Rolexman Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 First of all a big thanks to Toro Bravo for a lightning fast delivery and smooth transaction. You can't go wrong with him and he is definitely on his way to being one of the best dealers throughout the boards. So here it is guys. My review and opinion on the new p3000 clone. I will not go into the watch itself because member Ale has done some very extensive research and has aded all the info to his 'panerai bible' so look it up. I will start with a short 'management summary' before I continue to the pictures. This movement is not based on an existing movement. It has 2 barrels and the movement design mimics the genuine p3000 design. It is however completely different. Genuine parts are absolutely not interchangeable. I have never taken apart a genuine p3000 so I can only go by internet pictures. If I would have to set my money on a manufacturer of the p3000 clone it would be the factory that produces the IWC Jones movement. In terms of finishing and design I get the same vibe. Besides both barrels the movement was oiled properly and clean. Parts were finished well according to rep standards. Some plating issues here and there and discolouration of metal. But when dealing with Chinese movements this is normal and it does not affect long term reliability. The p3000 clone was easy to take apart and is absolutely serviceable. Getting it back together is a different story. The gear train is extremely wobbly and the gear train plate very difficult to assemble. You need a special tweezer in order to reach all the gears and align them properly with the jewels. It was perhaps the hardest bridge I have ever had to install. Especially because spare parts are non existent. So if you break one little pivot say bye bye to the movement. Also because most jewel holes lay very deep it is almost impossible to see what you are doing when oiling them. Even with a 10x loupe you are almost working in the dark... But when finished this movement runs like a champ and I see no reason why it would be any less reliable than an 6497. I think this p3000 clone is on par. I can not yet comment of the power reserve as I immediately torn the movement apart to review but I suspect it will reach those 72h without a problem. The details: When I first saw the p3000 when it came out a couple of weeks ago I was very excited. The p9000 clones could not get my motor started as they did not clone any of it's functions. Only the aesthetics was looked after with some decorative plates. A pig in a dress or whatever you want to call it. But this new p3000 clone however was a whole different story. I could clearly see this was not based an existing movement (e.g. 7750/ 6497/2824 etc). So I did not hesitate and ordered one right away to review... Upon arrival I could not take my eyes from the back. The movement just looks gorgeous. Nice detail inside case back They even hid the ugly movement tabs underneath the pretty ones lol. Before taking the movement apart I put it on the timegrapher. It runs at 21.600 bph and the amplitude was ok but rate and beat were off. As this new movement has a free sprung balance (so I thought) I was a bit terrified as regulating it can be a b!tch. However upon closer inspection I noticed the rate stud hidden order the bridge. Thank god! That means the stellar screws on the balance are for show and this movement can be regulated like any other. Here you can see it more clearly with the decorative plate removed. An incabloc shock absorber which is also very reliable. Solid bridge and underside balance view. Clean "POL" engraving underneath the balance. No clue what it stands for. The oiled barrel jewels Look at the 3 layered dial!!!!!.... That will need a special canon pinion right? Huh?.. That is a deep hole. No special canon pinion but special hands. So forget replacing them.. Here you can see the base plate with the dial removed. Nicely finished and clean. No date option and a normal keyless which has some grease... Some part close ups.. Here is the barrel bridge removed. Nice and solid. The 2 barrels exposed The underside of the barrel bridge (I used foil with this movement as the brushed plates are prone to scratches) Barrel 1 (clean but not oiled) Barrel 2 (clean but not oiled) Here you can see both main springs. The barrel 2 mainspring is longer. Here is the gear train. Completely different than the gen p3000 with a aded pinion to transfer the power to the top of the movement: the canon pinion (= minute wheel) The pinion I'm talking about Other parts are also well finished Final shot on the timegrapher taken a hour ago after full service and regulation. Performing like a gen ... Here is a genuine p3000 (pictures from Google search) and you can see the similarities and differences in bridges and gears. Well that was all folks. Hope you liked the review. Based on my findings I would say the watch is definitely worth the extra $100. Although not a 100% the same in appearance and function as the p3000 it comes very close. Maybe the closest we will ever see? It is a reliable movement and it will give you that extra dimension of a genuine feeling. I'm still testing it so unfortunately I can not yet comment on the power reserve whether it actually is 72h. But I think it will come close. Tanks for reading Mark 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sputim Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 Looks nice! I like the strap that comes with the watch. Seems to fit the vintage look extremely nice. Can't wait for the detailed review Gesendet von meinem iPhone mit Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.S. Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 Yep it's almost gen-like. Some minor screw location differences and font sizes. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StormTooper4 Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 Just in. The new 372 with P3000 super clone movement. Brought to me lichting fast by Toro Bravo for me to review. Muchos Gracias Stay tuned... All I can say is WOW So looking forward to hearing how this turns out. Looks bloody great regardless of the barrels and PR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omgiv Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 Can't wait to see what you find lurking inside there. Very eager to hear your impressions. Especially in regards to reliability, serviceability, and parts interchangeability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fitmic Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 This will be interesting. Thanks for doing this, and thanks to Torobravo too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolexman Posted December 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 I just pulled the movement apart and I am so excited I want to share my first findings. Off course pictures and more details will follow soon. Nothing on this movement is fake. Everything works like it should, is extremely well finished and oiled to perfection throughout. It looks as if they designed this movement from the ground up. Twin barrel and all! Everyone who screams it is not worth the extra $100 is full of it. It's absolutely worth it! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coolfire Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 Exciting indeed! Sent from my SHV-E250S using Tapatalk 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ephry73 Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 Very nice indeed. Please measure the cannons to ensure that we know what hands are compatible as well. I may want to get one of these for the movement later on. E Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ceejay Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 I don't get it, if this was built to replicate the Cal P3000 then why couldn't they at least put the bridge screws in the correct location and the gear train jewels are a instant give away. I'm not knocking it as I think it looks great, I love the barrel bridge andI look forward to your tear down of this beauty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sputim Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 This watch with the updated movement a pure beauty. Nevertheless, 47mm is too big for my wrist Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikewatch Posted December 31, 2013 Report Share Posted December 31, 2013 Can't wait to hear more about the teardown! Got mine form Toro also today and the movement feels rock solid! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atomic_doug Posted December 31, 2013 Report Share Posted December 31, 2013 Does it, by any chance, have the function of the gen where crown position 1 changes the hour only? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolexman Posted December 31, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2013 Does it, by any chance, have the function of the gen where crown position 1 changes the hour only? Nope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StormTooper4 Posted January 1, 2014 Report Share Posted January 1, 2014 Does it have the Date wheel option? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolexman Posted January 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2014 Updated see post #1. Enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markiemark Posted January 1, 2014 Report Share Posted January 1, 2014 Nice work Mark! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sputim Posted January 1, 2014 Report Share Posted January 1, 2014 Amazing work rolexman! I am rellay tempted to get this pam even though it's a little big Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omgiv Posted January 1, 2014 Report Share Posted January 1, 2014 Thanks for taking the time to take pictures and share with us. This looks like an excellent attempt and I hope that the next iterations will be even better. As always, there is room for improvement (an to also make things worse ). Did you happen to take a picture of the cannon pinion? Does this version also have a cap that fits over the cannon pinion? Thanks again!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolexman Posted January 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2014 Did you happen to take a picture of the cannon pinion? Does this version also have a cap that fits over the cannon pinion? Thanks again!!!! It can be seen on multiple pictures. The cap is of no importance on this movement. Read the review and you get your answer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omgiv Posted January 1, 2014 Report Share Posted January 1, 2014 I did read the full review before asking my question. I can only see the tip of the cannon pinion in your pictures. I was wondering if you had one like the hour wheel picture. The cap was asked to further discuss the construction. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolexman Posted January 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2014 I did read the full review before asking my question. I can only see the tip of the cannon pinion in your pictures. I was wondering if you had one like the hour wheel picture. The cap was asked to further discuss the construction. Thanks. I see. The canon pinion is capped. But you do not see that cap because the minute hand is constructed with a very long tube and a closed centre. Presumably just plated silver. This mimics the look of a cap. Therefor the 'cap' you see when everything is assembled is not the canon pinion. I did not inspect the hands very thoroughly but I believe the cap to be apart of the minute hand which can not be separated. Have to look into that though. The way the dial and movement bond no other hands will ever fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omgiv Posted January 1, 2014 Report Share Posted January 1, 2014 Thanks for the clarification. This sounds very similar to the 372 that I have (purchased from Andrew). The cap did come off of the hands in my watch. Here are some pics of its construction. Thanks again for the teardown!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OmegaPOFL Posted January 1, 2014 Report Share Posted January 1, 2014 wow... great tear down Rolexman! thanks would be amazing if it really held 72hr pr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mellons Posted January 1, 2014 Report Share Posted January 1, 2014 Great in depth review thanks for posting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now