hilts

Well, that's that - Deepsea has gone back to dealer. GMT is en route. Fingers crossed for a better QC experience this time round. After that, I guess I'll be waiting for the wm9 SD if I want real quality!!

UPDATE. Emails back and forward from the dealer this morning who has been very swift to respond and communication has been good. He initially offered me a refund, then a dial (which I wouldn't know how to change), now has offered another watch but WILL NOT offer me a Deepsea as he believes that I will complain about any watch from his batch. I have bought about 15 watches from this dealer over 3/4 years and have had (and will hopefully continue to have) a good relationship with him so slightly surprised that he wouldn't just send another one (I presume this watch is a one off rather than the whole batch being so bad), but at least he has offered a refund/another (different) watch. So I guess that's the end of the story. I'll send it back, order a GMT II and keep my fingers crossed that it lives up to the reviews I've seen. Maybe I jumped in too soon and should wait for the Ultimate version - when and if it arrives! Thanks for all comments - you've confirmed my own thoughts which is always useful.

Sorry -

This was supposedly a V3 Swiss ETA - $248. Don't want to name the dealer until I've given him the chance to sort it. But it was cartel sourced. Stupid me.

Hopefully this is clearer?

Well, after waiting for this for ages, this arrived today from a well known dealer here. I could see clearly even before I removed the protectve plastic is that the 12 o'clock marker is clearly and obviously misaligned. It is so obvious that I think it is a deal breaker for me. In addition, there is "pitting" in several places on the "ceramic" bezel. To be fair, the macro photos show up everything which is maybe not visible to the naked eye, but the pitting is pretty obvious. Before I go back to my dealer, I'd like to get people's thoughts. Is this marker issue one that you think I should raise with the dealer and ask for a refund/replacement, or should I take this on the chin and mark it up to "you win some you lose some" experience? My thoughts tend towards the former, but I'd like to hear what you think. Thanks

Outstanding work - many thanks Lani! Trigger pulled - can't wait!

I must agree with this size issue - I'm used to big watches as a regular IWC BP wearer - and I have a Deepsea on order at my AD, but having tried the gen on, I just think it is bordering on too bulky. Note I say bulky rather than big. On paper, the BP is a bigger watch, but somehow the DSSD wears like it is bigger - dunno - can't explain it. I'm going to go for one of these reps for sure, but doubt I'll take the plunge for the gen when it arrives - apart from the price in the current economic climate, I just don't think I'd end up wearing/loving it enough to justify the price.

Looking really good! Can't wait to read the full review and see what those in the know make of this.

+1 for all of this from me. Concentrate on making it a day to remember for all the right reasons, not all the wrong ones. Enjoy!

Guys - very interesting thread - keep it up to date please as I'd like some work done and I'm sure there's plenty of work in the UK for those who can do it or who can "organise" it. I've 2 watches here I'd like serviced for a reasonable price, and as soon as luming is available, I've got a few more I'd like worked on. So post your experiences here so we can benefit. I'm happy to pay a "middle man" a few quid if I know I'll get the work done well. Thanks

Sorted - thanks Andy.

Hi guys - I'm not exactly new to this, but have a daft noob question. Trying to get in touch with Precious Time for a UK deal. He states on the collectors forum he wants email contact only at this time of year. Damned if I can find his email address anywhere! Can someone please PM me his details? Thanks Hilts

Argh! Driving me mad! Was hoping to get myself a decent Christmas present - think I'll get a GMT II instead and give this another couple months to settle down.

Awesome review - many thanks for the write up. Close to pulling the trigger - looking at a few different watches for a while - decided I needed a new one for Xmas!! One question for ByTor or anyone else who has one of these - what is the lume like on these? With the big maxi markers/hands, the lume is an important part of this watch IMO. Like all reps, I don't expect world class lume, but hope for something half decent. And another question! Is the one currently offered by PT at

Am I too late? PM'd as well.

Wow - impressive job! Sounds beyond the scope of those of us without bead blasters and diamond compounds!!

Let's see it then!

Yep - been there, done that. Wait..............

Damn - I was almost getting excited for a moment. What to do - pull the trigger on the PVD version; wait for a better one; or bin it and go for something else.

Ditto - hope someone can shed some light here.

Awesome - something for everyone to learn here. Many thanks.

Gen 5002 is Buffalo strap with white stitching. I have a gen. I subsequently bought a gen 5004 strap which is black croc with black stitching. Gen IWC strap (no clasp) cost

What's this chat about Ultimate 1:1 Ceramic reps? Are they on their way or is that just wishful thinking?!