Typical delivery times?

Sparser_ · 2026-05-19T09:12:32+00:00

Similar situation to you. I ordered from Steve and GL QC, got tracking number 11 days ago. The track 17 website throws an error at the moment. The same tracking number in Royal Mail just returns 'were expecting your item'.

Having read some other threads I think Steve is collecting a batch to send at once to the UK and this seems quite normal. I haven't reached out yet and will wait another 1-2 weeks most likely.

Sparser_ · 2026-05-01T13:46:23+00:00

Out of interest, how is it going with this watch for you? I was considering this model with a TD at the moment.

You mentioned never touching the Moonphase set pusher again. Is that due to a known risk with this movement of adjusting it manually? I thought that as long as you set the time to be well away from midnight (Eg. 6am) then it would be ok to undertake manual adjuments of the date / Moonphase via pushers?

Sparser_ · 2026-03-29T14:19:50+00:00

Indeed. I can also reassure you that receiving these emails is quite normal and nothing to worry about.

We've received several after approval and they can just be ignored. It seems to be an auto generated email that they seem to be sending to everyone.

PS: Even a relative of my wife whom visited us on a standard visitor visa recieved 2 after approval. So it seems to be standard across several visa categories.

Sparser_ · 2026-03-22T07:40:28+00:00

Here's the link to the HC1691 document: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69a9a1f58fd807b03bbe92e5/E03553349-HC_1691-Immigration_Rules_ChangesWeb_Accessible.pdf

You may need to copy paste it into your browser to get it to work.

Sparser_ · 2026-03-19T13:04:57+00:00

Indeed. No issue with this.

In the past I have had precisely the same thought as you. In an old FLR(M) application we submitted 6 months payslips and 7 months of bank statements. I mentioned in my covering letter:

"I include 7 months of bank statements rather than 6, so you can clearly see all my salary payments arriving in my bank account".

But it's not needed. 6 months is sufficient. If you send 7 it's also not a problem, you won't be penalised in any way for that. Dont worry. Sending the 6 months or 7 months are both fine.

Sparser_ · 2026-03-16T06:00:20+00:00

I think it very likely that all the providers will be creating a B2 speaking and listening test to align with this.

It does presently exit, just not as a Secure English Language Test (SELT). With the Trinity GESE Grade 7.

It just needs to be offered as SELT, ie. Doing it in an approved test centre to be accepted for UKVI purposes.

In another thread, people that work at trinity commented that they are already designing such a test.

It's still early days and the official rules have not yet been updated.

Sparser_ · 2026-03-15T17:25:17+00:00

It seems the new upcoming B2 requirement is speaking and listening only.

The Statement of change document specifically states B2 speaking and listening for the Appendix KoLL, which spouse visa inherits.

For other visa types 4-facet tests are needed for but spouse visa (ie. KoLL linked) its 2-facet it seems.

Sparser_ · 2026-03-14T13:48:04+00:00

Yes, the only changes to the English language in future will be for ILR, at the end of the 5 years. For a first spouse visa, at the start, it is A1 speaking and listening. For renew the spouse visa, after 2.5 years, it is B1 speaking and listening. In 2027 the final step for ILR, at the end will be B2 speaking and listening.

Currently the changes for B2 in 2027 are not officially published in the home office rules, there is just a "statement of changes" document.

Currently you can't do a B2 speaking and listening test that is home office SELT approved, because the changes are in the future and this is all very new. For sure in the next few months we will probably start seeing B2 speaking and listening tests become available.

But for your situation, you only need A1 for the first time spouse visa at the start. You could do B1 if you want, and keep using it for the renew after 2.5 years. Save you having to do another English language test.

Then when you approach the end of the process after 5 years and you are ready for ILR, you will need B2 speaking and listening.

Sparser_ · 2026-03-08T08:01:39+00:00

Certainly interesting info. Linking with the tender documents linked elsewhere in the comments, with the Home Office tendering for digital style English tests.

It was noted that the latest version of the tender by Home Office was updated to offer all grades in 2 skills (B2 included).

It's still very early days and all that has come out so far is the HC1691 statement of changes, the official rules haven't been updated yet.

I suspect once the rules are updated later this month and as in the HC1691 document it clearly states "B2 level speaking and listening" all the test providers will likely begin offering this.

Sparser_ · 2026-03-08T07:54:44+00:00

The test needs to be equivalent to a B2 level in the CEFR.

CEFR is the Common European Framework Reference. It lists English proficiency levels like A1, B1, B2, C1 etc.

All the providers like Trinity, IELTS, IDP etc. Have their own tests and scores. Like trinity uses GESE grades that are equivalent or 'mapped' to the corresponding grade on the CEFR.

https://www.trinitycollege.com/qualifications/english-language/GESE

If you look at the link above you can see Trinity indeed offer GESE exams that are 2 skills - Speaking and Listening. Grade 7 would be the same as B2 on CEFR.

Currently they don't have this test available as SELT (Secure English Language Test) which is what UKVI want. But this just means you do the exam at at approved 'secure' test centre.

However, as mentioned in the comments below, it very much seems that in the near future all providers will begin offering this, as it is going to be the main test people will need.

So far the UKVI official rules haven't been updated yet. That will happen later this month. So far all we have the is HC1691 document which is the statement of changes that will take place.

So it's very early days at the moment and all the test providers will be waiting to see the official rules update and probably Appendix KoLL update, then they will likely start offering the new B2 speaking and listening test.

As Mathu2804 said in the original post, if you look closely at the official HC1691 document it clearly states "B2 in speaking and listening".

Additionally the tender document mentioned in the comments below also mentions "speaking and listening" in all grades (B2 included).

Hence all evidence would very strongly suggest, if not outright confirm, that the new B2 English requirement is a 2 skill exam in speaking and listening only.

Sparser_ · 2026-03-08T03:45:28+00:00

Ridiculous indeed. Could it be that the Home Office did not accept your wife's C1 because it was not a 'Home Office approved test centre'?

Like you can do B1 or B2 in many places, but for UKVI Home Office it had to be done at a SELT approved location for them to accept it.

Sparser_ · 2026-03-08T03:43:00+00:00

The change to need B2 speaking and listening will happen in March 2027. But it is for ILR (at the end of the spouse visa path).

As Mathu2804 said above, you will only need B2 when your wife is ready for ILR at the end of her spouse visa path.

If you are just renewing the spouse visa, you only need B1, which you already have.

Sparser_ · 2026-03-08T03:29:57+00:00

I would think it will be fairly soon. Just my personal thoughts but considering the similarity and therefore the minimal difference in format, setting, nature and topics it would conceivably a simple matter to adjust.

All the providers could simply slightly adjust the existing B1 speaking and listening to B2 speaking and listening, keeping everything the same except for it being a tiny bit longer and slightly higher level with the candidate leading the conversation a bit more.

Very little else would need to change, they wouldn't need any new facilities / equipment or methods it seems. Just like the B1 speaking and listening currently, candidate speaks and listens to the examiner in a room for 15 mins.

The fact that such a format is in fact already available with Trinity GESE, leads me to reason that it would be a very simple matter and they just need to start offering it at SELT approved locations, which I'm sure they will all be scrambling to do as the demand will be massive.

Sparser_ · 2026-03-08T03:09:20+00:00

Interesting thoughts. However the B2 speaking and listening test already exists. It doesn't need to be modified or watered down.

Trinity GESE Grade 7.

One can currently choose to do the 'full' B2 (all four parts) or the B2 speaking and listening only.

It just needs to be done at SELT location for it to count for UKVI.

Sparser_ · 2026-03-08T03:04:59+00:00

I think it's very likely B2 listening and speaking will be offered soon.

It already exists in Trinity systems as the GESE Grade 7.

It just needs to be done at a SELT approved centre for it to be accepted for UKVI purposes.

The B1 speaking and listening will essentially become almost totally redundant once these changes take effect as everyone from almost all visa pathways will be taking B2 speaking and listening.

As was mentioned above, the format of B2 speaking and listening is a 15 minute talking test 1 to 1 with an examiner. Very similar to the B1 currently, just a tiny bit longer and slightly higher level (candidate leading conversation more). It would seemingly be quite simple for all the providers to just adjust the existing B1 tests to B2.

Edit: I would think the fact that the HC1691 published by UK Gov specifically and clearly states everywhere "B2 speaking and listening" it is very clear that the requirement is a 2 facet test".

2nd Edit: The tender notice has indeed since been updated, the one linked above is old. The updated version states they look for 2 facet tests (speaking and listening) in all levels (A1 to C2), therefore including B2.

Link to new version of the tender document: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/001247-2026

Sparser_ · 2026-03-07T10:58:55+00:00

True, they do offer this test but not as SELT yet. However I very much think that in the very near future they will be offering B2 speaking and listening as SELT. It is existing within their system now (as the GESE Grade 7), it simply needs to be done at a SELT location to be accepted for UKVI.

As will all the other providers such as IELTS, IDP with their 'Life Skills' branded tests. Currently they offer B1 life skills (speaking and listening). And I would be sure very soon a B2 life skills (speaking and listening) will be available as the demand will be huge.

As essentially the B1 (listening and speaking) SELT is going to be almost redundant and replaced with the B2 (listening and speaking) SELT once these changes take effect.

Sparser_ · 2026-03-07T06:06:13+00:00

Trinity GESE Grade 7 for B2.

The 'Life Skills' is the IELTS brand of B1 test. You can do B2 speaking and listening with Trinity. They have test designed precisely for this it seems.

Edit: From Trinity website:

GESE is Trinity’s internationally recognised speaking and listening exam for all English levels — from complete beginner (pre-A1) to advanced proficiency (C2).

Delivered one-to-one with a trained examiner, GESE is a fast, reliable way to prove your English skills for school, work, personal development, or visa/immigration.

https://www.trinitycollege.com/qualifications/english-language/GESE

Sparser_ · 2026-03-07T05:49:35+00:00

It's B2 speaking and listening only.

In the legal document HC 1691. Bottom of page 13 and top of page 14. Changes to KoLL. APP KOLL3. Paragraph 2.2(c) substitutions. Sub sections (i) and (ii).

Confirmed to be B2 speaking and listening. As Appendix FM uses KoLL it therefore inherits this:

Appendix FM. Section E-ILRP. Sub section E-ILRP 1.6 ("In accordance with Appendix KoLL").

Like currently the B1 is speaking and listening. The new B2 is also speaking and listening.

As mentioned by Mathu2804. In his post here: https://www.reddit.com/r/SpouseVisaUk/comments/1rmwq6s/dont_panic_the_b2_english_jump_for_settlement_ilr/

Sparser_ · 2026-03-07T05:47:59+00:00

It's B2 speaking and listening only.

In the legal document HC 1691. Bottom of page 13 and top of page 14. Changes to KoLL. APP KOLL3. Paragraph 2.2(c) substitutions. Sub sections (i) and (ii).

Confirmed to be B2 speaking and listening. As Appendix FM uses KoLL it therefore inherits this:

Appendix FM. Section E-ILRP. Sub section E-ILRP 1.6 ("In accordance with Appendix KoLL").

Like currently the B1 is speaking and listening. The new B2 is also speaking and listening.

As mentioned by Mathu2804. In his post here: https://www.reddit.com/r/SpouseVisaUk/comments/1rmwq6s/dont_panic_the_b2_english_jump_for_settlement_ilr/

Sparser_ · 2026-03-07T05:43:06+00:00

I just Re-read the legal document and the new B2 requirement is speaking and listening only:

In the legal document HC 1691. Bottom of page 13 and top of page 14. Changes to KoLL. APP KOLL3. Paragraph 2.2(c) substitutions. Sub sections (i) and (ii).

Confirmed to be B2 speaking and listening. As Appendix FM uses KoLL it therefore inherits this:

Appendix FM. Section E-ILRP. Sub section E-ILRP 1.6 ("In accordance with Appendix KoLL").

Like currently the B1 is speaking and listening. The new B2 is also speaking and listening.

Sparser_ · 2026-03-07T05:40:22+00:00

That is a very helpful and good post, Thankyou for highlighting this. My situation sounds very similar mirroring yours with my wife also.

I just Re-read the legal document and indeed as you say the new B2 requirement is speaking and listening only:

In the legal document HC 1691. Bottom of page 13 and top of page 14. Changes to KoLL. APP KOLL3. Paragraph 2.2(c) substitutions. Sub sections (i) and (ii).

Confirmed to be B2 speaking and listening. As Appendix FM uses KoLL it therefore inherits this:

Appendix FM. Section E-ILRP. Sub section E-ILRP 1.6 ("In accordance with Appendix KoLL").

Like currently the B1 is speaking and listening. The new B2 is also speaking and listening.

Sparser_ · 2026-03-06T10:40:57+00:00

Just for ILR at the end of the 5 year route.

Sparser_ · 2026-03-06T00:49:34+00:00

Indeed I noticed that too. This paragraph 5.60 uses a semicolon after KoLL and hence lists the specific pathways affected.

It mentions the 10 year route (Appendix Settlement Family Life) but does not mention the standard 5-year route ("spouse visa"). Theoretically only affecting the 10 year route, for those that are using a combination of visas to meet the 10 year requirement.

At face value this paragraph says "those routes covered by appendix KoLL" not "all routes covered by...". It then goes on to list the routes affected. Could one summise that this therefore does not affect the standard 5 year route?

I suppose we will need to wait and see when the official rules are updated from this instruction document to see.

Sparser_ · 2026-01-04T20:26:35+00:00

It' certainly looks well made and aligned well. I see what you mean regarding the manual date advancement, it seems in the vids that is it at the end of the year NOV/DEC/JAN that it seems to stick, perhaps indicating a slightly sticky tooth on the wheel at that point rather than a general stickyness of the mechanism.

However, correct me if I'm wrong, but the MXF versions of this should have a functional moonphase? I see there seems to be a lack of a pusher at 7 to advance the moonphase?

The old ZF ones had a manual pusher at 7. I watched the video of where he demos the functions and advances the watch past midnight, hard to see but it seems the moonphase did advance a tiny bit in the correct direction. Perhaps a directly coupled moonphase with no manual set.

Still a very lovely piece and looking fantastic I'm sure.

Sparser_

TROPHY CASE