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What gen AP ROO, Diver vs Bee vs Safari

mech500

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6/4/12
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Ok, went to see the Bee today (Seller won’t have the Safari for another week or so).


Bee:
1ba0f24050d3b3c9a17ce865c075463e.jpg


It’s a fantastic watch, so cool, but for me it’s arguable NWBIG.

I was expecting the F.C. case to pop more than the JF but in real life it looks practically the same (for all intents and purposes). Also there was something wrong with the bezel screws. They were badly scratched in a way that distracted from the beauty of the watch. This was a deal breaker for me.

Case:
FC pattern is more pronounced than rep but it’s not mind-blowingly different and certainly not more beautiful (just different):
98787dfbb50e12082a1b534acfebcba4.jpg



For reference, here’s my old modded JF Bee:
82ee37eb888a03cc210d02bc330481d3.jpg



So, given the fucked up screws coupled with the gen being too close to rep....I think the Bee is out the question now. Might consider a franken if anyone wants to sell ????
 
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mech500

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The same seller also had a Navy themes. Price was good but it had clearly been polished by non AP and brushing didn’t look good.

d436c7f6a3b8ba1c8a2daaba1f805822.jpg

b29ce3f106503b52d01f80ae294628b8.jpg




Then I went to a different seller, hoping to find a Safari. Didn’t find a Safari but tried on a 2018 Navy Themes.

73adf0917e842dabaf7bb6f54f1a68e1.jpg


I really really liked this watch but I have a few blue dial watches and don’t really want another one.....or do I? ????
7fb89fbf7b931e0a9934efe930751ddd.jpg



Just for fun i tried in a 44mm Panda. It was too big and in terms of beauty, it looked exactly like my JF.
356010abd1013ea718f01a3525b1562e.jpg

Ok, the gen has a longer 3oclock marker (I think) but I simply couldn’t see the quality and finish that would justify me buying this over the rep.

I’ll have to go back next week to see the Safari and take it from there.

Oh, guess what else the seller had:
75b784ee8221c6858c173ce4d6889305.jpg
 

Oranro

You're Saying I Can Sell?
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The same seller also had a Navy themes. Price was good but it had clearly been polished by non AP and brushing didn’t look good.

d436c7f6a3b8ba1c8a2daaba1f805822.jpg

b29ce3f106503b52d01f80ae294628b8.jpg




Then I went to a different seller, hoping to find a Safari. Didn’t find a Safari but tried on a 2018 Navy Themes.

73adf0917e842dabaf7bb6f54f1a68e1.jpg


I really really liked this watch but I have a few blue dial watches and don’t really want another one.....or do I? ????
7fb89fbf7b931e0a9934efe930751ddd.jpg



Just for fun i tried in a 44mm Panda. It was too big and in terms of beauty, it looked exactly like my JF.
356010abd1013ea718f01a3525b1562e.jpg

Ok, the gen has a longer 3oclock marker (I think) but I simply couldn’t see the quality and finish that would justify me buying this over the rep.

I’ll have to go back next week to see the Safari and take it from there.

Oh, guess what else the seller had:
75b784ee8221c6858c173ce4d6889305.jpg

Wow everything is looks amazing on you!
You inspire me to buy the 2018 Navy Themes.
Where can I find it ?



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mech500

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Wow everything is looks amazing on you!
You inspire me to buy the 2018 Navy Themes.
Where can I find it ?

Hi,

Yes, I am very tempted by the 2018 Navy but want to try the Safari first.

JF have not repped it yet....gen RRP is £21900 but dealers I spoke to over the last week can get it for £17-17500 (BNIB).

I will be trading in a Hulk....which is worth crazy money these days.
 

mech500

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Went to see the Safari.

Condition was horrible.

In fact all the used ROOs I have seen in the last month or so have been refinished by non AP and the factory brushing has become tarnished. Yuk.

Might have to find a BNIB one ..... but prices are too high.

Alternative is to just get a modded Rep or get a gen TT Rollie.


0d05b1c6e4281d8b1413b7ec2615eae2.jpg

7dedf706fd306634e9804915406a31f0.jpg
 

SuperLory

Well-Known Repist
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That navy 2014 looks yumz

Send the watch to some of our beloved modders they will brush it nicely I'm sure
 

Jurgenk

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Ditto on the non-AP brushing concerns— aggravating and uninspiring, but possibly easy to overcome.

While looking amateur I didn’t see anything that was non recoverable, i.e., rounded edges that should be sharp, or loss of too much metal (such that bracelet or strap transitions look off). If the overall condition is okay I’d suggest asking seller to factor in a generous discount to allow you to get an AP level refinishing and service, provided you like the watch enough. I’ve been able to get great gens at unbelievable prices due to a seemingly major issue (e.g., cracked crystal) that was easily finessed by the manufacturer and restored to like new condition, all while ending up 1/2 of normal used pricing. Consider it the “salvage” pathway...




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watchtiger

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The 2018 Navy looks so sleek! The colors are muted but the watch is pure class. I agree with some of the people here that the Bumblebee is a weekend watch! It catches the eye very quickly with the all black carbon and yellow accents.

It's too bad about the condition of the Safari. You're right, perhaps try to look for a brand new one.

What about the Havana? Absolutely in love with this watch.

IMG_1964 by Watch Tiger, on Flickr
 
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mech500

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The 2018 Navy looks so sleek! The colors are muted but the watch is pure class. I agree with some of the people here that the Bumblebee is a weekend watch! It catches the eye very quickly with the all black carbon and yellow accents.

It's too bad about the condition of the Safari. You're right, perhaps try to look for a brand new one.

What about the Havana? Absolutely in love with this watch.

IMG_1964 by Watch Tiger, on Flickr


Havana is sick! That strap is hot. A friend of mine has one. I’ll ask him to let me borrow it for a week.

7b4ab016e3a2885704e663986cba6225.heic


I went back to see the 2018 Navy but it’s sold. Shit.
 

Champsy

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3 nice pieces there. I currently have a gen ROO elephant similar to the safari and the 3 different looks you get with the horn back and rubber straps and then the steel bracelet are great. Downside scratch’s easy.

Bumblebee is a beauty as for the diver imo doesn’t compare to either.


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MrBeasy

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Was your previous Bee highly modded? I have a highly modded and I did a write up vs Franken vs last year. Many people commented it was NWBIG given highly modded can get you 95 percent of way there.

I have considered selling my Franken bee in the past given it costs 5x highly modded cost with only small differences but decided to keep it.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
 
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mech500

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Thank you all for the comments/suggestions/tips. I am extremely grateful for your input as I don’t really know anyone in the real world that knows AP.

After trying out numerous used gens (and a few new ones as well), In the end I managed to pick up a nice franken blue themes (gen dial/hands/tachy/strap/clasp etc)....very happy with it and of course saved myself a considerable amount of cash vs gen.

I have/had so many great watches over the years, must’ve spent something like £100k in pursuit for the “perfect” watch.....I now think I have finally found it!

4ffc41bb9826889a048244bc87f218e7.jpg

69510c531caaa276cbd9174a3a91cdf3.heic





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Darude

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Thank you all for the comments/suggestions/tips. I am extremely grateful for your input as I don’t really know anyone in the real world that knows AP.

After trying out numerous used gens (and a few new ones as well), In the end I managed to pick up a nice franken blue themes (gen dial/hands/tachy/strap/clasp etc)....very happy with it and of course saved myself a considerable amount of cash vs gen.

I have/had so many great watches over the years, must’ve spent something like £100k in pursuit for the “perfect” watch.....I now think I have finally found it!

4ffc41bb9826889a048244bc87f218e7.jpg

69510c531caaa276cbd9174a3a91cdf3.heic





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Looks great on you :)
why buy gen when you can buy a franken rep that is 99% identical to the gen ;)
 
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Champsy

Active Member
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Thank you all for the comments/suggestions/tips. I am extremely grateful for your input as I don’t really know anyone in the real world that knows AP.

After trying out numerous used gens (and a few new ones as well), In the end I managed to pick up a nice franken blue themes (gen dial/hands/tachy/strap/clasp etc)....very happy with it and of course saved myself a considerable amount of cash vs gen.

I have/had so many great watches over the years, must’ve spent something like £100k in pursuit for the “perfect” watch.....I now think I have finally found it!

4ffc41bb9826889a048244bc87f218e7.jpg

69510c531caaa276cbd9174a3a91cdf3.heic





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Beautiful piece, put a gen strap on it and it will feel even better.
 
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Jurgenk

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I know exactly what you’re talking about
Better than some gems



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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QueTip

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I’d say safari easy choice for me

Did you read the thread? The poll is over :giggle:

Unless, maybe mech500 wants to go all out and spend the money he had for the gen to buy several frankens
 
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dhistory

You're Saying I Can Sell?
21/11/17
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Thank you all for the comments/suggestions/tips. I am extremely grateful for your input as I don’t really know anyone in the real world that knows AP.

After trying out numerous used gens (and a few new ones as well), In the end I managed to pick up a nice franken blue themes (gen dial/hands/tachy/strap/clasp etc)....very happy with it and of course saved myself a considerable amount of cash vs gen.

I have/had so many great watches over the years, must’ve spent something like £100k in pursuit for the “perfect” watch.....I now think I have finally found it!

4ffc41bb9826889a048244bc87f218e7.jpg

69510c531caaa276cbd9174a3a91cdf3.heic





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


congrats OP on finding the perfect one. (For now ;) )
the watch bug is a virus, it’s never gone. Wear in good health my friend.
 
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