Rate my SMP Black 2254.50

[pjsayer]

It's been a while since my last post so I thought I'd put up some pics of my recently-acquired SMP black. I've had a crystal replacement and bezel realignment and I reckon it's pretty gen-like on the wrist. A very helpful member, Richard, performed all the mods - the original crystal provided by Watcheden suffered from the dreaded 'coke bottle' distortion when viewed eccentrically. Enjoy...

 

[correctime]

Which mvt. does this one use?? I've always been partial to these, with the "sword" hands and big dial markers...( lume on the gen is amazing). I'd be intersted in finding one of these with the correct HEV position and a 28,8 mvt. To rate yours...I like it.

 

[pjsayer]

It's only a 21J but I've had it lubed and regulated to <COSC spec. You can pick up quartz gens for £600-800 or good condition chronometers from £900. I wouldn't recommend an expensive Swiss ETA rep - I've had one and the gen and IMHO the 21J rep is a better copy believe it or not!

 

[jmd33]

I'd rate it an 8.

I have the rep and gen (one for work, one for play).

Your's is nicer than mine - but they all suffer the same issues (He placement, short hands, pearl).

I say ..... enjoy it.

 

[correctime]

I can believe the 21j version looking better than the more costly eta version. And that's surprising to hear the 21j mvt. is COSC capable. (then again the 2892A2 is a 21j COSC capable mvt too..and used by many Factories in gens.)

 

[Q5?]

Looks nice.
A few questions please:

Is the new crystal sapphire?
How high does it sit above the bezel?
Were you able to re-use the rep gasket?

Thanks.

 

[pjsayer]

1. Nope - mineral (sapphire would've been 50 quid more and I can always swap it if I get any deep scratches)
2. 0.5mm above the bezel
3. Not sure - I'll ask for you

I know the hands are a little short and the pearl isn't great, but I reckon this would be a great budget rep if the factories could get the crystal and bezel alignment right first time. The 2254.50 is a classic IMO. If I was being really fussy I'd go for a re-lume as the gen I had glowed like a torch all night - almost annoyingly bright!

 

[R2D4]

I love the 2254. Wear it well till you get the urge to spend some money on the real deal. Or not. Either way, enjoy it mate.

 

[Om3ga_guy]

Awesome looking SMP. I'd like to get a 2254 in my collection one day.

 

[Q5?]

Thanks for the info. Enjoy your SMP!

 

[pjsayer]

Thanks guys - the crystal change and bezel realignment made a massive difference. I was dissappointed when I acquired a gen 2254.50 a few months ago - I was expecting it to be obviously superior to the rep but in reality, iffy pearl and 6bps sweep aside, it was hard to separate. Hence the resale on eBay. Mind you the lume on the gen was something else...