unregistered Posted August 23, 2009 Report Share Posted August 23, 2009 Many of us here are fans of Ulysse Nardin and were sorely disappointed when the UN MMD Chrono was released instead of the non-chrono version which commands quite a following in the horological world. UN are stylishly designed watches, well known for winning the most chronometer awards as compared to any other brand. The Gen utilises a modified ETA 2892 movement with an additional soprod module adding the power reserve and seconds@6. We shall see how the rep has implemented this unique layout. Also, the Blue surf is a limited edition of 500 pieces. Most of you are familiar with my reviews. Its simple, just follow the numbers between the GEN & REP pictures for the flaws. Front 1) There is an inner bevel missing from the bezel lip. Not very noticeable, but there. 2) 6 o'clocl marker is squashed. And there is a good reason for this. The seconds@6 subdial is off by 1mm. Its not terribly noticeable either, and only with two watches side by side would you notice it, but this has got to do with the difference in movements. Another thing to note is the date fonts is a little too bold as compared to the gen, but I prefer it. Macro - PR and bezel 1) This is going to bug some people. The surf waves on the dial for the gen are brushed, which thus gives them a different hue as compared to the dial when the light hits. The rep does not have this differentiating brushed effect. 2) The surf waves within the bezel are a lot more distinct and less numerous than the gen. On the gen, its a very faint pattern, whereas on the rep, they are imprinted a lot deeper. I personally prefer this as it adds to the whole theme of the watch. Also, the curve of the waves is a lot more pronounced, as is the sharp peak between two waves. As you can see from the series of photos, the PR dial works! And its amazingly accurate as well. Side 1) No real differences between the cases that I can tell. In fact to me, the crown on the rep is finer and sharper. It grips very well and doesn't hurt the skin either. Back Unfortunately I could not find any pictures of the display caseback on the gen. With that said, it is known that all exposed parts of the movement were coated with a blue titanium oxide. The rep obviously doesn't do this except for the rotor, so this is a major tell. Further to me not being able to find more pictures of the gen, I'm just leaving you now with a gallery of my shots of the rep. Here is another flaw that I've found. All metal parts of the metal bracelet are meant to be made from Titanium. However the deployant is very obviously brushed steel from the weight. The two metal pieces though feel as though they are titanium. Just bear this in mind. Wristie The rep comes on a very very long rubber strap that needs to be cut to size, which I've yet to do. So now. What's the verdict? Some here are claiming that for $178, they don't expect an excellant rep. Some reckon that this is not a quality piece, that the flaws outweigh the pros. Well for me, I strongly disagree. This watch has always been a bit of a grail for me. Particularly the maroon MMD. The fact that they've finally managed to rep it, and from the pictures you can see, its an excellant rep. Its got a nice substantial weight, extremely classy design. The lines are sharp and overall its very well made. Yes there are flaws, but what rep doesn't have them? Are they dealbreakers? Far far from it in my book. So yes, I await the many more models that are meant to come, but until then, I am totally enamoured by this lovely piece and humbly suggest anyone still on the fence, to jump off and get it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeJay Posted August 23, 2009 Report Share Posted August 23, 2009 That's a fantastic and very comprehensive review, thanks for taking the time to put it all together It's interesting how the rep actually has a few improvements over the gen, such as the bolder date font, and bolder wave-pattern in the bezel insert, and I would agree, that these are definitely worth calling improvements, rather than 'flaws in replication', as they enhance those aspects of the watch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unregistered Posted August 23, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2009 Update: Many thanks to jot9011 who found a picture of the movement Gen on top, rep below Huge differences here in terms of the movement. But in terms of what little can be seen of the engraving, it seems pretty close. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve52 Posted August 23, 2009 Report Share Posted August 23, 2009 This is inded a very imformatiove and detailed review of a beautiful watch. Thanks for taking the time to put it together for us. I want one of these , but I think I'll wait to see the different dial colors that Ive read are coming. The blue is beautiful, and I'll probably choose it after seeing the others, but I want to wait to be sure. I too like the bolder date font and the deeper cut waves. I hope they post the other dial colors soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
el niche Posted August 24, 2009 Report Share Posted August 24, 2009 Now I'm even more excited to receive mine!! Should be here tomorrow!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotoman Posted August 24, 2009 Report Share Posted August 24, 2009 excellent work. Mine should be here tuesday - my biggest breath holding moment is, how is the AR? and are you familiar with Chieftang AR and or the Nardin Chrono and how does it compare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotoman Posted August 24, 2009 Report Share Posted August 24, 2009 is it me or or does this hont photo on his site as a rep, i believe have the anchor sitting raised? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dluddy Posted August 24, 2009 Report Share Posted August 24, 2009 Just getting to this. Great review Sure looks pretty good - didn't expect they would get he movement accurate but the dial looks pretty nice Where is RobbieG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MimiSars Posted August 24, 2009 Report Share Posted August 24, 2009 (edited) Beautiful rep and thanks for the review. However, here are very noticeable differences based on the pictures you provided. The surf to the left of seconds@6 is a bit further out to the left. Also the surf is not as crisp and sharp as the gen. Big movement difference based on the picture unregistered gave. Still, for $178, its a great deal. Now give it to me in Rose Gold with a white face. Edited August 24, 2009 by MimiSars Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowball Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 THX for this great Review !!! Will the gen. dial fit on the rep.? It Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toadtorrent Posted August 25, 2009 Report Share Posted August 25, 2009 Thanks for this one. Great review and an interesting piece for sure...especially with the working power reserve and the running secs at 6. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeyDee Posted August 30, 2009 Report Share Posted August 30, 2009 can someone hook me up with that watch, msg me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bosk Posted August 30, 2009 Report Share Posted August 30, 2009 Doubtful that the gen dial would fit since the subdial of the gen is in a different position. Too bad about the dial details tho, I wish they would have implemented the contrast between the background and waves like the gen. That feature gives the watch a unique appearance, IMO. Perhaps we can matt the dial ourselves with some precision abrasion? many thanks for the review. bosk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxman Posted August 31, 2009 Report Share Posted August 31, 2009 Nice little review, simple and to the point. I dont see anything that would prevent me from purchasing this watch,especialy at this price, thanks again. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simzger Posted September 8, 2009 Report Share Posted September 8, 2009 Perhaps we can matt the dial ourselves with some precision abrasion? i had the same idea....would be so cool if that was possible somehow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simzger Posted September 8, 2009 Report Share Posted September 8, 2009 i had the same idea....would be so cool if that was possible somehow! actually, this may be impossible, since the "ulysse nardin" and the "officially certified chronometer" writing is on the brushed part of the dial. darned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeboy Posted May 13, 2015 Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 (edited) These look great, I was wondering now, years afterward if any of these watches are still going strong.. Im just now ordering my first of this style UN.. and any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.. IMO these fantastic peices do not get the respect and love they deserve.. thanks to all Edited May 13, 2015 by freeboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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