Not worth buying in gen

[timnic54]

For many years I have owned Gens I have an extensive collection and as a serial flipper for many years there are not many watches I have not at one time owned.
Recently I have started buying some very interesting Reps. Times have changed and manufacturing techniques have advanced, along with measuring techniques.
There are of course many watches which for reasons of complication and various details will not rep well.
I now find that I am compiling in my mind a list of watches where I believe IMHO that it is simply not worth buying the gen. That is if you are prepared to accept that the movement in your rep may over years need some (Not even expensive ) TLC.

Here is the list and why

BP FF (Noob) Unless you plan to go diving don't bother with the gen. There is no significant difference. I have both and have had the opportunity to examine them side by side.

Zenith type 20 Extra special. I have held both the rep and the gen in my hands and made direct examination. Very slight hand and dial texture difference visible only with loupe and in good light.

Cartier Santos 100 XL
No difference that I can detect with side by side comparison. Even on the gen the cabochon is synthetic and not of higher quality than the Rep.

Rolex Submariner (Noob V7 AS 3135) Unless you plan to go diving IMHO there is not any significant difference I have owned 4 gen Ceramic Subs and still have one .

Pam 111 (Noob V4) Exactly the same in every way in a side by side examination . If you are hyper critical the gen has a tiny bit better finish in the movement plates and wheels .

I almost put the JF AP diver on this list but holding the gen and rep in my hand there are very slight differences n the level of finish in the screws around the bezel , but that is all. Close !

I am sure I will find more watches over time which are not worth buying in Gen.

Anyone want to add to the list of watches which are simply not worth buying in Gen

 

[merowinger]

IWC 3777-01... from ZF..very gen-like

Same for IWC Big Pilot 5009-1, from ZF

 

[timnic54]

I have the IWC ZF LPP were it not for the finish on the case back it would also be on this list.

This list is for Reps which are so good that it is not worth buying the Gen.

 

[chowychow]

I concur with the Pam 111. Amazing piece! Only thing is some models on the caseback the wording is a little off.

 

[tripdog]

This list is for Reps which are so good that it is not worth buying the Gen.

Thanks - interesting and informative thread !

 

[Jooc10]

Thanks for sharing!

 

[timnic54]

I am going to add

Hublot Big Bang SS V6

Strap aside indistinguishable from my friends Gen . Once again side by side comparison.

 

[d4m.test]

Highly informative post. Thanks for Your time

 

[timnic54]

Here are photos of the watches on my list of "Not worth Buying Gen"

Pam 111 V4

Submariner Noob V7

Hublot BB V6 SS

Cartier Santos 100 XL

Zenith Type 20 Extra Special

Blancpain FF Noob

 

[RepPossessed]

The leather straps are usually not up to standard. How does the strap compare on the santos and zenith to the gen?

Isn't there an amazing iwc from zf right now? I don't know iwc very well so I can't recall the model number

 

[timnic54]

The leather straps are usually not up to standard. How does the strap compare on the santos and zenith to the gen?

Isn't there an amazing iwc from zf right now? I don't know iwc very well so I can't recall the model number

IMHO none of the rep straps are good enough . I always put a high quality strap on a good rep.

I am looking into IWC ATM. I have a ZF LPP which is excellent but not quite up to the quality where I would actually say there is no benefit in buying the Gen, although it is close and a great watch.

It would be great on this thread to hear from people who have made direct comparisons of various reps with the relevant Gen and hear their opinions.

 

[peterpl]

Good post. I agree with pretty much all of the watches you have said.

Now the only gens I buy are precious metal ones. The gold can never be repped and the color is always off on the reps and not even completely coated in plating such as the rolex/ap bracelets let alone the weight. The only gen I own now is a Rolex Sub 116613LB and soon will be a Datejust 41 Champagne dial in Two Tone.

 

[S41N7]

Beautiful watch collection and a fantastic thread. Will be revisiting this from time to time. I am tempted by the pam. But am under the impression a version update is on the horizon (with the v4 being more slight tweak). Any opinions?

 

[ZoomBoy]

Which Zenith Pilot did you grab? The ZF or V6F version?

 

[Strodda]

I have the IWC ZF LPP were it not for the finish on the case back it would also be on this list.

This list is for Reps which are so good that it is not worth buying the Gen.

In the day it's a great and accurate piece but the lume is absolutely horrible.

 

[Variatio Delectat]

I am going to add

Hublot Big Bang SS V6

Strap aside indistinguishable from my friends Gen . Once again side by side comparison.

Agreed. As for the strap, I put a gen strap on mine, case closed.

 

[velox]

Would like to add TC´s 16610 on the list.

 

[velox]

And the Tudor Pelagos ZF. Have both gen and rep, very very close . . .

 

[RepPossessed]

So we know the pelagos and black bay are close.

do you think they could be considered for this category?

 

[RepPossessed]

And the Tudor Pelagos ZF. Have both gen and rep, very very close . . .

you just pipped me to the post!