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For a long time I've been searching for a good comparison of genuine v replica parts without much success so I decided to take some pictures of my own parts so others wondering the same can see in detail. To begin with, I'd have to say that the IWC 3714 replica is very good. Sure it has movement problems but nothing that can't be fixed with a genuine movement. In order to fit a genuine movement the case must be milled slightly. When it comes to colour choice, the black face/black subdial and black face/white subdial (panda) certianly have the advantage as the black colour is a lot easier to replicate. The 3714-14 (Silver face, blue numerals) is the least accurate I believe. In saying that, it's still quite good but side by side the difference is easy to spot. The rep has a sparkly silver flake though it where as the genuine item is a basic flat silver. The biggest flaws with the 3714 replica in my opinion are the subdials - the texture of the grooves is too defined, and the numbers on the main dial - they are not smooth on the edges like the genuine and looking closely they are clearly stuck on and not finished as cleanly with colour as the genuine. Other minor flaws (and now I'm being very particular) are the print on the tachometer ring - it is not as crisp as the gen. The replica tachometer ring also meets the dial flush. The genuine ring does not, it's has a step/facet of about 1mm. The other minor flaw is the printed "IWC Schaffhausen" and "Chronograph Automatic" text is slightly different on the rep. One thing to note is that the genuine tachometer ring requires slight modification in order to fit the rep case. One thing that is near perfect is the hands, I think they are as good as the genuine item though I noticed with mine that there are slight flaws with the finish and for this reason, I am using gen hands also. I haven't bothered with a replacement strap yet but the rep is horrible. It looks cheap and nasty and should be the first thing replaced on any 3714 rep. The caseback also needs to be brushed in the centre to match the gen but this is also a very easy fix. I'm replacing the replica old style fish crown with a genuine new style Probus Scafusia crown. Many people say that the replica crown is fine but the genuine crown is slightly different where it meets the case, it tapers slightly and the teeth are also slightly different and more defined on the gen. A 7750 winding stem and tube is required to fit the genuine crown. Ultimately I'd love to source a genuine case with crystal and pushers etc but this doesn't seem possible like the 3717 so for now a good double AR on the rep crystal and a brushed caseback will have to do. If genuine cases become available in the future I'll go 100% gen. I hope you find this post informative

I'm just going to give a 'small' review of the 42mm and 45mm Ceramic Planet Ocean reps. There is a lot to cover with these and I'm sure there will be comparisons next to the gen in the coming weeks. I'll let those who have lived with the gen for a while give a more thorough comparison and correct any errors here. Mainly I'll just give a rundown of the rep quality with some comparisons to gen, and also how is fits in with the current quality of reps and the old PO reps. The Gens 45mm and 42mm. These don't need much of an introduction, anybody who has any interest in Planet Oceans will have heard all about them by now. 42mm Gen 45mm Gen The Reps 45mm and 42mm Reps 45mm 42mm 42mm (next 6) Down to the Details: The Bezels: The bezels themselves are pretty solid with good feedback on each click. The teeth are pretty accurate to gen. The gen finishing is probably a little more refined on the coin edge but these are pretty well replicated. The bezel inserts seem pretty good in colour and texture. Correct colour as gen. It's difficult to see in photos but the 45mm bezel seems to have a little more attention to detail in the numbers, with them being closer together and more compact as gen. The 42mm seems a little more spread out (bigger gap between the 4 and 0 for instance) and the 5 in 50 just seems a little too big for the 0. It is minimal but it is there. It could be a little neater on the 42mm. We'll get onto the pearl later 42mm 45mm The Dials: Both dials are very nice, the 45mm has a little bit more attention to detail again in the logos and markers than the 42mm. There isn't much in the difference, but the 45mm has slightly cleaner and crisper cut to the hour markers. The hour markers on the gen have a slightly bevelled edging with the 45mm having a slightly steeper bevelling than the 42mm. This is replicated pretty well on the reps, the 45mm has the edge in the slightly sharper cut markers and lume infill than the 42mm. The dial itself on the gen is almost black grainy matte finish. The reps are matte black/charcoal, a little bit more drab than the gen, they lack that very slight pop that the heavier matte grain gives on the gen but again it's close. Omega lettering is simply better on the 45mm rep, it has a much more accurate to gen shape and size, the 42mm seems to be a bit blocky/bulky with the bulkier O being the main standout. It's thicker than the gen or the 45mm rep. Why this is I do not know, since the gen 45mm and 42mm share the same logo/lettering size. They could've just used the logo from the 45mm rep!.... but again these are very small parts, nobody is going to really notice unless examining closely. No happy feet this time on either, except for the odd one that escaped into the wild during QC. The hands seem accurate, it had been mentioned at one stage that the 42mm had a slightly too long hour hand. I'm not so sure, I've examined gen pics again and it is minimal if it is, certainly less than a mm. It isn't noticeable at all. The dial print quality is pretty good, with the 'Seamaster' lettering in red and the print of the other lettering being crisp and clear. The Datewheel. The windows are accurate, with the 42mm having no chamfer and closer to the 3 marker, the 45mm has the correct chamfered edging and is spaced correctly. The date wheel itself is slightly off the gen. Font is correct, it is a touch too weak though and is white on black, the gen being a raised glossy silver on black. Not a massive difference but still could be better. Gen dials: Gen 45mm Gen 42mm Rep dials: 42mm Rep 45 mm Rep 45mm 42mm 42mm 45mm 42mm The Case and Caseback: The case on both 45mm and 42mm is pretty accurate, the brushing lines and polishing lines on the case are probably not as crisp cut as gen but not too much of a difference. The case sizes are pretty close to gen in height. I don’t have a calliper close by to measure but doing it the crude way the 42mm rep is about 16mm in height and the 45mm is 17mm in height. The gens are 15.7mm and 16.5mm respectively. Just to note the 42mm wears fairly tall, this is a similar case to the gen which when comparing to the old PO is almost top heavy. Gen Case and LHS Rep Case and LHS Gen Case and RHS Rep Case and RHS The crown/He are fairly accurately sized and finished this time. The 45mm crown being wider but less tall than the 42mm, as is the case on the gen. Also the markings on the He and crown are fairly accurate. What is more concerning is while the 45mm crown screwdown felt really solid with about 8-10 half turns, both 42mm didn't, with about 2 half turns on the silver 42mm and 3 half turns on the red 42mm. Why is this something that could possibly be a concern later?? Well anyone who is familiar with the older PO's, specifically the 42mm V5 will be aware that the tubes were really prone to stripping. I certainly hope this isn't the case here, but these 42mm screwdowns have a striking resemblance in feel to the old version. Not the best, considering most reps I've tried recently were substantially better in this regard. The caseback is a strange one, I'm very happy with the rotor, I'm not too fussed about the eta 2836 masquerading as an 8500. The 8500 is obviously a masterpiece of design and finishing. We have nothing in the rep world that can compete with it on any level. The rep looks pretty good when viewing it through the display window, it's never going to pass for gen, but the rotor Geneve waves and engraving look pretty cool. The liquid metal on the 45mm caseback was a mistake, and adjuste dto fiye' on the movement holder was interesting, but again this is something which can barely be seen with the caseback on, and then only if you are really looking for it. In truth, these are minor issues, the front of the watch is much more important. Gen Caseback Rep The Bracelet and clasp: The bracelet has some very good and very bad aspects. Good are the endlinks which are very nicely cut and fit snugly to the case. The screwed links are are great and feel pretty good quality surprisingly. I was sure I'd strip one or two during resizing but they actually screwed in pretty well and felt pretty close to those on my gen AT. Time will tell if the threads hold out and it might also be a good idea to use some threadlocker if using the bracelet long term. The clasp doesn't jump out at me as being great quality, it's rather crudly cut and in some way almost feels cheaper than the rest of the bracelet. One of the 42mm clasps will not stay closed, the other 42mm is more solid and works fine. The 45mm clasp seems a little more solidly built. Gen Bracelet: Rep Bracelet: The clasp: The clasp engravings aren’t the best. On the gen the 42mm is obviously a little thinner than on the 45mm. On the reps the engravings are a little shoddy, with the 45mm being engraved too deep, but still looks good. The 42mm is too shallow and not bold enough. Gen 42mm Clasp: Gen 45mm Clasp: Rep clasps: The AR, Pearl and Lume: The AR on the 42mm is unusually good for a rep, it’s actually pretty close to my old gen 2500 caliber PO. Maybe just a slight bit less transparent, but it is very low on reflections and it looks to be some of the best AR I’ve seen on a rep. The gen has a slightly more bluish tint but it is close. I’m not sure how durable the 42mm AR will be long term but it certainly looks the part. This above makes it all the more perplexing as to why the 45mm then has no AR at all or very very minimal inner AR. I’m still trying to make out what it is! On some views it looks to have a very slight bluish tint on the inner part of the crystal. That could be just reflections from the gasket though. Either way, the 45mm AR is non existant. It is neither close to gen or even the 42mm rep. I’m not even going to speculate as to what happened in this case. I’m sure the details will come out in time but it is something that needs to be corrected. Rep 42mm Rep 45mm Comparing AR The pearl: The pearl is better centred than it used to be, at least on the 45mm it is. On the 42mm it still has a tendency to be a little lowish in the triangle but they are both a huge improvement over old PO’s. It’s still a little too big in diameter vs gen and is more flush to bezel in some cases than others. The better placement itself just improves the look immensely. The Lume: The lume is pretty good actually, I’m sure the strenght on full charge is not as intense as the gen but they’ve done a pretty good job, with the correct lume colours in the right places. The addition of the good AR and superlume helps make the dial pop much better than the previous PO. Gen Lume: Rep Lume vs Old gen PO Some thoughts and conclusions: Overall this is a nice rep with some great features such as screwed links and good endlinks, AR and superlume, but it is let down by just a lack of attention to detail that could have made it a fantastic Omega rep. The missing AR on the 45mm and the clasps, and some dial/bezel details on the 42mm could have been improved prior to release. It’s still a great purchase and no doubt many will be very happy with it. For the price it has a great deal of features that you’ll be hard pushed to find outside of the rep world. I guess the newer reps on release in the past year with finer attention to detail and better finishing have raised the bar significantly. This doesn’t quite reach those heights but is still good value for money and looks a quality piece on the wrist.

Hi Folks, i have a small wrist and would like a PAM to fit it. I like the look and style of the 127 "Fiddy"; but want something in a smaller style. I do't know too much about PAM's ...so your sugesstions would be gladly appreciated to help me decide.. thanks, JT

just picked this back up today on behalf of my dad, he sent it off for a full restoration and a week later was admitted to hospital with flu, turns out a very bad strain of flu that has attacked his lungs and left him on life support...not the best start to the year. i just picked it back up today, and before it goes back on his wrist to be with him whatever happens thought id share some pics. originally from 1999 it had a badly faded and worn bezel, faded second hand and dial lume was abit off, 2 scratches and a few scuffs on the crystal and the case and bracelet wear a mess at best...whats amazing is that it had only had 2 battery changes from new... anyway heres what was done-complete case and bracelet refinish, new bezel assembly, new crystal and gasket, new dial and hands, movement service, battery change and re-seal, clasp spring replaced...i was stunned when i opended the pouch and seen its new form! its sad to think my dad may not see it as new again, but atleast now its gonna be on his wrist where it belongs heres the new looking 13 year old seamaster, enjoy a great job i reckon on a modern classic, and fingers crossed it will have a happy impact when my dad feels it on his wrist sorry about the kinda unhappy post, but my dad loves watches as much as us all and would love to show off this piece, cheers and thanks for reading, bamcky2k

Wow, there are some really nice vtg Rolex pieces here! BUND (Luftwaffe) Heuer with the stunningly accurate Valjoux Flyback Cal. 230 mov't

If I can stretch to it, I may get both

its the review by cougar, http://www.rwgforum.net/topic/156184-ceramic-planet-ocean-review-42mm-and-45mm-pic-heavy/ makes for a great read and loads of fantastic pics to make you want one!

theres a great comparison review on the 42 and 45 on this forum, look it up in the omega section, theres good and bad points on both that have been covered in previous threads

Non-descript and subtle...

Phong is travelling at the moment. You could always send them a message through ebay: world_time_inc_online

When I went to my current job interview, my boss was wearing a horrible PO rep. I was wearing my gen PO, and he instantly noticed it, he didn't know that I noticed it as well. He then put on a jacket and hid the watch. Luckily, that didn't hurt my chances, but since then he doesn't wear a watch anymore. I never talked about it since then as well, but he keeps complimenting me on my watches...

did you buy the watch from me ? Or did you buy it from someone else? I did own the watch, and sold it. If you go back and read the sales post, it clearly states that the watch has a Clark crystal. Here is the link to my sales post. http://www.rwgforum.net/topic/127021-sold-wm9bk-16610-v3-modded-and-genuine-parts/?hl=%2Bwm9+%2B16610#entry923139 . If you bought it from me, you should have known it had a Clark crystal. If you bought it from someone else after I sold it, The crystal could be a genuine, or maybe not? I believe that you should do your research and look up the old posts before you start accusing anyone of cheating you. I went back and looked through my old messages, it was sold to another member a couple of years ago, so I cannot say what crystal is on the watch now. However, when you use one of my old posts and use the context that you used, "previous owner", I believe that you should have clarified that while I was a previous owner, It was not sold by me to you.

Brought out an ol' friend for the day...

This really drives me mental. I used to park as far away from the entrance as possible and take up two spaces. Worked well until I started getting tickets from the car park operator for not parking correctly!! Aaaargh!

Here's my solution, I park really really REALLY far from the doors.

I am a 61 year old retired military officer with 38 years of service, Your question/scenario is insulting, moronic, and of no purpose at all. If you think for one moment that I don't recognize racism when I see it, you are sorely mistaken. The FACTS show the racist statements/scenarios to be wrong.,

Sixxxxxxx! Welcome back buddy! Long time no hear from! Glad to have you back!

Welcome back 6, what you are trying to achieve with that site is (as someone already said) inspirational. Ken

Nice to have you back S! Thanks for sharing the website with us. Great little read and great cause too!

I just sent Hike a message yesterday asking about you S. So good to hear from you bro. Please stick around. Mike

Very ambitious and commendable Sixx. Glad to see you back on RWG