Here's a quick review of my XF 126600 received yesterday from Sead. QC was approved end of January, just too close to CNY to get it shipped. At first glance it's a really nice rep, better than the ARF SD43 out of the box in my opinion. Movement runs fine out of the box and keeps time, gained a second since yesterday.
Build quality is great, apart from scratches/dings on the lugs out of the box that I've not seen on other reps so far. Happens, I guess and it's going to be a beater anyway. The bracelet feel great, clasp as well including the quick adjustment. I immediately took out the obnoxious diving extension as many others with their SD43. Wears really comfy on the wrist now. Bezel rotation is spot on, case shape and crown guards look fine. The polished and brushed surfaces are also good at high magnification. SELs are somewhat uneven and too recessed for a 126600. Dial print is sharp, datewheel print as well. The dial is a little too black and misses that grey/coarse look in full sunlight - close but no cigar. You see the same issue as on the VSF crystals that a fully sharp picture of the datewheel font can't be taken due to the low optical quality of the cyclops. Hands and markers are finished OK with minor scratches here and there and tiny residuals from polishing/assembly on the hands. See minute hand and the 12 triangle in the macros. Bezel numbers are paint/plated evenly with no visible grinding marks, same as on my VSF Subs. The bezel insert and datewheel are aligned, rehaut as well with a similar alignment issue in the serial number as on the VSF 126610 where the last letters/numbers are a little off. Here are some pictures.
Build quality is great, apart from scratches/dings on the lugs out of the box that I've not seen on other reps so far. Happens, I guess and it's going to be a beater anyway. The bracelet feel great, clasp as well including the quick adjustment. I immediately took out the obnoxious diving extension as many others with their SD43. Wears really comfy on the wrist now. Bezel rotation is spot on, case shape and crown guards look fine. The polished and brushed surfaces are also good at high magnification. SELs are somewhat uneven and too recessed for a 126600. Dial print is sharp, datewheel print as well. The dial is a little too black and misses that grey/coarse look in full sunlight - close but no cigar. You see the same issue as on the VSF crystals that a fully sharp picture of the datewheel font can't be taken due to the low optical quality of the cyclops. Hands and markers are finished OK with minor scratches here and there and tiny residuals from polishing/assembly on the hands. See minute hand and the 12 triangle in the macros. Bezel numbers are paint/plated evenly with no visible grinding marks, same as on my VSF Subs. The bezel insert and datewheel are aligned, rehaut as well with a similar alignment issue in the serial number as on the VSF 126610 where the last letters/numbers are a little off. Here are some pictures.
