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Comparison 16610LV GEN vs JF

Tekumseh

Known Member
24/7/19
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Hi my dear Enthusiasts.

In the upcoming weeks I will try to do a 1 to 1 comparison between GEN vs JF of the 16610LV (so called Kermit)
For this purpose i decided to make use of the latest model with the rehaut engraving on both models.

As an watchsmith with several years of experience in „the real thing“ and the „aftermarket“ i like to do this without giving my judgement (hopefully)

Today I want to start with the bezel and insert of both versions.

GEN is on the left;
JF on the right.

Bezel of the JF (on the right) is very close to GEN (on the left)
Obviously the hole for the pearl is thicker on the GEN Insert, than JF.
Rolex seem to put a lot of glue into that hole to keep the pearl in place.
I have seen that on several GEN 16610LV so far (otherwise i would immediately think it’s fake, which is not)
F1-CD68-B2-F16-F-436-C-B349-E20-B33226-E88.jpg


Looking from the front, both seem to be “same-same“, or very close. (GEN left, JF right)
Yes, i hear some „experts“ say that the color is different, which is true here.
But the GEN insert is from 2008, heavy worn and therefore has some light scratches plus lost a bit of it’s color.
From my experience the GEN (If NEW) and the JF are irritatingly close in terms of color

0-E02-BAC5-0196-44-ED-B242-1-D86-D08-C5632.jpg


That’s it for today.
Next would be about DIAL, HANDS, LUME, Crown i guess...

If you have questions, drop me a message.
I will try to answer as good as i can, but be aware that i have a full time job (which is not related to REP Business)
So let me take my time to answer.. :)
 

tripdog

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Rolex don't use any glue to fix their pearls in place - it's a pressure fit.

Rolex produced several variants of the 16610 LV insert, each had their own distinctive color and font.

There are many differences between the genuine Rolex insert and the JF insert - the JF insert is instantly recognisable as being Chinese and of inferior quality.
 
Last edited:
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sn95

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29/7/18
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Rolex don't use any glue to fix their pearls in place - it's a pressure fit.

RolEx produced several variants of the 16610 LV insert, each had their own distinctive color and font.

There are many differences between the genuine Rolex insert and the JF insert - the JF insert is instantly recognisable as being Chinese and of inferior quality.

This makes me feel a bit better for spending $800 on a gen insert :)
 

arayo

Known Member
14/2/19
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Rolex don't use any glue to fix their pearls in place - it's a pressure fit.

Rolex produced several variants of the 16610 LV insert, each had their own distinctive color and font.

There are many differences between the genuine Rolex insert and the JF insert - the JF insert is instantly recognisable as being Chinese and of inferior quality.

Hi Trip,

Currently trying to build a JF 16610LN franken as well.
What do you think about the JF LN insert compared to the Gen insert?
Is it instantly recognizable as well?

Cheers
 

Tucker

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Hi Trip,

Currently trying to build a JF 16610LN franken as well.
What do you think about the JF LN insert compared to the Gen insert?
Is it instantly recognizable as well?

Cheers

The gen 16610 LN inserts are relatively cheap. I’d just buy the gen.
 

tripdog

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Hi Trip,

Currently trying to build a JF 16610LN franken as well.
What do you think about the JF LN insert compared to the Gen insert?
Is it instantly recognizable as well?

Cheers

Depends on what your knowledge level is - no knowledge means you could sit there 30 minutes and not see the difference between gen & rep. Excellent knowledge would mean you'd see the difference almost instantly - but the watch would need to be within arms distance;

Tucker is right, gen Luminova 16610 inserts aren't expensive, and worth getting as there is a difference between gen and rep.
 

Tekumseh

Known Member
24/7/19
104
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0
Europe
Rolex don't use any glue to fix their pearls in place - it's a pressure fit.

Rolex produced several variants of the 16610 LV insert, each had their own distinctive color and font.

There are many differences between the genuine Rolex insert and the JF insert - the JF insert is instantly recognisable as being Chinese and of inferior quality.

tripdog
you are absolute right with what you said.
Next time I should choose my explains more careful!

However,
at this particular 16610LV the pearl of the insert has some glue on it (&definetly is Gen)
Why? I don't know...
But as I said... Wasn't the first time I saw this....

On the other hand JF and GEN are NOT the same... Quite clear...

Its fair to say that JF is close enough to be taken for an untrained eye.
:)
 

Tekumseh

Known Member
24/7/19
104
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Europe
Today I uploaded part two of the comparison.

I don't want to comment (for now) on which is which...
Make an educated guess.... ????

(You should spot it latest at the "too bold" DW of the JF & min. by the finish of the movement)

Pics:
20190809-155909.jpg

20190729-135646.jpg

20190729-135728.jpg

20190809-155947.jpg

20190729-135915.jpg
 
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heska

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29/11/17
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So the gen dial white print can also looks dull with some lighting ?
 

Cordsen

You're Saying I Can Sell?
20/11/17
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Today I uploaded part two of the comparison.

I don't want to comment (for now) on which is which...
Make an educated guess.... ????

(You should spot it latest at the "too bold" DW of the JF & min. by the finish of the movement)

Pics:

Gen left and JF right



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Plantagenet

Active Member
7/12/18
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Also the edges of the rectangular markers appear more rounded on the left one in the picture displaying the dates (26 & 28).
 

r0b9502

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22/1/17
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I guessed gen left instantly, in this test. Not because of any knowledge of these watches at all, but because the left one had some scratches which would not be the case with an out of the box rep. Both head and bracelet showed more wear on the left.
 

Tekumseh

Known Member
24/7/19
104
15
0
Europe
OK.....
Gen is the one with the heavy scratched bracelet
However,
I switched the inserts between the two...
So the gen has a JF insert (with a scratch)
And the JF has a gen insert.
(Happened by mistake, get aware of it after uploaded the pictures :))
 

Jackster

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8/1/17
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Paradise! (SE Qld)
I've been looking every where & can't find the answer i'm looking for, , can someone pls explain what is a 'Flat 4' Bezel pls.. Is it only on the 50th Anniversary Kermit or is it something else? Thanks guys!
 
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