f5mando

+1 on the AR coating. It works wonders, and well worth doing.

Excellent choice, sir, and oh- how much do I want one..?! I'd thought that the Speedys were well replicated, but what do I know? I ended up with a 2531.80 SMP, as there's not one replica (other than the coveted old factory version) with the correct HE valve position. Gets more wrist time than any other!

Well put, Rolexman!

Do it, lad! I agree with the CG's filing (and maybe a set of gen hands to finish the job)?

Congrats on your purchase. Now..just where do you think you're off to in such a hurry? Pictures, my good man..pictures, we cry!

Love that dancing girl..!

Bostin' piece that is, lad! I want one so-o-o-o bad..

Andrew has a perfect replacement bracelet and clasp (with pins, yet) for your SMP chrono. I got one, and it's superb.

Perfect! I would do mine, if I didn't have the crappy date font. It's just not worth it on mine..

Sea-Miss-ter, Seamster, Seapisser, Seepster, Seamastur, Seamisser..

I vote for the SMP 2531.80.00 It's a classic now, and will ever remain so. For wrist comfort and balance it is second to none. I can't say the same for the PO, but it is a personal choice (maybe that's why they still make so many variations). I also rend to agree with the school of thought that favors the 1120 movement (and original external design with the shorter hands, sans red paint). Nuff sed..

That's a hot looking piece, and I want one now that I've seen it, dammit-dammit-dammit!

D'oh!

??Who's having a what, where, in their what?? Link? Website? er..name of the place?!

Looks like you're right, whitestripes. I didn't look that closely when I got all excited about seeing one! I would try to contact he seller to clear that up before taking it any further (or indeed, farther)..

I just saw this and had to post here: I wish this had been available last year when I bought mine new for twice this price. He's asking $799, and I hope some deserving member here jumps on this! It has nothing to do with me, I just love when good things go to a good home: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BK35M...d=1GJW2H3Z4ZG5W

Big congrats! Yes, you can't beat the gen. Or is that, 'no, you can't beat the gen? I got the SMP 2531 last year, and it's still the one I love the best. There really is no comparison between the rep and the gen, once you've felt the real thing on your wrist and in your hands. Wear it well (whatever that actually means)!

My local guy fixed mine over a year ago, and it's been perfect ever since. He definitely didn't use gen parts, though (not for the low amount he charged me).

The same thing happened to me a few months back. Andrew sent me a new bracelet when I told him (with photos) about a broken clasp pin. It really was a blessing in disguise, because the replacement bracelet is superior to the original, which was a 'screws' instead of 'pins' type. I did have to get out the files to make the lug links fit, but I'm happy as Larry, now (and we all know how happy he is)!My wrist generally alternates between this one and my gen 2531, or my Rolex Sub anniversary rep if I'm doing something particularly nasty..

Excellent. A beautiful job, well thought out and executed, in addition to a nicely written description. Thanks!

Yes, they (2531) are out of production, but they are available. I found a new one at an AD in Florida this year, and they're readily available 'pre-owned' on timezone.com for between $1,100 and $1,500. I just looked and saw two for sale now: There is no substitute!

Thanks. Now..where'd you get it from, and is it the 42mm?

Thanks for this truly complete write-up. I love my 2531.80 and nothing else feels or looks like it. I got rid of my rep, but kept one of the chrono, which also gets a lot of wrist time (still nowhere near as comfortable as the SMP- it's just sublime).

That's a beaut! Now..what's an ST 19?