Maars

If I was choosing any DLC'd watch it'd have to be a Bell&Ross

Out of interest, how much is the DLC coating process costing?

For me, I prefer the original finish on the 286, rather than a DLC'd version ... although I'm sure unregistered's final version will look stunning.

for the 286.

For ages I wanted a 253 but haven't regretted buying a 286. In fact, it's hardly been off my wrist since I bought it a few weeks ago. The finish on these is stunning, and the black hands are a nice touch over the shiny ones on the 253.

Davidsen offers FF reps, but not seen him post in a while.

Loving the 312. Has anyone compiled a list of known issues in the rep (vs a gen)?

Alas no. Been keeping my eye on the 'for sale' sections but nothing so far.

Pete - your BR looks like it's had some case refinishing, especially those shiny, gen-like case screws?

Ahh, finally a 312 rep

http://www.puretimewatch.com/product/pam312-panerai-luminor-1950-3-days-automatic-on-black-rubber-strap/

Thoughts?

Thanks. Where could I source a similar 312?

Lovely watch. What model is the other Pam?

Having spent ages researching the 111h I finally plumped for a Sead ultimate 111h and love it.

Now I'd like to add to my Panerai collection (of one!) with a Fiddy. Who sells the best rep, and what are the variations & known flaws with the various examples from the dealers?

Thanks in advance.

Ahh, I knew I could rely on you

Thanks for the analysis. Sounds like Mary has a very old pic on her site then - I'll be sure to let her know.

Where's plaifender when you need him - to give me a view on this 253 from Mary?!

This looks interesting, from Mary...note the improved CG.

http://www.watch-international.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=47_54&products_id=3241

The best version yet perhaps?

Ahh, I see.

So I'm considering Reg's 45mm PO - a steal at

Aside from the movement and the price, what I'm interested in is what the visible differences are between a 45mm POrikaa and a UPO?

For example, can you use gen parts on the POrikaa?

Is that a 42 or 45?

What's the difference between Reg's PO and the UPO?

Lovely!

Looks superb, especially that CG. Might even sway me away from the 253

Where's the best place to source this watch these days? Precious Time?

Interesting movement comparisons plaifender. Now I'm confused - I think two of your pics are transposed:-

Your "puretime's V3 caseback (same as mine)" is actually PAM253 Regatta Best Edition (Updated) - see here.

Your "puretime's "v4" caseback (called the V3h on their website):" is actually PAM253H V3 on Rubber Sport Strap - see here

Or have I just lost the plot?!

As an aside, is this one repped yet?

Yes indeed...to doing some more research on such matters

Puretime informed me that the V3, as you call it, is 21.6K whereas the new (updated/V4) version is 28.8K. Apologies for my 'catchall' comment on the 21.6K - I actually only meant the V3 (not really aware of previous versions).

Re. the L SWISS MADE L, thanks for the info - great to be able to compare a gen vs rep in person (lucky you).

Can you also post a view of the movement as the blue text on the (updated/V4) version looks pretty shocking to my (untrained) eye.

Just spoke with Andrew... the V4 comes from a completely different factory than the V3.. I wanted to buy a V4 CG from him... He said that it wouldn't fit. So i'm guessing the cases aren't identical. In my opinion and from what I've been seeing of the V4s.. they have the same thin numberals and both have numerals that are too lightly colored. Both have similar hobnail dials, and the subdial rings also look exactly the same. The only that appears different to me :

1. the CG (better on the V4)

2. the Caseback (h series engraving on caseback and better modded rotor screw son V4).

For these 2 reasons.. and the price difference it would look like the v4 is a better buy.. but they are pretty much indistinguishable at a glance.

I might be getting the v4.. just for the cg now! and do a movement/dial swap.

The other important point to note about the 'Best Edition (Updated)' (V4) is that the movement is '28800 vph' which is the same as the gen. The others are 21.6K.

Whilst the CG is better that the D-shaped CGs on earlier versions it's still not an accurate mirror of the gen, with the ends (by the pushers) looking rounded off.

The blue writing on the movement looks pretty poor on the Puretime version with the ink smudged or missing in places on the lettering.

The 'L SWISS MADE L' is too close to the markers around the dial.

Some good pics of a gen 253 here.

Good move Maars.. which pam did you decide on?? The new "V4" is lookin like a good option.. especially since it seems to be cheaper than the previous V3

Looking to get the new 253 with the correctly shaped CG, but not having any luck with PureTime. I can't see the same spec watch on the likes of Perfect Clones (http://www.1-pc8838.com/panerai-luminor-flyback-chrono-44mm-c-35_54.html) or TrustyTime (http://www.trustywatchguy.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=109&products_id=890). Any ideas?