txcollector

you won't regret it. The OEM strap makes a lot of difference.

The open caseback is awful. Not only the caseback is incorrect but the movement is just pitiful. I don't get the factories. The 45mm Classic Fusion without date has a closed caseback. Why not rep those?

It's nice but I can't get passed the incorrect lug plates and the markers. I hope the fix it soon.

If you don't have contacts there all you will find is Canal St. (low end) type reps. There are quite a few places but if even if you ask for "best quality" I'm yet to find anything similar to what we get from our dealers here.

this one

The Santos non chrono comes in two sizes (gen): midsize - 32mm and Large - 38mm. The size refers to the side of the case and does not include CG and lugs. The Santos chrono comes only in one size: XL - 45mm The 38mm is the correct dimension for the large Santos 100 non chrono. You will find different dimensions on Cartier.com but they refer to the size of the case with the CG and lugs.

I believe there's a new chrono version coming out soon. Maybe you can ask Joshua if he can source a crown for you. The chrono is significantly larger than the 38mm Santos so I don't think that crown will work for you.

I believe that is true but I usually have to work on my watches to like them better. To buy the final thing it's just too easy

Not a spoil at all. As I said, this is work in progress. You're right, I probably need to reset the insert. Is there a better one available and what type of glue do you guys recommend? I started with a low end older model and I started changing parts. BK was kind enough to find me a few but I'm still working on this one.

Thanks mate. Yours are nice too I went the OEM route for the strap. Here's the final result.

With the help of BK and getting parts from other places I'm working on this one. I must say I wasn't too impressed when I started but now it's growing on me. The crystal BK provided is simply awesome. I tried to get a more gen like color/effect on the bezel markings with an enamel combination of aluminum and gray. The color looks spot on. I'm waiting for my ETA 2836-2 to replace the dial and to apply BK's DW overlay. The only complaint I have about it is the weight. It tires my wrist if I wear it all day long.

My completed franken

As it came from the dealer, prior to any mods.

I bought the ultimate and made a franken with a gen dial and crown. So I was able to analyze the most important parts side by side, outside of the watch. http://www.1-pc8838.com/cars00088bk-santos-ssle-white-swiss-2824-p-8914.html The ultimate is by far the best Santos out there. You won't regret getting it. I have never seen the bracelet version but I find it strange they would do a new case/dial for it. The older models are not as good (that includes the PWC, WBK, etc.) in relation to dial, case, crystal or crown. The main issue with the ultimate Santos is the dial color. The gen is whiter than the rep. No way to fix that. However you probably won't see it unless you have the gen side by side. The ultimate dial print is actually different in size than the gen so the bevel on the face of the crystal seems larger than it is. You will need a new strap regardless of model. Without a real croc strap it will look off. I'm not holding my breath for the new A7753 chono Santos. The DW position on the A7753 is different than the ETA one so the dial is likely to have visible flaws. Also the older ETA 7753 based chrono had a yellowish dial (much like the ultimate) so I'm not 100% sure they will get the color right either. I hope this helps.

I have been wearing this one a lot lately. What do you think of the lume/wrist shots?

the case/bracelet are spot on. The movement is very good. The crystal needs Chief AR. The dial is the biggest let down. The OEM dial (either black or white) reflect light in ways the rep can't even come close. Think glossy (OEM) vs matte (rep). I was able to get both the white and black OEM dials and they are worthy.

he doesn't know what he's doing. Window glass for a saphire watch crystal??? I've removed my crystal and sent to Chief just using my hands. I used the press to install it back. Like it was said above, get the watch back. This guy probably has never worked on a watch before.

I love this one

I would never buy a fake watch. All my watches are fully functional. Now sit tight so you don't fall off your chair. Nowadays most (apart from Rolex) watch cases, crystals, bracelets, etc are made .... wait for it ... China!!!! A well known secret is that many cases reps are so good (e.g. UPO) because the originals were made in the same factories, using the same materials. Most cases are made of 316L SS. It's cheaper for them to use the same materials for the reps. Why would they put a soft metal like lead to make the whole process more convoluted? I don't have any caseback that are painted. Not sure what kind of watches you guys are buying these days. It's funny we see this kind of thread from time to time. Lighten up, there's already real issues for you to be worried about. Just enjoy your watches.

Maybe it's lighting, maybe is the Tuiga but most 44mm HBBs have sunken DW. Besides you will lose the ability to quick change the date since that can't be done via the crown with the 7753. Also with a display caseback I'm not sure the 7753 will the best option if you are really looking for accuracy.

that's how the gen looks since they all use ETA7750 with a modified bridge. So you want to use a more expensive movement to make the watch less like the gen?

I wasn't aware LH had a 177. When did he start?

unless there's a problem, then the true colors come out

yep, big fail. Let's see if they will try again.

the dial markers look OK. It's probably lighting. Replacing the DW is a non brainer. Case thickness is the only let down for me.