f5mando

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

I had exactly that same thought process- but ended up with a PO 45.5 instead. Love the Moon watch though- love to see them on leather too. Enjoy it!

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!

Quality wise both movements are 99.9999% the same. Most of the time both versions are dirty and badly oiled, regardless if it's a Swiss or clone. Also the Swiss ones are often used movements. As the UPO has a closed case back and you can't see the movement anyway go for a clone! Have it serviced and you have a very reliable rep!

Well put, Rolexman!

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

Just a quick note to say that I took the risky option and went for a Day-Date with white dial. That's the version I really wanted and the gamble paid off handsomely since the crystal has little or no tint that I can see. Otherwise the AR isn't "Chief Standard", but it's very good for a replica - close to the SOSF, Ingenieur, etc.

The bracelet too is very nice - very smooth, yet very tight and the combination of brushed and polished steel makes for an elegant contrast. All in all a very nice watch indeed and a certain keeper. Not one for the lovers of humongous timepieces, with its 40mm diameter, but it'll suit a normal size human being quite well.

Thanks for all the advice, very much appreciated!

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!

See my siggy. Someday, when we are wearing correct SMPMW's we will revisit this thread!

Nice shot and watches boys!

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 bought a used SMP 2531.80 last week for

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!

too late now

the sale is over

D'oh!

LVMH is having its seasonal F&F promo sale outta their Jersey outfit

everything Tag is half off & brand-new w/paperwork

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

What's the deal? Seller has 1 feedback, and some of the pictures are stock (uses a quartz in the stock pics, auto in the "one for sale"). I'd like to ask him more questions.

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 clasp on my Omega Seamaster broke and I emailed Andrew about getting a clasp from him. He mailed one out at to charge and when it arrived, I saw he had send the entire bracelet, not just the clasp!

Andrew has always served me well, this just more of his good service.

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!

Ah yes, the rep 2531.80.. Its my favorite watch and my favorite rep... I hope to get a gen of the watch one day.... But since the 2531.80 is already out of production, the 2220.80 will do..

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!

That's what that movement actually is. From the Seagull factory in China and often referred to here mistakenly as a Venus.

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?