Here is a mini comparison between my gen BR03-92 and the rep. I was pretty excited knowing that a BR03-92 was released some months back. However, upon comparing the pitures from the dealers and some members, it seems that the rep is not close to gen compared to some recent release like the Corum Admiral's Cup or IWC aquatimer chrono (just out). On to the pictures... I took Angus's pics for comparison...
From the front, it looks very close. PVD is also close because the gen is strictly speaking not the usual bead-blasted type of PVD we see in PAMs.
Gen
Rep
Basically the case is too thick and I believe they have copied the BR03-94, chrono casing instead. Also notice that the groove on the side of the case is wider and recessed. The rep crown looks accurate though.
Gen
REp
The back of the watch is also quite well done for the rep. With the exception of the placement of the screw hole for the stem release, both are similar. Again, note the pvd on the rep is very close to the gen.
Gen
Rep
The buckle and the rubber strap is spot on, both texture and feel. Gen is slightly more rounded on the edge of the buckle.
Gen
Rep
Lastly the lume on the gen is blue, rep is green markers / blue hands. It does not glow as brightly as C3 lume but it is very visible in the dark. This shot is taken 1/8s exposure in the day time to show how it will look indoors in a slightly darkened room.
Overall, I think the rep is already quite good in the overall look and feel of the watch. PVD is also quite close on the rep. However, the case thickness is disappointing. The BR01 reps which have the same thickness as the BR03 gen, can be made but it cannot be done for the BR03. Perhaps it is the thickness of movement.. I do not know for sure. AR should be the same when I compare my rep BR01 with my gen. So the single side AR on the Rep should look the same as gen is single AR as well.
Also it is missing the distictive groove on the side of the case. Basically I think they have copied the chrono case instead. Lume is also wrong for the rep for this version. At about $180 a pop for the rep, I feel it is a little steep given that it comes with a unproven asian 4813 movement. My BR01 rep cannot manual wind now and the second hands seems to jump around when turning the crown at times. So the quest is still on for a ultimate Bell & Ross, maybe in 2008???
From the front, it looks very close. PVD is also close because the gen is strictly speaking not the usual bead-blasted type of PVD we see in PAMs.
Gen
Rep
Basically the case is too thick and I believe they have copied the BR03-94, chrono casing instead. Also notice that the groove on the side of the case is wider and recessed. The rep crown looks accurate though.
Gen
REp
The back of the watch is also quite well done for the rep. With the exception of the placement of the screw hole for the stem release, both are similar. Again, note the pvd on the rep is very close to the gen.
Gen
Rep
The buckle and the rubber strap is spot on, both texture and feel. Gen is slightly more rounded on the edge of the buckle.
Gen
Rep
Lastly the lume on the gen is blue, rep is green markers / blue hands. It does not glow as brightly as C3 lume but it is very visible in the dark. This shot is taken 1/8s exposure in the day time to show how it will look indoors in a slightly darkened room.
Overall, I think the rep is already quite good in the overall look and feel of the watch. PVD is also quite close on the rep. However, the case thickness is disappointing. The BR01 reps which have the same thickness as the BR03 gen, can be made but it cannot be done for the BR03. Perhaps it is the thickness of movement.. I do not know for sure. AR should be the same when I compare my rep BR01 with my gen. So the single side AR on the Rep should look the same as gen is single AR as well.
Also it is missing the distictive groove on the side of the case. Basically I think they have copied the chrono case instead. Lume is also wrong for the rep for this version. At about $180 a pop for the rep, I feel it is a little steep given that it comes with a unproven asian 4813 movement. My BR01 rep cannot manual wind now and the second hands seems to jump around when turning the crown at times. So the quest is still on for a ultimate Bell & Ross, maybe in 2008???
