I wouldn't say that the gen crown/tube difference motivates the extra >$500. Really like the Athaya v2. But of course depends on your budget - if you already have $4.5k in Phong case, 1030 and a bad ass dial it's of course just stupid not going for crown set?
If something is half price on "other site" then I'd say it's either scam or that you're looking at a different version/movement. Care to share some links so we can help?