yodog Now that I see this thread coming back up - I'm curious - have you revisited your analysis with newer Cartel cases? I've just recently been working on a mid-2018 Cartel 1675 and a few things jump out at me:
- The dial on my Cartel 1675 does sit higher than my JK Factory 1680 Sub. Probably 1mm higher (although I haven't measured). I wonder if they've modified the cases to allow the dial to sit higher.
- With a RT flat case back and 25-116 Clarks crystal the overall height is 14.2mm. I'm curious how this compares with previous Cartel models, Vietnam cases, and gen. I know I've read it somewhere but I cannot seem to dig up the information now....EDIT: Found it:
https://rwg.cc/topic/145589-gens-1675-16750-case-design-compared-with-1655-11/
- I think one of the frustrating differences that
tripdog has talked about extensively is the bezel. The Cartel and eBay replacements just don't do it. A Vietnam bezel would make a big aesthetic difference.
- Finally, where do you think most of the thickness is coming from, case, crystal, or case back? Even with the flat base back, I wish the watch wore slimmer/flatter to my wrist. This leads me to think the case back could use some thinning. Looking at it, I bet 1mm could be shaved off the flange that compresses against the case (if I can figure that one out, I'll give it a try).
Anyways, this is a great thread and a great comparison/analysis. Thanks for doing it.