Which strap is everyone going with for this watch? I'm having a tough time deciding between the Corvus normal or gray versions and the Aliasrichmond version. The normal Corvus strap seems to have the right color. The gray is a nice option as well. I also prefer the metal strap holders on the Corvus. However, the Aliasrichmond has the vintage brushed buckle which I prefer. I'm hoping I don't have to find someone to put these pieces together so I get the perfect strap...What strap are you guys picking up?
Well I thought at one time the Kingston was going to be supplied with the Aliasrichmond strap. If memory serves, I think that changed. Personally, I like the regular Corvus strap which is made by Phoenix Straps Ltd. I also like the old Grey/Black Phoenix strap and have been complimented on several occasions while wearing it. I think if you're going for one of the screen capture looks that shows the red, for my money Corvus has the best one going (red/green/black). I was recenctly going to buy the Corvus red/black/grey G-10, for a mil watch that I have but they are out of the G-10's at the moment.
The Aliasrichmond strap is not bad looking to me, it just does not look like that common screen capture. The colors are a little different. The buckle, however, looks spot on to what Connery wore and would be an easy swap to the Corvus strap. I don't own an Aliasrichmond strap as yet, and the color combination is somewhat understated, just not what one sees on screen.
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
superadoRegent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,652MI6 Agent
I've regularly been logging in to check on my order ticket during this past month. I guess I missed the details about the choices of straps, and maybe other options? Are these listed somewhere on Bill's Kingston blog, or in fragments here and there in the layers and layers of Kingston forum threads? I'm just trusting that these options will be clearly listed in the notification emails we receive from Bill.
"...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
The Kingston is only being shipped with the bracelet from what I have read. Bill couldnt work out a deal on the straps and still keep the watch within budget. One of the two proper Bond strap sellers is giving a discount to Kingston owners though. Will have to double check and let you know.
As for straps, this is a tough one. One is the correct design and buckle and the other is the correct color (at least from viewing off a DVD) Bill said the more vibrant of the two looked better on the Kingston but who knows. I might have to get both and see for myself:-)
The Kingston is only being shipped with the bracelet from what I have read. Bill couldnt work out a deal on the straps and still keep the watch within budget. One of the two proper Bond strap sellers is giving a discount to Kingston owners though. Will have to double check and let you know.
As for straps, this is a tough one. One is the correct design and buckle and the other is the correct color (at least from viewing off a DVD) Bill said the more vibrant of the two looked better on the Kingston but who knows. I might have to get both and see for myself:-)
Well, I don't think Bill and the Corvus brothers are friends. Which is why it was never in the cards to have the Kingston on a Corvus strap, at least not directly from MKII. I think the bad blood stems from the fact that MKII trademarked the name "Tornek-Rayville" first. If I'm not mistaken, Corvus had planned to use the same name on the Bradley dive watch. MKII beat them to it and released a limited edition Tornek-Rayville MKII based on the MKII Stingray. I don't think MKII had any foreknowledge of Corvus' plan, it's juist the way the cookie crumbled. MKII has been around longer, but I think both companies make great watches, and I'm happy to support both companies. The Corvus Bradley dive watch is very close to the original milspec and I chose it over the Tornek- Rayville MKII. I allready had a MKII Stingray 60. Both the Bradley and the Stingray 60 are great watches and I can't wait to get my Kingston and put it on a "Real Bond" strap with a self modified cloth keeper. Maybe an Aliasrichmond buckle for "anal" screen accuracy.
DG
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
superadoRegent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,652MI6 Agent
It's interesting how the early submitted (and maybe all) custom orders will ship out before the pre-builts being assembled in Switzerland. I should have stuck with a custom because I wanted the extra timing points, but in the end went for a pre-built in the hopes of getting my order sooner.
"...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
It's interesting how the early submitted (and maybe all) custom orders will ship out before the pre-builts being assembled in Switzerland. I should have stuck with a custom because I wanted the extra timing points, but in the end went for a pre-built in the hopes of getting my order sooner.
Yes, I noticed that too. Let's hope it does not take too much longer. If memory serves, I thought all watches were to be assembled in Switzerland, with the final custom tweeks being made by Bill in the U.S. Oh well, as the saying goes, "you pay your money and you take your chance".
DG
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Another blog post from Bill Yao at MKII from an email:
"The first custom Kingston is done. I am absolutely spent. The first assembly is always the most stressful as you check every single detail looking for problems or weaknesess. I become hyper-sentive to small deviations in the amplitude of the watch as I regulate it, looking for the potential mis-alignment in the case tube and the placement of the movement in the case that can adversely affect the time keeping. I will post the pics that i took during the test assembly process starting tomorrow. "
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Interesting and completely understood about the MKII-Corvus issue. It was Aliasrichmond that will give a discount to us Kingston owners. I'm going with his for sure and maybe a Corvus. Although the Aliasrichmond isnt really the correct color, i think it REALLY looks amazing with the Kingston. The gold and red go better.
I am with you all on the custom orders. I when the other way thinking I would get it faster and since I never wear my watches for extended periods of time, timing isnt that important. I think that the pre-builts will ship first though as they all are being build by the Swiss. Bill is just doing the first to triple check everything, no?
Well, as I said I think the original idea was to have all watches assembled in Switzerland, with the custom versions being hand finished and timed in the U.S. by Bill. According to his recent blog posts that seems to have changed. It does not matter to me either way. Sooner would be better than later of course, but I've been down this road before with MK II and I'm happy with the watches regardless of the time it took. An excellent product with superb fit and finish.
Bill has posted a new note on his blog with pictures of the case and what looks like a movement ring. For your information the real deal, of which the Kingston is a homage to, has no movement ring.
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Anyone own the newer thicker Corvus strap? Any reviews? It seems like I'm going to have to get a few Corvus and Aliasrichmond straps to make the perfect strap unless Corvus comes out with a new version.
I find the build up very exiting. Still, I can't wait for the money shot!
DG
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Also, I was looking for more MKII stuff and found this Kingston preview. Some nice images are in the middle of the page. I think these are prototypes unless they are review samples or something.
Also, I was looking for more MKII stuff and found this Kingston preview. Some nice images are in the middle of the page. I think these are prototypes unless they are review samples or something.
You beat me to it on part 3 and thanks for posting the link to A Blog To Read. Since I've dealt with Bill and MK II before over the years, I know his quality. But it's nice to see that others have a high opinion of his watches too.
DG
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
coming along nicely - thanks for keeping us up to date
superadoRegent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,652MI6 Agent
I wonder if those current customs that Bill is working on are all Kingstons? Pretty exciting if you're one of those whose order is shipping out and I'm surprised that's already happening. Has anyone gotten a ship email from Bill? I thought plank owners are supposed to still specify what pieces they want for their spare parts/accessories package, pending on Bill finalizing what actual parts will be available to choose from?
"...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
I wonder if those current customs that Bill is working on are all Kingstons? Pretty exciting if you're one of those whose order is shipping out and I'm surprised that's already happening. Has anyone gotten a ship email from Bill? I thought plank owners are supposed to still specify what pieces they want for their spare parts/accessories package, pending on Bill finalizing what actual parts will be available to choose from?
I could be wrong, but I suspect the custom watches that he is referring to has to do with the other watches that he offers and not the Kingston. Also, I thought the spare parts were supposed to come later after the initial Kingston production. So much has changed, it's hard to keep track.
DG
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Anyone else get Corvus' email about new buckles on the Bond straps? I'm wondering if they are going to use the vintage design. They mention spring bars and a solid wire buckle. I'm not sure what they are talking about exactly...
"Better late than never."
superadoRegent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,652MI6 Agent
I wonder if those current customs that Bill is working on are all Kingstons? Pretty exciting if you're one of those whose order is shipping out and I'm surprised that's already happening. Has anyone gotten a ship email from Bill? I thought plank owners are supposed to still specify what pieces they want for their spare parts/accessories package, pending on Bill finalizing what actual parts will be available to choose from?
I could be wrong, but I suspect the custom watches that he is referring to has to do with the other watches that he offers and not the Kingston. Also, I thought the spare parts were supposed to come later after the initial Kingston production. So much has changed, it's hard to keep track.
DG
Thanks, DG, that's good, the confusion factor has compounded for me along the way. I definitely prefer having the watch shipping first since the sorting out of the parts kits is looking to become a moderately complicated process in itself. I don't really mind the time (pun) considering the complications over the design, production and QC processes necessary to turn out such gems.
"...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
superadoRegent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,652MI6 Agent
Hello again, gents. I was just on the MkII site and saw in the accessories section a "Bond RAF style NATO" Watch strap selling for $15.00, which ***wow*** just caught the attention of my thrifty side. Can anyone shed some light on this, such as the maker and opinions on its quality vs. the Corvus' offerings, for example?
"...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
I think someone did a breakdown on the straps on the MKII forum. It might have been Aliasrichmond. There were two threads about straps the last time I checked. I'm focused on the Aliasrichmond and the Corvus versions because they seem to be the best right now.
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Thanks DG, as a plank owner, things look like they are nearing a conclusion. Watch looks fantastic in the pics.
Brixmis
superadoRegent's Park West (CaliforniaPosts: 2,652MI6 Agent
I thought the mock-up looked great, but the production watch is just sexy... so much so that it would be embarrassing for me to stand up right now!
"...the purposeful slant of his striding figure looked dangerous, as if he was making quickly for something bad that was happening further down the street." -SMERSH on 007 dossier photo, Ch. 6 FRWL.....
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Just got my update - Whoooo Hoooooo -{
Update on your Kingston Sales Order.
Status: Build in Process
Line Up: 042 (Order in which the order will be shipped)
Serial Number: 005
Delivery Date: Due to the volume of the orders, there will be no specific date on delivery.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
Best Regards,
Winnie
Yes, I got my update too. My serial number is a good deal higher than yours. No double 0 for me, unfortunately. But not a deal breaker and further proof that I am in no way connected to MK II. I just like well made time pieces and I have no problem trumpeting the good work of others.
DG
So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Comments
Well I thought at one time the Kingston was going to be supplied with the Aliasrichmond strap. If memory serves, I think that changed. Personally, I like the regular Corvus strap which is made by Phoenix Straps Ltd. I also like the old Grey/Black Phoenix strap and have been complimented on several occasions while wearing it. I think if you're going for one of the screen capture looks that shows the red, for my money Corvus has the best one going (red/green/black). I was recenctly going to buy the Corvus red/black/grey G-10, for a mil watch that I have but they are out of the G-10's at the moment.
The Aliasrichmond strap is not bad looking to me, it just does not look like that common screen capture. The colors are a little different. The buckle, however, looks spot on to what Connery wore and would be an easy swap to the Corvus strap. I don't own an Aliasrichmond strap as yet, and the color combination is somewhat understated, just not what one sees on screen.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
"I just finished the first test assembly. If the rest of the review goes well it will be the first custom Kingston to ship.
The Prebuilt watches that are to be assembled in Switzerland should be on their way to the assembler next week.
I took some pics of the test assembly process and will be posting them here and on the forum over the next few days."
http://www.blogmkiiwatches.com/main/2010/09/28/kingston-update-september-29-2010/
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
As for straps, this is a tough one. One is the correct design and buckle and the other is the correct color (at least from viewing off a DVD) Bill said the more vibrant of the two looked better on the Kingston but who knows. I might have to get both and see for myself:-)
Can't wait to get the Kingston
-{
Well, I don't think Bill and the Corvus brothers are friends. Which is why it was never in the cards to have the Kingston on a Corvus strap, at least not directly from MKII. I think the bad blood stems from the fact that MKII trademarked the name "Tornek-Rayville" first. If I'm not mistaken, Corvus had planned to use the same name on the Bradley dive watch. MKII beat them to it and released a limited edition Tornek-Rayville MKII based on the MKII Stingray. I don't think MKII had any foreknowledge of Corvus' plan, it's juist the way the cookie crumbled. MKII has been around longer, but I think both companies make great watches, and I'm happy to support both companies. The Corvus Bradley dive watch is very close to the original milspec and I chose it over the Tornek- Rayville MKII. I allready had a MKII Stingray 60. Both the Bradley and the Stingray 60 are great watches and I can't wait to get my Kingston and put it on a "Real Bond" strap with a self modified cloth keeper. Maybe an Aliasrichmond buckle for "anal" screen accuracy.
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Yes, I noticed that too. Let's hope it does not take too much longer. If memory serves, I thought all watches were to be assembled in Switzerland, with the final custom tweeks being made by Bill in the U.S. Oh well, as the saying goes, "you pay your money and you take your chance".
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
"The first custom Kingston is done. I am absolutely spent. The first assembly is always the most stressful as you check every single detail looking for problems or weaknesess. I become hyper-sentive to small deviations in the amplitude of the watch as I regulate it, looking for the potential mis-alignment in the case tube and the placement of the movement in the case that can adversely affect the time keeping. I will post the pics that i took during the test assembly process starting tomorrow. "
Seen here:
http://www.blogmkiiwatches.com/main/2010/09/29/kingston-update-september-29th-part-2/
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
I am with you all on the custom orders. I when the other way thinking I would get it faster and since I never wear my watches for extended periods of time, timing isnt that important. I think that the pre-builts will ship first though as they all are being build by the Swiss. Bill is just doing the first to triple check everything, no?
Bill has posted a new note on his blog with pictures of the case and what looks like a movement ring. For your information the real deal, of which the Kingston is a homage to, has no movement ring.
http://www.blogmkiiwatches.com/main/
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
http://www.blogmkiiwatches.com/main/2010/10/04/kingston-test-assembly-part-2-of-3/
I find the build up very exiting. Still, I can't wait for the money shot!
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
http://www.blogmkiiwatches.com/main/2010/10/07/kingston-test-assembly-part-3a/
Also, I was looking for more MKII stuff and found this Kingston preview. Some nice images are in the middle of the page. I think these are prototypes unless they are review samples or something.
http://www.ablogtoread.com/mkii-watches-hands-on/
You beat me to it on part 3 and thanks for posting the link to A Blog To Read. Since I've dealt with Bill and MK II before over the years, I know his quality. But it's nice to see that others have a high opinion of his watches too.
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
I could be wrong, but I suspect the custom watches that he is referring to has to do with the other watches that he offers and not the Kingston. Also, I thought the spare parts were supposed to come later after the initial Kingston production. So much has changed, it's hard to keep track.
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Thanks, DG, that's good, the confusion factor has compounded for me along the way. I definitely prefer having the watch shipping first since the sorting out of the parts kits is looking to become a moderately complicated process in itself. I don't really mind the time (pun) considering the complications over the design, production and QC processes necessary to turn out such gems.
Here's the link, but unfortunately, the image is broken:
http://www.mkiiwatches.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=80000411-1274155732
http://www.blogmkiiwatches.com/main/2010/10/14/kingston-test-assembly-part-3b/
Looks mighty tasty!
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Brixmis
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f325/kingston-002-300-arrives-460895.html
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Update on your Kingston Sales Order.
Status: Build in Process
Line Up: 042 (Order in which the order will be shipped)
Serial Number: 005
Delivery Date: Due to the volume of the orders, there will be no specific date on delivery.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
Best Regards,
Winnie
Yes, I got my update too. My serial number is a good deal higher than yours. No double 0 for me, unfortunately. But not a deal breaker and further proof that I am in no way connected to MK II. I just like well made time pieces and I have no problem trumpeting the good work of others.
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.