I have owned many of these DD reps in my time and somehow always go back to having one n my collection, however small it is these days. I know they are not the most popular rep but I have seen some interest and questions from the odd member recently. I just wanted to post these pics and do a mini review to help out anyone thinking of buying a DD or indeed an all gold rep.
I got this watch from a fellow forum member brand new. Although I don't have a gen to compare it with - I have owned a gen DD and I have studied this particular model very closely every time my local dealer lets me run riot in his showroom (maybe next time I could take my camera and get some comparison pics).
This paticular rep is a 21J, 36mm new style DD rep costing around $100 and can be bought from most dealers.
The colour of the gold is actually much improved on these new style reps and is less brassy looking than before. The plating is finished and polished very nicely with no flaws or obvious tells. The gold will not wear off quickly as some people seem to think. It will last for years as a daily wearer if you just take the time to rub the sweat off the inside of the band with some soapy water every week. The first place for the gold to rub off is usually the crown - but this can be avoided by being careful when winding and setting the time.
The case and bracelet construction as good as you can expect from a rep - it does feel substantial on the wrist and weighs around 120g compared to 180g of the gen. The SELs fit nicely and it does look like it could be a gen watch.
The dial is as beautiful and striking as the original, but on the 21J models there are some tells which have been eliminated on the ETA reps. The train tracks are a little thicker on the rep, but not too bad on this actual watch (maybe they are getting better). The day and date wheel background should be white and not yellow, and also the hands should be the thicker non lume ones. One of the flaws that is common on all the versions of this rep is that the bezel is a little thicker than it should be. It doesn't ruin the watch but it could be sorted by splashing out on a gen gold bezel.
Overall this watch is a good buy for anyone wanting to rock a YG DD. There is no way of telling on the wrist and it easily looks as good as the gen. Obviously up close the gen is heavier and will be better quality but I can assure you this won't let you down. If you are looking to spend more money, then splash out on the ETA version - not only will you get a better movement but you will get a slightly more accurate looking watch - but remember the case and bracelet will be the same as the 21J - which is a good thing.
If you want to know any more, please request it thorough the thread and I'll try to answer your questions. Now on to some pics.
I got this watch from a fellow forum member brand new. Although I don't have a gen to compare it with - I have owned a gen DD and I have studied this particular model very closely every time my local dealer lets me run riot in his showroom (maybe next time I could take my camera and get some comparison pics).
This paticular rep is a 21J, 36mm new style DD rep costing around $100 and can be bought from most dealers.
The colour of the gold is actually much improved on these new style reps and is less brassy looking than before. The plating is finished and polished very nicely with no flaws or obvious tells. The gold will not wear off quickly as some people seem to think. It will last for years as a daily wearer if you just take the time to rub the sweat off the inside of the band with some soapy water every week. The first place for the gold to rub off is usually the crown - but this can be avoided by being careful when winding and setting the time.
The case and bracelet construction as good as you can expect from a rep - it does feel substantial on the wrist and weighs around 120g compared to 180g of the gen. The SELs fit nicely and it does look like it could be a gen watch.
The dial is as beautiful and striking as the original, but on the 21J models there are some tells which have been eliminated on the ETA reps. The train tracks are a little thicker on the rep, but not too bad on this actual watch (maybe they are getting better). The day and date wheel background should be white and not yellow, and also the hands should be the thicker non lume ones. One of the flaws that is common on all the versions of this rep is that the bezel is a little thicker than it should be. It doesn't ruin the watch but it could be sorted by splashing out on a gen gold bezel.
Overall this watch is a good buy for anyone wanting to rock a YG DD. There is no way of telling on the wrist and it easily looks as good as the gen. Obviously up close the gen is heavier and will be better quality but I can assure you this won't let you down. If you are looking to spend more money, then splash out on the ETA version - not only will you get a better movement but you will get a slightly more accurate looking watch - but remember the case and bracelet will be the same as the 21J - which is a good thing.
If you want to know any more, please request it thorough the thread and I'll try to answer your questions. Now on to some pics.
