Steve52 Posted May 30, 2009 Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 Hey watch fans! I've sent my UPO off to Vac to have some gen parts added and need some advice. Here's what 's being done: Gen Dial Gen Hands Gen Crown and tube Gen HE valve full service I was thinking of having the crystal AR done by Chief, but now I'm wondering if I should just go all the way with the mod and get a gen crystal. Total gen mod. I think there's an AR crystal available. What do you think? Sure appreciate your advice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MasterOfPuppets Posted May 30, 2009 Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 Chief's AR is amazing, from what i've read, satisfied customer even like it more than gen crystals but IMPO, if i had all these gen parts installed, and my bank account wasn't bleeding yet, i'd go all the way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
its_urabus Posted May 30, 2009 Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 for me, its all about timing. would getting the gen crystal get this amazing franken back on your wrist faster? you will be happy with either in the end. good luck my friend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve52 Posted May 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 Thanks Michael! Good to hear from you. Thanks to MasterofPuppets too! I think it would get it back in my hands faster, and probably only about $75 more than CT's AR. I was thinking the same thing. What the heck! Like I said, in for a nickel, in for....a lot! I have an email into Vac to find out. I'll let you know what I do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomhorn Posted May 30, 2009 Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 Chief reported some issues with the UPO crystals when they were coated. http://www.rwg.cc/members/Word-or-2-Double-AR-t91495.html I'm thinking you should go gen if the price isn't too crazy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b16a2 Posted May 30, 2009 Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 Genuine Crystal Pros - Correct blue tint Cons - price Chief AR Pros - Price, more effective AR Cons - Less of a blue tint (if that's a con I don't know!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
its_urabus Posted May 30, 2009 Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 hey Lani, I see you reading, how about posting some of your pics of your 2 sexy UPO's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanikai Posted May 30, 2009 Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 I have the black /white dial PO with the genuine xtal I have the orange (pumpkin) dial with chiefs ar Both are frankens, with genuine dials side by side .. I would go with chiefs ar .. hands down ...everytime re: the genuine "plume hue" can be a distraction in direct lighting chiefs has a very, very slight "plum hue" in direct lighting that does not hinder the visibility of the dial.. ergo better light absorbtion, with the wave legnths of light. and chiefs xtal brings out more detail in the dial. I would equate chiefs ar to that of the genuine UN's .. the anomally will be,.. that at times it will appear you have "NO" crystal on your case.. How Cool is that ?? Problem.. down time for your watch due to it not having a xtal Solution.. I have a spare PO xtal.. that can be used for chiefs next run.. after you swap the crystal send me back the rep crystal Hands down.. regardless of the so called "hassle" (thems my words no one elses statement of fact) .. you would be missing out if you don't go with chiefs ar.. it will maake your PO so unique !!!! the extra "yard" is what ..imo .. this hobby is all about.. it's "the passion" A~C Lani edit add.. urabus.. dunno if I can find um... I'm on my LT at a coffee shop and have all my files at home .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
its_urabus Posted May 30, 2009 Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 Lani, if you dont mind... and mine with chiefs AR and my INGE with very good rep AR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanikai Posted May 30, 2009 Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 found um... Black/whit dial: Genuine xtal/AR Orange (Pumpkin) rep xtal Chiefs/AR These images are not over exposed.. just wanted the light to be extreme.. to illustrate the light absorbtion.. If your thinking that the genuine has more direct light on it.. both dials have direct lighting facing dead on with the dials Notice the pearl in the orange bezel.. that is more OEM spec than the rep.. I got it from the bay.. "wholesale outlet". the only problem is you have to purchase the whole insert.. which is OEM specs and will not fit into the rep bezel.. it is smaller by a minute fraction of a mm and thicker.. but for me it was easier to spend 60 usd than over 200 for the genuine bezel that needs extreme modding to work.. plus the fact that for the total price of "that" franken you may as well buy a used genuine.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanikai Posted May 30, 2009 Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 thanks though Urabus.. nice ta know I got ma back covered... I wouldn't ta posted a duplicate..if I had known... No wonder I love dis community !!! A~C lani Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve52 Posted May 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 Awesome watches guys! And sure shows off CT's work well. This IS a great community L. Great people, great topic! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanikai Posted May 30, 2009 Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 To Clarify .. I DO NOT have a spare Chief AR xtal.. I HAVE a spare UPO rep xtal .. my solution was to "front" you my spare rep xtal to send to chiefs next run.. and when you make the swap wned me back the rep xtal that you have in your UOP now. sorry if you thought I have a spare chiefs xtal...... I had planned to send it into chief so I could start a rotation with members.. but I missed this last run. the wait will be painful.. but such is the predicament of our hobby.. it's the sourcing and then the wait that is inherent with watches.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve52 Posted May 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 Maybe I'm a bit off today! You send your crystal to Vac who sends to CT for AR, then when xtal is returned to Vac he does the switch and sends you my rep xtal. Do I have it now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HauteHippie Posted May 30, 2009 Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 I may have a spare AR coated (chief AR ) UPO crystal... I could trade for your uncoated crystal + cash for my coated UPO crystal... Let me go through my stock and double check. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
its_urabus Posted May 30, 2009 Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 wow, now I am floored by this board. amazing sir... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MasterOfPuppets Posted May 30, 2009 Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 another WOW! ur lucky! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OmegaPOFL Posted May 30, 2009 Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 while you're at it.... why dont you get a gen bezel too!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve52 Posted May 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 Chief is awesome! I've been a member of this board since December and everyone I've PMed with questions, those that have commented on posts I've made, all are great. What a supportive community! Finding this place was like coming home to me! Thanks Chief! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve52 Posted May 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2009 I think a gen bezel is pretty expensive, and I've read that it is not an exact match. Difficult mod? If it is, that's something I can do later (after I've saved up some more cash!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanikai Posted May 31, 2009 Report Share Posted May 31, 2009 I think a gen bezel is pretty expensive, and I've read that it is not an exact match. Difficult mod? If it is, that's something I can do later (after I've saved up some more cash!). the bezel for the 2 experts here on the board.. I'm sure is not "difficult" .. time consuming.. let's add some of these frankens up Gen dial ~ 200+ Gen xtal ~ 200+ crown, tube/hands/He valve ~ say 130+ if you add a genuine bezel say 300 or a little less plus add in the modding fees if you do the math that is very close to a used genuine .. with the genuine bezel .. it is not an exact fit.. so why get a genuine bezel if it has to be dremeled to fit ?? plus the cost.. and the rep bezel is not a dead give away nor is it badly made.. I guess my point would also be the PO is not a rare .. grail.. watch.. so I like what you have planned .. I know you will enjoy it immensley!! regardless Steve congrats on the support from Chief ! he is a Gent no doubt !! here's more eye candy .. this pic is with Chiefs xtal .. you cannot get anymore direct sunshine on the xtal than this.. it does have a hue .. but not one that over shadows the dial. probably the most glare you;'ll get is through your window.. see the gorgeous "Plume hue" and for your next project.. the SMP Chrono genuine model does not have any AR.. but since Chiefs AR has no tell~ tale sign.. except the illusion of "no crystal" consider this... The crystal makes the dial .ZZZINNNNNNGGGGGG !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve52 Posted May 31, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2009 Thanks Lanikai!! Those are truly great pics and I can't wait to get the Chief AR on that watch. Urabus told me the gen bezel was expensive, but I didn't realize it was that much. I agree with you, I think the money would be better spent on the next project, or just building my collection - I bought an SOH from an RWG member today! Hey, I like your den!!! When I'm in Hawaii visiting my daughter I'll hit you up for a tour! Again, thanks for all your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crap80 Posted June 17, 2009 Report Share Posted June 17, 2009 just need a confirmation from the bros here: Gen crystal should fit UPO with no issue at all? any minor modding needs to be done or is it a perfect fit? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danza1812 Posted June 17, 2009 Report Share Posted June 17, 2009 just need a confirmation from the bros here: Gen crystal should fit UPO with no issue at all? any minor modding needs to be done or is it a perfect fit? thanks The gen crystal fits just fine so long as you dont have the silix upo (the case is slightly smaller on the silix). Theres a good tutorial over on the geek about installing the crystal, dial hands etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotty Posted June 17, 2009 Report Share Posted June 17, 2009 For Steve52 RE Chief's AR. Apart from the slight difference in colouring to gen (read - better) I've read it's also tougher and more resistant to scratches. Here's pics of my 3 year old gen. Not the best of pics, but aside from the blue hue from the overhead lights, you should be able to see fine lines. These are in the outer AR on the crystal. They're not normally visible under normal consitions so it's not like the watch is constantly screaming "I'M SCRATCHED YOU IDIOT..." But tilting under the right lighting you can see them. Obviously a close up pic exagerates the effect. How did they get there? Buggered if I know. I look after my watches. So all I can assume is it's from rubbing under shirt cuffs and the like. Certainly the watch hasn't had any significant impacts or knocks. What I understand is that the gen AR is a little soft. Chief's AR is more resistant, so should not pick up fine marks like the gen does. Which in the end is a big plus again to Chief's process...... BTW - if this is your first dealing with VAC be sure you're in good hands. Pleasure to deal with, and excellent work. And very safe..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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