Latest Purchasses

[TeeJay]

The watches arrived today, and I am more than happy with them. All have their flaws, but all also have their positives as well... I received

Chanel J12

Larger size than previous watch, so hopefully will be easier for reading. I won't be wearing it, so it's not really my concern... As usual for the 'lower end' J12's, the bracelet is coated garbage (but I knew this before ordering) and, as with my fiance's current J12, I'm sure it will soon be swapped onto the leather cuff strap.

Hublot Big Bang Aspen

Probably only about 80% accurate to the gen watch, but it is not going to be given any real scrutiny by people who know anything about watches (other than they tell the time), so that's not a problem. Doesn't have the date window, which I felt was a 'design after-thought', so a cleaner looking dial than the gen watch. '3' Subdial appears to be a date counter, '6' Subdial runs a 24 sweep, but the '9' Subdial appears do do nothing, and tracks 7 points (presumeably days) but anti-clockwise. A 24 examination will reveal if the dials are totally 'functional', or require manual adjustment... Aesthetically, a nice watch, but I still don't understand why people go nuts over the Big Bang.

Omega SMP 2220.50

Purchassed solely to complete the 'Casino Royale' set, and not intended for frequent wear, as aesthetically, I prefer the 2531.80, but this is still a nice enough watch. Bracelet uses pins rather than screws, and clasp engraving is crisp. Bezel insert was only misaligned by .5mm, so could have been left, but, it would have irritated me, so it was just as easy to take the few minutes to crack the case, remove the movement and crystal, prize off the insert from the back, re-set it, and replace the parts. Bezel insert is a nice color, but I will have to compare to my 2531.80 before deciding which bezel has the 'nicest' color. In terms of accuracy to the gen watch, I knew that the dial would be missing the 3 marker, as that was how the dealer advertized it, and, as mentioned on another forum, with the SMPs, the datewindow does compensate for the missing marker, so although it is technically a flaw, visually, the dial does not appear unbalanced. Other flaws are the Omega logo and word Omega, on the gen, are now metal attatchments, with the letters joined through the middle (which I feel makes the watch 'look fake') This watch has the logo and brand printed on the dial, like on the 2531.80, which, although another 'flaw', is aesthetically, something I prefer to the metal attachments of the gen.

Panerai Luminor Marina

Not sure of the model number, but it has sandwhich dial, and runs secs @ 9. This is the watch I am least likely to wear, but, was a replacement for the VC Overseas my dealer had ordered, but was given a wrong model by his suppliers, so he offered the option of the incorrect model, a refund, or another choice, so it's better than nothing... The hands are nice and green, but the numeral sandwich layer is a tan color which I will probably have re-lumed at some point. However. I have a strap on order from V, which, being of similar color to the numerals, might actually blend the colors better... Time will tell. In terms of the movement, the stickers are noticeable, and actually has the mis-spelling 'Officne'. Then again, the watch will hardly be scrutinized (if it even gets worn at all) so that is a flaw I can overlook. When the watch arrived, the crown guard was on upside down, but, that was how it was advertized by my dealer, so not a problem there, and, also not a problem to correct with a screwdriver. The stock rubber strap (which I think looked disgusting on the watch) has been replaced with a black leather strap and the buckle swapped over. This is the first time I've seen one of the 'flared' Panerai buckles 'in the metal', and to be honest, it is ludicrously over-sized... I can understand why people accuse Pam owners of 'overcompensation' for other shortcomings... A stupid plus point, however, is the recessed cannon pinion problem I have read about, is not present on this watch. In all honesty, it is a nice watch, Pams just aren't my particular taste. This will be an occasional wear watch, but I think, (at least untill the new strap arrives or it is re-lumed), it will always be at the bottom of the selection pile...

All the watches are worth what I paid for them, and they arrived in precicely 7 days as promised :smile: As always, I am happy to give the dealer's name privately I'll post some pictures when possible

On friday, I will be ordering the VC Overseas from another dealer, as they have it available. I've used them before, and, although their watches weren't excellent quality, they were exactly as advertized, and I trust their business practices. Who knows, in the 7 months since we last did business, they might have 'upped their status', and secured a more accurate supplier. Here's finger's crossed for that.

[LastDiplomat]

Sounds great. Can't wait to see the pics!

[Pix]

Hi TJ,

if the socalled "faux-chrono" reps would at least have a working day/date feature, I would surely buy these more often. I'm not the one looking for perfect replication (surely a question of budget too), but I need the available things to have a role on the watch. I can't stand (anymore) dummy features, i.e. "one step if the button is pushed". You are lucky that you get a dial with 1-7, as some are marked 4-9, which is the stupidest thing I ever saw on a rep

And yes, Asian 21J with working dials instead of chronos are possible

TT recently showed an inexpensive HBB, and I liked the look overall, even if it has nothing to do with the gen, it's still a nice watch. What prevented me to do the step are these non working subdials.

BLING

>>> OK

>>> S*CKS

I find your small reviews very interesting, as I'm more in the field 100-150 dollars reps, and feedback there is less frequent than higher end reps.

I bought a J12 with a leather strap for my wife, and it really does the job