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That makes sense. Would a service suffice in returning the movement to a somewhat reliable condition for at least 4-5 years?

This may be a crazy idea, but could you not just use a little matte clear coat finish on the pearl to seal it? DMS did this to his pumpkin bezel though I don't know if he used any on the pearl. You could always PM him to find out what type of clear coat he used and whether it would be advisable to use it on the pearl.

This may be a noob question however I had read about old and used movements being used in reps and so emailed Andrew to help put my mind at ease prior to ordering. He assured me that the movement is indeed a new ETA. So my question is, what are the odds of the movement being new? Just for info, it's the Pumpkin 45mm PO that's advertised on his homepage. I haven't received the watch yet so can't inspect it however I thought I should take the opportunity to pick the brains of those more in-the-know.

Here's a picture of the rear of my PO 45mm that I ordered from Andrew a few days ago. It doesn't seem to have liquid metal on the rear of the case so I guess it must be the new batch.

End result looks part. For me the repositioning of the bezel pearl made a bigger improvement than the mattifying. It's only a shame about that scratch, still, if it's not too visible in real life then no sleepless nights. Only wish I was brave/talented enough to attempt this.

I had the same thoughts, then decided to get it. The Noob version may be marginally better but with a rep this good and at fairly decent prices and relatively minor-ish issues I felt it's worth getting. If the Noob version proves to be a vast improvement then I can always sell this one and get the Noob version. Either way, I'll have a great PO rep that'll bring a smile to my face each time I look at it.

Great review with excellent pictures and lots of useful information. Certainly helped make my mind up to buy it.

Agree with KB, this is a stunning watch, so much so that I've also bitten the bullet and bought one rather than waiting for the Noob version. The smile on one's face when this is on the wrist makes any minor detail disappear....and if you really obsess over the small things then you can always sell this on at a later date and get the Noob version when it comes out. I may do likewise.

Stunning watch and great lume. Eagerly awaiting mine (with Orange bezel) from Andrew. Now these stunning pictures are making me wonder if I should have ordered this version instead. Hmm...