Good stuff! I can second the comment on Bills tuning of the movements, my MKII is easily the most accurate mechanical watch in the quiver, maybe even better than the quartz ones. If I hadn’t pulled the trigger on a SPB143 last year, this one would have been a no brainer. Currently waiting for the Paradives to restock, or maybe troll for an Adanac on the ‘bay…
An excellent piece. Once again you have captured a thing, a place and a time in fantastic prose.
The new T-R is more than an homage, it is designed to honour a time, a place and the men who wore the originals. Like all MK II watches it is a history lesson on your wrist. I don’t own one (yet), but I will own one precisely because of that effort to honour the past in a way that is neither precious nor posing as something it is not.
Great article. The MkII s I have owned over the years have all been very well put together and great attention to detail. The old Corvus Bradleys had the moisture detectors on them. They were extremely close to the original TR-900 in appearance. But they now have soiled name.
JH keep up the great articles. I look forward to them!
But for me the elephant in the room is the lack of moisture indicator. As an obsessive over gadget-focused tool dive watches (Squale Profundus, Tudor Pelagos, Doxa SUB, etc.), when I see this dial without that creamsicle accent, my heart tells me this is a completely different watch, almost hollow by comparison. I realize it presents Mr. Yao with a challenge, and would likely be more finicky than the average buyer would bargain for... but what would those aforementioned watches be without their depth gauge, trick clasp, and dive table bezel? Just really solid divers 🥱, I guess.
Nice piece JH! I'm desperately resisting the urge to click on the links and add one of these to my already oversized collection of dive watches. Keep up the great work 🙏👏🙌
I love mine. Still the only watch I've worn since it arrived at the end of December. I've been wearing it on a grey Erika's Original strap. So comfy. The rubber strap it came with was way too big for my 6" wrist.
What I am really after for this watch is a sand/bead blasted bracelet. Can't seem to find one.
Thanks for your write-up. I've been hoping you would have something to say about this watch.
Thank you very much for this review. I’ve been wanting someone to focus on this exact topic and I can think of no one better than you for tackling it. I’ve been excitedly keeping tabs on this watch since it’s announcement but haven’t gotten one yet. In this internet era where you can’t actual touch before you buy I’ve been a bit hesitant to pull the trigger. And I’ve been down the rabbit hole of debating whether it’s a “real” TR or not. But I guess there are no Platonic ideals, especially when, as you point out, even the original was a bit of a mirage. But it looks so good in photos and I’m hearted to hear it stands up exactly the way I’d hoped it would. Gonna keep my eye out for the next release! Also, BTW, I’m enjoying my TGN grey nato on a Nodus Sector Pilot. It looks great. Keep up the excellent work!!
I was lucky enough to get one of these myself. Agree with all your statements but would add that I definitely feel the ridges on the bezel when I cross my arms wearing short sleeves. They are pretty sharp!
"go ahead and wear those others, but when you’re ready to get down to business I’ll be here waiting." 👏👏👏
Good stuff! I can second the comment on Bills tuning of the movements, my MKII is easily the most accurate mechanical watch in the quiver, maybe even better than the quartz ones. If I hadn’t pulled the trigger on a SPB143 last year, this one would have been a no brainer. Currently waiting for the Paradives to restock, or maybe troll for an Adanac on the ‘bay…
Thanks for the continued good content!
Wonderful read! It sure looks the business. I would love to see one in person/own one.
EDIT: Turns out the acrylic bezel is still an option. I may have to keep a close eye during the next pre-orders!
Jason,
An excellent piece. Once again you have captured a thing, a place and a time in fantastic prose.
The new T-R is more than an homage, it is designed to honour a time, a place and the men who wore the originals. Like all MK II watches it is a history lesson on your wrist. I don’t own one (yet), but I will own one precisely because of that effort to honour the past in a way that is neither precious nor posing as something it is not.
Cheers
JR
Great article. The MkII s I have owned over the years have all been very well put together and great attention to detail. The old Corvus Bradleys had the moisture detectors on them. They were extremely close to the original TR-900 in appearance. But they now have soiled name.
JH keep up the great articles. I look forward to them!
But for me the elephant in the room is the lack of moisture indicator. As an obsessive over gadget-focused tool dive watches (Squale Profundus, Tudor Pelagos, Doxa SUB, etc.), when I see this dial without that creamsicle accent, my heart tells me this is a completely different watch, almost hollow by comparison. I realize it presents Mr. Yao with a challenge, and would likely be more finicky than the average buyer would bargain for... but what would those aforementioned watches be without their depth gauge, trick clasp, and dive table bezel? Just really solid divers 🥱, I guess.
Nice piece JH! I'm desperately resisting the urge to click on the links and add one of these to my already oversized collection of dive watches. Keep up the great work 🙏👏🙌
As always Jason Heaton delivers!
Is this a paid post?
I love mine. Still the only watch I've worn since it arrived at the end of December. I've been wearing it on a grey Erika's Original strap. So comfy. The rubber strap it came with was way too big for my 6" wrist.
What I am really after for this watch is a sand/bead blasted bracelet. Can't seem to find one.
Thanks for your write-up. I've been hoping you would have something to say about this watch.
Jason,
Thank you very much for this review. I’ve been wanting someone to focus on this exact topic and I can think of no one better than you for tackling it. I’ve been excitedly keeping tabs on this watch since it’s announcement but haven’t gotten one yet. In this internet era where you can’t actual touch before you buy I’ve been a bit hesitant to pull the trigger. And I’ve been down the rabbit hole of debating whether it’s a “real” TR or not. But I guess there are no Platonic ideals, especially when, as you point out, even the original was a bit of a mirage. But it looks so good in photos and I’m hearted to hear it stands up exactly the way I’d hoped it would. Gonna keep my eye out for the next release! Also, BTW, I’m enjoying my TGN grey nato on a Nodus Sector Pilot. It looks great. Keep up the excellent work!!
Nicely turned review!
I was lucky enough to get one of these myself. Agree with all your statements but would add that I definitely feel the ridges on the bezel when I cross my arms wearing short sleeves. They are pretty sharp!