Rate this SMP Blue 'Bond'

[pjsayer]

Hi guys

Was thinking of pulling the trigger on one of these from Silix http://silix-prime.com/omes014-p-1629.html. Has anybody had one?

I know the He valve position is probably slightly out, but otherwise I think the pearl, datewheel and overall appearance looks pretty good (having owned the gen up until a few months ago). Any ideas on lume? I would be grateful for some second opinions... (thanks in advance)

 

[svenkramer]

It does look decent indeed! Only thing I think is really bad are the CG's. Not the correct shape. Lume would be crap on the dial as usual, but decent on the hands.

 

[Omega_007]

I wouldn't consider buying an SMP unless the HE valve was in the correct position.

 

[pjsayer]

I agree to a point. I have to say though I consider a dodgy pearl and cheap, poorly-centred datewheel to be more of a tell than the He valve. I will post QC pics from Silix when I get them.

 

[Om3ga_guy]

IMO the HE valve is of least importance. The pearl, cg's and second hand are my biggest pet peaves...

I wouldn't consider buying an SMP unless the HE valve was in the correct position.

 

[Q5?]

Too bad about the CG's. It is a very nice rep though. I'd pick one up.

 

[Om3ga_guy]

I would double check to make sure Silix actually has the same exact one in stock. The SMP in the photo looks like a later model that the factories stopped making years ago...

 

[pjsayer]

Yeah thought it looked a bit too good to be true. Should be getting some QC pics through at some point today will post them as soon as.

 

[HB212]

Curious to see QC pics! I've been throwing around the idea of getting an upgrade from my WBK SMP...if such a thing exists...

 

[Om3ga_guy]

Looking forward to those QC pics. Either way, I'm sure it'll rock.

WBK's SMP is a good platform for modding CG's and a new pearl. I woulnt go further than that. Your better off going with an ETA SMP if your looking to really mod. Atleast you'll have gen pars as an option.

 

[levelmanroger]

Too bad about the CG's. It is a very nice rep though. I'd pick one up.

Yeah - sadly the CGs just don't look right.
But the biggest tell is that bezel! You'd think someone in the factory (read 12 year old girl watching Power Puff Girls in a dank basement) would have caught the fact that it was installed upside-down.
I mean, even the Chinese know that the triangle goes on top. Sheesh!




;-)


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[HB212]

Looking forward to those QC pics. Either way, I'm sure it'll rock.

WBK's SMP is a good platform for modding CG's and a new pearl. I woulnt go further than that. Your better off going with an ETA SMP if your looking to really mod. Atleast you'll have gen pars as an option.

Yeah, I was thinking of going with an ETA SMP to start modding. Do you know of a particular one that is a good jump-off point?

 

[pjsayer]

Still waiting for QC pics - will hopefully get some tomorrow morning (UK time) and stick them on. I have to show my ignorance here and ask exactly what is wrong with the CGs though? I owned the gen for 8 years and seem to remember it being very similar - that's why I was considering buying this one...

 

[pjsayer]

Okay chaps here are the QC pics. Am I being fussy or does that pearl look a bit pants?

 

[lidiay]

Maybe it is pics problem ,you can ask them to take pics again

 

[Om3ga_guy]

Just as I thought, this SMP is different than whats on the Silix website. Silix needs to update his photos. I really like the one in his photo

Whats the movement and price on this model? WBK carries the same thing with a 21J for just over $100.00 USD...

The QC model your showing doesn't look bad. This version of the rep (and only one available from what I know) is as good as its going to get.

-the red portion on the second hand is a little short, gens longer (most reps today have this flaw)
-the end links on the 3rd photo look questionable. They use to be 9 pieces bonded together. Is this one piece? Maybe thats how they make them now.
-pearls not bad. I don't mind it... i've seen it much worse
-dials good (hour markers are often a little more green than gen)
-CG's are too big...(they always are)
-crowns oversized...(they always are)

IMO, its not bad. I'd buy one. (pending price...)

 

[pjsayer]

Very incisive - I couldn't agree more. I had something of a heated email exchange with Michelle today pointing out that the watch is not the one featured on the Silix website. She wanted to charge me a 20% re-stocking fee. The cheek.

Whilst you're online can I quiz your brain on this 'updated' red SMP...

 

[pjsayer]

What do you reckon? If I had to pick one out of the two, which one would you go for? The pearl on the red looks great but the chines at 12, 3, 6 and 9 are flat (which I'm not too fussed about). Good value at $148...

 

[Q5?]

I like the Red Seamaster one better!

 

[pjsayer]

Me too. Not too sure about the crown guards, but the rest looks pretty good. Does the gen updated red have slightly different CGs to the original? (My old gen was made in 2004 pre-Casino Royale)