KW 312 or Zfac 312? Which is the better rep?

[TynoPrime]

Hey guys, I'm in the market for a 312 after much deliberation; and after reading lots about all available models my question comes down to this;


KW more accurate features than Zfac:


Overall build quality (Zfac is meant to be pretty good though?)
Correct depth on lume markers (Zfac numbers reportedly aren't recessed enough)
Real "jewels" on decorated movement plate (Zfac has painted jewels)


Zfac more accurate features than KW:


Crystal reportedly has closer to to gen bevel to edge
Cannon pinion has no recess as per gen (KW CP is recessed)
Lume appears to be much more consistent and seems to be rated pretty well? (KW lume lacks consistency from the factory, Ranging from 10%-80% of 111lume)


So knowing the above which would you recommend? The lume seems like a big deal breaker for me on the KW. What's the crystal like on the Zfac? As good quality and Ar as KW?


I look forward to hearing your views.

 

[Kleen]

I'd choose the KW - it has an overall hands-on feel that is just great. And the lume is fine on mine as well, so dunno what all the fuss is about...?

 

[ernien]

I've had both and I would choose ZF. The biggest reason being the color of the dial inscriptions. KW is too brown.

KW does have some advantages though, the movement decoration is superior and the case finishing has a slight edge over ZF. Also, the ZF incorrectly has "op6799" on the caseback, however, op6799 is only on Panerai's titanium cases ie 351 352.

But I've found the ZF's crystal to be superior, not sure if it's better AR but under bright lights it certainly has better clarity (tough to describe, but if you've held both you'll know what I mean).

CP is not recessed in the ZF and winding the crown is smoother (less of a dry feel), similar to the ZF 389.

The lever on the ZF's crown guard has a really solid snap when closed but when open is unfortunately pretty loose.

I also found that the caseback is a bit thicker on the ZF as the same strap is noticeably tighter on the wrist when worn on the ZF compared to the KW. Not sure which is closer to gen.

Although neither are perfect, the ZF just looks superior on the wrist with the proper dial inscription colors.

KW

ZF

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ALE7575]

Hi erniem

This is a very good comparison and nice catch the wrong OP number, you are right !. I will include it in PAM GUIDE asap

I only disagree about inscriptions colour on dial
All O-series have creamy inscriptions and I'm seeing at this moment my KW PAM 312 and the creamy is very slightly. I have compared it with a gen and was almost the same. Maybe there are differences between batches, as usually, because i see you are a good reviewer.
It is very important to know that Mehmet (KW owner) bought a gen PAM 312 for replication (this watch is the same that you can see in PClones catalogues ..etc...). Mehmet sent to me a sample and he told me he was very proud of the colour of these inscriptions (even he offered sending to me the gen for comparison...I almost accepted ...LOL)
I have not seen in person ZFac version, I only know from friends opinions and reviews, but I can say that KW PAM 312 is one of the most gen-like reps I have ever seen and the finish and sharpness of edges, as you say, are awesome.

ALE

 

[ALE7575]

Following the cooments about ernien's post:

Regarding caseback thickness, is more accurate KW because it is the same as gen. You can check it in P.Clones comparison pics
CP is clearly superior Zfac as it never is recessed like KW is a bit. Crystal seems a bit superior following owners opinions, but remember gen has not strong AR !!

Ernien, I have already inluded your comments in PAM GUIDE (with the link to your post)
Thanks
ALE

 

[pretender]

also the date wheel color on the KW 312 looks more gen like compared to the Zfac (according to the pam website its more a creamy color than green)

 

[Jaybo]

I've had both and I would choose ZF. The biggest reason being the color of the dial inscriptions. KW is too brown.

KW does have some advantages though, the movement decoration is superior and the case finishing has a slight edge over ZF. Also, the ZF incorrectly has "op6799" on the caseback, however, op6799 is only on Panerai's titanium cases ie 351 352.

But I've found the ZF's crystal to be superior, not sure if it's better AR but under bright lights it certainly has better clarity (tough to describe, but if you've held both you'll know what I mean).

CP is not recessed in the ZF and winding the crown is smoother (less of a dry feel), similar to the ZF 389.

The lever on the ZF's crown guard has a really solid snap when closed but when open is unfortunately pretty loose.

I also found that the caseback is a bit thicker on the ZF as the same strap is noticeably tighter on the wrist when worn on the ZF compared to the KW. Not sure which is closer to gen.

Although neither are perfect, the ZF just looks superior on the wrist with the proper dial inscription colors.

KW

ZF

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Rep points for you, friend. Thanks for the run down.

 

[NCchef]

I have owned the KW 312 recently bought the new KW 320. The recessed cannon is easily solved. You just have to press down the minute hand slightly with a hands tool. The crown guard, case finishing, movement detail, and crystal clarity make it one of the best reps I have owned.

 

[ALE7575]

I had forgotten reputation
Reputation points added to ernien
Congrats
ALE

 

[peterpl]

Cant go wrong with either to be honest. On the wrist they both feel like quality and look awesome. I've owned both ZF and KW versions. I've kept the KW312 and the ZF359.

 

[ernien]

Thank you ALE for your insights and kind words. Thank you Jaybo too. I'm honored to have my info added to the Pam guide!

 

[ALE7575]

Cant go wrong with either to be honest. On the wrist they both feel like quality and look awesome. I've owned both ZF and KW versions. I've kept the KW312 and the ZF359.

Could you say why in both cases?
Mainly about 359 because we have no info enough about this watch
Thanks in advance
ALE