w0lf

Thank you, B! This exactly what I was trying to say. All this talk about Panerai DNA in new models is just that - talk. 312 is a mainstream product, a polished concoction trying to appeal to people just grazing the the brand's legacy. It's trying to incorporate everything ultimately showing lack of character - jack of all trades master of none. It could be the wine talking but to me real Panerai DNA ended with 'D'.

stormtrooper, That's a v2 cartel 250. You do all of the above and you still have an inaccurate dial, case, caseback, bezel, datewheel and a/r on crystal.

Went out an bought a better camera since I can't stand my pictures anymore and I have a special present coming from FGD which must be shown in all its glory Until I get it though, you'll have to do with more of the same

I would like to see a quality chronograph rep of 250, did I miss this one?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but 312 is a 44mm 1950 case with a luminor-like almost flat crystal. That, the anemic crown, and the movement rotor that looks like it was made out of reynolds aluminum foil kill the look in my opinion.

I like the 250, 312 not so much. Out of all PAMs I think that would be the only chrono one I'd like to own. Keep in mind though that servicing chronographs is more $$.

Ohhhh... Mad wickedness! Love the hands! CS hurry up, your day job is totally getting in the way,lol

Dom, FGD dials have a really sturdy coat of black. Simon will correct me if I'm wrong but to me it almost seems like it's a chemical blackening with cupric compound or anodization of the alloy that's used on the top-plate. Bottom line is: FGD dials can take what would normally destroy an ordinary dial but you should still exercise restraint and utmost caution because they are works of art! Babola has a lot of experience working with FGD dials so you may want to shoot him a quick PM.

I would be interested as well.

So anyone sign up as a distributor yet in the states? Whom do we pester from now on ?

Any updates, Paul?

Yep, I don't think it's bad at all. Here's the profile shot:

This is the one I was talking about - photo courtesy of Crockey

Very well put together. I enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed learning about the new crowns

DSN's PAM1A crystal is 35.5mm x 3.5mm thick and very good clarity. I've used one in my PAM40 build and it's easily the best rep crystal I've used. A bit on the pricey side at USD90

CONUS, in for 3 sets

How do you do this, W? This is unreal, I think this is the 1st ever PAM 28A franken with so many gen parts. Congrats it turned out...gen

Ohhh, this must be the one, yep looks gen to me Outrageously awesome!

This is a great project and the finish on the crown looks superb. That being said I have some additional observations: Oncyte's CG has a rather deep crown cutout so if the crown still rubs against the top of CG when in time setting position it may hinder time setting operation when a regular A-F rep CG or JF/Gen is used. I would like someone to comment on that. Also, as others have mentioned the sloping effect, sharp teeth and too much bevel on the right side. The price of crown appears to be very good and I will be buying them regardless but if the above mentioned issues can be addressed it would make for the best aftermarket crown of all time.

militarytime/JacksonTse, Siswatch727, Helenarou and numerous eBay sellers

In addition to what Kruzer already said about the CG - the level of precision to make a quality CG requires a micro machining shop with high quality 5 axis machines similar to microlution 5100s. That is, if you want to exceed the quality of currently available parts. Large enough shops that have equipment like that in US/Canada are booked about a year in advance by semiconductor companies. In addition, many of these shops are internationally known companies, and are large and exposed enough that they keep databases of known copyrighted assemblies. Best case you'll get a nastygramm back from the shop and worst case you'll get one from the Richemont lawyers. The only solution to this would be to use offshore and less scrupulous shops.

Thank you Mickey. I'm afraid there will not be many takers on the new daylight offerings. I sold my 27A beginning of the year or late last year but I now want to put one together once again.

Phenomenal result Mickey! One of my favorite project threads This goes to show how much time and trial and error goes into these! I had been thinking recently, how amazing is the fact that DSN has not produced a dial with good quality dial print and LSL, LSML, TST or TSMT in proper PAM font since his PreA/A/B-transitional hybrid T-S-T dials in 2006-2007 until he made the 27A dial. And even more baffling to me is that he hasn't produced one since he made the 27A dial. His sausage dials for 1A/1B/111E and sandwich 26K that came out after 27A and now most recent 188/196 daylight dials are screwed up in those areas. Could it be that DSN27A is the last truly great rep dial we will get? I'm not saying that his 27A dial is perfection, it could use a 2-color relume (cream colored lacquer surrounding the tritium indexes) and slightly bolder dial print but otherwise it is an awesome dial. I've now decided to build this model once again for sure.

$90 from DSN or $105 from eBay seller Wholesaleoutlet990. You'll have to strip A/R on the latter. With DSN just ask for PAM1A crystal with no A/R.

Amazing! I'm at a loss for words, W. I remember when you called me after picking this up, I don't know who was more excited to hear about the whole thing me or you, LOL. Simply unparalleled, and the icing on the cake - it's McQueen's favorite Rolex if I'm not mistaken. Congrats once again and wear it well!