K2222 AR-coating review

[Pugwash]

When K2222 told me of his AR, I was slightly sceptical, but was glad that someone was offering a service in the EU. Then, during an IWC discussion, I commented I was not a fan of the Ingenieur and K2222 noticed this.

He PMed me an offer that I simply could not refuse; he offered to lend me his Inge with his own AR coating on it so I could review his coating and maybe change my mind on the Inge's "oh dear, my bezel has fallen off" Gerald Genta design.

Well, the first thing I noticed was that he'd sent me a watch without a crystal. Realising it was an AR-coated sapphire convinced me there and then that I will be getting some of my crystals done. Yes, it really is that good.

As for the Inge, Mrs Pugwash thinks it's gorgeous, and I'm convinced it's better in reality than in photos. Will I get one? Well, I'm considering it as it's one of the watches that looks really really good with AR.

It's very hard to show AR-coating photographically as I can take some pics where it looks like there's no visible crystal and others where it's a blue wash. Both look wrong, so I made a little video in the hope that you can see what I'm on about.

Unfortunately, as my server is down, I have nowhere to put it. I'll attach the little SWF clip in a short while.

Conclusion:

I recommend getting at least one of your crystals done. I'm mailing off a couple of crystals on Monday.

Edit: Video visible offsite here. Unfortunately, RWG doesn't let me embed the clip into this post.

[slai]

2 of my watches are somewhere over the Atlantic right now on the way to k2222.

[Pugwash]

Oh, I forgot to mention ... those photos are straight off the camera. The only post-production was resizing them for the forum.

[piratedzeus]

Important to mention pug! you can reduce the glare with PS a lot. The pics are amazin. I have ordered my Inge now

[hyster]

Its also worth noting that Jakub is a diamond to deal with.

Nice pics Pug's, what do you charge for photography lessons?

[scoobs1971]

Pretty convincing! After my 2 other reps have come back from a trip to Canada I

[Seadweller4000]

K2222's service and quality is first class!

I had 3 crystals coated by him and these won't be the last ones he will get from me.

Hey Pug, you will miss that Ingy when it's gone...

My favourite watch right at the moment.

[bklm1234]

this is also k2222's handy work

-bk

[mezzanine]

I definitely want my ROO coated. I'm considering getting my asian Chopard GTXL done, but it's synthetic sapphire. I am considering the idea of getting a Panerai done, even though it would be inaccurate to the gen.

[Pugwash]

I definitely want my ROO coated. I'm considering getting my asian Chopard GTXL done, but it's synthetic sapphire. I am considering the idea of getting a Panerai done, even though it would be inaccurate to the gen.

I'm considering getting a Rolex done. That's how good it is. :-)

Also, one of the crystals I may send next week would be a Fortis gen's crystal or maybe a Seiko Monster. There comes a point that a mod can make something less accurate and better than gen, especially if it's something you'd do to a gen.

Actually, the more I think about it, the more likely it is I'll send something like a 187's crystal and a fantasy Chrono Avenger's as those two have an obvious need for AR.

[Estaban]

Make me miss my Ingy a bit. It really is a very nice watch. Feels exactly like a gen. ETA movement.

Maybe I too will get my 187 crystal AR coated. It's being lumed by The Zigmeister as we speak.

[andreww]

Outstanding! I've heard nothing but good things about k222's work. Thanks for the review Pug!

[watcher]

Received my UPO crystal back from him today and the finish and effect is equal to the gen crystal I had. Fantastic!!!

[deltatahoe]

nice review pugwash -- my ingy is at ziggy's waiting patiently for a double AR treatment i can't wait

@pugwash & estaban, don't hesitate for a second to get your 187 double coated -- it's another case where it makes the watch imho.

deltatahoe

[b16a2]

Very nice! What version of the Ingy is that? The date font looks incredibly good!

[Corgi]

The video is great, I finally understand the point of AR coating (I used to think it was just fun and clever to have a blue-crystal watch)

[k2222]

All i can say is that i getting everyday such wonderfull emails from members that is touching my hart, doing AR coating sevice i met great people in my life too and made great friendships. It's worth more than anything. Thank You ALL.

[Victoria]

Edit: Video visible offsite here. Unfortunately, RWG doesn't let me embed the clip into this post.

Ooh, what a great visual idea, Pug. That takes rep watch "wristchecks" (in this case, AR check) to a new level.

And thanks to Slai for hosting it!

[Stephane]

Well, K2222.

I will second Pug about being septical when you first offered this service.

Seing Pugs photos, I must admit I was stupid to doubt about the quality you offer.

I have none of my crystals back from you yet (I just sent them in fact) but I can already second all the members saying you are a pleasure to deal with.

You've been helpfull to me already:

- You sent your own 3717 ARed crystal before I even sent mine

- Looking for a Rolie for me at your local AD

- Responding every email within hours if not minutes

So what else can I say, you are a very nice person for sure.

RWG needs more dedicated persons like you.

I sincerely hope to meet you one day.

Cheers

Stephane

[k2222]

that's ok i just have extra 3717 crystal every run, as my pilot movement died. Thx for those words, mean a lot to me...

[coolfire]

k2222's simply the best!! Glad that he made the effort to provide this wonderful service to all of us... Impeccable service, that is!!! :1a:

[mezzanine]

I'm considering getting a Rolex done. That's how good it is. :-)

Also, one of the crystals I may send next week would be a Fortis gen's crystal or maybe a Seiko Monster. There comes a point that a mod can make something less accurate and better than gen, especially if it's something you'd do to a gen.

Actually, the more I think about it, the more likely it is I'll send something like a 187's crystal and a fantasy Chrono Avenger's as those two have an obvious need for AR.

Blasphemy! A Rolex?

I have a similar mindset when it comes to how AR improves a watches appearance. I have the perspective that, if I were the owner of the gen, I would have it done. It's a universal watch upgrade that you could always say was done special order through the manufacturer. I would restrict myself to watches for which AR was already present, to some degree or another. For example, I wouldn't do Rolex, but I would do most Pams.

I am so excited to get my Offshore's crystal coated. That's an example of a watch that should have double-AR that doesn't...not the gen or the rep. Modern watches with very large crystals need AR.

[Pugwash]

Here are the two watches I sent off after the review. Watch this space for the next batch.

[xelorrolex]

Hi there

Jakub does an awesome work !!!

But how long does it take ? i sended him my watches 3 weeks ago and still no news. I know he received them and ask me for patience ...

What's your experience ?

Thanks for sharing

Xel

[Pugwash]

But how long does it take ? i sended him my watches 3 weeks ago and still no news. I know he received them and ask me for patience ...

What's your experience ?

It takes as long as it takes.