hilts

Nice. That's the one for me!

Thanks opti. I think the deciding factor is that the Ceramic is 48mm vs 5004 46mm. I think 48 is going to look comically big!?

Hi guys. First post here for a long time

Looking for some help with a new Big Pilot. Looking at Trusty's pages just now. Two options leap out at me.

1. Top Gun ceramic. Model 5019.http://www.trusty-watch.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=30_238&products_id=12120I like the look of this but am concerned about 2 things. Firstly, is the ceramic black? It looks kinda grey in the photos but that is maybe just the light. Secondly, why only lume at 12,3,6&9?

2. 5004.http://www.trusty-watch.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=30_238&products_id=9380. Seems pretty good.

So the question is, what do people think of these models? Personal preference aside, which one would you go for? Or am I missing something - should I be checking out a different model or seller?

Thanks guys

Hilts

Any update on where to access TT? Note this morning the link posted above and his new ttw888 site are both down?

This is your gen, but you weren't aware the barcode is only on the clear protective sticker? Hmmm… Why no side-by-side?

Anyways, nice pics! I wish the lume was a little closer to pure white in daylight, the grayish hue is my biggest gripe. How's the crown / tube? I got an early version, also 21j, and it was rough winding & screwing down.

Yep is indeed. No wasn't aware it was just a sticker! Doh - I've never worn it (that's what the rep is for - I'm keeping the gen as new in case I have to sell it if funds are needed). I'll take a side by side specially for you!

Agreed on the lume - it is very slightly off colour whereas the gen is really pure white. Again, you might notice it side by side but on its own the rep is fine.

Tube seems OK - smooth winding - but the threads as often on rep seem a bit rough when screwing in the crown - gently does it!

My new Trusty 1:1 arrived (after some faff - see here) so I've taken some pics against my Gen for comparison.

There are others more experienced at this than I am, so I'll only post a few impressions and leave the pics to do the talking.

Overall, I'm happy with the watch - feels good out of the box and no glaring errors. Movement is smooth and lume, while not Gen quality, is very good for a rep - possibly the best rep lume I've seen easily legible after 6/7 hours dark.

Couple of things I've spotted - bezel numbers on the Gen are slightly thicker/bolder. Numbers on the datewheel on Gen are slightly smaller, although rep lines up well which maybe doesn't come across on these pics. Explorer II is a slightly lighter shade on the rep than the Gen. These things are spotted when you're side by side with a Gen (if you look closely) but with the Rep on its own you wouldn't pick these up (apart from the missing barcode on the side of the case).

All in all I'd recommend it although with some minor tweaking this would be a real dazzler of a watch.

PS the Gen is the one on the little cushion

Or is it just me.

DW for sure, but this is a lot better than the first generation IMO especially "just out of the box". I'll do a detailed comparison vs gen when it arrives.

We're in business. New QC pic as below just received. Bit of confusion there but looks like Andy has sorted it out.

Stay tuned - when this arrives I'll be posting some detailed pics of the 3 versions I have - old rep, new rep and gen.

That is the old watch in the qc pic.

That's what I kept saying too!!

Andrew tells me he's asked the factory to send new one again and I'm getting new QC pics so fingers crossed they will match website. Will keep you updated.

Ah good. Not just me then!!

Yer have done that - I'm sure we'll get sorted but was wondering if I had the wrong end of the stick and they are in fact the same watch. I don't think they are.

Hi guys - I have a white 42mm Explorer 2 already - one of the earlier models with the hands skinnier than the gen. When the new Swiss 1:1 model was released by Trusty I noticed the better hands etc so dropped $400 on a new one.

I've just received the QC pics from Andrew and to me this looks just like the old version added to his website in July and is still available - I have it on my wrist as I type! It looks nothing like the new version (added 8 Jan 2012) on his website with the fat hands. Top pic is the QC pic from his website for the new 1:1. Bottom pic is the QC pic he emailed me today. We've been back and forward by email and can't agree.

I should say I've dealt with Andrew many times and have always been a satisfied customer - I think there is some confusion here and nothing malicious but what are your thoughts?

QC pics from website - this is what I want.

QC pic received from Trusty - this isn't what I want!!

All good things come to those who are waiters

Oh I really hope so - this is the first rep I've been excited about in quite a while!

I'd agree - about 20 watches over 3 years or so - never an issue at all.

Very cool set up! Mind you, if I owned that bundle of watches, I'm not sure I'd have them lying in the sand! I suppose they're built to take it though.

Comes by parcelforce 24 hour delivery, so not at the post office but at your local parcelforce depot.

Wearing my gen 2005/5002 BP today!

SS came with black dial and brown buffalo strap. The black croc strap (which I have on as it looks better IMO) did not come out till the release of the 5004 in 2006. The slate grey face is only seen on the new 5004 style in white gold. The previous 5002 version only came in SS (black dial) or Platinum (blue dial - 500 pieces).

Either way, great watch! I'd love one of the gen 5004, but given the state of the nation just now , I'm watching out for Lani's review instead!

Hilts

oh yeah - can't wait for this - gotta have it!

Very good review.

Looking forward to your mod tutorial.

Is this V4 coming from the collectors in this Forum?

+1 - tell us who! Are you UK based? Happy with a PM to tell me where you got this excellent piece.

Hilts.

Tacky.

Fantastic write up! Never done any modding before, but this is such a great tutorial, I'm now keen to get going!!

Thanks!

Got mine from him yesterday! Love it!

Unfortunately I can't take any pictures atm - will do soon.

Cheers, A

Need pics!!!!!

Thanks Guru - I'd appreciate any review/feedback once you get it from him.

Cheers

Hilts

any word if PT can get these in the UK? Fed up buying from abroad.

Thanks.