Hi guys!
Just received my first ever rep, a 42mm PO or "POrikaa" from Reg, and was so happy I slept with it on. OK, so it's not the Bond model, but hey, I thought I'd take some artistic license with the title. Just so you know, a Bond SMP is winging its way to Oz from WBK as of today. (So far the service and communication from Stan has been great)
First of all kudos to this forum and the friendly members that answered my PMs on my first rep purchase. (Names undisclosed to protect the innocent).
The Dealer & Service
Highest recommendation to Narikaa for speedy service and a great watch. Here are some stats:
Aug 17 - Enquiry made (Noob Tip #1: decision already made after about a week of much reading from the forum)
Aug 18 - Narikaa's reply, and watch ordered (Reg was on-line at the time)
Aug 19 - Advised that watch was shipped
Aug 25 - Unobtrusive and well-packed package arrives in Australia from a fictitious sister traveling in Thailand.
6 Days... not bad, especially via post.
The Watch
Noob first impressions: Any post purchase disappointment? No! The POrikaa has a nice weight and feel, the bracelet is a little stiff (which has loosened up after use), all the markings are correct (no spelling mistakes), and looks real enough, especially at a conversational distance.
Noob second impressions: After a closer look, the minute and second hands appear a tad shorter than the gen, but line up nicely with the tops of the hour/minute markers as they sweep around the face. Without a lupe, all the fonts look accurate and properly kerned. The logo looks slightly slimmer compared to a pic of the gen. Does any of this bother me? Hell, no!
The Movement: It hacks! Not what I expected and pleasantly surprised. It feels a little cheap, but only if you're used to gen ETAs and Seiko/Orient movements. Only time will tell how "bullet proof" these 21J actually are in terms of reliability. Interestingly, some of the date fonts are larger than others. (I'd be surprised if the gen is like this).
On the Wrist: The bracelet was a mutha****** to size. I used a cheap spring bar tool, then a tack and jeweler's pliers, and after gouging one my fingers, took it to a jeweler, who said, "Nice watch". "Mmmm", I replied, secretly wishing I'd taken off all the blue film protecting the bracelet. Beautiful; sits on my wrist perfectly.
Noob Tip # 2 - 42mm PO vs UPO: I'm sure after reading all the wonderful reviews about the UPO, some Noobs are facing the same dilemma I faced. I'm about 5" 9", built like Harvey Keitel (only prettier LOL) with 7.25 (18mm) wrists. I tried a 45mm PO at an AD, and although I could pull it off (the lugs sat squarely on top of my wrist with no overhang), I felt that I would have to cut too much rubber off the band, and although the watch would look great from a top view, it would look awkward from the side IMHO. The UPO is big, long watch, and although I generally prefer big watches, I feel watches should be proportionate to one's frame and dainty wrists, which is where the 42mm looks and feels perfect. That's my two cents on that subject.
The Lume: From all my reading about reps, I wasn't expecting too much. But its certainly there on the hands and hour markers, which glows brightly after a full charge of sunlight but dies rather quickly. Does it need to be relumed? Not unless I'm going on patrol in Afghanistan.
Overall Impression: What can I say, there have only been a few watches I've ever wanted to sleep with. As a straight out of the box, non modded watch, I think the POrikaa is exceptional value. It looks and feels great, imbued with what industrial designers call "product joy". As a first Noob purchase I'm very happy. [smilie=alien.gif]
Before I get reamed with requests for pics, a friend has borrowed my camera, so don't even bother. But rest assured, I have three watches on order from various suppliers, so I'll do a group shot soon. Warm regards to all.
Just received my first ever rep, a 42mm PO or "POrikaa" from Reg, and was so happy I slept with it on. OK, so it's not the Bond model, but hey, I thought I'd take some artistic license with the title. Just so you know, a Bond SMP is winging its way to Oz from WBK as of today. (So far the service and communication from Stan has been great)
First of all kudos to this forum and the friendly members that answered my PMs on my first rep purchase. (Names undisclosed to protect the innocent).
The Dealer & Service
Highest recommendation to Narikaa for speedy service and a great watch. Here are some stats:
Aug 17 - Enquiry made (Noob Tip #1: decision already made after about a week of much reading from the forum)
Aug 18 - Narikaa's reply, and watch ordered (Reg was on-line at the time)
Aug 19 - Advised that watch was shipped
Aug 25 - Unobtrusive and well-packed package arrives in Australia from a fictitious sister traveling in Thailand.
6 Days... not bad, especially via post.
The Watch
Noob first impressions: Any post purchase disappointment? No! The POrikaa has a nice weight and feel, the bracelet is a little stiff (which has loosened up after use), all the markings are correct (no spelling mistakes), and looks real enough, especially at a conversational distance.
Noob second impressions: After a closer look, the minute and second hands appear a tad shorter than the gen, but line up nicely with the tops of the hour/minute markers as they sweep around the face. Without a lupe, all the fonts look accurate and properly kerned. The logo looks slightly slimmer compared to a pic of the gen. Does any of this bother me? Hell, no!
The Movement: It hacks! Not what I expected and pleasantly surprised. It feels a little cheap, but only if you're used to gen ETAs and Seiko/Orient movements. Only time will tell how "bullet proof" these 21J actually are in terms of reliability. Interestingly, some of the date fonts are larger than others. (I'd be surprised if the gen is like this).
On the Wrist: The bracelet was a mutha****** to size. I used a cheap spring bar tool, then a tack and jeweler's pliers, and after gouging one my fingers, took it to a jeweler, who said, "Nice watch". "Mmmm", I replied, secretly wishing I'd taken off all the blue film protecting the bracelet. Beautiful; sits on my wrist perfectly.
Noob Tip # 2 - 42mm PO vs UPO: I'm sure after reading all the wonderful reviews about the UPO, some Noobs are facing the same dilemma I faced. I'm about 5" 9", built like Harvey Keitel (only prettier LOL) with 7.25 (18mm) wrists. I tried a 45mm PO at an AD, and although I could pull it off (the lugs sat squarely on top of my wrist with no overhang), I felt that I would have to cut too much rubber off the band, and although the watch would look great from a top view, it would look awkward from the side IMHO. The UPO is big, long watch, and although I generally prefer big watches, I feel watches should be proportionate to one's frame and dainty wrists, which is where the 42mm looks and feels perfect. That's my two cents on that subject.
The Lume: From all my reading about reps, I wasn't expecting too much. But its certainly there on the hands and hour markers, which glows brightly after a full charge of sunlight but dies rather quickly. Does it need to be relumed? Not unless I'm going on patrol in Afghanistan.
Overall Impression: What can I say, there have only been a few watches I've ever wanted to sleep with. As a straight out of the box, non modded watch, I think the POrikaa is exceptional value. It looks and feels great, imbued with what industrial designers call "product joy". As a first Noob purchase I'm very happy. [smilie=alien.gif]
Before I get reamed with requests for pics, a friend has borrowed my camera, so don't even bother. But rest assured, I have three watches on order from various suppliers, so I'll do a group shot soon. Warm regards to all.
