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PAM Daylight’s Reviews
INTRODUCTION
This thread is the first of a group of reviews about replicas of PAM Chrono DAYLIGHTs released in 2013 that I will gradually publish.
I will study only the Daylights released in 2013 from Noob and H maker in comparison with Noob versions started about 2010.
We will consider only the models fitted with clones (actually non 1:1 copies) of Paneari OPXVII movement based in Swiss Valjoux 7753, which are the best possible in 2010 and at this moment.
We will also study a model that we can consider as a Pre-Daylight, a nice watch produced only during 2003 (F-series), which has the same Daylight case and structure, but that had no official name of Daylight, it is the PAM 162.
Therefore will be missing the reviews as follows:
- PAM 251 that has not been improved in 2013
- PAM 356 which is a new release of 2013 without previous versions and already evaluated with Super rep status.
- PAM 326 made of Ti and with blue dial, already improved in 2012 with a new movement clone A7753 with almost correct fonts and Date window placement, this replica is already considered a First Class.
- PAM 327, the same as PAM 326 but with Ti bracelet which has been never replicated.
In this thread we will see the review as follows:
- PAM Daylight’s Review (Part I) – PAM 250 / 236 – Noob 2010 vs. Noob 2013
Daylight’s REVIEWS links:
-PAM Daylight’s Review (Part I) – PAM 250 / 236 – Noob 2010 vs. Noob 2013
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/pcteam-pam-daylight-154875?t=154875
- PAM Daylight’s Review (Part II) – PAM196 H Noob 2010 vs. 196 I Hmaker & Noob
2013
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/pcteam-pam-daylight-156764?p=1569575
-PAM Daylight’s Review (Part III) – PAM188 H Noob 2010 vs. 188 I Hmaker & Noob 2013
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php?t=158098
-PAM Daylight’s Review(Part IV)–PAM162 F Pre-Daylight Noob2010 vs. Noob2013
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php?t=160200
-PAM Daylight’s Review (Part V)– PAM 224 H Noob 2010 vs. Noob 2013
(Cancelled due to lack of gen info)
PAM Daylight’s Review (Part I) – PAM250K / PAM236K – Noob 2010 vs. Noob 2013
This review is also valid for PAM 236 that is the same watch but with a steel bracelet Panerai “old†model. See below FIGURES:
1- DIAL & CRYSTAL
Overall finish and layout of both rep dials Noob 2010 and 2013 are very good and very close to the gen. Although Noob 2013 version has some improvements and also some worsening.
In below FIGURE 1.A we can see the general comparison of three dials
FIGURE 1.A- DIAL PAM 250 AND 236 - GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2013 COMPARISON
1.1- DATE WHEEL & NUMERAL/STICK MARKERS
Bellow FIGURE 1.1.A shows the part of dial with the Date Wheel, Stick @4-5 hours markers, 20-25 little white minute-seconds markers and little stick minute markers around dial.
FIGURE 1.1.A- DIAL @4 & @5 DATE WHEEL AND WINDOW – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2013 COMPARISON
-Noob2010
-DW Window- Noob 2010: Blue marked placement, Gen: Orange marked placement. Noob 2010 is placed inwards and downwards and is a little narrower. Date wheel is less recessed than older versions and a little closer to gen.
-DW Fonts- Clearly thinner
-Date changer- By pusher placed @10 like gen
-White little numeral minute-seconds markers- Correct font shape but clearly thinner
-Big Stick Markers with Lume- A bit thicker and longer and placed a little bit outwards in dial contour(few noticeable)
-Little white stick markers- OK
-Noob2013
-DW Window- Almost perfect in size and placement. Well finished edge. We can consider this issue is already corrected enough. Date wheel is almost non recessed like gen
-DW Fonts- Almost correct font and thickness (few difference), depending on numbers of date, but overall accurate enough.
-Date changer- By pusher placed @10 like gen
-White little numeral minute-seconds markers - Correct font shape but maybe a little thicker, maybe due to less sharp edges (almost no noticeable)
-Big stick Markers with Lume- A bit thicker and maybe longer but already well placed in dial contour.
-Little white stick markers- OK
1.2- “12†MARKER
No changes in practice from Noob2010 to Noob2013. Both have the “12†marker with a narrower “2â€, the base is a little shorter and the inclined bar has less curved shape joining the base. Noob2013 seems a bit corrected but with the same flaws.
Thickness is OK in both rep versions. See below FIGURE 1.2.A.
FIGURE 1.2.A- “12†HOURS MARKER - GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2013 COMPARISON.
1.3- LUMINOR-PANERAI and DAYLIGHT INSCRIPTIONS ON DIAL
In below FIGURE 1.3.A we have the comparison pics of Dial inscriptions “LUMINOR-PANERAI†and “Daylightâ€
FIGURE 1.3.A- “LUMINOR-PANERAI†& “DAYLIGHT†DIAL INCRIPTIONS - GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2013 COMPARISON
-Noob2010
-LUMINOR PANERAI- Correct front shape but clearly thinner
-Daylight- Correct font shape but clearly thinner
-Noob2013
-LUMINOR PANERAI- Correct front shape and thickness. Like in numeral markers maybe a little bit thicker but no not¡ceable
-Daylight- Wrong and mainly a bit narrower font. Noticeable in inner part of “D†and “a†when you do an enlargement. See below FIGURE
See the total and inner width of “D†an the upper stroke and total width of the “aâ€
1.4- L SWISS MADE L & SECONDS and CHRONO COUNTER SUBDIALS @9-@3-@6
In below FIGURE 1.4.A you can see the bottom part of the dial with L SWISS MADE L inscription and the chrono hours counter @6
FIGURE 1.4.A- “L SWISS MADE Lâ€- HOURS COUNTER @6 - GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2013 COMPARISON
And now, in FIGURE 1.4.B you can see the middle part of the dial with the chrono minute conunter subdial @3 and seconds subdial @9
FIGURE 1.4.B- MINUTE COUNTER @3 & SECONDS SUBDIAL @9 - GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2013 COMPARISON
-Noob2010
-L SWISS MADE L- Correct font and almost correct placement (a little bit higher)
-Hours Counter subdial @6- Numerals fonts correct in shape and size. The white stick markers are a bit thicker and shorter than gen. Overall this subdial is better than 2013 version.
-Seconds Subdial @9
Noob 2010 has the big lume stick markers a bit thicker than gen and the white stick markers a bit thicker and shorter. Both versions have similar second Subdials @9.
-Minute Counter Subdial @3
Noob 2010 has the big lume stick markers a bit thicker than gen and the white stick markers a bit thicker and longer.
Numeral markers have thinner fonts in 2010 version, and has a little bit wider fonts than gen and have more detached “1†and “0†on “10†marker. Similar to 2013 version
-Noob2013
-L SWISS MADE L- Correct font and completely wrong placement clearly higher than gen
-Hours Counter subdial @6- Numerals fonts are almost correct in shape and size, only “9†and “3†have a little bit bigger “head†than gen. The white stick markers are shorter than gen. Overall this subdial is worse than 2010 version.
-Hours Counter subdial @6- Numerals fonts correct in shape and size. The white stick markers are a bit thicker and shorter than gen. Overall this subdial is worse than 2010 version.
-Seconds Subdial @9
Noob 2010 has the big lume stick markers a bit thicker than gen and the white stick markers a bit thicker and shorter. Both versions have similar second Subdials @9.
-Minute Counter Subdial @3
Noob 2013 has the big lume stick markers a bit thicker than gen and the white stick markers a bit thicker and longer.
Noob 2013 has accurate font thickness but has a little bit wider fonts than gen and have more detached “1†and “0†on “10†marker. Similar to 2010 version
1.5- HANDS
-Minute hand-Both versions have the same width like gen, but they are clearly longer than gen. As you can see in below FIGURE 1.5.A. These differences of length are due to Noob is using for PAM 250 and 236 the same hands as for PAM 188 and 196 which are longuer in gen and replicas
FIGURE 1.5.A- MINUTE HAND – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
-Hour hand- It is the same as Minute hand, both versions have the same width like gen, but they are clearly longer than gen. Below FIGURE 1.5.B shows the differences. These differences of length are due to Noob is using for PAM 250 and 236 the same hands as for PAM 188 and 196 which are longer in gen and replicas
FIGURE 1.5.B- HOUR HAND – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
- Subdial @9 @3 @6 little hands- Both versions have accurate subdial hands. But the pin is a little smaller than gen and 2010 version pin is black colour instead of chromed like gen and 2013 version. This is a noticeable improvement of 2013 version. See below FIGURE 1.5.C
FIGURE 1.5.C- SUBDIAL @9/ @3/ @6 LITTLE HANDS – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
-Big chrono seconds hand- Both Noob versions have the same chrono second hand, it has the same length than gen but they are clearly fatter form the point to the tail and the diameter of the circle around the pin is clearly bigger. Rep pin is a bit smaller and not as perfect as gen.
FIGURE 1.5.D- BIG CHRONO SECONDS HAND – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
1.6 -LUME
Noob 2010 version has a standard lume worse than gen, Noob 2013 version has a Super Luminova lume which arrives close to gen. Both lume are accurate in colour. Don’t trust the colour in FIGURES.
1.7-CRYSTAL
Noob 2010 is fitted with a good sapphire crystal, which is with slightly coloured AR or without AR depending on dealers. Maybe different batches of the same model of rep
Noob 2013 has a sapphire crystal with single AR colourless like gen and very good quality. This is an improvement in relation to 2010 version.
2- CASE-SET
No changes in case in both versions, it was good enough. Just improvements in bezel and casebak inscriptions and others in CG, lever and Crown. Case-set finish and accuracy are overall good and very similar to gen
2.1- VIEW FROM 9 AND 6 - DATE CHANGER @10
Below you can see in FIGURE 2.1.A the views of the cases from 9 and 3 hours positions and the date changer pusher in order to get comparisons
FIGURE 2.1.A- VIEWS FROM 9 AND 3 HOURS / DATE CHAGER PUSHER – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
There is no changes in case, overall accurate case and CG shape, with lugs a bit fatter than gen. A little better lever “elbow†around the CG pin IN Noob 2013 version. Very good finish in both Noob.
Crown is more “slim†in 2013, closer to gen, this is a little improvement
Date changer @10 have better and flatter finish of contour in Noob 2013, but the cavity for pushing to make change has bigger diameter in Noob2013 version than gen, it was better in 2010 version. The rest is almost the same in appearance, only the inner pusher of the gen has internally hexagonal shape whereas the rep is circular.
2.2- BEZEL
There is no changes, finish and dimensions of bezels are good and accurate in both versions see previous pics.
FIGURE 2.2.A- BEZEL TACHYMETER FONTS – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
-Bezel fonts- In Noob 2010 version there are differences in fonts in comparison to the gen and they are a bit thicker, less crisp and less clean than gen ones. See clear differences in “1†and “2â€, but really almost all characters are different.
Noob 2013 has corrected thickness and fonts shape and you can clearly see that are almost the same as gen. See “1†and “2†to realize the improvement regarding 2010 version, in 2013 fonts are very similar to gen characters. This is a clear improvement of Noob 2013 version
2.3-CG, LEVER & CROWN
FIGURE 2.3.A- CROWN GUARD, LEVER & CROWN – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
-Noob2010
Finish on 2010 CG is worse than gen, with more uneven surfaces and rounded edges and inner corners. Hollow to shelter the crown is bigger than gen and then the external side of the CG is thinner.
CG seems not to fit the case at the sides but maybe it is an isolated case from a sample. To be confirmed.
Crown seems a bit fatter although nicely finished and bevelled,
Crown tube is longer.
Lever has inaccurate roller support and pin of the roller are very visible (gen is not visible). Lever tip is almost correct but worse than 2013 tip.
-Noob2013
Finish on 2013 CG is even better than gen, with more uniform surfaces and perfect square edges and inner corners. Shape of CG is completely accurate.
CG seems not to fit the case at the sides but maybe it is an isolated case from a sample. To be confirmed.
Crown seems nicely finished and bevelled,
Crown tube is longer and inaccurate
Crown has nice finish and beveled. Besides it is more “slim†in 2013, closer to gen, this is a little improvement
Lever has accurate roller support and pin of the roller are almost invisible like gen. The lever “elbow†around the Pin is better in this version. Lever tip is almost perfect in comparison to gen.
2.4-CASEBACK
In caseback there are some improvements in 2013 version mainly in finish and fonts in general, but the millesimation of 2800 total units in K-series remain wrong indicating 500 units.
FIGURE 2.4.A- CASEBACKS – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
-Noob 2010
Finish- Rough in comparison to gen, mainly in the fine brushed circular ring where are LUMINOR and Daylight inscriptions. Correct polished sides
LUMINOR- Narrower fonts
OFFICINE PANERAI- Correct enough
FIRENZE-1860-AUTOMATIC-CHRONO-OP 6769-PB number- Much narrower fonts completely inaccurate. Wrong positions.
K-series -Production number/Total production- Narrower fonts. Wrong total K-series production: rep indicates 500 units, but the correct quantity was 2800 units.
Daylight- Correct enough
Inner inscription Swiss Made- this inscription is missing in 2010 versions
Quality of inscriptions- good quality in general but a bit less deep and crisp than gen.
-Noob 2013
Finish- A bit rough in comparison to gen but way batter than Noob 2010 version. Nice fine brushed circular ring where are LUMINOR and Daylight inscriptions much better than 2010 version. Correct polished sides
LUMINOR- Accurate fonts
OFFICINE PANERAI- Accurate fonts
FIRENZE-1860-AUTOMATIC-CHRONO-OP 6769-PB number- Much narrower fonts completely inaccurate.
K-ser¡es -Production number/Total production- Accurate enough fonts. Wrong total K-series production: rep indicates 500 units, but the correct quantity was 2800 units.
Daylight- Accurate fonts
Inner inscriptions Swiss Made- This inscription is missing in 2010 version but is laser engraved in 2013 version. A little improvement
Quality of inscriptions- good quality in general but a bit less deep and crisp than gen, similar to 2010 version in this regard.
3- MOVEMENT
Both replicas are fitted with two different clones (non 1:1 copies) of the Panerai OPXII based in Swiss Vlajoux7753 movement. Maker and dealers announce that they are 1:1 clones, which is not the truth.
Noob 2010 version has the date window in 7750 placement, although it is less recessed that in this movement and the change of date starts about 10 hrs.
In Noob 2013 version the date window is already well placed and few recessed like Swiss 7753 but the change of date starts in a point between 10 o’clock and half past 10 hrs. unlike the Swiss 7753.
The appearance and rotor decoration and marks are good and similar to gen with some differences like the rotor bearing and some internal details. Good enough in spite of flaws. See below FIGURE 3.A
FIGURE 3.A- MOVEMENTS PANERAI OPXII AND “CLONES†– GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
4- STRAP AND DEPLOYANT – SS BRACELET
Both replicas 2013 and 2013 PAM 250 seem to be fitted with the same quality deployant buckles already well known from Noob. No changes and good quality enough.
Straps are also the same and with already known rep quality: very good for rubber and standard for leather ones.
PAM 236 Noob 2013 is fitted with a nice and well finished SS bracelet very similar to gen and with a quality that don’t achieve the finish, uniformity and smoothness of the gen but like in new Noob PAM 299 and 297 it is very close. Good enough to be considered a first class copy.
CONCLUSIONS
New Noob 2013 versions has some improvements and some worsenings in comparison with 2010 version.
As a summary:
Improvements:
-Correct DW placement
-Corrected DW fonts
-Better markers fonts in general
-Corrected thickness of LUMINOR PANERAI on dial
-Correct chromed hand pin in subdials
-Better Luminova lume
-Better crystal and AR
-More accurate roller lever support and less visible roller pin
-Better lever “elbow†and tip
-More “slim†crown like gen
-Better contour finish of date changer pushed @10
-Correct fonts in bezel tachymeter
-Better caseback finish
-More accurate caseback inscriptions
Worsenings:
-Overall worse accuracy of chrono hours counter subdial @6.
-Worse accuracy of cavity in date changer pusher.
-A bit wrong and narrower fonts of Daylight inscription on dial
-Inaccurate placement (higher) of L SWISS MADE L inscription on dial
FINAL EVALUATION
Noob 2010 version was already considered a First Class replica. After this review we can see that there are some important flaws considering the level of quality of current PAM replicas. We can establish that it is a First Class replica but bordering a lower status.
Noob 2013 version, as above seen, has introduced a lot of improvements but has still many flaws and even has introduced some worsenings.
We can evaluate it as a good level First Class replica, no more.
If Noob introduces some improvements like placement of L SWISS MADE L, fonts of Daylight on dial, better accuracy of subdial markers in general (mainly hours counter @6), length of main hands, correct big seconds hand… , since the caseback is closed, we could consider an upgrading to Super rep status or just bordering it.
***************************************************
Please inform about your comments regarding above review in order to improve it for everyone in the forum
Sorry for the possible mistakes
Waiting for next Daylight’s review
Thanks for reading
ALE
INTRODUCTION
This thread is the first of a group of reviews about replicas of PAM Chrono DAYLIGHTs released in 2013 that I will gradually publish.
I will study only the Daylights released in 2013 from Noob and H maker in comparison with Noob versions started about 2010.
We will consider only the models fitted with clones (actually non 1:1 copies) of Paneari OPXVII movement based in Swiss Valjoux 7753, which are the best possible in 2010 and at this moment.
We will also study a model that we can consider as a Pre-Daylight, a nice watch produced only during 2003 (F-series), which has the same Daylight case and structure, but that had no official name of Daylight, it is the PAM 162.
Therefore will be missing the reviews as follows:
- PAM 251 that has not been improved in 2013
- PAM 356 which is a new release of 2013 without previous versions and already evaluated with Super rep status.
- PAM 326 made of Ti and with blue dial, already improved in 2012 with a new movement clone A7753 with almost correct fonts and Date window placement, this replica is already considered a First Class.
- PAM 327, the same as PAM 326 but with Ti bracelet which has been never replicated.
In this thread we will see the review as follows:
- PAM Daylight’s Review (Part I) – PAM 250 / 236 – Noob 2010 vs. Noob 2013
Daylight’s REVIEWS links:
-PAM Daylight’s Review (Part I) – PAM 250 / 236 – Noob 2010 vs. Noob 2013
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/pcteam-pam-daylight-154875?t=154875
- PAM Daylight’s Review (Part II) – PAM196 H Noob 2010 vs. 196 I Hmaker & Noob
2013
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/pcteam-pam-daylight-156764?p=1569575
-PAM Daylight’s Review (Part III) – PAM188 H Noob 2010 vs. 188 I Hmaker & Noob 2013
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php?t=158098
-PAM Daylight’s Review(Part IV)–PAM162 F Pre-Daylight Noob2010 vs. Noob2013
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php?t=160200
-PAM Daylight’s Review (Part V)– PAM 224 H Noob 2010 vs. Noob 2013
(Cancelled due to lack of gen info)
PAM Daylight’s Review (Part I) – PAM250K / PAM236K – Noob 2010 vs. Noob 2013
This review is also valid for PAM 236 that is the same watch but with a steel bracelet Panerai “old†model. See below FIGURES:
1- DIAL & CRYSTAL
Overall finish and layout of both rep dials Noob 2010 and 2013 are very good and very close to the gen. Although Noob 2013 version has some improvements and also some worsening.
In below FIGURE 1.A we can see the general comparison of three dials
FIGURE 1.A- DIAL PAM 250 AND 236 - GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2013 COMPARISON
1.1- DATE WHEEL & NUMERAL/STICK MARKERS
Bellow FIGURE 1.1.A shows the part of dial with the Date Wheel, Stick @4-5 hours markers, 20-25 little white minute-seconds markers and little stick minute markers around dial.
FIGURE 1.1.A- DIAL @4 & @5 DATE WHEEL AND WINDOW – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2013 COMPARISON
-Noob2010
-DW Window- Noob 2010: Blue marked placement, Gen: Orange marked placement. Noob 2010 is placed inwards and downwards and is a little narrower. Date wheel is less recessed than older versions and a little closer to gen.
-DW Fonts- Clearly thinner
-Date changer- By pusher placed @10 like gen
-White little numeral minute-seconds markers- Correct font shape but clearly thinner
-Big Stick Markers with Lume- A bit thicker and longer and placed a little bit outwards in dial contour(few noticeable)
-Little white stick markers- OK
-Noob2013
-DW Window- Almost perfect in size and placement. Well finished edge. We can consider this issue is already corrected enough. Date wheel is almost non recessed like gen
-DW Fonts- Almost correct font and thickness (few difference), depending on numbers of date, but overall accurate enough.
-Date changer- By pusher placed @10 like gen
-White little numeral minute-seconds markers - Correct font shape but maybe a little thicker, maybe due to less sharp edges (almost no noticeable)
-Big stick Markers with Lume- A bit thicker and maybe longer but already well placed in dial contour.
-Little white stick markers- OK
1.2- “12†MARKER
No changes in practice from Noob2010 to Noob2013. Both have the “12†marker with a narrower “2â€, the base is a little shorter and the inclined bar has less curved shape joining the base. Noob2013 seems a bit corrected but with the same flaws.
Thickness is OK in both rep versions. See below FIGURE 1.2.A.
FIGURE 1.2.A- “12†HOURS MARKER - GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2013 COMPARISON.
1.3- LUMINOR-PANERAI and DAYLIGHT INSCRIPTIONS ON DIAL
In below FIGURE 1.3.A we have the comparison pics of Dial inscriptions “LUMINOR-PANERAI†and “Daylightâ€
FIGURE 1.3.A- “LUMINOR-PANERAI†& “DAYLIGHT†DIAL INCRIPTIONS - GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2013 COMPARISON
-Noob2010
-LUMINOR PANERAI- Correct front shape but clearly thinner
-Daylight- Correct font shape but clearly thinner
-Noob2013
-LUMINOR PANERAI- Correct front shape and thickness. Like in numeral markers maybe a little bit thicker but no not¡ceable
-Daylight- Wrong and mainly a bit narrower font. Noticeable in inner part of “D†and “a†when you do an enlargement. See below FIGURE
See the total and inner width of “D†an the upper stroke and total width of the “aâ€
1.4- L SWISS MADE L & SECONDS and CHRONO COUNTER SUBDIALS @9-@3-@6
In below FIGURE 1.4.A you can see the bottom part of the dial with L SWISS MADE L inscription and the chrono hours counter @6
FIGURE 1.4.A- “L SWISS MADE Lâ€- HOURS COUNTER @6 - GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2013 COMPARISON
And now, in FIGURE 1.4.B you can see the middle part of the dial with the chrono minute conunter subdial @3 and seconds subdial @9
FIGURE 1.4.B- MINUTE COUNTER @3 & SECONDS SUBDIAL @9 - GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2013 COMPARISON
-Noob2010
-L SWISS MADE L- Correct font and almost correct placement (a little bit higher)
-Hours Counter subdial @6- Numerals fonts correct in shape and size. The white stick markers are a bit thicker and shorter than gen. Overall this subdial is better than 2013 version.
-Seconds Subdial @9
Noob 2010 has the big lume stick markers a bit thicker than gen and the white stick markers a bit thicker and shorter. Both versions have similar second Subdials @9.
-Minute Counter Subdial @3
Noob 2010 has the big lume stick markers a bit thicker than gen and the white stick markers a bit thicker and longer.
Numeral markers have thinner fonts in 2010 version, and has a little bit wider fonts than gen and have more detached “1†and “0†on “10†marker. Similar to 2013 version
-Noob2013
-L SWISS MADE L- Correct font and completely wrong placement clearly higher than gen
-Hours Counter subdial @6- Numerals fonts are almost correct in shape and size, only “9†and “3†have a little bit bigger “head†than gen. The white stick markers are shorter than gen. Overall this subdial is worse than 2010 version.
-Hours Counter subdial @6- Numerals fonts correct in shape and size. The white stick markers are a bit thicker and shorter than gen. Overall this subdial is worse than 2010 version.
-Seconds Subdial @9
Noob 2010 has the big lume stick markers a bit thicker than gen and the white stick markers a bit thicker and shorter. Both versions have similar second Subdials @9.
-Minute Counter Subdial @3
Noob 2013 has the big lume stick markers a bit thicker than gen and the white stick markers a bit thicker and longer.
Noob 2013 has accurate font thickness but has a little bit wider fonts than gen and have more detached “1†and “0†on “10†marker. Similar to 2010 version
1.5- HANDS
-Minute hand-Both versions have the same width like gen, but they are clearly longer than gen. As you can see in below FIGURE 1.5.A. These differences of length are due to Noob is using for PAM 250 and 236 the same hands as for PAM 188 and 196 which are longuer in gen and replicas
FIGURE 1.5.A- MINUTE HAND – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
-Hour hand- It is the same as Minute hand, both versions have the same width like gen, but they are clearly longer than gen. Below FIGURE 1.5.B shows the differences. These differences of length are due to Noob is using for PAM 250 and 236 the same hands as for PAM 188 and 196 which are longer in gen and replicas
FIGURE 1.5.B- HOUR HAND – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
- Subdial @9 @3 @6 little hands- Both versions have accurate subdial hands. But the pin is a little smaller than gen and 2010 version pin is black colour instead of chromed like gen and 2013 version. This is a noticeable improvement of 2013 version. See below FIGURE 1.5.C
FIGURE 1.5.C- SUBDIAL @9/ @3/ @6 LITTLE HANDS – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
-Big chrono seconds hand- Both Noob versions have the same chrono second hand, it has the same length than gen but they are clearly fatter form the point to the tail and the diameter of the circle around the pin is clearly bigger. Rep pin is a bit smaller and not as perfect as gen.
FIGURE 1.5.D- BIG CHRONO SECONDS HAND – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
1.6 -LUME
Noob 2010 version has a standard lume worse than gen, Noob 2013 version has a Super Luminova lume which arrives close to gen. Both lume are accurate in colour. Don’t trust the colour in FIGURES.
1.7-CRYSTAL
Noob 2010 is fitted with a good sapphire crystal, which is with slightly coloured AR or without AR depending on dealers. Maybe different batches of the same model of rep
Noob 2013 has a sapphire crystal with single AR colourless like gen and very good quality. This is an improvement in relation to 2010 version.
2- CASE-SET
No changes in case in both versions, it was good enough. Just improvements in bezel and casebak inscriptions and others in CG, lever and Crown. Case-set finish and accuracy are overall good and very similar to gen
2.1- VIEW FROM 9 AND 6 - DATE CHANGER @10
Below you can see in FIGURE 2.1.A the views of the cases from 9 and 3 hours positions and the date changer pusher in order to get comparisons
FIGURE 2.1.A- VIEWS FROM 9 AND 3 HOURS / DATE CHAGER PUSHER – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
There is no changes in case, overall accurate case and CG shape, with lugs a bit fatter than gen. A little better lever “elbow†around the CG pin IN Noob 2013 version. Very good finish in both Noob.
Crown is more “slim†in 2013, closer to gen, this is a little improvement
Date changer @10 have better and flatter finish of contour in Noob 2013, but the cavity for pushing to make change has bigger diameter in Noob2013 version than gen, it was better in 2010 version. The rest is almost the same in appearance, only the inner pusher of the gen has internally hexagonal shape whereas the rep is circular.
2.2- BEZEL
There is no changes, finish and dimensions of bezels are good and accurate in both versions see previous pics.
FIGURE 2.2.A- BEZEL TACHYMETER FONTS – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
-Bezel fonts- In Noob 2010 version there are differences in fonts in comparison to the gen and they are a bit thicker, less crisp and less clean than gen ones. See clear differences in “1†and “2â€, but really almost all characters are different.
Noob 2013 has corrected thickness and fonts shape and you can clearly see that are almost the same as gen. See “1†and “2†to realize the improvement regarding 2010 version, in 2013 fonts are very similar to gen characters. This is a clear improvement of Noob 2013 version
2.3-CG, LEVER & CROWN
FIGURE 2.3.A- CROWN GUARD, LEVER & CROWN – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
-Noob2010
Finish on 2010 CG is worse than gen, with more uneven surfaces and rounded edges and inner corners. Hollow to shelter the crown is bigger than gen and then the external side of the CG is thinner.
CG seems not to fit the case at the sides but maybe it is an isolated case from a sample. To be confirmed.
Crown seems a bit fatter although nicely finished and bevelled,
Crown tube is longer.
Lever has inaccurate roller support and pin of the roller are very visible (gen is not visible). Lever tip is almost correct but worse than 2013 tip.
-Noob2013
Finish on 2013 CG is even better than gen, with more uniform surfaces and perfect square edges and inner corners. Shape of CG is completely accurate.
CG seems not to fit the case at the sides but maybe it is an isolated case from a sample. To be confirmed.
Crown seems nicely finished and bevelled,
Crown tube is longer and inaccurate
Crown has nice finish and beveled. Besides it is more “slim†in 2013, closer to gen, this is a little improvement
Lever has accurate roller support and pin of the roller are almost invisible like gen. The lever “elbow†around the Pin is better in this version. Lever tip is almost perfect in comparison to gen.
2.4-CASEBACK
In caseback there are some improvements in 2013 version mainly in finish and fonts in general, but the millesimation of 2800 total units in K-series remain wrong indicating 500 units.
FIGURE 2.4.A- CASEBACKS – GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
-Noob 2010
Finish- Rough in comparison to gen, mainly in the fine brushed circular ring where are LUMINOR and Daylight inscriptions. Correct polished sides
LUMINOR- Narrower fonts
OFFICINE PANERAI- Correct enough
FIRENZE-1860-AUTOMATIC-CHRONO-OP 6769-PB number- Much narrower fonts completely inaccurate. Wrong positions.
K-series -Production number/Total production- Narrower fonts. Wrong total K-series production: rep indicates 500 units, but the correct quantity was 2800 units.
Daylight- Correct enough
Inner inscription Swiss Made- this inscription is missing in 2010 versions
Quality of inscriptions- good quality in general but a bit less deep and crisp than gen.
-Noob 2013
Finish- A bit rough in comparison to gen but way batter than Noob 2010 version. Nice fine brushed circular ring where are LUMINOR and Daylight inscriptions much better than 2010 version. Correct polished sides
LUMINOR- Accurate fonts
OFFICINE PANERAI- Accurate fonts
FIRENZE-1860-AUTOMATIC-CHRONO-OP 6769-PB number- Much narrower fonts completely inaccurate.
K-ser¡es -Production number/Total production- Accurate enough fonts. Wrong total K-series production: rep indicates 500 units, but the correct quantity was 2800 units.
Daylight- Accurate fonts
Inner inscriptions Swiss Made- This inscription is missing in 2010 version but is laser engraved in 2013 version. A little improvement
Quality of inscriptions- good quality in general but a bit less deep and crisp than gen, similar to 2010 version in this regard.
3- MOVEMENT
Both replicas are fitted with two different clones (non 1:1 copies) of the Panerai OPXII based in Swiss Vlajoux7753 movement. Maker and dealers announce that they are 1:1 clones, which is not the truth.
Noob 2010 version has the date window in 7750 placement, although it is less recessed that in this movement and the change of date starts about 10 hrs.
In Noob 2013 version the date window is already well placed and few recessed like Swiss 7753 but the change of date starts in a point between 10 o’clock and half past 10 hrs. unlike the Swiss 7753.
The appearance and rotor decoration and marks are good and similar to gen with some differences like the rotor bearing and some internal details. Good enough in spite of flaws. See below FIGURE 3.A
FIGURE 3.A- MOVEMENTS PANERAI OPXII AND “CLONES†– GEN-NOOB 2010-NOOB 2103 COMPARISON
4- STRAP AND DEPLOYANT – SS BRACELET
Both replicas 2013 and 2013 PAM 250 seem to be fitted with the same quality deployant buckles already well known from Noob. No changes and good quality enough.
Straps are also the same and with already known rep quality: very good for rubber and standard for leather ones.
PAM 236 Noob 2013 is fitted with a nice and well finished SS bracelet very similar to gen and with a quality that don’t achieve the finish, uniformity and smoothness of the gen but like in new Noob PAM 299 and 297 it is very close. Good enough to be considered a first class copy.
CONCLUSIONS
New Noob 2013 versions has some improvements and some worsenings in comparison with 2010 version.
As a summary:
Improvements:
-Correct DW placement
-Corrected DW fonts
-Better markers fonts in general
-Corrected thickness of LUMINOR PANERAI on dial
-Correct chromed hand pin in subdials
-Better Luminova lume
-Better crystal and AR
-More accurate roller lever support and less visible roller pin
-Better lever “elbow†and tip
-More “slim†crown like gen
-Better contour finish of date changer pushed @10
-Correct fonts in bezel tachymeter
-Better caseback finish
-More accurate caseback inscriptions
Worsenings:
-Overall worse accuracy of chrono hours counter subdial @6.
-Worse accuracy of cavity in date changer pusher.
-A bit wrong and narrower fonts of Daylight inscription on dial
-Inaccurate placement (higher) of L SWISS MADE L inscription on dial
FINAL EVALUATION
Noob 2010 version was already considered a First Class replica. After this review we can see that there are some important flaws considering the level of quality of current PAM replicas. We can establish that it is a First Class replica but bordering a lower status.
Noob 2013 version, as above seen, has introduced a lot of improvements but has still many flaws and even has introduced some worsenings.
We can evaluate it as a good level First Class replica, no more.
If Noob introduces some improvements like placement of L SWISS MADE L, fonts of Daylight on dial, better accuracy of subdial markers in general (mainly hours counter @6), length of main hands, correct big seconds hand… , since the caseback is closed, we could consider an upgrading to Super rep status or just bordering it.
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Please inform about your comments regarding above review in order to improve it for everyone in the forum
Sorry for the possible mistakes
Waiting for next Daylight’s review
Thanks for reading
ALE
