Final Decision: Bumble Bee VS Black Themes VS Black Dial VS 15400

[Apcheng]

Hi All,

 

First time poster here, been doing a lot of research and have finalised on 4 AP's (I know, its not much of a finalisation lol) that I would like to choose my first purchase on! I'm having a hard time deciding between these 4!! I was wondering which one you would recommend as the best out of the box rep? (I know some of you will mention the Diver but I'm not too into that one) The choices are as follows:

1) (Black 15400) best-edition-black-dial-on-black-leather-strap-a2824 from PureTime

I like the 15400 because of its classy yet simple design, nothing to flamboyant. However, I've read that there are quite a few red flags with this one (ie. the AP logo is not glued properly etc)

2) Bumble Bee - Bumble Bee is pretty self explanatory, its drawdropping gorgeous! The rep seems pretty darn top notch as well. However, I'm not too sure if I want to get a rep watch that's "screaming" for attention. Not to mention that the price is pretty steep!

3) Ultimate Black Dial from PureTime - I actually like this a lot. Its subtle yet not boring to look at! Im not too sure about the quality on this rep though because people of this forum have been back and forth about it!

4) 2014 Black Themes -I like this updated black themes, but again, there hasnt been much in-depth discussion regarding the rep quality of this watch!

As mentioned, I want to choose one where I wouldnt have to tinker with. (Ironically it seems like its harder to find a mod in China ) As of now I am leaning towards the Bumble Bee the most, solely because a lot of members are saying it is the "best" rep they've seen out of the box. However, if some members could tell me if the Black Dial or Black Themes or 15400 (Black Dial) is the same or even better quality (out of the box), that would be the best! I'm not too overly fussy with the movements just as long as the aesthetics is gen-like.

I have previous experience with purchasing a rep Milgauss from TrustyTime but the steel band was pretty disappointing compared to Gen Rolex's. With this, I immediately assume that it would be even harder to replicate AP's higher quality metal bands. This is the main reason I am looking at mostly leather straps.

Thank you all in advance for your help!







 

[markiemark]

Welcome! If you want a nice piece that is not too screamy, go for the 15400. But go for the one with the Miyota movement instead of the A2824 movement you showed us.

[Apcheng]

Thank you for your reply Mark! I'm on the fence with either the steel or leather bracelet. Would you know how the leather band on the Miyota version is like?

[markiemark]

Thank you for your reply Mark! I'm on the fence with either the steel or leather bracelet. Would you know how the leather band on the Miyota version is like?

No problemo! There is no leather Miyota version. So if you go for leather then you need the a2824 version.

Be aware that no aftermarket or gen strap fits the endlinks as the rep ones are too short. So you need to take the inserts of the strap and give em to a strap maker (like Donerix).