PPN

Really great review, thanks. It does seem that the hour hand on the 42 is too long. Does anyone know or can confirm this? Seems that they are using the same part as on the 45. Perhaps it's just me, but on the gen pics, there is a substantial gap between the end of the hour hand and the hour markers. On the rep, the hour hand nearly touches the hour markers.

 

Correct! I have a 42 and the hour hand is from a 45 I guess. 

Ah I wish they didn't do that, it would probably drive me nuts. Do you notice it when you have it on your wrist?

Really great review, thanks. It does seem that the hour hand on the 42 is too long. Does anyone know or can confirm this? Seems that they are using the same part as on the 45. Perhaps it's just me, but on the gen pics, there is a substantial gap between the end of the hour hand and the hour markers. On the rep, the hour hand nearly touches the hour markers.

I'd be interested in this too. Especially in the Ingy or pilots.

I think the evolution is another design of the HBB Bigbang. Instead of having numbers on the dial it has just the pin-markers. Kinda crappy explanation, but I hope you understand.

So is it a gen or rep nomenclature?

I wonder if the gen bracelets are more comfortable than the rep ones (which are too "stiff" and don't contour the wrist well)?

No chance without modding it...file until it fits....I would not try as there are too many ??? Holes, size, ...

Theo

What do you mean filing it? My 15300 just arrived, and the bracelet is very uncomfortable. Mainly because it's very "stiff" and does not contour to the wrist. I think the links are too close together so the bracelet does not bend well.

What can I do??

Very nice. I just purchased its cousin the 39mm Jumbo APRO. I was a little disappointed with the bracelet that came with mine, though. I think the links are too close together, making the bracelet very "stiff" such that it does not contour the wrist. This is especially bad on the first link, so the bracelet ends up sticking out from the wrist instead of wrapping around.

Do you also have that problem?

I'm still trying to figure out what the "evolution" part means.

It is a good idea. The whole thing is so confusing because when you start looking at older versions people add "genuine" kyocera bezels, Mikey ti screws, somebody's crystal, blah blah's gummy strap etc. to make the earlier versions anywhere near as good as later ones. Then you have to factor in Lites which are half the price and have some real improvements but I am sure there are drawbacks. To be honest, it got so confusing after the first couple of versions I gave up and other than a random ABB which I have no idea whether it is any good (but was expensive) and a first gen Mellow Yellow where I actually incorporated the first Swiss movement and then sold I have never done anything since.

Right. It's just too confusing.

So which is the best version to get?

And is "evolution" a gen nomenclature, or a rep nickname?

there must be 10 threads currently on the boards with negative comments about Puretime - I would be choosing a different dealer, personally

All I can say is that you...must...be...very...patient

Sorry to hear that, their responsiveness does seem to be on the decline. I'm been having a bit of drama with a Pam 111M that I returned for service. Hopefully that'll be resolved soon.

Best of luck, friend. My watch finally arrived, but it seriously probably took 5 times longer and 10 times the effort on my part.

Mine just arrived today. On the whole I have to say I'm quite pleased, although the rubber straps could have a better fit (barely fits through tang).

One question: is the crystal supposed to be so domed, such that there is distortion when viewed at more than 45 degrees)? How's it like on the gen?

Just bought a gen 176 and have to say, comparing an H factory 177 after having the crown spacing, crown and CG mods (H factory reps still need some love) by Oncyte. I have to say, at a glace I couldn't tell the difference. Nor could my AD though he wouldn't think to ask ; ) Will be picking it up this or the following week and will post side by side pics.

I would pick up an H Factory 176, haven't seen one but would expect it to be comparable to the 177, send it to a modder for a gen crown $100 or a little more, crown spacing and a GOOD modder to some CG mods. After that you won't get called on it unless you show someone the movement ; ) Some will disagree but they have been looking at waaaaaaaaaaay to many gen pics. Hope that helps.

Cheers,

c

Really good info, C, thanks.

Colorwise it's pretty damn close; I've compared them side by side.

Really? Because if true, that's very reassuring. From the pictures I've found, it looks like the gen is a darker blue.

nup - same

Right. I actually ended up ordering from Angus...about 3 weeks ago. And they still haven't gotten me the correct version yet! To be honest, my patience is running thin with them.

Mine just came in. The AR looks great on the V3 3717. It's after dark now but I will post some pics tomorrow!

Looking forward to it. I'm also interested on hearing your thoughts on the day/date font.

not sure if you already knew this but anyway, hope it helps!

Thanks buddy. I actually ended up figuring it out.

I've had a 176 for a few months now. CG is perfect, no gap at all between the CG and the pin(?). The Ti effect is 1:1 to the gen as far as I can tell and the lume is excellent. After wearing mine for a while I went into an AD and tried the gen on and couldn't really tell any difference.

They are supposed to come with a Ti buckle but for some reason I got a steel one. Didn't bother doing anything about it as I had a deployant waiting to go on it.

If I were to purchase again I think I'd go down the 177 route just because I think the dial needs the seconds at 9 but overall I really like it.

I agree. Just that I already have a 111, and I thought a non seconds model would be good variety.

It's the H version you want. Trusty, Angus, Josh, Robert and other trusted dealers have it. I got mine from Andrew but they are all selling the same watch.

Thanks. That's the information I needed.

As far as I know the ones out have completly wrong crowns and are only replicated after pics and no genuine samples used during the replication process

Completely wrong bezels, too, I think.

Classic, subtle elegance. Can't go wong there.

Thanks guys. Are there any obvious tells for the big bang models? What's the best version to go for?

Looks gen to me.

What new Fiddy?

http://www.rwg.cc/forum/73-joshua/

http://www.rwg.cc/forum/65-trusty-time/

http://www.rwg.cc/forum/220-watcheden/

Now go get that refund!!!

Thanks. I believe that Josh and Trusty are actually the same company (or at least owed by the same entity). From my experience, their service is good...up to a point. They are great if you don't care too much about quality or accuracy of the reps. Once you question them on QC pics, and why they might look different from the pictures advertised on their sites things get hairy, and they may even threaten to never do business with you again. They also don't like to be held "accountable". For example, if they say they will get back to you on Tuesday regarding an issue, and you don't hear from then. So you follow up on Wednesday - you will be accused of being impatient and "rushing" them.

Never done business with watcheden - do they have accurate reps?

As mentioned, some do whether they state or not

I bought a few from Josh that didn't state "take gen refill". When they landed i tested them with various gen felt, rollerball etc. I sent Josh a 'heads up' saying that they do infact take the gen. he said, "i know, but best not to state just in case". (i assume, in case a new batch is built differently or something)

So, it's a luck of the draw or trial and error thing.

Insterestingly, a couple of the cartiers took gen MB refills too

Good to know. Which MB pen did you buy?