Finally got my straight-hand MkII LRRP!!!

[TheDude]

After 15 months of waiting, it arrived on Thursday. Insane quality and attention to detail. Bill Yao did a special second had for me, snipping the ends off of a different one to get the old straight hand look.

The pics don't do it justice!!!












There had been a big question in this forum months ago about whether or not this watch would be able to quick-set the 24 hour hand. I am pleased to report that it -can-.


I'll likely have some better pics soon.

[chriseskew24]

Looks great thanks for shareing... Is it growing a beard though?????

[sushisummo]

Very Nice........love it.......congrats.

[Dan Pierce]

Lots of value for the money there. Wear it in good health.
dP

[R1@160@alltimes]

Great watch and nice photography

[TheDude]

Originally Posted by chriseskew24

Looks great thanks for shareing... Is it growing a beard though?????

Yeah, it's pretty bad when you have a cowlick on your arm...

[Saxon007]

I absolutely love that watch! I'd jump on one except it is too big for me. I really like the milsub version too. Great looking pieces.

[TheDude]

Thanks guys - I took a slightly nicer shot a moment ago...




Don't be put off by the size, it actually wears small for its size. I'd say that it doesn't seem a whole lot bigger than my GMT-IIc when it's on the wrist.

[cody p]

would love to see/handle one in the flesh.

[MitchSteel]

15 month wait?Is that the standard waiting period for these watches?Im not very familiar with MKII, seems like a great value tho.Is that a 42mm?

[Andad]

Looks OK but does the 'copyright/all rights reserved' statement refer to the watch or just the book?

I could be mistaken but I think Rolex has copied that design.

[TheDude]

Originally Posted by MitchSteel

15 month wait?Is that the standard waiting period for these watches?Im not very familiar with MKII, seems like a great value tho.Is that a 42mm?

No, 15 months isn't typical - I just happened to pre-order early.

I think it's 42 or 43mm - I don't recall exactly.


In general though, MkII watches aren't an impulse buy. The watchmaker designs and has each part built (except for the movement). The parts then go to Switzerland where the movement is added and the completed watch is assembled and shipped to the US. The "pre-builts" like those go directly to customers after inspection. The "customs" are torn apart, components are swapped, the case is closed/pressurized and retested, the watch is regulated, and then it ships.

All of this takes quite a bit of time for each watch.


I have MkII's 1016 homage, called the "Vantage". It's 39mm and has a matte dial.





I also have a special edition on order called the "Kingston", (after Jamaica where the first Bond film was). It's an homage to the 6538 Big Crown sub he wore in the film.

[TheDude]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Looks OK but does the 'copyright/all rights reserved' statement refer to the watch or just the book?

I could be mistaken but I think Rolex has copied that design.

Just the book, probably the name, etc...

While his designs are obviously inspired and not original, the watchmaker Bill Yao puts a ton of work into tweaking his watches so that they wear comfortably and that updates - size, function, etc... don't make the watch cumbersome.

He has had an issue recently with someone using his case design from a different model without his permission. I'm not sure what the outcome was, but he may indeed have some protection for his work even though it is derivative.


I think he just ends up making watches he wants to wear himself... his tastes have been a big hit. For example, he's got this on his site - same case as the LRRP, but a different bezel obviously:




A bunch of people have taken delivery of the Milsub versions... these aren't mine:

[Dr. DiveWatch]

Beautiful homage watch, Dude!! I really want to get one of those b/c the original Rolex version is not an option for me.

Can you take some photos of the bracelet and clasp?? Just curious about it.

One of the rubber strap versions comes with a Helium release valve.....the bracelet version doesn't.

Thanks!

[gaopa]

Very nice! I know you will enjoy wearing it. Cheers, Bill P.

[TheDude]

Originally Posted by Dr. DiveWatch

Beautiful homage watch, Dude!! I really want to get one of those b/c the original Rolex version is not an option for me.

Can you take some photos of the bracelet and clasp?? Just curious about it.

One of the rubber strap versions comes with a Helium release valve.....the bracelet version doesn't.

Thanks!

I can take some pics in the next few days. In the meantime, you can find a ton of good images over at the MkII section of the watchseek forum.

http://forums.watchuseek.com/forumdisplay.php?f=325


They make two case versions - the HRV model which has screw pins and the standard case with standard springbars.

[Terry Newton]

Beautiful watch. I am sure that it will be a classic for years to come. His watches are in high demand and sell quickly. Grea choice.

[wantonebad]

really nice pictures Dude, I'm jealous as HECK!!

My MilSub is slated for an end of October delivery, waiting patiently, though I have an MKII Sandoz conversion this will be my 1st 100% MKII watch, can't wait

[TheDude]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

really nice pictures Dude, I'm jealous as HECK!!

My MilSub is slated for an end of October delivery, waiting patiently, though I have an MKII Sandoz conversion this will be my 1st 100% MKII watch, can't wait

Nice Marc!

Someone just received a 3-6-9 Milsub on the forum... man is that a nice looking watch! They all are!!!

[sunburst]

Congrats on an excellent looking watch.
Bill Yao is meticulous about the quality.
I have owened Vantage model in the past.