TK471

No outstanding PM's in my inbox, nothing at all....you sure you got the right name?

RG

My bad! I meant I PMed Angus. I never have any problems getting through to you, my man!

Easy, I got mine along with the Aquatimer from Angus. And by the way I heard from The Zigmeister that it relumes better than the original rep dial as the lume "dots" are flat so you can shovel it on better.

Again, very good to know. I've just PMed him... now if I can just get him to read it. I sent him a PM over a week ago that he hasn't even read yet.

The Zigmeister did it on mine but it depends which version of the 188 you bought. If you got it new from one of the dealers it mostl likely has the improved dial with thicker hour font. It may not need it. Mine is one of the first gen with better case but crappier dial. In fact I just received the new dial to put in mine a couple of days ago.

On the Pandas the matte spray is a must as it dulls down the sub-dials on both versions to make it much closer to gen prototype.

So then your point is that the old case was good, but the old dial was not as good. Damn. Well, I just got the old case, so now I'll set about finding a new dial. When purchasing one, I'm going to have to make sure that it's for the Swiss movement, correct?

The 7753 Daylight reps are some of my favorites. Enjoy.

The illusory Pandas recased in old cases, Finepics datewheels and dials relumed and coated with a finely applied matte over the whole dial to tone down the overall dial sheen and bring the subdials closer to gen:

White Panda - And yes, I know the subdial hands are lying loose:

Black Panda

The Panda Pair:

You have to love those old school cases

The Classics:

196:

188:

And finally the group shot:

The best part of these watches is that I always feel good about modding them knowing that these watches will last a lifetime. What's next: Finepics datewheels for the 188 and 196, matte lacquer for the 188 and Palp 2.0's for all of them whenever he actually does the next run.

Ok, I've just acquired a 188 7753, and I've got a datewheel to install. Is the matte finish on the dial a The Zigmeister service, or must I go elsewhere?

My understanding is bazel screw is different from clasp screw.

Maybe I am wrong.

They sure look the same...

As I mentioned earlier I am doing this the other way. I have 25 on the way to me now. Once I have inspected them to make sure they are fine I will sell a chunk of them promptly and order some more. I did not want to outlay thousands upfront not knowing where I was going with them. This is not a money making exercise and so I have no room for error. Having been a previous participant in several other projects I have learned the hard way that wanting something and paying for something are two different things. The seller said he would get them out tomorrow and I should see them in the next few days.

Well I have to be in. I've done everything else to this watch, might as well upgrade the crown again. Mine is a firm commitment, no backing out. I'll PM you with an offer to Paypal.

Thanks.

Angus of Puretime sold me screws with the screwdriver.

Not sure if that is the cheapest option, but at least it's an option.

Cheers,

M

Thanks for your reply. I will check with him. I have also PMed you about perhaps buying one screw if you've got an extra. Thanks, Z.

Curious, because I want to set the winder most efficiently. Thanks.

Can someone help me obtain a replacement screw for a Big Bang clasp? Thanks in advance.

Your right, never condidered that part...too much watch stuff going around in my head, I can't keep it all straight...thanks for pointing this out.

Forget my first comments about the Miyota exchange, it could be possible, but I still think $220 extra for a A7750 powered model is way overpriced.

RG

If the watch is basically a chrono with the seconds switched "on," does this signficantly affect the power reserve?

Now that's the spirit... Somehow I knew gen parts would lure you in!!

And they've got me in, too. Since I've got genuine hands on the 63, I might as well have the gen crown as well. Count me in for one.

Thanks.

Those are some of the best rep fonts that I've seen. Very, very close.

don't laugh... this is just a taste of my spare parts pile LOL!

Hey, Chris. I'm going to give you a call later to discuss something, if you don't mind.

I can't believe I'm just seeing this for the first time!

Congrats, it looks great!

My gen is a L SWISS L dial (C series)

It looks really, really good.

Great job, Chris.

Some gen dial shots:

So...what's most accurate?

Looks like the auto date font is too thin, something you won't have to deal with on the chrono.

W, the chrono is a beauty... I will definately go for this one

I don;t see any major flaws.. I thought that the L SWISS MADE L was wrong because the catalogue had the watch with only SWISS MADE (without L's) but a photo of a watch produced is with the Ls.

So I guess this is one more 1:1 (bought the genuine and CNC) watch..

It is a great looking watch, for sure. I'm surprised there hasn't been more discussion of these. Can they really be that accurate?

GREAT job on that California dial, Chris. It looks absolutely amazing!

I agree that the dial is 'off' but only in the A, where the crossbar is too low. However the numbers are closer (in a tighter circle) on the gen 'A' series, 'T' dial only. The rep watches replicate the 'B' series watches with the L dials where the wider number spacing is 100% correct. Please don't be put off by this detail as this is a common misconception regarding the 029 and 063.

Get the datewheel, Palp crown and cyclops and, based on the older 2893 rep, you will have the most accurate, top quality Panerai rep. I love my 029. The best thing about these is that few Paneristi will have seen a 'B' series in the flesh and you are highly unlikely to be called out anywhere.

There's a B series? I thought that it was C series only, and that the B was actually a mistake on the back of the watch. The Vendome listing on P-risti only shows C. Thanks for the info! Good to know.

I would say name him here so it's all out in the open...

We RWG (and other forum guys) get a bad rap because we like reps... Naming this idiot will set that opinion a bit straighter.

Yeah, this is just stupid.

Gen fiddy does not have bluish hue on crystal? I thought it had...

I'm not sure about the Fiddy, but I have a gen and I can tell you that some of the PAM reps overshoot the blueish tint. My crystal is very clear, almost disappears, but doesn't have a very blue hue at all.

While someone's other watches are never a complete indication, I think given his collection and the boldness with which he posted those pics, he genuinely believed that he bought the real deal. I bet he's shocked to find out that it's a rep.

What a racket, eh? Spend 3k on a genuine E series PAM, throw it into a 150 rep case and then list it on ebay. $6k profit right there. You need to BUY THE SELLER, people!

FAKE!!! You can spot it from a mile away. Asian movement, short cannon pin, etc. Stay clear at that price.

The North Pole will have these same features? That is truly exciting if so, though I have not had any experience with Asian 7750-based GMTs.