Paradive sapphire bezel arrives

[jeffc67]

Happy days yesterday, no 105 comes in to land in Vancouver (via Memphis, but it didn't bring me any ribs. It also didn't arrive in Vancouver with a hangover, as I did on my last trip from Memphis...).

First, I'm a little stunned that this is only no 105. I've seen a photo of a warranty card for no 71, made in March 2010, so the idea that there have only been 35 or 40 made in the last 2 years makes the watch feel all the more special and rare. (Bill doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who sticks case backs on in random sequence, either.)

First impressions...

It's like a hammer made of glass. It looks fine and delicate, but you know it's tough as nails. I haven't seen photos that really capture the glint of the edge of the crystal, or how precise the lumed numbers in the bezel appear. The bezel insert IS shiny, and I have to carry a cloth in my pocket to wipe off the fingerprints (actually, I use the same one I carry for my glasses and my Blackberry screen... little OCD on smudges and fingerprints...), but the gloss of the bezel and crystal contrast nicely with the finish of the case.

And somewhat oddly for a basic design that's as old as me (b. 1967), it's shockingly modern looking. Beside my Seiko divers, including a MM300 and a pair of old 6309s, it looks like it's from outer space. Especially on the clean looking rubber strap.

It came with the bracelet, which has a clever wetsuit extension that I don't remember seeing mentioned anywhere, and it's nice and solid. However, the rubber strap is excellent and hyper-comfortable. I have a custom vintage leather on order that will be great, I think. The bracelet, I'll note, is a straight 20mm, so while 20mm feels like a sort of wimpy lug width, it's 20mm at the clasp which as as good as you'll do with a 22 or even 24mm lug width, usually, so it doesn't feel too narrow, like 18mm clasp bracelets can.

And for the blue lume... it's GREAT. The lume pattern on this watch, with the lumed bezel insert, is really tremendous. It's a nice change from Seiko green and even my wife and kids think it's awesome (though they could be humouring me).

I haven't really worn it long enough to time it, but have an eye on it.

Cheers - Jeff C

Oh, and I took some photos...

[rtl]

You do not know how hard your making it for me!!! :D

my first MKII i bought was a blackwater, i got it used but it is by far my favorite watch.. my dad loved it so much when he saw it.. i decided to give it to him.

ive been saying for an engagement ring (i dont have a girlfriend right now but im just starting to save now) im 20 years old and im starting a new job soon.. what do you guys think.. just buy the watch now and save later?! or save now and buy it later.. i dont want this watch to go out of production before i save up another 1500 :(

[jeffc67]

Here's some old man advice...

If you buy an engagement ring before you find the girl, one of three things is likely to happen:

(1) She will be creeped out that you've already bought an engagement ring and will dump you, meaning you'll never get to use it

(2) She will want you to buy a ring especially FOR HER, and the one you have in the drawer already won't do

(3) You will propose to the third or maybe fourth girl you seriously date, and she won't want the ring because "it was for someone else.

Girls can be fussy. Buy the watch. Sell it later if you need funds for a ring. Everybody wins.

Good luck - Jeff C

[jeffc67]

@ +24 hours on the wrist she's -1s. Expect it to settle in with some more wrist time.

[OmegaCosmicMan]

Here's some old man advice...

If you buy an engagement ring before you find the girl, one of three things are likely to happen:

(1) She will be creeped out that you've already bought an engagement ring and will dump you, meaning you'll never get to use it

(2) She will want you to buy a ring especially FOR HER, and the one you have in the drawer already won't do

(3) You will propose to the third or maybe fourth girl you seriously date, and she won't want the ring because "ii was for someone else.

Girls can be fussy. Buy the watch. Sell it later if you need funds for a ring. Everybody wins.

Good luck - Jeff C

Old Man? Hahahaha - Great Watch pictures-I'm holding out for the 12-hour bezel.

"Right on" with the engagement ring theory. Buy the watch. The right girl might take awhile to happen along.

Thanks for posting the pics!

[Mike Weinberg]

You do not know how hard your making it for me!!! :D

my first MKII i bought was a blackwater, i got it used but it is by far my favorite watch.. my dad loved it so much when he saw it.. i decided to give it to him.

ive been saying for an engagement ring (i dont have a girlfriend right now but im just starting to save now) im 20 years old and im starting a new job soon.. what do you guys think.. just buy the watch now and save later?! or save now and buy it later.. i dont want this watch to go out of production before i save up another 1500 :(

For God's sake go ahead and get the watch! I got married at 34, and before then I met several perfectly nice women who I would never consider marrying, and vice versa. Unless you think you have a fatal disease and will die before your time, 20 years old is no time to start saving for an engagement ring. LIVE YOUR LIFE!!

[Myron]

Very nice watch, Jeff. I had been telling myself I didn't need a Paradive...

[rtl]

you know.. deep down i knew this was the response i was going to get and the response that i subconsciously wanted LOL.

just to clear things up its not that im saving up for a ring and BUYING one, im just saving the money with the intention of using it on a ring when i decide to get one.

but you guys make a compelling argument.. i think i should stay off this forum.. HAHA

[jeffc67]

Well, three days on the wrist, the magic doesn't seem to be there for me. Even if the thing is running dead even with my radio/solar G Shock. It keeps stunning time.

If anyone's interested in trying one on, drop me a note.

Cheers - Jeff C

[Mike Weinberg]

Well, three days on the wrist, the magic doesn't seem to be there for me. Even if the thing is running dead even with my radio/solar G Shock. It keeps stunning time.

If anyone's interested in trying one on, drop me a note.

Cheers - Jeff C

There's no need to take a loss by trying to sell it. I'm sure Bill Yao will take it back and refund your money.