milesd

Yep, 100% DSN. I've order a T48SL crown and a 2geek datewheel. Also, a 6mm cyclops crystal is getting swapped in from a 199.

I took some more pictures and update the original post.

Just some quick iPhone shots: (there is no AR, but the sky was BLUE today ) And some close ups (just some quick snaps): And I got the lightbox out:

Thanks again for this post. I ordered my 25A last night!

Very nice. I keep talking myself out of picking one of these up, but I think I'm going to have to do it! Looks great with the T48. Do you think the water resistance has been affected with the T48? It looks like a very nice upgrade.

I want a 339 strap!

Not totally. You can't replace the case to fix the lugs, so you basically work with what you have there. Nothing really needs replaced, but if you are nitpicking everything and want the best, then you'd upgrade the parts.

The major flaws are still there in both versions (Date wheel, cyclops, crown, CG and lugs). It comes down to what you prefer.

It's still sad that it has the wonky lugs. They are too short and you can't fit an OEM rubber strap because the distance from the holes is not far enough from the case. At least that's the case with my 040 (new DSN case).

Just got e-mail confirmation from DSN, the 25A is coming this week!!

Argh....no 25A? I wanted the clean bezel with no dial rings...

Those are Tudor hands so they should fit an ETA no problem. If I remember correctly, I think the cannon pin on the 28xx movements are the same, but I could be wrong.

Here is the latest DSN dial I got from his earlier this year: It's no longer in my watch, so if you're interested shoot me a PM.

Just as an FYI, there is a new version on his site already with a less aged dial.

PVD dates back to the original Pre-V models. However Panerai has phased out PVD in favor of Ti. While I love Ti, I still think there is room for both I like babola's idea. Nothing is better than a base PVD.....well....maybe TX's new 203/A

Here is a teardown of a 201/a. Hard to tell: http://www.network54.com/Forum/353391/message/1276102314/201A+service+picts

The story behind these straps is as followed: Dirk was able to obtain panerai rejected buckles (the engraving is slightly off) and he made replica pre-v straps with all the correct buckles, stitch, ect. His straps didn't have a fixed keeper. Panerai approached dirk and asked him to stop production of the straps because they were planning on using the logo again in their branding. Dirk agreed and all the buckles he had left were stripped and engraved 5218. A second maker who also got some of the buckles continued to make straps, but his had a fixed keeper. They were never made by dirk, but somehow got named the dirk version 2 strap. At least that's how I heard it. Either way, it's still an amazing strap and still demand a high price.

I think the strap is a dirk version 2 (not officially made by dirk) as it has a fixed keeper. Nevertheless it's stunning! It's hard to tell from the photo, but is the buckle PVD?

Wow, that looks really good!

I think so.

Yep, no Ls so it just says Swiss Made and unlumed.

RolexFinder, Have you given any thought to a non L unlumed version for us vintage folks?

Awesome! These should be awesome watches!

Looks awesome!

such as.......