skcheng

Hey Tourby, I picked up my brand spanking new 2893-2 movement which is GORGEOUS!! I know it's not accurate, but my 063 project will sport a clear caseback to show it off!! How do you overwork the GMT hand? I think the hole is too big???? skc

I love the look of the destro, especially since I'm left handed and I've been forced somewhat to wearing a watch on my left hand anyway. Nice combo. The stitching on the strap looks really clean!!

Babola, You are the MAN when it comes to the obscure details with the REPS and GENS!! Kudos!! skc

I just got mine and it is awesome!!! I really love it. I'm going to try to get another one.

I paid for my 2893 wheel last week and Mark mentioned that he's shipping it this week. So hopefully I'll get it next week.

Just paid for my 4!! Thanks, skc

Wow, you have a GEN 201/a?? Cool!! Do you have any side by side shots with the Davidsen? thanks, skc

Hey Tim, Luckily for me, all of my watches have the cannon pin issue fixed. I'm having Vacuum re-lume some stuff and service the movements. I'm also swapping out my 111H dial for the new Davidsen when it arrives. I forgot to mention the crown. I like the Davidsen crown and my Ruby 036 came with a very nice 2.0mm crown. I'm not as sensitive to the crown issues. Palp made some very nice SS crowns at 2.2mm, but they are now unobtanium and $80/ea. At this point, if you're unhappy with your crown, I would think that Davidsen would be your best bet. BTW, my lume from Davidsen is very nice, but somehow less bright than the hands? No big deal.....still looks really nice. skc

I think the Josh dial looks pretty good. Which movement do you have in your watch? The Asian 6497 or the Swiss one? And I agree that the recessed pin is unacceptable. I've been sending stuff to Vacuum. I find him great to deal with and very helpful. Good luck! I just got my 177H back today and I love it. Heck, the strap I have on it right now costs 1/2 of what I paid for the watch skc

Hi Tim, I'm surely no expert, but I have spent some money and time learning about Panerai. I also have models from Davidsen, Joshua, and Ruby, and they're all nice in many respects. The first thing that I've focused on is the movement. I feel that if it tells good time, and is reliable, then that's the first step. So all of the PAMs that you're considering have a variation of the ETA/Unitas/Swiss/Chinese 6497. If you do a search, there is a ton of information about this movement. The easy way to go is to get a solid caseback watch (201A for example) which will then most likely come with a reliable base Swiss 6497. If you do that, then you can concentrate on the other little items. The dial, the crown, the lume, the AR coat etc.. If you already have the Joshua and you like it, you could surely mod it which is what I chose to do, but that will cost you and you'll be without your watch for some time. BTW, do you have the 111H or the 177H? I'm not sure what the 117H is?? Every rep will have virtues and flaws. Davidsen has a nice crown and pioneers many of the current offerings, and he does much of the mod work himself. In fact, another rep dealer sold me a 177H that Davidsen lumed. Currently, the new 111/177 dial from Davidsen is probably the most anticipated part in rep land. The lume is a hotly debated topic. C1 or C3, or a mix?? Vintage lume or no lume?? I like the bright superlume, which looks nice to me, but only if it's done well. And it's hard to do. If you search again, I'm sure you'll find lots of complaints and praises about the lume not only on Panerai, but on other reps as well. The cannon pin is another thing. Davidsen has corrected this issue in his offerings. I just purchased a Ruby 036 that has this issue corrected. And I think in time, more and more dealers can offer this fix. The crowns are thick/thin based on models and years. Most people agree that the thicker 2.0 to 2.2mm crown looks better and more correct on the newer PAMs, but only if it doesn't interfere with watch function. It's not always a super easy thing to fit a thick crown and stem onto a "smaller" crown guard. Now back to the movement. Do you want to keep the clear sapphire caseback? I like the look of the movement. If you do, then you need to decide which flaws you could live with easier? The two movements you'll see with the 6497 are the CDG, or embellished bridges movement (H/I years), or the earlier PANERAI repeated (G) movement. Both look nice to me with the swan neck regulator. Even if it's non-functional. I currently own the following: 1) Davidsen 111H awaiting new dial transplant, and movement service 2) Ruby 036 which I'll get a relume on and movement service 3) Fully modified Puretime 177H. I'm not sure what that will need. Hope I've helped!! skc

In defense of Tourby, I just picked up a Swiss GMT 2893-2 movement for very reasonable money. He was kind enough to advise me that the handset for the 2836 movment wouldn't work which I appreciate. I do think that Tourby is on the high end of Swiss movements, but how can you not lust after some of the prettiest movements made?? For that special project, I would opt for a Tourby delivered movement. Anyway, my 2c. skc

Okay, so once again, who has the "best" 063 dial?? I just purchased the 2893-2 movement, the correct datewheel, and the GMT handset for the 2893-2 which is already C3 lumed. I'm ordering the 6.75mm cyclops once I decide on a total. And now I need the dial. Should I go with Joshua, Davidsen, or something else entirely!! Thanks 063 experts!! skc

Thanks for clearing all of this up!! I was really considering bidding on the movement since I LOVE the Enzo Angelus project. Is there any source for the stem wound Angelus movement?? skc

I paid for my 2893 datewheel. I can't wait to get it!! Too cool!! Thanks Mark, skc

Looks really nice!!! Is the cannon pin issue fixed? I can't tell from the photos? Also, is the dial C3 lumed? The font on the dial looks nicer than in the past. And the movement is the current H/I Swiss movement in all of the REPs. I hope one day they'll correct the OFFICINE PANERAI lettering. Nice watch. I have a few just like it!!

I'm having fun building watches with the parts that I like so I'll chime in. The easy part is finding a GEN Swiss 6497 movement. The harder objective is finding a nice engraved or CDG movement that looks similar to the GEN movement. If you just want to cover up the movement, I would say that you are best served getting a basic 6497. It will be reliable and easily serviced. I like dealing with Vacuum who has been a wealth of information with regards to this hobby. The Zigmeister is great too from what I've heard You should be able to find a nice 6497 movement for about $100 or so. Tourbillon sells much nicer 6497 movements, but it would be shame to cover it up. skc

I'll contact him right now!! I hope he has PAM hands and I know where to get the 2893 movement

Got the budget, but can't get the handset. I've also tried contacting Finepics for a datewheel, but it's hard to get in touch with him. Patience......

No ruckuss, they're just too long. And the wrong color

The dial is off, and the handset isn't exactly correct. Also, the GEN has the 2893 movement which can be purchased for a not too unreasonable amount. I'm not positive, but the GEN also does not have an AR coat on the crystal. Now that Finepics has the correct datewheel, and Chieftang has the 7mm cyclops, we can now create the ultimate 29/63. Just need the hands!! I can live the current REP dial.

Has there been any more interest in having some GMT handsets done?? I will contribute to the set up costs!! thanks, skc

I would take 2 full sets for the 29/63 Lets make it happen!!

I'd like 3!! Thanks, skcheng@optonline.net regards, sherwin