I decided to give it a shot (YG version) and ordered it through YW (RWI probationary dealer) as the price is cheaper on YW than Trusty by 40 USD all costs incl. Furthermore, I inquired Trustry how he would ship EU after the Brexit and it seems he's still shipping through UK with Royal Mail. He claims no problems with it (which might be) but I just don't want to risk it yet. Therefore, went with YW as they are EU based dealer, but that also means the shipping time is almost double. Well, safety first I guess.
After more in depth comparison with the GEN pics and what I saw in trusty's videos, here are some more differences compared to gen:
Scale and markers: it seems like the SS version is the only one having the inner scale printed @3 and 9 o' clock like the GEN, but then badly done. The other versions (Plat, YG,RG) all have missing printing on the inner scale @3 and 9. On the other hand, the GEN markers are cut lop-sided. All versions have that except the SS version. So while the SS is done better in one way, it also is done more badly in another way.
Caseback: All versions have the caseback with the Pt950 marking, thus this is only correct for the PLAT version.
Color: After much comparisons, I think the PLAT version is the best when it comes to coloring. The steel difference to platinum is imo obvious if you hold them side by side, but not when it's on the wrist. There is no discoloration risk as with the gold plated ones and the dial color seems to be the closest to GEN. The YG comes in second as both YG,RG are different to GEN RG, but the GEN RG is actually closer to the REP YG. It has that subtle dark color like aged vintage gold opposed to cheap general rose gold color. So while the GEN is "pink gold", it differs from the REP rose gold by a lot. Therefore a YG version wins, and perhaps, there is a way to let the YG plating oxidize to make it dull ? the third choice would be the SS version with the correct scale printing, but in videos, the grey difference is hard to judge. Though the red numbering seems a little light. The RG version is the most flawed color wise imo.
Finishing: The finishing in the QC photos on the rep YG is also more refined than the RG version. Maybe it's a one-time case basis... but both Trusty and YW photos shows this.
Case shape and lugs: The lugs are still different to GEN as the transition on the GEN are rounded on both top and side while the rep is just "flat " at top and rounded at the side.
All in all, a rep with lots of flaws, but as long you enjoy the watch, no big of a deal. How many people know the 1955 by heart anyways? (vintage) chrono's especially have lots of 'franken' watches or variations that people can't keep up anymore. Furhermore, it's still 300USD compared to 40K
I went with the YG version despite discoloration as I miss a golden chrono in the collection. If anyone knows a way to oxidize is without rubbing the gold plating off, please let me know. I'll post wrist shots as soon it arrives
