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Dillema : BLNR or not BLNR ?

mrsullivan

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Ok I need advices here : I ordered a Batman Noob 1:1 A3187 CHS from PT almost 2 weeks ago (I don't mind taking care of the CHS specifications).

As I still did'nt get the QC pics, I sent a mail yesterday and PT tells me that this model is out stock, it's gonna take an extra 1-2 weeks to receive it, meaning it'll take quite a while before I actually get it on my wrist.

They offer me to choose another model right away or wait. So here it is : I love this model, but as it takes time should I :
- Wait ?
- Get another brand's batman (GMF maybe ?). If so, should I go for A3285, A3186 or go for ICHS ? As today, which factory does make the best bezel for this model in your opinions ?
- Get another watch (I want a sea dweller), and wait for updated models of batman, which should logically get even better than the one I actually ordered ?

Thanx for your opinions !

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thrillofhunt

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The noob batman is not that great anyway. I would take GMF anyday
 

AlphaProt

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I do agree, GMF batman is good. I have one. ICHS though! More robust :)


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mrsullivan

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Thanx for your opinions.

Decision made : I'll wait for future upgrades of the BLNR, it will give time for better bezels (which I think is one of the weak point of this model as a rep) and more feedback on CHS movements (I can't picture myself with ICHS).
I switched my order to another one on my wishlist : ARF DJ 126334 41mm 1:1 Blue Dial A2824, beautiful and way more secure engine ;)
Cheers !
 

KJ2020

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Thanx for your opinions.

Decision made : I'll wait for future upgrades of the BLNR, it will give time for better bezels (which I think is one of the weak point of this model as a rep) and more feedback on CHS movements (I can't picture myself with ICHS).
I switched my order to another one on my wishlist : ARF DJ 126334 41mm 1:1 Blue Dial A2824, beautiful and way more secure engine ;)
Cheers !

CHS movements are not going to improve as long as sales remain strong. A single part needs to be made stronger but NOOOO that would cost 4 cents more per unit.

https://forum.replica-watch.info/fo.../304335-why-the-chs-gmt-movements-are-failing

BTW the Noob V8 ICHS is a great piece with an aftermarket paint modded insert.

20190706-105225.jpg
 

RiffRalf

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Well I just ordered a GMF BLNR from jtime yesterday so my advice is obvious .... it's gorgeous
ICHS, like the man says, you can't even see it without a loupe and then only briefly twice a day. I accept that it does not work like the gen but then again only the gen does (and the gen Tudor BB GMT if you must argue). The ICHS is stable and will provide lengthy service. The CHS is likely to break.
For the change from the $16k that it takes to get a gen I think the GMF is a steal
FWIW having ploughed through this thread I am of the impression that theGMF is generally considered better than the Noob in particular in regards to the bezel.
 
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Mark1937

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Thanx for your opinions.

Decision made : I'll wait for future upgrades of the BLNR, it will give time for better bezels (which I think is one of the weak point of this model as a rep) and more feedback on CHS movements (I can't picture myself with ICHS).
I switched my order to another one on my wishlist : ARF DJ 126334 41mm 1:1 Blue Dial A2824, beautiful and way more secure engine ;)
Cheers !

There is a difference in thickness between the two CHS and ICHS versions. The ICHS version is as thick as the Sub. The GMT is thinner ...
 

alpride4ever

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BTW the Noob V8 ICHS is a great piece with an aftermarket paint modded insert.

20190706-105225.jpg
[/QUOTE]

That's what you should get :)
 
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KJ2020

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Well I just ordered a GMF BLNR from jtime yesterday so my advice is obvious .... it's gorgeous
ICHS, like the man says, you can't even see it without a loupe and then only briefly twice a day. I accept that it does not work like the gen but then again only the gen does (and the gen Tudor BB GMT if you must argue). The ICHS is stable and will provide lengthy service. The CHS is likely to break.
For the change from the $16k that it takes to get a gen I think the GMF is a steal
FWIW having ploughed through this thread I am of the impression that theGMF is generally considered better than the Noob in particular in regards to the bezel.

Hope you get a decent left side rehaut engraving bro. That's a dealbreaker for me on the GMF.

This pic shows a GMF next to a JF just for comparison. The NOOB BLNR rehaut is even better than the JF, observable in my pic above.

The overwhelming majority of GMFs have badly placed rehaut letters and uneven spaces between some of them. Noticeably larger spaces between the 'X' and 'R' where ROLEX starts over. The 'X' at 43 1/4 minutes in the GMF pic should be centered at 44 minutes. Just sloppy work, really inexcusable on a $400 watch. I have an $80 DHGate rep with near perfect letter placement, it's not rocket science.

For those who aren't bothered by it, lucky you! Other than the too high crystal the GMF is indeed a nice watch. A Noob would be made better with a GMF insert, although there is still a slight speed bump in the 6, and the transition point at 18 was moved outside the 8 in the latest batch, unlike the gen.

15614770510691.jpg
 

RiffRalf

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Well with the postage the GMF is actually closer to $500 than $400.but as a newbie in the rep game I still think it is pretty awesome. I actually really want a GMT as I am about to get on a trip to New Zealand and want to track my hometime-and San Fran where I have tochange planes. I can buy a Certina GMT which does not have a rotating bezel. I can by a Cristopher Ward for aboit $1000 which I actually really like. Offerings from Mido, Glycine, Nomos, Sinn don't really di it for me. The Tudor Black Bay GMT is $4k if you van find one. The gen BLNR is $16k if I want it next week.
I asked Li if he could source me ine with a good rehaut engraving. If not oh well. If it bothers me after a month or three I will sell it M2M and move on
 
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mrsullivan

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Well thank you specialists here, it's all about the details (but that's where the devil is right ?). The thing, beyond the ICHS/CHS debate, is about the bevel. True that buying this rep (not matter it's JF/NOOB/GMF) still needs a bezel switch to get close to gen right. The color of the blue and the junction between the two colors is where the real flaw is I guess.