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I discovered Panerai reps not too long ago and as I was clicking through thousands of images, I noted that the models that stuck out the me were the Pre-Vs. I didn't know what they were at the time, but my eye latched onto their dials. The bold, rough etched numbers and contrasting printing. the white hands and non-matching dials. I had to have one...but I as I searched and discovered that the out of the box options were few and the best reps were all hand made by masters. I spent hours looking at all the builds by Projectologist and w0lf with dials by FGD and Southy, just to name a few of the greats and I figured what they hell, I'll give it a shot. So here's my first build... The 5218-203A I'm a sucker for seconds at 9 so I had to start there, also my collection was sorely lacking a PVD watch and while the shape isn't perfect for Pre-V, the PVD is, so I chose the DSN newborn case. What amazing quality, I'm in total awe of the DSN PVD case. Here's the recipe: DSN Newborn PVD Case DSN Crystal DSN double gasket, spring loaded crown DSN Crown guard Jakob Caseback DSN Dial FGD Hands with white-ish non aged lume Grimlock flattened and polished H3 canon pinion set Swiss 6497 Dirk Tan Strap First, let me say that without a light box, it's virtually impossible to photograph a non-AR watch....I will try to get some better pics later. This is easily my favorite watch I have ever owned and it's only going to get better when I get a new dial (I have been begging an expert to make me one, FGDs are too scarce;), if you know of one let me know!) Overall I love the DSN PVD, but it already has a few nicks and I've barely worn it. I'm not sure how tough it is. The Spring Loaded Crown is awesome and honestly the shape of the CG is really close. I take the comments about the lever being off. But seriously the only obvious tell is the back edge near the pin that should be curved and rounded off instead of flush with the rest of the CG body. Other than that, it's an amazingly accurate Pre-V CG. The slope and the thickness of the CG body is perfect to my untrained eye. Nice work Davidsen!!! Before you ask about the white, "non-matching" hands... I understand there was no "non-matching" 203/a's but I have seen a ton of pictures where the dial has aged, but the hands haven't. The DSN Hands match the dial but I like the pictures I have seen where the white pops out against the vintage numbers and indices. I took my inspiration from photos like this one Here is the DSN CG versus the Gen CG, the lever is far different. DSN's is too squared off with few contours, but the CG body is darn close. Nay-sayers...I scoff at you. I say, "that'll do" DSN Lever Gen Lever DSN Profile Gen Profile Another major comment is the lugs, of course. Everyone here knows about the lugs on the Pre-V. DSN's don't maintain the fat and short profile of the Pre-V case. They seem to be missing about 0.5mm off the top edge. Second... the downward angle seems to be too severe. This case looks like it has too much cushion shape. Maybe closer to the 6502 case? See below, at least I think the DSN case could be shaped into a good 6502. Hopefully we'll get a newborn--newborn case that fixes the lugs for Pre-V uses. Maybe davidsen can take a mold of the 111J? DSN 6502 PVD Profile About the Dial, the DSN is a very respectible effort. Where else for $50 can you get a milled brass dial, hand lumed and shaped with reasonable accuracy? This no Southy or FGD dial, but it's damn nice for the price and obviously not as rare. The major difference is the over all thickness of each marker. I swear if everything gained about 0.25mm they would get spot on GEN! the font on the printing seems to be correct as well!!! this dial seems to be so close lacking in a few seemingly minor details that really take away from it's gen feel. This is a huge opportunity here for DSN to send his sales through the roof. I adjusted the contrast here so you can see the true thickness of the markers... My build is run by an undecorated Swiss ETA 6497. This is actually, the exact movement that Panerai used in some of the PAM318. So it's technically GEN!!! You can't forget about the Dirk strap. This is a Dirk tan which is the original color that came with the 203a. If you've always wondered why a strap would cost $150-200, Do yourself a favor and try one out. You will quickly learn where the money goes. This is the most comfortable strap I have ever had. Last but not least is the Jakob Caseback. The DSN is really nice for the money, but I thought I'd try out the Jakob for my first build. I wasn't sure at first, but it has really grown on me The more pics I see, the more I realize the engraving is very close to gen, although I think he combines different elements of different gen casebacks making or kind of a mish-mash of different gen properties. For example on this 203a I think the serial number should be the smaller stamped style like DSN. Overall, I would say bravo to DSN for the amazing PVD work and look toward the future for hopefully a newborn---newborn case that fixes the lugs and dial. I love this watch. I Just have a few more tweaks to go to be done. I'm searching high and low for a good FGD 203a dial and also harassing Steph_Dexter to make me one;) Then with the hands, I was so excited to get the build together that I forgot to file down the bottom of the minute hand so it sits flush with my polished CP....Oh well, when I swap dials I'll fix that one. Thanks for reading guys. I'm stoked that I was able to learn a new skill. Hopefully my builds will be able to stand up to a few of yours some day soon!!! Next up... the 201a!

Finally after some trial and error i got my DLC-ing turn out good here is the result of the first trial, the result is so grainy.. i can even feel the pore when i hold the case side by side with the PVD (also failed one, still figured out how to make a good one) finally after discussing with my coater and looking a lot of info regarding the best DLC my latest trial turn out good imo here is the picture compare with gen pam 532 compare with the gen 390 DLC coated by the coater that usually use by the paneristi i think cmiiw actually im looking for the best dlc because i have a 202 on going at the moment Let me know what you guys think ps : im using noob case set for the sample

Hello Gents, I finally decided to add some more color to my collection. Short and simple review on the Porsche Design 6341 PVD Limited Edition. Beautiful dial very accurate to the gen I can't find any flaws. Nice clasp and rubber strap. Made by the Noob factory so the quality is superb. Appears to have double AR with a nice blue hue. I'm very happy with the watch. The only downside as per gen you have to cut the rubber strap to your size which limits resale. I opted to order an extra strap from Toro for this reason. It's equipped with a butterfly deployment buckle which I'm very fond of. Stunning watch and so far I'm enjoying it. Get one while you can the Noob factory has discontinued this model and it will never be available again!

i think that you would agree that this is a perfect match! Black & Orange! Thanks to a pal, I just picked up the Lava. I slapped on a genuine Hornback to give it a 'lil love. Looks like it's part of my car. And it's def. an upgrade over the old PVD black & Orange Orfina Porsche Design chronograph. Maybe the Lava isn't your cup 'o tea, but it sure as hell is my kind! Cheers PS. Thanks to the kind gent who owned the watch previously

Hi, I have been lurking round here for a few years now, mostly drooling over countless watches during my lunch break. I got my first rep (Breitling Skyland avenger v3) about three years ago and now I have a bit of spare cash dreams are soon going to be reality! So I've always wanted a Panerai ever since i picked one up for $11 in Thailand and I really fancy a PVD watch to have something different from the blingy Breitling. (un)fortunately i've got a little obsessed with the rarer PVD PAMs. I'm curious to see what everyone here thinks of my short list and if you have any other suggestions. All are from DSN http://bit.ly/14GqcB3 The first PAM I really fancied was the the PAM 195 PVD Luminor Marina (Paneristi Limited to 200 - i've also seen it called Logo Marina - not sure which is right) http://bit.ly/V1ZVu0 Or i could go for the Luminor Black Seal PVD 5218-218/A - So this totally blew the 195 out the water when I first saw it and I'm a Stallone fan - then I discovered only 5 exist which does make it cool but if anyone ever asked me about it I'd feel compelled to tell them the interesting story of how only 5 exist but that mine is a rep - probably shouldn't care as i really like how it looks. http://bit.ly/11t7q2j Lastly there is the 360 PVD Luminor BBQ - Again another really tasty PVD watch. If anyone had brought one from DNS, what was the PVD like? They all look a bit light to me. Thank you

So I've been looking for a Pvd rep for a while and nothing has caught my eye until today, I'm not a major Pam fan but I just clicked onto Puretime and spotted this 389 Pvd and now I'm in love http://www.puretime.co/product/pam389-n-luminor-submersible-1950-amagnetic-pvd-on-black-rubber-strap-25j/ I am just wondering if there is any other Pam available similar to this one but maybe a bit smaller, I know I know, but being used to wearing Rolex nearly all the time 47mm takes some getting used to! I have an 029 which I love but don't wear that often because its a bit dressy in my eyes but the 389 looks spot on as a daily wearer, and it fits a hole in my collection too as always any help appreciated guys, Cheers

I ordered this on the 3/12 and the mailman brought it to my doorstep this morning (11/12). Everything went smooth with Toro. No QC, but i trusted that he would send a good watch. Watch is what i expected. Lume and AR needs some work (if you are picky), otherwise its a great watch. Looks very sporty and understated. For the buck it is so worth it. Go get it if you still can. + Great rubber strap and clasp + Good PVD, not shiny at all + I love the contrast between orange, white and black + Very stealthy + Looks great on the wrist - Lume could be applied better, especially on the 12 marker - Weak lume, wrong colour - It needs a aftermarket AR treatment (If you want the dial to really pop). Some lousy pics i took today.

I wanted to switch out straps for the watch I just purchased. (Link below) http://www.kuvarsitwatch.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=31698 I just want an all black pvd strap (no yellow lettering) that fits this. I've contacted Kuvarsit and Hont to see if they sell this as a spare part...they don't. (I'm also waiting on a response from puretime and Mary from watches international) Does anyone know where I could get a replacement strap plus the Hublot 'H' screwdriver to switch it out?

I wanted to switch out straps for the watch I just purchased. (Link below) http://www.kuvarsitwatch.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=31698 I just want an all black pvd strap (no yellow lettering) that fits this. I've contacted Kuvarsit and Hont to see if they sell this as a spare part...they don't. (I'm also waiting on a response from puretime and Mary from watches international) Does anyone know where I could get a replacement strap plus the Hublot 'H' screwdriver to switch it out?