Well, here it is. I got it about a week ago. Overall, it's a good rep, but not a super rep. I don't know about any other AP models, but I'd say the complication on this watch is pretty hard to be replicated (especially the dial, I think the Arabic numbers are a lot easier to rep than thin stick markers, which make me wonder how good can the new AP diver be). The watch has pretty good size and stays pretty thin on my wrist. I wish the bezel and caseback can hug the case a little bit more tighter, but... nothing is perfect I guess. Some day, when I really want the watch to be perfect, perhaps I should get a genuine one.
I took the watch apart today to take these pictures. I hope you enjoy.
These A*F screw drivers are pretty good and cheap. I picked these up on the ebay for about $10.
The screw driver I bought in Walmart is perfect size for the back screws. With these back screws, in my opinion it's very important you use the right size screw drivers.
I wonder on the genuine one, the case is built like this.
I wonder on the genuine one, the crown tube is like this (probably not).
After I opened the watch, I replaced the original golden rotor with AP logo with a plain ETA rotor. Why? I think it matches better since the whole watch is silver in color.
Am I going to install a gen dial in this watch? Probably not. For the price of the dial and the built quality of the watch, it's just not worth it.
Am I going to keep this watch for a very long time? Yes, absolutely. It's interesting to see how everything put together. It's definitely unique, a mush have for my small collection. I also like how thin it is on my wrist.