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fear · 19 June 2008, 08:46 PM

I received a MKII Vantage today her are some of my impressions.

Looks: By looking at photos from Mr. Yao's website, the MKII seem to be an homage to the Rolex Explorer. Yes and no. It does "look" like the Explorer but it's 39 mm size reminds me more of the Omega Aqua Terra. I tried on the Explorer at a local BB and it's small compared to the Vantage. Overall I like the update to this classic design.

Construction: 316L steel on bracelet. Sapphire crystal. 200m water resistance. 2824 movement. Matte dial with date. Superluminova indices (lume is ok not Seiko who I believe has the best illumination). All Swiss made. The build of this watch is amazing! It's put together very, very well. Tolerances are tight. The watch itself is hefty for its size. The bracelet's non-SEL and light, but is well made.

Surfaces are highly polished. And if there's a bad side to the high polish, I already got tiny scratches. Comparing the look of the steel on the SD and the Vantage, the later has a different sheen. It's hard to describe but I like the contrast between the Rolexes and the MKII.

the ETA 2824 keeps good time. when I recieved it I never bothered to change the date and time when I got it. I timed it to the SD and my computer and it keeps good time. I'm not a stickler for absolute accuracy so long as it keeps good time. So far, it's good.

Comfort: The watch is very comfortable. There's just enough heft and lightness to it. I can feel it yet not be bothered by it. The Vantage fits well, is not top heavy. THe weight distribution around the wrist is nice. No uncomfortable wrist twisting.

Overall, GREAT watch!!!! Thanks for reading!

leopardprey · 19 June 2008, 09:22 PM

Great reveiw and nice looking watch!!!!! MKII does some great work. Now if Rolex will just follow this example and come out with a 40mm Rolex Explorer!

fear · 19 June 2008, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leopardprey

Great reveiw and nice looking watch!!!!! MKII does some great work. Now if Rolex will just follow this example and come out with a 40mm Rolex Explorer!

Chad, I agree! Maybe Rolex will eventually adopt newer case designs as they're doing with their other watches.

toph · 19 June 2008, 09:27 PM

nice review and nice watch- i have been considering making one up from there too- but 24 weeks is a long time

Ursa Major · 19 June 2008, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toph

nice review and nice watch- i have been considering making one up from there too- but 24 weeks is a long time

MKII has a pre-built program as well for their watches assembled in Switzerland. In the case of the Vantage, it's in the same configuration that Fear has, i.e. with the Mercedes hands and oyster bracelet (you can also specify the pre-built model with a rubber strap). I ordered the same model Fear has on the 16th, and received an email confirming it would ship on the 18th (yesterday). I expect I'll have it within 4-5 days of ordering.

I'm a real fan of Bill Yao. I have a couple of his modified Seiko divers, as well as a MKII Quad10, and now the Vantage. As Fear said, the workmanship and heft is impressive - quality components carefully assembled. At the price ($615 for the Vantage with bracelet), they're great bargains as well.

RW16610 · 20 June 2008, 01:03 AM

Cool watch and even better review

SPACE-DWELLER · 20 June 2008, 06:15 AM

Excellent review and cool looking watch!

Congrats!

Terry Newton · 20 June 2008, 07:36 AM

That is definitely a sharp looking watch.

Terry Newton

TheDude · 3 July 2008, 06:58 AM

That's a very nice watch, thanks for sharing the photos. I like this one by MK II as well. The "Quad 10", an homage to the JLC/IWC Mk XI pilot's watch.

Thomas Carey · 3 July 2008, 07:20 PM

I have been thinking about adding one of these as well.

Best Regards,

Thomas Carey

pwrslider · 10 July 2008, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas Carey

I have been thinking about adding one of these as well.

Best Regards,

Thomas Carey

Me too..been looking at the Stingray...

TheDude · 4 July 2008, 10:49 AM

OMG! Drool!

http://www.mkiiwatches.com/WSWrapper...ypage=cu01.htm

I think we all know what inspired this one...

EDIT - I just put a deposit...

Brushpup · 7 July 2008, 12:12 AM

I think I am going to order a vantage tomorrow after reading threads here and checking out the website this weekend. Should be a great watch for everday wear, work and play. It will also pacify me during my time of indecision on my first ROLEX. Jeez I wish I could make up my mind!

TheDude · 8 July 2008, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brushpup

I think I am going to order a vantage tomorrow after reading threads here and checking out the website this weekend. Should be a great watch for everday wear, work and play. It will also pacify me during my time of indecision on my first ROLEX. Jeez I wish I could make up my mind!

Did you order? If this one grabs you, you might want to consider a black Milgauss... the non-GVs aren't super hard to find.

Also, I checked today - the wait on a custom Vantage is down to 16 weeks.

SLRdude · 8 July 2008, 03:52 AM

Wow.
That's one sharp watch!

TheDude · 8 July 2008, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLRdude

Wow.
That's one sharp watch!

Jocke has seen this watch in person. He posted pics in this thread...

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=44995

Brushpup · 8 July 2008, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDude

Did you order? If this one grabs you, you might want to consider a black Milgauss... the non-GVs aren't super hard to find.

Also, I checked today - the wait on a custom Vantage is down to 16 weeks.

Yeah, I went ahead an ordered one. Got the pre-built Vantage and spoke to Bill today. Hope to have it by the weekend. Thought about customizing, but the very slight changes I would have made weren't to me worth the money or the time. I am actually more excited about this watch than any in a long time. Should be my last one until I get a ROLEX.

I love the Milgauss, but If I went with one it would HAVE to be the green. Thanks for the input though, I appreciate it.

Patrick

Terry Newton · 8 July 2008, 10:01 AM

That watch looks like it's built like a tank. Awesome.

Congratulations on the upcoming watch. Don't worry, you'll have the Rolex soon. It's something to work towards.

Terry Newton

TheDude · 8 July 2008, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brushpup

Yeah, I went ahead an ordered one. Got the pre-built Vantage and spoke to Bill today. Hope to have it by the weekend. Thought about customizing, but the very slight changes I would have made weren't to me worth the money or the time. I am actually more excited about this watch than any in a long time. Should be my last one until I get a ROLEX.

I love the Milgauss, but If I went with one it would HAVE to be the green. Thanks for the input though, I appreciate it.

Patrick

Funny you should say that you ordered one. I just ordered one too. I discovered that the no-date isn't the same dial - it has subseconds and numbers around the outside. I got the pre-built too!

Ursa Major · 10 July 2008, 05:11 AM

My Vantage was finally delivered today after a USPS glitch that sent it back (briefly) to Bill. One thing I hadn't realized is the size of the hands, they're up there in Maxi-Dial class, fixing one of my few complaints with Rolexes. I really like this watch, it's a screaming deal for the money.

frostie · 8 July 2008, 04:31 AM

Nice review and watch

Enjoyed reading it

fear · 10 July 2008, 11:10 AM

Here are more photos.

TheDude · 10 July 2008, 12:43 PM

Awesome! Thanks!

TheDude · 13 July 2008, 12:53 AM

Hey Brushpup...

Did you get your Vantage yet? My target ship date was listed as today - who knows if it will go out or not... Hoping to have it sometime next week. Keep us posted!

Brushpup · 13 July 2008, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDude

Hey Brushpup...

Did you get your Vantage yet? My target ship date was listed as today - who knows if it will go out or not... Hoping to have it sometime next week. Keep us posted!

Not yet, but I asked Bill Monday if they could get it our Weds or Thurs. He said they would do their best, but my invoice shows a ship date of 7-8 (tues). After I saw that I was sure hoping for it yesterday since they use USPS Priority, but alas, no watch. Maybe today?? I am sure hoping, but I may have to wait till next week as well..........dangitt!!! I'm very impatient when I order things.

Will keep you posted though......

Patrick

fear · 13 July 2008, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brushpup

Not yet, but I asked Bill Monday if they could get it our Weds or Thurs. He said they would do their best, but my invoice shows a ship date of 7-8 (tues). After I saw that I was sure hoping for it yesterday since they use USPS Priority, but alas, no watch. Maybe today?? I am sure hoping, but I may have to wait till next week as well..........dangitt!!! I'm very impatient when I order things.

Will keep you posted though......

Patrick

Mine was also delayed a due to Mr. Yao's trip to Switzerland. He did mention it on the MKII website. So it was not a surprise. I think that he ships his watches on certain days too, unlike other internet services that have their factories send out merchandise within a day.

One the Watch was shipped it took only a few days to get here, pretty fast. USPS is pretty good.

Brushpup · 13 July 2008, 07:06 AM

[QUOTE= One the Watch was shipped it took only a few days to get here, pretty fast. USPS is pretty good.[/QUOTE]

Mine must have shipped after the invoice date, so watch today, so maybe Tuesday.....arrrgghh.

TheDude · 16 July 2008, 04:22 AM

Oh the anticipation!

The MkII order status portal has a note stating that my watch is going out today... So hopefully I'll have it by the end of the week!

fear · 16 July 2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDude

Oh the anticipation!

The MkII order status portal has a note stating that my watch is going out today... So hopefully I'll have it by the end of the week!

I can't wait either. Be sure to give us your impressions! Pics are must too!

TheDude · 17 July 2008, 09:32 AM

Well, I have a tracking # now, and I know it went out on the 15th. Too bad it's USPS... I don't think I'll have much visibility into the delivery details.

19 June 2008, 08:46 PM	#1
fear "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Mililani, Oahu Posts: 1,307	MKII Vantage impressions I received a MKII Vantage today her are some of my impressions. Looks: By looking at photos from Mr. Yao's website, the MKII seem to be an homage to the Rolex Explorer. Yes and no. It does "look" like the Explorer but it's 39 mm size reminds me more of the Omega Aqua Terra. I tried on the Explorer at a local BB and it's small compared to the Vantage. Overall I like the update to this classic design. Construction: 316L steel on bracelet. Sapphire crystal. 200m water resistance. 2824 movement. Matte dial with date. Superluminova indices (lume is ok not Seiko who I believe has the best illumination). All Swiss made. The build of this watch is amazing! It's put together very, very well. Tolerances are tight. The watch itself is hefty for its size. The bracelet's non-SEL and light, but is well made. Surfaces are highly polished. And if there's a bad side to the high polish, I already got tiny scratches. Comparing the look of the steel on the SD and the Vantage, the later has a different sheen. It's hard to describe but I like the contrast between the Rolexes and the MKII. the ETA 2824 keeps good time. when I recieved it I never bothered to change the date and time when I got it. I timed it to the SD and my computer and it keeps good time. I'm not a stickler for absolute accuracy so long as it keeps good time. So far, it's good. Comfort: The watch is very comfortable. There's just enough heft and lightness to it. I can feel it yet not be bothered by it. The Vantage fits well, is not top heavy. THe weight distribution around the wrist is nice. No uncomfortable wrist twisting. Overall, GREAT watch!!!! Thanks for reading! Attached Images

19 June 2008, 09:27 PM	#4
toph "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: ChrisTOPHer Location: Sydney Watch: Rolex, Brellum, Posts: 12,601	nice review and nice watch- i have been considering making one up from there too- but 24 weeks is a long time __________________ "Where no counsel is the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Member No.# 11795

20 June 2008, 06:15 AM	#7
SPACE-DWELLER "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Bo Location: Denmark Watch: Rolex, of course! Posts: 22,436	Excellent review and cool looking watch! Congrats! __________________ With kind regards, Bo LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...

20 June 2008, 07:36 AM	#8
Terry Newton "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Terry Newton Location: Michigan Watch: Rolex TT GMT II c Posts: 6,644	That is definitely a sharp looking watch. Terry Newton __________________ Terry Newton; Superstar and Fake Sleuth "Z" SS Date Submariner "Z" TT GMT-Master IIc

7 July 2008, 12:12 AM	#13
Brushpup "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Real Name: Patrick Location: Texas Watch: what I'm wearing Posts: 5,943	I think I am going to order a vantage tomorrow after reading threads here and checking out the website this weekend. Should be a great watch for everday wear, work and play. It will also pacify me during my time of indecision on my first ROLEX. Jeez I wish I could make up my mind! __________________ *TRFs "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Patron-Founding Member* PClub # 10 74,592 The safest place for your watch is on your wrist.

19 June 2008, 09:22 PM	#2
leopardprey Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Chad Location: Around the world Watch: Panerai 233 Posts: 4,204	Great reveiw and nice looking watch!!!!! MKII does some great work. Now if Rolex will just follow this example and come out with a 40mm Rolex Explorer!

20 June 2008, 01:03 AM	#6
RW16610 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Rommel Location: Toronto Canada Watch: 116710LN Posts: 9,202	Cool watch and even better review

3 July 2008, 06:58 AM	#9
TheDude "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: DC Area, USA Watch: IIc,1680 Red,16660 Posts: 4,492	That's a very nice watch, thanks for sharing the photos. I like this one by MK II as well. The "Quad 10", an homage to the JLC/IWC Mk XI pilot's watch.

3 July 2008, 07:20 PM	#10
Thomas Carey "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Thomas Carey Location: IL Posts: 83	I have been thinking about adding one of these as well. Best Regards, Thomas Carey

4 July 2008, 10:49 AM	#12
TheDude "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: DC Area, USA Watch: IIc,1680 Red,16660 Posts: 4,492	OMG! Drool! http://www.mkiiwatches.com/WSWrapper...ypage=cu01.htm I think we all know what inspired this one... EDIT - I just put a deposit...

8 July 2008, 03:52 AM	#15
SLRdude "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Chip Location: Dallas TX Posts: 6,194	Wow. That's one sharp watch! __________________ Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try. Yoda, Jedi Master CHIP Member # 87

8 July 2008, 10:01 AM	#18
Terry Newton "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Terry Newton Location: Michigan Watch: Rolex TT GMT II c Posts: 6,644	That watch looks like it's built like a tank. Awesome. Congratulations on the upcoming watch. Don't worry, you'll have the Rolex soon. It's something to work towards. Terry Newton __________________ Terry Newton; Superstar and Fake Sleuth "Z" SS Date Submariner "Z" TT GMT-Master IIc

10 July 2008, 05:11 AM	#20
Ursa Major "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Dave Location: Park City, Utah Watch: TT Sub Posts: 248	My Vantage was finally delivered today after a USPS glitch that sent it back (briefly) to Bill. One thing I hadn't realized is the size of the hands, they're up there in Maxi-Dial class, fixing one of my few complaints with Rolexes. I really like this watch, it's a screaming deal for the money. __________________ Rolex Explorer II - White Rolex Sub TT 16613 - Blue

8 July 2008, 04:31 AM	#21
frostie 1,000,000th PostMember Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Earth Posts: 14,048	Nice review and watch Enjoyed reading it __________________ GMT - Master II C - 116710 LN

10 July 2008, 11:10 AM	#22
fear "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Mililani, Oahu Posts: 1,307	Here are more photos. Attached Images

10 July 2008, 12:43 PM	#23
TheDude "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: DC Area, USA Watch: IIc,1680 Red,16660 Posts: 4,492	Awesome! Thanks!

13 July 2008, 12:53 AM	#24
TheDude "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: DC Area, USA Watch: IIc,1680 Red,16660 Posts: 4,492	Hey Brushpup... Did you get your Vantage yet? My target ship date was listed as today - who knows if it will go out or not... Hoping to have it sometime next week. Keep us posted!

13 July 2008, 07:06 AM	#27
Brushpup "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Real Name: Patrick Location: Texas Watch: what I'm wearing Posts: 5,943	[QUOTE= One the Watch was shipped it took only a few days to get here, pretty fast. USPS is pretty good.[/QUOTE] Mine must have shipped after the invoice date, so watch today, so maybe Tuesday.....arrrgghh. __________________ *TRFs "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Patron-Founding Member* PClub # 10 74,592 The safest place for your watch is on your wrist.

16 July 2008, 04:22 AM	#28
TheDude "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: DC Area, USA Watch: IIc,1680 Red,16660 Posts: 4,492	Oh the anticipation! The MkII order status portal has a note stating that my watch is going out today... So hopefully I'll have it by the end of the week!

17 July 2008, 09:32 AM	#30
TheDude "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: DC Area, USA Watch: IIc,1680 Red,16660 Posts: 4,492	Well, I have a tracking # now, and I know it went out on the 15th. Too bad it's USPS... I don't think I'll have much visibility into the delivery details.

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