The Mentalist

F*ck me, that looks like someone mugged Darth Vader.

Very true, but peace of mind is priceless,especially in this game.

Look at it this way, where else can you get Swiss or Swiss-equivalent mechanical movements, water resistance, sapphire crystals, screwdown crowns and other features in something that for all intents and purposes, is 99% similar in styling to a watch 10 times the price? When you compare them to the Rotary, Accurist, Citizen and Seiko's of this world, our reps represent incredible value even if one excludes the counterfeit branding. Personally, I'd rather our dealers go look for the best products out there than me doing it. The time and stress saved is probably worth the couple of hundred our dealers make per watch.

How the hell does pubic hair get into a watch? Are they polishing the crystals on their crotches or something? Is there some arcane watchmaker's technique that nobody speaks about? Thinking about it, I am really shuddering to think about the type of 'sticky balls' they are using to tighten those casebacks.

I believe that the Swiss ETA uses KIF shock protection and the Asian's use Incabloc. How true that actually is remains to be seen but that's what I've heard and is confirmed by what I have seen.

Agreed. Counterfeiting is so ingrained in the Chinese commercial psyche that the authorities will turn a blind eye unless leaned on by outside parties and even then, they only pay lip service. The concept of intellectual property is virtually meanlingless to the average Chinese. This raid was merely a 'be seen to be doing something' publicity stunt. Our rep factories are safe and I doubt Miss Hello Kitty would get much more than a fine and slap on the wrist (and possibly advice on not getting caught next time)

I bet that girl is thinking "Doh! I knew I shouldn't have put our address on Ali Baba!" Seriously, this is what's called being banged to rights.

I guess that's the reason why HBB prices have gone through the roof.

My thoughts exactly. I imagine it's as pointless as keeping your car's windscreen wipers on all the time.

Really? Wow, that's why we need The Zigmeister back. I won't feel so paranoid about keeping my chrono running then.

I've been told by several watchmakers that it is a very bad thing to do, especially with the known problems of the Asian 7750's (the modified seconds @ 6 in particular). This makes sense as it saps the power reserve and also causes wear and tear on the movement. I personally wouldn't do it.

Damn right! Dalton is serious under rated. I believe Fleming described Bond as looking like a a young Hoagie Carmichael. Of all the Bond's Dalton looks physically the closest to someone who was half scottish/half Italian.

It wouldn't be Bond if it wasn't like this. Even Fleming's original books were full of overt brand 'namedrops'. Quick note on the Miami Vice Daytonas. They were Corvettes with a Daytona kit converted by Tom McBurnie but a genuine Daytona Spyder GTS/4 was actually used in one scene from the pilot (the scene where Crockett was sitting in the car waiting for Leon outside the chicken joint before 'slapping barbeque all over his upholstery'). Several of the cars were spotted by Michael Mann at an auction after being seized by the Feds from auto importer Al Mardikian. The cars got so much attention that Enzo Ferrari clamped down on Daytona replicas and insisted that Universal remove the fake Daytona in exchange for a couple of real Testarossa's. Hence at the end of season 2 the Daytona was blown up by Liam Neeson and the White (originally black) Testarossa was unveiled as Corckett's new wheels. Ironically, for most of the action sequences the real testarossa was replaced with a replica stunt car based on a De Tomaso Pantera.

That's a rather extreme way to deliver take-out isn't it?

the Asian E version from Angus has Incabloc. Don't know why.

why do you need the Swiss version when the Chinese E version is as good, if not better?

Angus's 111E with Asian movement. Astonishing in every way. Even the subtle purple AR is just like the Gen. Possibly the best value 'super-rep' on the market.

Where can you get one for 900EUR?!

I think that myth has been been well and truly exploded.

By-tor, this forum needs people like you to cut through the BS. I've heard so many conflicting things regarding the pushers. Thanks big guy!

What about the pushers Mickey? Can you put to rest the issue about whether the pushers need to be unscrewed on the Gen?

Where did you get the insert? They look fantastic!

In the short time I have been here you've been a treasure trove of information and an inspiration. You've probably forgotten more about watchmaking than most people here will ever learn. I just wish I could have you work on one of my watches one day. I have to admit, this place will be a lot poorer without you to debunk the myths and scams which fly around. Adieu and happy holidays to you Zig!

I use www.bigbytes.net best prices anywhere and haven't had a hiccup in the five years i've been with them.

I got some questions about the SMP Chrono, specifically its mod-ability. Can anyone answer these questions for me? 1. Are the pushers like the Gen or not? I'm hearing some conflicting things. Some claim that the pushers are just like the gen in that they do not need unscrewing and that Omega make a tool specifically to unscrew and remove the pusher assembly, others say differently. If it's not like the gen, can the pushers be removed and gen pushers installed? 2. I'm none too happy about the pearl not being centred in the triangle. Can a Gen insert be installed? Is the insert the same as a standrd non-chrono SMP? 3. Is the caseback interchangeable with a Gen caseback?