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Heroes just for one Day,The Zigmeister Stardust, Major Tom, The Man who fell to Earth, David Bowie was around in some decisive, some good, some sad moments of my life and will be remembered as one of the great ones in Music and Art. Able to transmit feelings and inspiration, very versatile with totally different styles. RIP

History of the REP IWC Portuguese 7 Days 5001: In 2008 the REP Maker came out with the first generation of IWC Portuguese 7 Days (Ref : 5001). This version was not even close to the GEN 5001 as the Sub-dial spacing was too close, sunken date, the No: 4, Movements plate, prints, etc etc etc. After 7 years of waiting, in AUG 2015 ZF and YL join forces to research and developed a new movement which elevate the REP IWC 5001 to another level. They bought GEN and spent many months doing research to make the best IWC 5001 and finally they've succeeded. This blows a lots of people mind on how possible this 7 days movement can be replicated because this movements was build in-house by IWC and have taken watchmaker many years of research and study. Here you go, year 2015 is the year of IWC and not only the 5001 but also other great IWC rep from ZF and YL. By having this movement repped, it opens up lots of opportunities on IWC model such as Annual Calendar (IW5035). Following are the first model from 2008 : IWC 7 Days (5001) details specifications : - YL and ZF are making these, same movement. YL Released it first, ZF will take times to perfect it. ETA OCT 15 PR = 3 Days (Working PR Subdial) (72 hrs - been tested and confirmed by many owners) Price est : $350 Size : 42mm x 14mm Strap : 22/18mm Length : 135/55mm (deployant) Movement is collaboration of YL and ZF (Base on Asian 23J automatic movement) Spare Parts might not be available Low production capacity Model : White/Gold, Laureus, White/Blue, Black/Black, Ardoise, Panda. Comparison ZF and YL 50 01 These info are gathered from Forums, users and personal findings online. I will update this table from time to time when new information available. Credit to all contributors. PM me if you have any info to add regarding this specific IWC 5001 Comparison (ZF and YL) ZFYLPRODial Colour – Yellowish (Same like GEN) Rotor – Better looking Case – Same dimension to Gen Printing – Wording on ZF looks close to GenHands – Better finish Case – Maybe on V3unknownSubdial – more reflective Numerical Crook (misaligned) Fonts - IWC Schaffhausen (not same as 5001) but maybe same as 5007 Price – ZF more expensive Crown – Pushed in fullySubdial – less reflective Numerical Crook (misaligned) Fonts - IWC Schaffhausen (not same as 5001) but maybe same as 5007 Price – YL Cheaper Crown – Cannot pushed in fullyCONRotor movement noisy Hands – Not as good as YLDial colour – too White Rotor – different than Gen Rotor movement noisy Crown – Cannot pushed in fully Printing – Not as good as ZFSTRAPS DETAILS : - (Credit to GenTLe (RWG)) Many was asking if Curved End strap can be installed in 5001 like in 5007 model. Yes, they can but you will find a big gap when using curved end strap because 5007 have closer lug holes to the case than 5001. (comparison below, straight vs curved strap) You decide which one best suite you! ZF & YL NEW MOVEMENT DECORATION (27/11/15) Comparison of new movement : - (ZF Estimate End of DEC out) YL already out - called V4. ZF new movement deco is closer to Gen. There are differences between the two new plate if you look closely. YL movement decoZF movement deco YL movement deco Sorry, this is YL V5!! (Not V4) - same as everyone, can't keep up with YL anymore.GEN vs ZF V2 Comparison : - ZF V2 has removed the centre movement (circle in RED) and improve the whole plate to mimic the gen. In Red in what improvement in ZF V2.This bit of plate is very close to GEN includes the marking.Top movement compare : - 1) Added IWC marking 2) Correct side with markings 3) Fixed escapement wheel beneath the longitudinal structure of the splint screw (still slightly different than Gen but lots of correction been made) 4) Copper plate fixing similar to GenBottom movement compare : - 1) 3 wheels alignment changed, closer to Gen. 2) Marking on the side similar to Gen. 3) Copper bit fixing plate location similar to Gen. Link = Dial Measurements from Master DOMI (credit to Sharrkey)Colour Difference : Rotor Difference : Fonts Details : There are two version of Gen 7 Days (5001 - Pre 2014 and 5007 - Post 2014) I won't get into comparison between the two but what I want to point out was the Fonts of these two was different. Therefore I think ZF and YL are more on the 5001 dial/ fonts.(Credit to rhc22, sub007 and Ruski91)Black Dial Comparison : (Credit to diaby2afc)Gen dial - more glossy Rep dial - more matte subdials: rep is more reflectiveLaureus GEN vs ZF vs YL Note: Not all GEN are pointing at 12 O'clock direction so this is just a REF. Most complete comparison of Laureus, credit to 小陳玩复刻 Movement Details : ETA uses a type of ball bearing automatic disc on the gear structure, the gear structure is currently used by the vast majority of the watch, the durability of this structure is very positive, but not very on gear efficiency. Seiko magic Lever is a hook jaw which cannot be compared. So - On Gen, more than 10 hours to be worn over to get to full wind, and REP i guess it takes more than 20 hours of normal wear to fully wind. Power Reserve on REP is actual 72 hrs and Gen is 168 hrs. Movement type engraved on GEN is 51011，but on REP is 61016. Gen beat rate is 21600 and REP beat rate is 28800 (Better!!!). Movements research reference based on Panerai P.3000 case, by China made 23J with left sub-dial for Sec and Right for the PR (Power Reserve indicator), polished to the details to mimic 1:1 Gen.5001 Movement from the front looks like 7750, back looks like ST25 (based on the big and small wheel). Looking at automatic mechanism plate, (similar to 2824) Movement Reliability : Case Comparison : Deployant/ Clasp : (Credit to : vingsam) For Regulating : Use these two bitsCrown Details : Gen have about 0.5mm Gap Blue hands investigation : Hands color check, you can see at the back of the hands is purple color but after scratch off the hands inside is metal. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10/01/2016 - NEW Version Comparison (Gen vs ZF v2 vs YL v5) - Latest model comparison!!! Credit to 万嘉名品 1. LOGO Comparison - The fonts are doing well from the 3D printing. 3D printing font technique make the print raised. GEN IWC used 3D printing technique.2. Cannon Pinions3. Hour Hand Comparison - Gen is flat, ZF little curved, YL lot curved4. Minutes Hand compare - Gen Min slight curved.5. PR subdial compare - all have concentric circle, ZF PR hand slightly longer.6. Sec Subdial comparison - Gen subdial and hands are even (In middle), ZF hands slightly longer, YL at the outer ring.7. Date comparison - YL print bit rough, ZF and YL 3D Print “AUTOMATIC" and "SWISS MADE" is well made. 8. Date Print Compare - ZF and YL not have 3D Printed Date.9. Index and Numerical - there are two Gen dial (One is a bit dirty) , ZF and YL Edging is alright but different in colour, ZF bit darker, YL bit lighter. GEN bottom is white, ZF and YL bottom both blue.10. Movements Comparison ROTOR11. Movements comparison - Many people not keen on new movements and don't know about it. Today this movement have a name and called Dandong c.61016. because it was produced in Dandong. Movements LOGO, deco / plate and stamp of ZF and YL really good, Shock resistant part on ZF looks a bit different. Note the difference of the Barrel of ZF V2 and new YL V5, ZF did not cover Barrel with plate but YL did. These are the changes YL did until the latest version they called Version 5 (V5).

Okay - Not sure if this is the appropriate place to post this as I'm not technically selling anything, just exploring the waters to see if there are any interested parties in taking over my build.. Back in the early summer when the Rolex Tempus Machina Ref 216A build popped up for about $25k (with only 50 being made) I got really excited. This homage to the original 6538 with a gilt dial, red triangle, and no-CG case looks AMAZING. ( www.tempus-machina.com ) I commissioned PBDad to build me a watch to be as close as possible to that creation. He was immediately excited and despite several others showing interest to him, to my knowledge, he's only building mine for now making it the only "rep" that will be out there of this amazing homage. He's been working on it since June 2015 and is likely going to be finished with it within the next 30-90 days. It will be using a BK Sub-C as a base, will feature the same case style as his HS01 Build (No CG, beautiful chamfers etc) and is having a custom one-off gilt dial made with appropriate red-depth rating, a custom one-off domed crystal, and a custom one-off bezel assembly (coin-teeth edge) to go with the custom ceramic insert with red triangle. He charged about $1400 for his HS01 so this is in line with that price given it requires a bit more work. All in all I was quoted $1500-1800 depending on how much these custom parts are going to run me. He's still finalizing the bezel assembly and the dial. I am into the build $900 at this point. I'm posting to see if anyone has interest in assuming my position in it as something has come up and I need to free up the funds. I'll gladly discount the amount I'm in from $900 to $800 to give someone a discount beyond the 7 months I've waited thus far. Someone is going to have an amazing creation this spring. If you have interest in discussing the above, reach out to me via PM and I can provide emails from PBDad showing you where it's at, and a paypal transaction copy to show the funds that have been sent to him thus far. Thanks~

That's pretty. Specs? Gen BB for me today

Insane! I've seen some well over $1K up for sale on m2m that doesn't even compare to this! Great work and thank you for a fantastic step by step!

Very cool project. Adam is a stand up guy.

This one is getting moved today for a new piece...

Sad sad day. RIP David Sent from my MI 3W using Tapatalk

milk

First Lemmy, then Bowie :-( ... I listen to his greatest hits (and some not so greatest which are also amazing sometimes) often while on long drives. Music lost a truly great man with his return to the stars, but he will surely live on for ages RIP The Zigmeister

Sure he's still working on it but I may be able to help. I think he had a custom Crystal made for me but also recall him ordering extras. It takes him a few days to reply to me but I'll post what he says.

I am once again speechless... But for once I want to post something happy. It is curious that I didn't tell you my dog's name and that no one asked, I don't know why The dog's name is Alfa which is tied to alfaromeo obviously and Alpha referred to the highest ranking individual, in this case in my house hahaha here are some pictures of a few months ago! And that is my mom

Lol, too funny. I looked hard at the rolls too. I already have a nice travel case, but I am already paying for shipping so was trying to find something else to get....That grey suede looks great with that faded insert. I got the Piombo for my Maxi that has a slightly faded insert. Should match up nicely. They do make some nice straps.

I am not the kind of person you are describing. I started off my life in Colombia, in Cartagena precisely, in one of the poorest barrios. Didn't own a pair of shoes and me and my family worked our way out of that kind of [censored]. So it is unfair for me to be described like that. I just started off further down than many others, it doesn't mean one day I will still be in this condition (that is ok for me compared to other people still living in colombia so I still thank god for being so lucky).

I have actual friends in real life but unfortunately at 23 years old, most of us don't have a job and the ones that do, earn more or less what I earn. I have NOT come to this board asking for money, I have come because I love watches and I felt like sharing this, please read or ask before saying such things. I am working my ass off, you shouldn't offend me and say I'm pathetic just because I spoke about a problem. If I have come here to work, it is only because I want to change my position and who knows where I will be in one or two years, this doesn't make the thread stink, I didn't come begging for money, I just told a story, my story, if you don't like it don't write to me, or support me, I really don't know what to do with offences in this moment of my life.

Portuguese

Oh guys, I am really sorry to hear that. I didn't mean to approach the members asking for funds, nor I would like to see this thread locked. In the beginning I opened the topic because I find this place gorgeous and felt I could share even this sort of thing. I though maybe someone would come up with an idea or something I hasn't thought of. I don't want to to break any rules, by any means, so if you want to lock the thread or delete it I will accept your decision with no problems, rules are rules. I am sorry for having caused a problem, this forum is such a nice place, really full of ''fine watches and fine people''. I have received lots of affection in this thread and that is more than I could ask. P.S. I just read the posts above. I'm sad lots of people are so skeptical about what is happening to me, but as others have said I have asked no money. I could lie to you and say I wouldn't accept it but I won't. If you prefer I won't accept money from any users, it is really important for me to be respected here. I'm not a lazy person and I am working hard. Unemployment is terrible in my country but I left my family, all for the sake of working. Anyway thankyou again for all your kind words, you are all very special

You don't mind asking PBdad which crystal and gasket he ended up using?

Pros and cons... Not too bad a buy at $2k imho as a 5512/13/1680 project will run about the same if you go with an Eta in a Phong case and high grade GMT projects are 'rare' compared to 5513 etc. Otoh a 5512/13 with Yuki case/dial and genuine 1520/1570 will also cost about $2000...but you will have to deal with an expen$ive rolex movement and all the ills that go with them. Example...I have a no hack 1575 date that loses time on some days and runs on time on others. Magnetized? No. Dirty and dry? No. Canon pinion slips? No. Balance staff rough or a cracked jewel? No. If it was an Eta I could just swap it out but being a cussed $rolex$ I need to fix it. It lost 20 minutes yesterday but is running on time today. On a timer it is within a few bps in all positions. The catch with GMT and 1655 projects with a genuine movement is you will probably spend a small fortune rounding up GMT parts and for this reason the 2893 is a very good choice...except for the 28800 beat rate and no one will notice except maybe a red and blue watch junkie. So...it still seems like a pretty good deal to me (considering current prices) and you can always sell it on the forum if and when you want to make a change. Free advice...please do not 'artificially age' the case because so many have been ruined in the attempt. Just wear it and stay out of rock piles and hammer mills. Dial types: https://rwg.cc/topic/149110-rolex-gmt-master-history-and-reference-pictoral-part-1

It's been awhile since I've done a project for myself. But the first piece is on it's way: Haven't decided on the other details yet, but gotta start somewhere I guess. Stay tuned.

Another "review watch" for me. I wanted to see this, because I've never seen a decent Day-Date/DateJust replica. I asked Chris to get one for a review and he said "sure, just pick your model". Once again, the blue (or actually turquoise) dial was the most attractive for me. Another reason I wanted to write this article was that there has never been a decent review of a replica DJ/DD. Quite weird, considering how popular and well known this watch is. Time to change that, and have some serious DD/DJ conversation! The Day Date is actually the "top model" of Rolex, and it's only available in precious metals. This article tells pretty much everything about the history of the DD, and why it earned the nickname "President". The band is called "Presidential" bracelet, and it's completely different from the Jubilé that's commonly used on the DateJust. It's quite flimsy and lightweight in typical Rolex fashion. This turquoise dial variation is only available in platinum (as a gen), but the replica is (of course) completely made of stainless steel. There are DD's made in yellow, pink and white gold as well. White gold doesn't actually look that much different from SS, but naturally it makes the watch significantly heavier. The gen WG versions weigh over 170 grams, which is a lot for a watch this small! I don't have the weight numbers for the platinum version, but I believe it might be in the same range. There have been rumors of "white gold plated" replicas, but I believe they're just that... rumors. Our "bling expert" jfreeman wrote an excellent description of the white gold: "Rolex has a proprietary process to manufacture white gold and rose gold that will never change color. Most all white gold jewelry and watches are plated with rhodium except Rolex. White gold is achieved by mixing gold with nickel. Without the rhodium it will always have a yellow tint. The process Rolex invented is heavily guarded but produces white gold that is brighter than any other and will never fade. I have white gold jewelry that is turning yellow due to the rhodium wearing off. With that said there is no such thing as white gold plating. It is chemically impossible unless you have the proprietary formula from Rolex. Seeing that Rhodium is the most expensive metal in the world, currently trading at around $6,000 per ounce, it is highly unlikely that a replica manufacturer is plating anything with rhodium." The watch diameter is only 36 millimeters, and the small size looks a bit old-fashioned next to these huge modern watches. Smaller size is probably the biggest reason why DD and DJ have never been big sellers among our membership. However, DD and DJ are very good sellers for Rolex, and these models are extremely popular in Asia, where men are (generally) smaller, and have smaller wrists. I actually took a few wristshots of the DD but it admittedly looked a bit "out of place" on my '8 wrist, so I decided to post some on my wifé's wrist. She's a small woman and I think this watch looks great on her. How about the accuracy then? Of course the weight is off, because I chose this particular replica (that only has a platinum gen counterpart). There are probably more accurate replicas in the DateJust line, but none of them look as good as this (imho). And one thing that's very characteristic for the whole DJ/DD line is the HUGE variation of different dials. There are hundreds of them. I'm not an expert in these models, but I've noticed how difficult it has always been to "spot" the reps in the DJ/DD line (even for our senior members). RobbieG just recently posted a Rolex dial reference, which shows the current dials on production. On top of this, there are tons of "unofficial" variations, which (again) makes identifying the reps even tougher. Here is the gen counterpart (on the right). As you can see the Roman numerals are a bit thicker on the gen, and the crown seems to be a 6mm twinlock (same as Exp and GMT). It's a bit different on the rep. The day font and other dial details are actually very close. Isn't it funny how much off center the gen datewheel is!? Here's a better photo of the rep daywheel (with MONDAY set on). The watch is really beautiful. The lugs and bracelet middle links have been polished to mirror finish. So, after seeing this watch... am I a believer? Yes and no. When the Day Date was first introduced to the Rolex lineup in 1956, the standard watch size was different. Admittedly this watch represents a "different era" in many ways, including the history it carries. Personally, I wouldn't wear a watch this small, but then I'm a big man with thick wrists. There are bigger classic dress models, such as Omega Aqua Terra, that I personally consider better alternatives for me. On the other hand, this blue Day-Date is among the most beautiful watches I have seen. The watch has some flaws, but it's still very believable and substantial replication. This is definitely the most gorgeous version in the whole DD/DJ lineup and I wouldn't even consider any other variation. This particular turquoise dial is simply stunning, and Day Date is definitely a prestigious looking dress model for any smaller man (or woman).