Mr Bond it's time to buy a GEN!

[Flashman]

Why I don't buy a Rolex? I have no money for a brand new Gen Rolex and in France, people who buy Rolex buy Ferrari and I'm not this type of guy. In my opinion, Omega it's more classy because it's more distinguished.

I was not sure for the PO because wearing this watch is more hard than the SMP because the SMP is more classic. Anyway, I can be wrong.

Yeah, I understand your vision

I agree that Omega does add a different quality angle to the film, especially now that Rolex has become the biggest bling brand in the world, unlike when it was in the Fleming novels of the 1950s.

Here in the UK, it is the same with the Rolex and Ferrari stereotype, if you have 'class and good taste' you try and buy something that is more niche and distinguished, but as always this gets copied and becomes vulgar too. Like people buying Audis to get away from BMW's image, or Bentleys and Aston Martins to be different to the Ferrari and Lambo buyers.

Basically, as soon as a pro footballer buys it, it becomes unfashionable, hence Hublot will never attain any real classy following.

I still think the SMP is more Brosnan (cheesey blingy Bond) while the PO is more for the original rugged and masculine modern and classic Craig Bond. Think of which one Sean would have worn if they were the options to him for Dr No, and I think he would have gone with the PO.

[baltic]

I've got a gen 45mm PO and it's outstanding. As has been suggested you could go for the new Black Bond or maybe the 2254 as a compromise between the Bond and the PO. I don't like the sword hands on the Bond. However I'd just say go with whatever one 'sings' to you and ignore anyone else's opinion, you'll be the one wearing it! Have fun choosing, there's nowt like owning a gen!

[TeeJay]

you've made the wrong choice my friend. lol. no, they are two totally different watches and it depends what you are going for ... classy or rugged. here's my genuine po and i absolutely love it!

oh, and maybe these will make you second guess yourself ...

AAaaaaaarrrrrgghhhhH!!!! All this time and not a flare up of my PlanetOceanitis until now!!!!! *Rips PAM from wrist*

[Ztech]

Definitely get the original skeletonized hands on the SMP. I almost got another SMP with the sword hands because the lume on that model is nuts, but the sword hands killed it for me. Also, you've got to see the amazing broad arrow hands on the PO. It's one of the most amazing hands out there IMHO.

[Greystash]

Like them or not, in my experience those sword hands make for superior readability.

For clarity as a purely tool watch, the sword hands beat the SMP skeleton and classic Sub hands by a mile.

[bigpops]

Don't buy the blue bond SMP or the Planet Ocean. Buy this : http://www.omega.ch/index.php?id=286&d...&no_cache=1

The 212.30.41.20.01.002. I wish I had the money to buy one.

[JBond]

Don't buy the blue bond SMP or the Planet Ocean. Buy this : http://www.omega.ch/index.php?id=286&d...&no_cache=1

The 212.30.41.20.01.002. I wish I had the money to buy one.

I saw the new Black SMP, and finally I'm not a fan of this model. The blue is more easy tro dress with everythings. That my opinion. For the 42MM PO I prefer the 45MM, it's more original but I love the Blue SMP. That can be a good choice

But that always hard to choose....!

[RobbieG]

Personally, I have owned both gens and still have the PO. Superior in every way for my money gen wise. I have also owned the rep UPO in the big size. I agree that the 45.5MM looks best on rubber as opposed to steel - and the rubber is great on both sizes, but if you do go with the PO give some thought to the original design and versatility of the 42MM version.

The 42MM is IMO plenty large enough to be sporty and substantial, but can double as a watch you can wear with a suit on a bracelet. I feel the large size on a bracelet is more than a bit unbalanced. It has always seemed to me by the dial that the watch was designed as a 42MM and then they just made a big size. Anyway, like I said, nothing wrong with the 45.5MM on rubber, but just know it is huge and purely burley and sporty. If that is what you want, fine, but if you want more versatility and elegance along with the sporty vibe you may want to lean towrds the 42MM. It is an entirely different watch in every way.

If you do end up leaning towards the smaller PO, I would recommend getting in on bracelet and purchasing the rubber as well. Two watches in one for all occasions. Note the wrist shots below. My wrist is 7 1/2"

[Ztech]

Like them or not, in my experience those sword hands make for superior readability.

For clarity as a purely tool watch, the sword hands beat the SMP skeleton and classic Sub hands by a mile.

I assume this is purely subjective as it would be difficult to hold up your argument with everyone having varying tastes.

[Greystash]

I assume this is purely subjective as it would be difficult to hold up your argument with everyone having varying tastes.

It's about good simple design, not taste. Line up the three watches (Skelehand Blue Bond SMP - Sword Hand Black face SMP - and the traditional 16610 Sub) and analyse the design of the three different hand/face combos.

The Skeleton hands do not stand out as well as the Sword hands and the Sub hands. And the Sword hands stand out more than the Subs hands because they are wider. The combination of the simple Black SMP's markers and sword hands, makes for a very clear read.

I've got both the gen 16610 and 2254.50 and don't get me wrong, I wear the Sub, BUT I know which one is the easiest to read when I glance down at my wrist. In terms of a one glance read the Black SMP 2254.50 kicks ar*e.

I would also argue on the grounds of the Sword hand design simplicity, that they are clearer than the large, but arrowed hands of the Planet Ocean.

The sword hands are in a way boring and uninterersting. Simpicity however is very often better when it comes to fuctional design.

Edited September 12, 2008 by Greystash

[TeeJay]

It's about good simple design, not taste. Line up the three watches (Skelehand Blue Bond SMP - Sword Hand Black face SMP - and the traditional 16610 Sub) and analyse the design of the three different hand/face combos.

The Skeleton hands do not stand out as well as the Sword hands and the Sub hands. And the Sword hands stand out more than the Subs hands because they are wider. The combination of the simple Black SMP's markers and sword hands, makes for a very clear read.

I've got both the gen 16610 and 2254.50 and don't get me wrong, I wear the Sub, BUT I know which one is the easiest to read when I glance down at my wrist. In terms of a one glance read the Black SMP 2254.50 kicks ar*e.

I would also argue on the grounds of the Sword hand design simplicity, that they are clearer than the large, but arrowed hands of the Planet Ocean.

The sword hands are in a way boring and uninterersting. Simpicity however is very often better when it comes to fuctional design.

It's funny you find the skeleton hands not as visible as sub hands, as I find the complete opposite Particularly, at night, as there is more lume down the sides than there is on a sub's hands

On Topic,

Personally I'd say the Planet Ocean is a slightly nicer watch than the SMP, but, on rubber, the .45 can be a bit tricky to get under a shirt cuff, so if that is a consideration, the SMP would go better with sleeves (as was the case with Casino Royale )

[P4GTR]

I still think the SMP is more Brosnan (cheesey blingy Bond) while the PO is more for the original rugged and masculine modern and classic Craig Bond. Think of which one Sean would have worn if they were the options to him for Dr No, and I think he would have gone with the PO.

Pierce Brosnan, whether you like it or not, was 007. Always will be. Just like anyone that can tout that they were. Savoir faire, sir.

Think of which Bond would use the term cheesy blingy, then SMACK yourself for saying it.

[Greystash]

It's funny you find the skeleton hands not as visible as sub hands, as I find the complete opposite Particularly, at night, as there is more lume down the sides than there is on a sub's hands

I'll conceed that point for sure. I was not aruging about lume in the above, only daytime viewing like in the below. For simple clarity, the black/sword SMP takes it.

The omega's have fabtastic lume.

[Ztech]

^^^ Definitely agree about Omega lume. Omegas always have incredible lume.

[Greystash]

^^^ Definitely agree about Omega lume. Omegas always have incredible lume.

Yeah, I know this sounds crazy Ztech but I can see where I am walking around my home in the dark off the fully charged lume.

[Flashman]

Pierce Brosnan, whether you like it or not, was 007. Always will be. Just like anyone that can tout that they were. Savoir faire, sir.

Think of which Bond would use the term cheesy blingy, then SMACK yourself for saying it.

I have obviously trodden on a nerve, and I know some people find him attractive and will defend him . Brosnan was a 'Bond' but not a Fleming Bond and there is a difference IMHO. He was pretty good, but the scripts really fell apart in the last two of his films. I am glad that the production company has refocused on the colder character of the original books, and yes I have read them. Remember the Bond films follow the fashion of the times they were released. So the PO is very noughties and the SMP is very nineties.

So the question of this original thread was asking about a Bond based choice. From my experience with the Bond books, and Fleming's character I would have thought he would steer towards the classic rather than the flashy. In the books his car of choice was a classic Bentley rather than the Astons. Hence Sub or PO over SMP. Simple.

But at the end of the day, non of us are Bond, so we should just pic what we are happy with, and what suits our own tastes.

Edited September 13, 2008 by TommyB

[JBond]

I have obviously trodden on a nerve, and I know some people find him attractive and will defend him . Brosnan was a 'Bond' but not a Fleming Bond and there is a difference IMHO. He was pretty good, but the scripts really fell apart in the last two of his films. I am glad that the production company has refocused on the colder character of the original books, and yes I have read them. Remember the Bond films follow the fashion of the times they were released. So the PO is very noughties and the SMP is very nineties.

So the question of this original thread was asking about a Bond based choice. From my experience with the Bond books, and Fleming's character I would have thought he would steer towards the classic rather than the flashy. In the books his car of choice was a classic Bentley rather than the Astons. Hence Sub or PO over SMP. Simple.

But at the end of the day, non of us are Bond, so we should just pic what we are happy with, and what suits our own tastes.

I'm agree with you but Brosnan is my favorite Bond with Connery. And Bond's fan prefer Brosnan than Craig. Brosnan was different because in 1995 the world was different. Remember Goldeneye one of the best Bond's movie ever made. When Brosnan was Bond, the production would like created a Bond very different, because the world IS different and in my opinion that the real reason. If you look at the tastes fans, Brosnan was the best Bond after Connery and I'm agree with that. Why? Because they are very different and they play a particular game than the others Bond's doesn't have! They play with personnality. Remember, and our world the materials things (car, watch, cellphone) are important for many peoples.

[TeeJay]

I'll conceed that point for sure. I was not aruging about lume in the above, only daytime viewing like in the below. For simple clarity, the black/sword SMP takes it.

The omega's have fabtastic lume.

Ahh, yes, you're quite right there. In daylight, the black/sword is definately the winner. I wonder how a Planet Ocean would look with sword hands...

[Flashman]

Having a favorite Bond actor is all part of the game, but everyone will have a different choice and reason. Connery usually comes out on top but the others do also have some credit, especially when you look at how the studios had to change the Bond character to relect and appeal to the population and film demands of the public at the time. The Roger Moore ones are a good example. If Bond had not become a comedian then the franchise would have collapsed. Such was the 1970s!!

Craig has had some great write ups and I do think he is one of the best, but obviously I am biased as he was chosen for these current times and fits in well. It all really comes down to whether you are a purist and think the original books and Ian Fleming's original vision are important, or you might be more commercial and think that the explosions and bling of the genre are the key. Both are right, as without either the Bond series would never have been so successful.

But I will stick to my guns with the classic bias rather than the bling. Don't get me wrong, both watches are great. But the PO to me is so much more Bond......

[TeeJay]

I have obviously trodden on a nerve, and I know some people find him attractive and will defend him . Brosnan was a 'Bond' but not a Fleming Bond and there is a difference IMHO. He was pretty good, but the scripts really fell apart in the last two of his films. I am glad that the production company has refocused on the colder character of the original books, and yes I have read them. Remember the Bond films follow the fashion of the times they were released. So the PO is very noughties and the SMP is very nineties.

So the question of this original thread was asking about a Bond based choice. From my experience with the Bond books, and Fleming's character I would have thought he would steer towards the classic rather than the flashy. In the books his car of choice was a classic Bentley rather than the Astons. Hence Sub or PO over SMP. Simple.

But at the end of the day, non of us are Bond, so we should just pic what we are happy with, and what suits our own tastes.

Wow, do you really think so? I felt that Brosnan played Bond as written by Fleming, with the full range of emotion that Bond showed in the novels. Yes, Bond could be cold in the books, but not all the time... To focus solely on that characteristic would be to miss the others. Don't get me wrong, I really liked how Craig played the part, I just didn't think his appearance matched that which Fleming wrote.

[Greystash]

Ahh, yes, you're quite right there. In daylight, the black/sword is definately the winner.

Thanks TeeJay.

I wonder how a Planet Ocean would look with sword hands...

And that's a good question.

[TeeJay]

Thanks TeeJay.

No problem, when you're right, you're right

And that's a good question.

One I wish I hadn't posed, as now I think I'm going to have to build one, but don't have the spare cash to do so, so it'll be something which is going to keep bugging me

[Greystash]

One I wish I hadn't posed, as now I think I'm going to have to build one, but don't have the spare cash to do so, so it'll be something which is going to keep bugging me

Well when you get around to it...this is what you'll have to look forward to.

What do you think TeeJay?

Man, this is bound to upset someone.

[TeeJay]

Well when you get around to it...this is what you'll have to look forward to.

What do you think TeeJay?

Man, this is bound to upset someone.

That looks awesome I'm definitley going to have to build one Aaarrrrgh, I don't have the cash to do it

[JBond]

Having a favorite Bond actor is all part of the game, but everyone will have a different choice and reason. Connery usually comes out on top but the others do also have some credit, especially when you look at how the studios had to change the Bond character to relect and appeal to the population and film demands of the public at the time. The Roger Moore ones are a good example. If Bond had not become a comedian then the franchise would have collapsed. Such was the 1970s!!

Craig has had some great write ups and I do think he is one of the best, but obviously I am biased as he was chosen for these current times and fits in well. It all really comes down to whether you are a purist and think the original books and Ian Fleming's original vision are important, or you might be more commercial and think that the explosions and bling of the genre are the key. Both are right, as without either the Bond series would never have been so successful.

But I will stick to my guns with the classic bias rather than the bling. Don't get me wrong, both watches are great. But the PO to me is so much more Bond......

I understand all your vision. I love Fleming's books, but make movies who respect exactly Fleming's visions, with actuality problems could be any sens... That why for me, the evolution of Bond is important. Craig is a good choice I never said that wasn't. He is actualy the most realistic James Bond ever made.

The PO is more Bond because it's a real functional watch. But the SMP can be a Bond's watch too (SMP with rubber strap...). The PO without the rubber strap loose his personality and I prefer the SMP with stainless steel strap.

I post a shoot of my wrist. 41MM is my size I think... 45MM can be big... I never try the PO: