'sticks', it still flicks, trying to move, so I suspect there could be a problem with the cogs meshing. Out of curiosity, did the clasp of your watch bracelet have the rectangular side button on the deployant?

Thanks for this comprehensive reply, TeeJay!

This is my newbiehood talking, but he is only interested in the new Omega with the "007" in recess (not the 007 swirl one, by the way), in the dial, as I pictured in each of the examples. I had assumed this was a limited marking for tied with the new Bond in Casino Royale, and not a continuing version that Brosnan had worn.

Was I wrong?

Still happy to receive any more info from you guys, before pulling the trigger to buy this watch.

No problem at all. I think I know the model you mean. Rather than the wavy pattern on the dial, it has '007' repeated across the dial. Is that the one you're thinking of? If that's the case, the dealer I mentioned in PM sells that watch for the price I paid for my 'standard' 2531.80 It was a commemorative watch, but simply for 'Bond', and during the era when he was portrayed by Pierce Brosnan. The Limited Edition watch Omega released to tie-in with Casino Royale, is the Limited Edition 45mm Planet Ocean, which has the number 007 in pumpkin paint on the base of the second hand, and a different case back, which has 'Casino Royale in the center, rather than the Omega 'seamonster'. The watch Daniel Craig wore from the 'casino' scenes onwards, was the 2220.50, the updated version of the 2531.80, which featured a Co-Axial movement (I'm not sure precicely what that means) and a few minor cosmetic alterations to the luminous markers and printing.

I'm pretty sure John Barrowman wears a black dial Rolex Airking. In the last episode of Doctor Who, he was wearing a watch on a leather strap on his right wrist (where he normally wears his Airking) and although there wasn't a real close up of the dial, a date cyclops was noticeable on the crystal. I'm wondering if that might have been his own Rolex, but swapped onto a leather strap for filming, but the presense of the cyclops is confusing...

On the Seamasters with single AR coatings, are they like the Davidsen pams where it reduces reflections, and you get a purple tint on the inside still, or are they the ones that aren't visible as such, but do reduce reflections?

I haven't actually compared the two to be able to really answer that question, but I'll do my best... When I looked at a gen 2254.50, I didn't really notice any tint or reflections, but, I only looked at it for a few minutes in an AD... When I gave the Panerai I bought for my father in law a 'test drive', I was very aware of the purple tint on the lens, and of reflections... Of course, what with people being able to get their crystal's ARd now, it's really up to their own personal aesthetic. I like my Planet Ocean, but I'm not prepared to spend the $$s on upgrading and modding the parts so it could pass as gen to another watch enthusiast. Out of the box, it already passes as gen to the 'viewing public', and, as all the printing on the dial is correct, that's good enough for me

PS, that should be 2254.40 with the single sided AR coating... Typo :biggrin:

No one with some info?

I am guessing since Andrew has "some AR coating" that this is the best of the lot, but I am also thinking of price, as well as authenticity. Any advice would be much appreciated!

The gen 2531.80 SMP does not have AR coating. The 2554.50 has single sided (inside surface) AR coating, the Planet Ocean has double-sided AR coating (and some folks complain that the outer layer can rub away, spoiling the appearance) but the 2531.80 SMP doesn't have it. The 2531.80 was the watch Pierce Brosnan wore from Tomorrow Never Dies onwards. In GoldenEye, he wore the 2541.80, which has a quartz rather than an automatic movement. The two watches are virtually identical, but, the 2541.80 has a larger luminous marker at 3, and the date window is slightly further than the crown. Also, I don't think the 2541.80 has the word 'chronometer' on the dial, but I'm not 100% sure on that. All that said, I don't think there are any dealers who stock the quartz version...

Sigh....

He exhausts me...but I guess that's his methodology..attrition of words

Come on Teej...get in your last word...space available below

And my conclusion that you have serious problems...(12:30 AM in your time zone...just how loaded are you?) is not a casual immature accusation. I did a psychatry rotation in medical school and my wife is a board certified shrink. We're getting quite a few laughs from your posts!!!

Dr Crystal

Oh, I forgot to say, you seem to be at a loss for a comment on my experiences with Silix, or do you feel that they are also simply 'paranoia' on my part?

Sigh....

He exhausts me...but I guess that's his methodology..attrition of words

Come on Teej...get in your last word...space available below

And my conclusion that you have serious problems...(12:30 AM in your time zone...just how loaded are you?) is not a casual immature accusation. I did a psychatry rotation in medical school and my wife is a board certified shrink. We're getting quite a few laughs from your posts!!!

Dr Crystal

Not an immature accusation? You're the one making a big deal out of this and pointing out how amusing you (and your wife) are finding my posts. Really proving your 'maturity' again, aren't you, Doctor.

As for how 'loaded' I am, not at all, I don't touch drugs at all, I'm just something of an insomniac.

I hope you feel proud, your unnecessarily hostile behaviour has forced me to promise to pay for a subscription just to shut up people with similar attitudes to yours. You successfully proved the point made by another poster, that VIP subscriptions are being flaunted, and that non-subscribers are being harrassed (by whatever means) into feeling that they have to subscribe in order to contribute to the forum. Congratulations. Funny how it is not actually the forum owner who is making this insistance, but simply people who have already chosen to subscribe

As I said before, next payday, I'll buy a VIP subscription. But, I will be doing so simply because it will put an end to the attitudes from some, that a VIP member has a more valid opinion than a non subscriber.