Hello,
Firstly, i wanted to say thanks as I've got some good advice here on my previous post on 'best OOTB (@2019 edition) Sub-C or SD'.
The feedback from that post seems to be that the best watch options are either the ARF SD43 or the ARF Sub-C V2 with the 2836 movement given that i'm not planning on doing any mods to the watch. Although i like style of the SD43 the most, with it's super cool red lettering and bezel - i've decided the SD43 size is likely too big for my wrist. Therefore the ARF Sub-C is a safer greater choice within minimal faults, high QC and 904L, etc...
BUT, now i'd like further opinions on the following- I'm on the fence between the ARF Sub-C V2 (I assuming the 2836 V2 is the best option) or a SD4000. Unfortunately, ARF don't make an SD4000, but from what i've read it appears that the best SD4000 version is the Noobfactory SD4000 V2. The main downside i guess being it's not proper 904L and sometimes the overall Noob QC.
***
In your opinion- with the Noob SD4000 not being 904, does it shine/ sheen a little more different to a gen compared to a rep with 904 (and what are the other benefits of 904)? Not sure if it's in my head but think I can always spot a rep as they just seem to shine a differently to the gen (although maybe they're low-end cheap reps i'm seeing in the wild). Also is the bezel, dial, hands, date, lume, SEL, case, bracelet and clasp typically considered very good on the Noob SD4000 V2? I'd likely go with the BK edition which has an ETA movement added and the following-
***
Movement: Swiss ETA 2836-2
Mods:
- reinstall DWO for better date positions; or change out the stock DWO to my DWO if the stock one is dirty or got chipped paint
- straighten 6, 9 markers which sometimes are crooked
- line up the 12 o'clock marker to the engraved Rolex coronet on the rehaut
- reinstall bezel insert to line it up with the dail
- bezel tightened => no rocking bezel
- set proper crown stem length. The factory sometimes make it too long which puts pressure on the movement and can diminish WR
- replace the 2 movement ring tabs with Swiss made ones which better secure the movement in place
- replace the 2 movement ring screws with high quality ones which break less
- replace springbars so SELs are not loose in the lugs
Price: $608+shipping.
Noobfactory SD4000 v2: https://imgur.com/a/0f2ga0S
So, with your insight/ opinion-
- which is the better watch and closer to gen between the BK Noob SD4000 and the ARF Sub-C V2 2839?
- OR if i'm going Sub-C is BK's Noob V9 ETA 2836-2 the best option over the ARF (as then i'd have BK QC and fixes + 904L this out-do the ARF sub-c V2?
I understand some may think save $200 vs getting a BK and do my own QC but i'm not much into this hobby like you so not overly knowledgeable and would probably not bother going too in depth myself. Yet i'd like a nice fun and highly accurate watch that is of quality.
Any other options you'd throw in the mix with the above two models?
Cheers!
Firstly, i wanted to say thanks as I've got some good advice here on my previous post on 'best OOTB (@2019 edition) Sub-C or SD'.
The feedback from that post seems to be that the best watch options are either the ARF SD43 or the ARF Sub-C V2 with the 2836 movement given that i'm not planning on doing any mods to the watch. Although i like style of the SD43 the most, with it's super cool red lettering and bezel - i've decided the SD43 size is likely too big for my wrist. Therefore the ARF Sub-C is a safer greater choice within minimal faults, high QC and 904L, etc...
BUT, now i'd like further opinions on the following- I'm on the fence between the ARF Sub-C V2 (I assuming the 2836 V2 is the best option) or a SD4000. Unfortunately, ARF don't make an SD4000, but from what i've read it appears that the best SD4000 version is the Noobfactory SD4000 V2. The main downside i guess being it's not proper 904L and sometimes the overall Noob QC.
***
In your opinion- with the Noob SD4000 not being 904, does it shine/ sheen a little more different to a gen compared to a rep with 904 (and what are the other benefits of 904)? Not sure if it's in my head but think I can always spot a rep as they just seem to shine a differently to the gen (although maybe they're low-end cheap reps i'm seeing in the wild). Also is the bezel, dial, hands, date, lume, SEL, case, bracelet and clasp typically considered very good on the Noob SD4000 V2? I'd likely go with the BK edition which has an ETA movement added and the following-
***
Movement: Swiss ETA 2836-2
Mods:
- reinstall DWO for better date positions; or change out the stock DWO to my DWO if the stock one is dirty or got chipped paint
- straighten 6, 9 markers which sometimes are crooked
- line up the 12 o'clock marker to the engraved Rolex coronet on the rehaut
- reinstall bezel insert to line it up with the dail
- bezel tightened => no rocking bezel
- set proper crown stem length. The factory sometimes make it too long which puts pressure on the movement and can diminish WR
- replace the 2 movement ring tabs with Swiss made ones which better secure the movement in place
- replace the 2 movement ring screws with high quality ones which break less
- replace springbars so SELs are not loose in the lugs
Price: $608+shipping.
Noobfactory SD4000 v2: https://imgur.com/a/0f2ga0S
So, with your insight/ opinion-
- which is the better watch and closer to gen between the BK Noob SD4000 and the ARF Sub-C V2 2839?
- OR if i'm going Sub-C is BK's Noob V9 ETA 2836-2 the best option over the ARF (as then i'd have BK QC and fixes + 904L this out-do the ARF sub-c V2?
I understand some may think save $200 vs getting a BK and do my own QC but i'm not much into this hobby like you so not overly knowledgeable and would probably not bother going too in depth myself. Yet i'd like a nice fun and highly accurate watch that is of quality.
Any other options you'd throw in the mix with the above two models?
Cheers!