[Dean_Clevername]

I'm sure most of you got the email. Screenshot below. GMT? Carry over of the12hr bezel throws me off a bit, as does the orange tip that looks just like the current seconds hand... Could just be a new new cosmetic variant. But a sneak peak of an orange hand usually signals GMT...

Would be amazing if MK II were early adopters of the Miyota 9075 flyer movement. Anyone headed to the show tomorrow?

 

[TheMeasure]

I’m bummed I can’t make it this year to WindUp.

I saw the email as well. I’m guessing that’s an orange tipped second hand and while it’s a different dial layout, still probably a 3-hander Paradive running the NE15 inside. Could be wrong through.

I also thought the Paradive had moved under the Tornek brand?

Hoping anyone who goes can snap and share some photos for us here.

Cheers!

 

[alangloi]

After viewing the (new) YouTube of the Miyota 9075 GMT with the "jumping" hour hand: it appears that this new feature (on the Miyota 9075 movement) is for setting the (hour) time. Something I have never actually had much of a problem with. I was thinking the new Paradive variant might have a ceramic bezel or a multi-beat second quartz movement. (Note: I like my automatic NE15 Paradives.) From my limited observation a GMT watch would have a 24 hour bezel and the teaser shows a 12 hour bezel. Hopefully someone will spill the beans tomorrow.

 

[Darwin]

I was hoping for a Type II dial in a Paradive... don't really see the new MKII variant as being a GMT model as I don't see Bill switching to Miyota and I would expect that he'll wait for a true GMT based on the 6R15 (could happen!) rather than going with the NH34.

Like TheMeasure, I'm a bit confused by the strange decision to re-introduce a MKII Paradive after the move to Tornek-Rayville, which will result in Paradives being sold under each label. No skin off my nose, but I'm sure there will be those who take issue with it.

 

[Dean_Clevername]

Yall are probably right about it being a 3 hander. If that's the case, then I'm still excited to see Bill putting more of his own stamp on the design of dial and hands.

Agree about the confusing move regarding MKII vs Tornek for the Paradive. I could see rationale for them being sold under either label, but both doesn't seem to make much sense to me. Not the end of the world though

 

[extrasmall]

The clue is in the flyer surely? MKII Paradive ‘new’ - limited quantities available
hopefully its. Ore like backwater in size.

 

[TheMeasure]

Here’s the latest variation of the Paradive posted in the WRUW thread. Has some Seafighter Ploprof vibes to it. I’m digging it.

Just came back from the Windup watch fair in NYC. Bill was a class act as always.
So happy to pick up his latest creation.

 

[extrasmall]

Ouch. Not sure I share your enthusiasm on that! But thanks for the share, I’ll head over to that thread..

 

[Darwin]

It's got a Sinn vibe to it that I don't find unattractive...

 

[alangloi]

After looking at the posted photos, re: New MKII Paradive: it has the same case design of the old Paradive, the same bezel/insert as the old Paradive, the hr/min hands almost looks the same, although with a orange colored second hand. Hard to tell about the crystal, whether it's the standard double dome, or the crystal design went flat much like Seiko/Captain Willard. Only thing totally NEW with the design (that I can see) would be the dial.

Certainly offers competition/design choice now: MKII Paradive vs TR Paradive. Which is a good thing!

 

[LosAngelesTimer]

But can you actually buy one? The answer for anything associated with Yao is almost always a resounding, “Nope!”

 

[alangloi]

But can you actually buy one? The answer for anything associated with Yao is almost always a resounding, “Nope!”

To buy one you need to "Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates". And be prepare to order when the sales window opens (i.e. be signed into their website before the sales window open). Generally the MKII website and the TR website gives ample notice via their email updates/news of an upcoming sales opportunity (both date and time for their "Ready To Wear" line), the only exception may have been with the SPD X MKII Paradive / Prometheus Design release. And that only because I lost my Instagram password and have never been able to access Instagram again. (Not that I wanted that one, I prefer unadorned dials, all things being equal.) And a good deal of patience helps in these current times.

 

[LosAngelesTimer]

To buy one you need to "Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates". And be prepare to order when the sales window opens (i.e. be signed into their website before the sales window open). Generally the MKII website and the TR website gives ample notice via their email updates/news of an upcoming sales opportunity (both date and time for their "Ready To Wear" line), the only exception may have been with the SPD X MKII Paradive / Prometheus Design release. And that only because I lost my Instagram password and have never been able to access Instagram again. (Not that I wanted that one, I prefer unadorned dials, all things being equal.) And a good deal of patience helps in these current times.

After all that explanation, the fact remains that buying a watch from Yao is a royal pain in the keister. His “ready to wear” line was an attempt to address this but sadly, they’re almost never “ready to buy.” I’ve tried a handful of times and eventually gave up. There are too many other options out there.

The “in these difficult times” excuse only works if the availability issues actually began “in these difficult times.” In in reality, they existed long before.

I know Yao has his acolytes and advocates but I find his way of doing business to be needlessly frustrating.

 

[TheMeasure]

A couple more pics I found on IG.

 

[TheMeasure]

After looking at the posted photos, re: New MKII Paradive: it has the same case design of the old Paradive, the same bezel/insert as the old Paradive, the hr/min hands almost looks the same, although with a orange colored second hand. Hard to tell about the crystal…

I think everything is the same except for the dial and hands.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Dean_Clevername]

After all that explanation, the fact remains that buying a watch from Yao is a royal pain in the keister. His “ready to wear” line was an attempt to address this but sadly, they’re almost never “ready to buy.” I’ve tried a handful of times and eventually gave up. There are too many other options out there.

The “in these difficult times” excuse only works if the availability issues actually began “in these difficult times.” In in reality, they existed long before.

I know Yao has his acolytes and advocates but I find his way of doing business to be needlessly frustrating.

Frustrating, sure. But it's not like this isn't a frustration seen elsewhere in the industry, from both very large and small brands.

Bill sells everything he makes. And I doubt he can scale up production without decreasing quality or increasing his headcount (bodies are big overhead), so it is what it is. Many of the small brands who put out quality product face similar issues too. I'm not really sure there is anything practical that can be done without adding disproportionate risk to the brand themselves. These guys aren't Seiko, and that's part of the appeal. Yema is a small brand who has seemingly endless stock, but when you hold the product in your hands it feels cheaply mass produced. I wouldn't want that for MKII or other small brands.

I'm not a MKII apologist. I think their communication could use a lot of improvement. But that doesn't solve your frustration of how long it takes to get the watch on your wrist

 

[TheMeasure]

For those interested.

 

[Semper Jeep]

What's that old adage about a sucker born every minute? Well, I'm one of them.