riffram

I have the ETA too, and am going to get gen hands, because mine are short, but the rest of the watch is very nice. I'd like to get A/R done---what's involved in that? Can a local watchmaker do it, is it a big deal, or expensive?? Thanks for any input.

A Mickey Mouse, for my birthday in 1955. Wish I could find it.

Wow--just used this to reset/fix a Tag Link quartz chrono---the reset on the stopwatch has been off on by a couple of seconds since I bought it. I had decided just to ignore the issue and never use the chron, rather than fuss with attempting to fix it, since the watch is so good otherwise for daily wear. Now it's perfect. Thanks for the tip!!

Andrew has a Tag Link Quartz that is the same build quality/with same braclet as the "best" $258 version for $118--OK it's quartz, but Tag sells lots of quartz versions, and this one gives you quartz accuracy/durability at a bargain price. For price-value relationship, on one of the better reps out there, this is one to consider.

Got it--complete with misalligned bezel--which I was able to fix easily--but a very nice watch. "Swiss ETA" from Josh runs smothly, and the watch is my new favorite, this is what I'll wear most days. Jeweler was very impressed and pleased to see one of his favorite classics when he did the band resize for me--always a bit embarrasing, but nice. This is a slightly different (improved?) watch than the one Josh had pictured on his website when I ordered 9 days ago--note new pictures appeared on his site as of sept 7 2007, when my package was in route, and I got the new version. The new one appears to have a better case back, and does have a terrific lume job. The hands are still a bit short, but no one will notice who isn't a completely obsessive nut. It fact, the land length may be an improvement. Also, the numbers it the date window are probably harder to read than they should be, but they are printed clearly, and mechanically perfect. Anyway, I am very pleased.

Just received the 41mm black SMP sword hands from Josh ($218 version) and it had a very misalligned bezel, but the watch is very good-- The bezel pops off rather easily, and the spring stays put, so I easily fixed the bezel issue. Just be sure not to lose the little post that sticks up at the 11 o'clock position--it will fall right out, and be impossible to find on the floor. (Believe me on this). The bezel insert is easily pushed out from behind once the bexel is off--it's attached by a flexible rubber type glue, and is easily repositioned correctly, I used a very tiny bit of Gorilla Glue, and most of the still-tacky original glue. The fix really improves the look of the watch. And my jeweler, who just resized the band, was excited to see one of his favorite classic watches, he complimented me on a great watch. Of course, it's heavy, substantial, and he certainly had no reason to doubt it was a gen. It's nice to have a watch that's a classic, but that strangers don't automatically question because there are so many knock-offs of.

Well, lacking entirely clear direction (but thanks for the input), I ordered the "swiss ETA" 2824-2 version (at $228) from Josh, because I have confidence in his service. I decided to spend the extra in the hope that the maker will use a better quality/apearing watch with that movement. I'll have it by the first of the week, and post my thoughts once I get it. I think this watch should be is a very good, old school-alternative to the subs that everyone has, so I would think that it should sell well. But apparantly not--the demand must not be too high.

So--does that mean that the 21J from Andrew and the "swiss ETA" from Josh have the same face, body etc., or should I spend more to hope to get a better overall look??? I think you are telling me I should feel fine about the 21J--is that right? Thanks.

I'm looking for the best availible version of this watch, which I realize is not as popular these days as the Planet Ocean or the skeleton hands/Bond versions of the SMP. But, hey, it's what I like. Also, it seems decent reps of this watch are hard to find. I'm looking at the one Josh sells at $228 with "swiss ETA" (hisOMSE10001)--movement sounds good, but the back of the case looks poor--and maybe it's the photo, and the back is obviously not so important anyway unless it indicates poorer overall quality. Also, Andrew has a 21J version of this watch at $108 (his OMG0035)--the back on this one looks much better, but the photos are not the best on the rest of the watch. Also, the bezel isn't as well made as it could be. I'm fine with the 21J movement, but wonder if the rest of the rep at $198 is as likely to be good. In otherwords, when in doubt, should I spend more on Josh's version--even if I don't really care about the movement on an occasional wear watch-- and assume that that way I may get a better overall exterior look? I'm not as sure that approach is fully applicable to rep watches. Anyone have experience with either of these?

Dearer is Andrew/Trustytime, with the 21J 42.5 PO version which looks to be virtually the same as the 4th gen he sells at about $100 more. If the movement is the only real difference, I'd get the 21J--- but it sounds like that may not be the case.

Is the quaitly and look close to the same vs. 4th generation PO 42.5? Pictures on web look very close or identical, and I think the 21J movement will be fine--unless the rest of the watch is not close enough. Anyone know? Thanks.

Thanks--------good point. It's DFW Texas, USA, so it may be OK, but I think things route through San Francisco, which, based on search info, is why I asked--to see recent experience.

My initial order from a well-regarded dealer went well. Now I'm tempted to order 2, and save on shipping. Is there any reason why it would be better to do separate orders--such as, any customs issues? Thanks.