With exception of the learned few like
tosoboso and
slaughterer62 , many in this AP section just compare pics online, read the misguided posts of others and often come to egregiously wrong conclusions, and pass the wrong information on like a cold virus.
If you want to do a proper gen-rep comparison, the proper way is to have the gen and rep side by side in hand, compare the specific feature, and then decide FOR YOURSELF how much of a tell it is. Even for the same feature seen by multiple members, it can be subjective. Some can live with it, and some cannot stand the sight of it. What is a tell for me, for example, can be something that another guy tosses right out of the window. And that's perfectly normal and fine. What works for me may not be what you care about, and vice versa. Sharing of opinions and knowledge is what this forum is about. For those who use google, and read the opinions of others, at least be discerning to consider the magnitude and veracity of the tell you are researching, before starting a new thread to ask about it, or worse, proclaim it like an absolute fact before you are sure of it.
For the diver, I do not understand the fuss about gen straps, much less whether it has gaps or not.
QueTip is right though. Those who have handled a gen AP mounted with leather or rubber straps will understand that the edges (or at least front edges) of the straps and the midcase are separated by a fraction of a millimeter. This is to add flexibility when working in tandem with the gen plots, which again have gaps between them and the case. This is also to reduce the tension on the straps when watch is worn on the wrist.
Putting a gen strap, or gen crown or gen crystal gaskets on a stock standard rep are rather meaningless, when it comes to visual enhancements. Your sub $400 replica will never be mistaken for a gen. It is like fitting Pirelli racing rubbers on your toyota and expecting to perform like a Ferrari.
Now suppose a member puts in effort to bring his diver to visually gen-like status, for example by upgrading the dial, dive bezel, hands and perhaps movement to gen. The gen rubber straps are a befitting finishing touch on a watch can be worn as a "pseudo gen" anywhere. Like the gen, the straps should be a minor fraction of the watch in terms of cost, rather than something which costs 50% or more than the watch.
It is baffling when members will pick on such a meaningless detail to argue over, while neglecting the obvious tells. Be responsible enough to share the correct knowledge please. Like any other watch brand, AP has subtle features which are only perceivable in the flesh, and never through pics or words. Not everything about the watch is tactile and effable. The way that the case, plots and straps fit together on a gen ROO, for example, is nothing like how the rep wears. Yes the rep can be modded to feel largely the same way, and that will be a more meaningful mod and discussion than slapping on a gen strap on a rep diver or ROO just because its a gen strap. There is a lot more to it as plots are different on the gen.
I enjoy the concept of modding as much as the next guy, but to do it right, you need to first understand how the gen counterpart looks and feels. Double AR crystals have no business on APs, and there is a specific way in which bezel screws are "sunken" on the gens. Lets not place priorities on details which are nice subtle finishing touches, without first addressing the primary flaws.
