Full Modded 028A

[sssurfer]

My 028A (ETA 2892-A2) after the latest modding.

True PVD + superlume + improved crown + improved cyclops + Finepics datewheel + CG lever fix.

Oh, and strap stitching tone matching with the dial markers too.

A date shot in case anyone is especially interested:

I am quite proud on how the date looks as I think it is almost 100% with the gen.

It has been a long way, as the ETA 2892-A2 has a small second lens, added right over the date window, that made the watchmen cyclops overpowered. This cyclops is one-of-a-kind, specifically made for this watch after several trials.

On the contrary, I am still unstatisfied with the crown. It is 9 months now that I am waiting for a PVD palpatine crown and there's no sign of incoming delivery. So, as a temporary arrangement, I had to modify a Davidsen's crown and make it fit into the original tube.

[rl350z]

great looking piece you have there brother. luv the stealth/stitch complementing combo. congrats!

[swdivad]

That's a beautiful watch you have there! Add the Palp crown (I am also waiting for mine ) and you have the perfect rep of this!

[ravishingrick]

I am drooling about your watch, excellent watch. A palp crown would be the cherry on the cake.....

[Watchmeister]

Sssurfer-

Looks great. Finepics date wheel looks really good. Is that Chieftang's cyclops?

Someday I will finish mine. Waiting to get it back from PVD process. And the frustrating thing is I have the date wheel and the gen PVD 5218-201 crown just waiting for the case.

Most importantly, wear it well.

[sssurfer]

Tank you all for your nice words!

@kruzer00: hi, no, the chieftang cyclops would be too strong on that watch, almost like a watchmen cyclops... It would also be too large, being the genuines 6mm on the A series.

That one is a cyclops that I got from the internet, then I modified it with my own hands (made it thinner) by sanding and then polishing it again. It is 12mm focal length.

As for the crown: congrats on you having been so foresighted to get one of those crowns. I assumed that the seller had a larger supply of them and decided to wait for the prices to calm down a little. The facts proved I was wrong.

[red]

Just a gorgeous piece. Kruz is helping me contact Finepics for the datewheel, and I am still wondering how I am going to source the cyclops. Again, thanks for the help, and wear it well.

[sssurfer]

I am still wondering how I am going to source the cyclops.

PM sent

[pizzanooo]

VERY VERY NICE... A rare model with all the right mods.

Thanks for sharing.

[dadog13]

wow!...this is really great...all the possible mods gave been done...there is a lot of love installed in this watch! wear it well!

[HauteHippie]

M - it looks fabulous. I am reeeeeally jealous!!! The cyclops is perfect, whatever it is.

[sssurfer]

Thank you all again, I am really glad you like it, I have to admit it costed me a lot of effort and search and try and money (and I'm aware it's not over yet).

there is a lot of love installed in this watch!

You are a poet, really great words to describe it!

M - it looks fabulous. I am reeeeeally jealous!!!

Same here on your gorgeous 063...

[whateveraddy]

Really an amazing piece and that lume shot looks fantastic.

[hiker01]

My 028A (ETA 2892-A2) after the latest modding.

True PVD + superlume + improved crown + improved cyclops + Finepics datewheel + CG lever fix.

Oh, and strap stitching tone matching with the dial markers too.

A date shot in case someone is especially interested in the new Finepics' datewheel:

I am quite proud on how the date looks as I think it is almost 100% with the gen.

It has been a long way, as the ETA 2892-A2 has a small second lens, added right over the date window, that made the watchmen cyclops overpowered. This cyclops is one-of-a-kind, specifically made for this watch after several trials.

On the contrary, I am still unstatisfied with the crown. It is 9 months now that I am waiting for a PVD palpatine crown and there's no sign of incoming delivery. So, as a temporary arrangement, I had to modify a Davidsen's crown and make it fit into the original tube.

That is a beaut!!!! Now I want one real bad and since I'm not like you, Surfer, I just have to be contented with a standard REP. Guys??? Would this model from Joshua suffice:

http://www.perfectclones88.com/pn02801-lea...2892-p-445.html

Please advice....what do you think of the movement with that Sopras Power Reserve Add on Module

[eunomians]

That is one goegeous watch!

[sssurfer]

That is a beaut!!!! Now I want one real bad and since I'm not like you, Surfer, I just have to be contented with a standard REP. Guys??? Would this model from Joshua suffice:

http://www.perfectclones88.com/pn02801-lea...2892-p-445.html

Please advice....what do you think of the movement with that Sopras Power Reserve Add on Module

Thanks for your appreciation!

The watch that you are considering is exactly the same that I started with/from (I got it from another dealer, but I am positive they are the same).

It is quite expensive, but if you really are into it then go for it. I've heard it's out of production and these are just a few pieces left (as long as they last).

According to The Zigmeister, the 2892/2893 is the best movement you can get.

And according with my local watchsmith, the 2892-A2 mounted on my model is a real and genuine ETA, not a bastardized one or a one that has been assembled somewhere from surplus parts.

Chances are that all the movements on these models are that same quality.

It is precise and runs exceptionally smoothly and silently.

Compared with the Asian 21J with PR module added, I have to say it is just a little harder to wind with the usual wrist movement. Any 2-3 days I have to shake it manually a couple of minutes in order to bring it back to full charge. Most likely, if you are a little less sedentary than me, you won't even need to do that.

You also get an engraved rotor almost extactly like the genuine. The only difference is in a very small engravings that reads "officne panerai" instead of "officine panerai". So, should anyone even open the caseback and inspect the movement, odds are that you won't get called out.

The PVD coating is fake PVD, but it makes the surface harder to scratch anyway with respect to the normal stainless steel. If I was less picky than what I actually am, I would be rather unsure if it's worth the hassle to cover it with genuine PVD.

Relume is needed. Besides of making it more genuine and useful, on a Big Bad Black Boy like that watch a relume adds 100% to its look.

Date font and cyclops are a matter of personal taste. Personally I am an enthusiast at designing and manually making cyclopses, so it was more of an exciting challenge than a hassle. I have to say that, to me, a proper cyclops and date font add another 100% to this watch, but my opinion is biased. You might be satisfied with the out-of-the-box ones.

The crown was a problem to me. As you read, I found a temporary solution. But as long as palpatine is MIA, you'd better get this watch only as long as you can live with a thinner-than-gen crown.

[dluddy]

Fantastic job. This is one beautiful piece

[hiker01]

Thanks for your appreciation!

The watch that you are considering is exactly the same that I started with/from (I got it from another dealer, but I am positive they are the same).

It is quite expensive, but if you really are into it then go for it. I've heard it's out of production and these are just a few pieces left (as long as they last).

According to The Zigmeister, the 2892/2893 is the best movement you can get.

And according with my local watchsmith, the 2892-A2 mounted on my model is a real and genuine ETA, not a bastardized one or a one that has been assembled somewhere from surplus parts.

Chances are that all the movements on these models are that same quality.

It is precise and runs exceptionally smoothly and silently.

Compared with the Asian 21J with PR module added, I have to say it is just a little harder to wind with the usual wrist movement. Any 2-3 days I have to shake it manually a couple of minutes in order to bring it back to full charge. Most likely, if you are a little less sedentary than me, you won't even need to do that.

You also get an engraved rotor almost extactly like the genuine. The only difference is in a very small engravings that reads "officne panerai" instead of "officine panerai". So, should anyone even open the caseback and inspect the movement, odds are that you won't get called out.

The PVD coating is fake PVD, but it makes the surface harder to scratch anyway with respect to the normal stainless steel. If I was less picky than what I actually am, I would be rather unsure if it's worth the hassle to cover it with genuine PVD.

Relume is needed. Besides of making it more genuine and useful, on a Big Bad Black Boy like that watch a relume adds 100% to its look.

Date font and cyclops are a matter of personal taste. Personally I am an enthusiast at designing and manually making cyclopses, so it was more of an exciting challenge than a hassle. I have to say that, to me, a proper cyclops and date font add another 100% to this watch, but my opinion is biased. You might be satisfied with the out-of-the-box ones.

The crown was a problem to me. As you read, I found a temporary solution. But as long as palpatine is MIA, you'd better get this watch only as long as you can live with a thinner-than-gen crown.

Thanks a whole lot Surf!!! I appreciated very much the input.....I'm probably anal, too with getting close to the Gen as you are, but unfortunately don't have your skill....the one thing that turns me off in opening watches is losing the waterproofness of the watch. I always order my watch waterproofed..........the closest mode I've done is changing straps!!!!LOL....this Panerai BUG has biten me in the [censored] big time now.....this would be my sixth one in six months!!!!!

[sssurfer]

this Panerai BUG has biten me in the [censored] big time now.....this would be my sixth one in six months!!!!!

Welcome to the club!

Let us know if this will be your seventh one in seven months.

[Lyndonville]

My 028A (ETA 2892-A2) after the latest modding.

True PVD + superlume + improved crown + improved cyclops + Finepics datewheel + CG lever fix.

Oh, and strap stitching tone matching with the dial markers too.

A date shot in case someone is especially interested in the new Finepics' datewheel:

I am quite proud on how the date looks as I think it is almost 100% with the gen.

It has been a long way, as the ETA 2892-A2 has a small second lens, added right over the date window, that made the watchmen cyclops overpowered. This cyclops is one-of-a-kind, specifically made for this watch after several trials.

On the contrary, I am still unstatisfied with the crown. It is 9 months now that I am waiting for a PVD palpatine crown and there's no sign of incoming delivery. So, as a temporary arrangement, I had to modify a Davidsen's crown and make it fit into the original tube.

I have the stainless steel version of this watch and I agree with you on the movement. It is rock solid, smooth and accurate. No doubt the re-lum should to be done. But, if you don't care about that then let it be, the watch still works great. On the cyclops, I see what you're saying. Prior to your posting I was assuming it was a problem with me because I need glasses for close up reading. No why in the world could I read that date w/o glasses on. What I am not aware of at all were any problems with the crown.

And, yes, it is a touch expensive. I would have purchased a watch like yours but I didn't trust the coating and you have more or less verified my reasons for not buying one when "decision" time came.

Tim

[sssurfer]

I have the stainless steel version of this watch and I agree with you on the movement. It is rock solid, smooth and accurate. No doubt the re-lum should to be done. But, if you don't care about that then let it be, the watch still works great. On the cyclops, I see what you're saying. Prior to your posting I was assuming it was a problem with me because I need glasses for close up reading. No why in the world could I read that date w/o glasses on. What I am not aware of at all were any problems with the crown.

And, yes, it is a touch expensive. I would have purchased a watch like yours but I didn't trust the coating and you have more or less verified my reasons for not buying one when "decision" time came.

Tim

Probably I have been a little obsessive (not 'anal', the right word is 'obsessive', see here) about the crown too. The original crown was not a razor blade, it was just a standard rep crown the way that standard was a couple years ago.

I never, before or after my 028, never spent one half kilodollar on a watch. Let you figure on a rep watch. Let you figure way more than 1 kilodollar with all the moddings added.

In the end I accepted to spend that sum just because I meant that watch as a hunt to my 'perfect rep' holy graal.

My Alzheimer requested a watch with date, and my quite sedentary attitude (not really sedentary in reality, but I am not allowed to wear any tiny bit of metal on my movement practice) requested a power reserve gauge model. So my only possible choices were the 027, the 028, and the 090. I left the 090 out because it lacked the correct movement, and between the 027 and 028 I decided for the latter one just because I found its black look intriguing.

But I still love the 027 too, I actually got two Asian 21J 027 (less than 80 USD each, exceptional value for the price).

So, my most heartfelt congrats on your 027!

(btw, I also got a 090 in the end )

[archibald]

sssurfer, that baby is a single "A" away from 1:1--the modded cyclops is truly 1:1...for that watch more accurate than any of the 3 previous projects. Excellent!!

I know the "A's" don't bother many people as much as they do me, but IMO its a shame to put so much work into these babies and not be able to get them perfect. I wish someone with more Illustrator skills than me could send one of our dial makers the right P-A-N-E-R-A-I vectors...or at least sell the file to those of us willing to find someone to do it--the printing itslef would be no problem for even small screen printing shops.

[sssurfer]

the modded cyclops is truly 1:1...for that watch more accurate than any of the 3 previous projects. Excellent!!

Hi archibald, really glad you joined the party!

Thanks for your words. I am especially grateful to you, you know you gave me a very important contribution in my search for the perfect cyclops.

...that baby is a single "A" away from 1:1...

I know the "A's" don't bother many people as much as they do me, but IMO its a shame to put so much work into these babies and not be able to get them perfect.

You are right as always, I think I somehow erased the "A" thing out of my mind.

Here are two genuine shots, and my shot again for comparison:

It is a very tiny difference, I'm afraid I have to live with it as modding that on an hobnail dial would be like asking for troubles...

I wish someone with more Illustrator skills than me could send one of our dial makers the right P-A-N-E-R-A-I vectors...or at least sell the file to those of us willing to find someone to do it--the printing itslef would be no problem for even small screen printing shops.

I have plenty of raster-to-vector tools and Illustrator skills. If someone sends me his genuine PAM or dial I'd be more than happy to do that.

[Lyndonville]

Hi archibald, really glad you joined the party!

Thanks for your words. I am especially grateful to you, you know you gave me a very important contribution in my search for the perfect cyclops.

You are right as always, I think I somehow erased the "A" thing out of my mind.

Here are two genuine shots, and my shot again for comparison:

It is a very tiny difference, I'm afraid I have to live with it as modding that on an hobnail dial would be like asking for troubles...

I have plenty of raster-to-vector tools and Illustrator skills. If someone sends me his genuine PAM or dial I'd be more than happy to do that.

Perhaps I'm just not as discriminating as you are, or, others, but, other than the cyclops I can't find any faults in this watch. Perhaps the font is incorrect, and if it is then I suppose I have to live with that. Of all the reps I have this 027 and a Rolex from long ago (whole other story) are the best of the lot. I shy away from A7750's because they are over taxed for what they are. I have two and they tell accurate time, but, IMO, don't ask them to do much more than time and seconds. Horribly sloppy movements, where this movement in the 027 is dead on rock solid. I didn't mind spending the money on this watch either. Yes, it's expensive, but, we'll be wearing this long after the hot looking HHB with the A7750 movement has been discarded as junk. And, what a shame that is, too. Great engineering on the case, et al, but, in the end they put this POS movement in it. Kind of like owning a 5 Series BMW with a 4 cylinder Opel engine.

This is mine.

Tim

[sssurfer]

Perhaps I'm just not as discriminating as you are, or, others, but, other than the cyclops I can't find any faults in this watch. Perhaps the font is incorrect, and if it is then I suppose I have to live with that. Of all the reps I have this 027 and a Rolex from long ago (whole other story) are the best of the lot. I shy away from A7750's because they are over taxed for what they are. I have two and they tell accurate time, but, IMO, don't ask them to do much more than time and seconds. Horribly sloppy movements, where this movement in the 027 is dead on rock solid. I didn't mind spending the money on this watch either. Yes, it's expensive, but, we'll be wearing this long after the hot looking HHB with the A7750 movement has been discarded as junk. And, what a shame that is, too. Great engineering on the case, et al, but, in the end they put this POS movement in it. Kind of like owning a 5 Series BMW with a 4 cylinder Opel engine.

Could not agree more.

I have an Asian 7750 on my 050 and it goes very well (after a full service -- it went out of business 1 week after the purchase), but it is time and seconds only, so I too see no point in getting it rather than an Asian 21J.

Your 027 is a beauty. Also date+cyclops are not bad at all either. Unable to say anything about the crown on this pic, but it is the easiest fix of all, if ever. Congrats!