danza1812

Best pearl would be to get a gen pearl from an old smp insert from eBay or other gen forums. Second option would be to contact one of the dealers for a spare insert, preferably the one you got the watch from.

With Frankens using all visible gen parts the only way to know would be to see the movement.

Gen or rep?

If you love the 42mm po, but Swiss is too much, buy the cheap one with 4813 movement or slightly more expensive Asian clone 2824. Why buy another watch if the po is your rep grail. Buy it, be happy, job done, enough said.

It's a risky business this rep game. Hit and miss. I hope it all works out but the wait must be agony! What did the seller say?

42, Like your strap, what is it?

I got a Po from Trevor, the service was fantastic up until payment, then a slight delay until Qc pics but they came soon enough after a prompting email, one or two further prompting emails and the watch was posted. A few days later it arrived, perfectly packaged and his QC pics are great. I would recommend him highly.

4th gen 42mm pos are no longer available. The 5th gen is available now which is really very good. Try Trevor I got mine from him in the Asian 2824.

Wonder if the watch came back? I'd love to see a few pics

Worth a bumps as I'd live to know the answers too. Only got bezel and crystal left to do on mine. I like the crystal as it is and I'm considering using a gen pearl in a donor insert, whose is the best insert to use?

I had a gen bezel on my smp chrono a few years back. Fit like a glove. Clicked straight on.

Ah the old Franken debate! My problem is if I buy a gen part to make that part of the watch look gen, then I want more gen parts to supplement that initial desire, before I know it I could spend too much. It's a vicious circle but a Franken project is a good hobby over time, the reward of finding parts and fitting them. I know most people say 'why not save up a bit more and buy gen?' but that involves saving i.e. patience and spending more cash! A gradual Franken over a few months is a good idea just take it easy so it doesn't sting the wallet.

Parts came to just over £300 and mods will cost about £100. A drop in the pond against a gen po. It's my third Franken planet ocean and I think I'll keep this one. Maybe add a gen bezel in a few months. The crystal will do as I'll wear this daily and there's no point changing it just yet.

I've sent mine away for some Franken treatment. Now I'm happy with the placement of the he valve I'm putting a gen valve, crown/tube, dial and hands on it for starters.

Mine arrived I'm happy with the placement.

Www.ofrei.com (us) Www.cousinsuk.com (uk) You have to sign up to cousins.

This is also a2824 and appears to have better he valve placement

I fully frankened a 45mm po, it was just too big for my taste, but they are as thick as a 42mm so they do have the feel of sitting flatter I agree. I've frankened a 4th gen po before and regretted selling as it was perfect so I'm enjoying going through the process once more.

I was researching the exact same thing recently. I've settled on the Asian eta clone model from Trevor for $188. He has sent qc pics and it looks great, my big worry was placement of the he valve. It appears spot on now and his price and service have been top notch so far. I Plan on modding the watch with gen parts (dial hands, he valve, crown/tube and datewheel) so really for accuracy I'm not too bothered about dial etc, but to be honest I can't fault it thus far Good luck in your search.

I always buy a gen eta date wheel as to me the bright white numerals make a big difference to the duller silver numbers.

Yep. Qc pics look great. Wiz on rwi lined up to do my mods. Appreciate all the help.

Cheers, went with Trevor so I'm waiting qc photos. Any advice on he valve and crown modifications?

That was going to be my next question about the fit of the hands. I may just get a gen eta movement instead. Trevor does have models with correct he valve.

I know the valve is bad, it's just the placement. I have a gen valve to arrack so I just need an accurate case to fit it to. I've pm'd Trevor. Will gen dial and hands fit on Asian eta?

You lose a lot of value in selling Frankens. I've sold 3 po's and regret doing so, making a big loss each time. I'd keep it. It's a unique piece and gen pos cost £2800 brand new, you can't get better Frankens than the planet oceans. So its the best of both worlds. Good luck either way.