I want this thread to be a general orientation for new members. This should not be a shopping guide. It's just meant to give a first overview and the motivation to go deeper into details by reading the forum.
Update:
GENERAL INFO:
ROLEX:
Submariner & Sea Dweller:
- Ref.-No. starting with "double 1" stand for ceramic bezel
- Ref.-No. beginning with "single 1" refer to non-ceramic bezels
All models:
-> all 6 digit refs = current versions
-> 5 digit refs point phased-out versions
Rolex bezel inserts:
LN = Black bezel - Lunette noir
LV = Green bezel - Lunette verde (often referred to as "Hulk" if the dial is green / "Kermit" with black dial)
LB = Blue bezel - Lunette bleu(referred to as "Smurf" if the dial is blue as well)
LR = Red bezel - Lunette rouge
BLRO = Red & blue bezel - Lunette bleu et rouge (GMT Master, often referred to as "Pepsi")
BLNR = Black & blue bezel (GMT Master, often referred to as "Batman")
Black & red bezel (GMT Master, often referred to as "Coke")
OMEGA:
PO = Planet Ocean (model)
OMEGA bezel inserts:
CR = Ceramic (-> CRPO = Planet Ocean with ceramic bezel insert)
TI = Titanium
LM = Liquidmetal
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List of makers and their best models:
Phong
- Rolex: Specialized in Rolex and supposed to be the best maker for Rolex reps by far - but very expensive (over 1k$)
Noob
- Rolex
-- Submariner 116610 Blue, Green, Black Bezel (ceramic)
-- Submariner 116613 (bicolor, blue ceramic bezel)
-- Submariner 114060 (no date / ceramic bezel)
-- Sea Dweller V2 116600 (ceramic bezel)
-- Sea Dweller Deep Sea V2 116660 (ceramic bezel)
-- Explorer 216570 (white and black dial)
- Breitling Avenger Skyland
- Panerai
-- PAM 111
-- PAM 243
-- PAM 029
-- PAM 292 (Radiomir)
-- PAM390
- AP Chronographs (not as good as JF but lower in price)
- AP Diver (V5)
- Blancpain Fifty Fathoms
- Omega Planet Ocean
- Jaeger LeCoultre Master Compressor
V6F / KW
- Cartier Santos
- HUBLOT Big Bang diverse models
- IWC Pilot Chronograph 3777
- Omega
-- CRPO (Planet Ocean)
-- Seamaster 300m Co-Axial
- Panerai
-- PAM 127 (Fiddy)
-- PAM 312
-- PAM 346 (Radiomir)
-- PAM 359
-- PAM 388 (Radiomir)
-- PAM 417
-- PAM 438 (Luminor ceramic)
-- PAM 504 (Radiomir)
-- PAM 505 (Radiomir)
-- PAM 508 (Luminor Submersible)
- Tudor Pelagos
- Zenith Pilot Type 20
TC
- Yachtmaster 16622
- Submariner 16610 LN / LV (non-ceramic)
- Sea Dweller 4000
H-Maker / H-fac:
- PAM 288 (Radiomir)
- Breitling Steelfish (preferably with Swiss Eta, search the forum for more info)
TF
- AP 15400 (TF only made the 15400 but the first batch is supposed to be better than the current one / also check on the JF model -> more info on the forum in the AP brand-section)
JF
- Audemars Piguet
-- ROO Chronos (little better than Noob but more expensive)
-- Diver V7
-- 15400 (better than TF to some extend -> more info on the forum in the AP brand-section)
-Rolex
-- Yachtmaster 116622
-- Daytona 116520 and all other models to that reference number
BP
- Rolex
-- Sea Dweller 16600 (pre ceramic)
-- Datejust II (41 mm diameter)
- IWC
-- Big Pilot 5002
-- Big Pilot 5004
WM9
- Submariner 16613 (bicolor, blue bezel) - out of production
ZF
- Tudor Heritage Black Bay V
- IWC 5001