Could there be QC differences between V3 DSSD versions?

[Tommy Tom]

I have been trying to decide recently which of the new V3 DSSD's to buy and it seems from the dealers that all 3 varieties are identical except for the mechansim.

However there is a thread another forum which states that the swiss version has the best QC with the asia ETA less well put together and the 21J even less. They talked about general construction etc. Apparently they use all the parts (hands, bezels, screws, dials) which have not been made as well on the cheaper versions.

What does everyone think? Clearly there is a large price difference between the three, but I was led to believe this was purely the price of the mechanism. Until I saw this thread I was going to plum for the 21J as I would prefer the watch for it's looks than it's time keeping capabilities - that and I can replace the 21J for $20!!!

Could there be any truth in the qualities of the three versions of this great watch?

 

[brtelec]

I think the QC on all these watches is a crap shoot. It is going to depend on which 12 year old Chinese girl assembled it.

 

[robertk]

I just received the V3 with the cheapie asian movement. Watch is perfect QC wise. There isn't any difference based on my eyes. I got the asian version because I can replace the movement for next to nothing. I've also found that the cheapie asian movements are amongst the most reliable!

 

[RNav]

I do not mean to change the direction of this thread, but I think the original question was answered. So I guess I will ask mine... How do you know you are buying a V3? Is the V3 the Ultimate?

R Nav

 

[Para]

I think the QC on all these watches is a crap shoot. It is going to depend on which 12 year old Chinese girl assembled it.

I have never seen any Chinese rep factory first-hand, but everything I have read and heard leads me to agree with brtelec... luck of the draw is norm, rarely can one get real QC except if they have built a special relationship with a dealer close to the site.

 

[itseme]

The 21j V3 Deepsea does NOT have saphire crystal, only cheap synthetic saphire. I wanted to order a 21j but both andrew and josh told me that they only have the 21j with cheap syntetic saphire. So you also see they changed the description on the 21j...

greets

 

[RNav]

The 21j V3 Deepsea does NOT have saphire crystal, only cheap synthetic saphire. I wanted to order a 21j but both andrew and josh told me that they only have the 21j with cheap syntetic saphire. So you also see they changed the description on the 21j...

itseme,
I am not doubting you, I want a V3 Deepsea and am unclear what designates a V3 from a V2. Watchstation has what they call an "Ultimate" here... http://www.replicawatch88.com/index.php?productID=646
You see he seems to be providing the same watch with the different movements. I would order the Asian 21J version in a heartbeat if I knew for sure the rest is as advertised and it is the V3 version. Since all of these guys, including JanDrew, all sell the same watches, then I would suspect, based on what JanDrew told you, that this Watchstation Deepsea may be a bit "off" in the description.

R Nav

 

[drfcfighter]

Just to clear up a common confusion, all saphire crystal on watches are "synthetic saphire". The two majority grade "crystals" used on wrist timepieces are either synthetic saphires or mineral crystals. These go the same for gens. There are different grades of mineral crystals depending coating finishes for different reasons, but at the end of the day, they're kind of the same IMO. True saphires have different natural colors and are not used to be cut down for transparency, and are actually more brittle than the "man-made synthetic saphires." However, the synthetics are still brittle and CAN shatter tho' you have to really whack it. The bottom line is: none of them are actually true saphires to begin with, AND you wouldn't want it to be real saphire. You either have reinforced glass (called mineral crystal) or synthetically lab manufactured crystal called synthetic saphire (dealers intentionally or unintentionally confuse you with this for different reasons).

Otherwise, there are hesalites, and other types of plexi's to reduce shatter impact as they stay in place when they crack, whereas "crystals" are brittle and can have open shards. The original moonwatch having hesalites for space for this reason is a good example.

The problem is: no one really knows whether a dealer is selling a synthetic saphire or mineral crystal. There are ways to find out, but it costs $$$. The water test has been shown to have poor reliability and I've actually seen same results on mineral crystal as well, and they differ based on dome shapes. Physics wise, mass and weight and curve distribution matter as well for the hardness. For an example, the 5mm mineral crystal on an Asian SFSO does perfectly fine keeping itself durable, so long as you don't actually dive 300m with it on. (If you dive professionally and you rely on a rep dive watch, WTF is wrong with you to begin with? Prodivers rely on computer equipments nowadays, not divewatches soley like they did in WWII).

To come back to the thread, as for the thick dome shape of the DSSD, mineral should be really still fine, but from what I understand, all DSSD's come with synthetic sapphires anyway, which is the best grade crystal on a watch to begin with as my earlier point. So, I wouldn't worry about this as a variable in DSSD purchase, as much as the movement.

Hope this helps.

 

[RNav]

Thanks for the long response drfc!

Just to clear up a common confusion, all saphire crystal on watches are "synthetic saphire". The two majority grade "crystals" used on wrist timepieces are either synthetic saphires or mineral crystals. These go the same for gens. There are different grades of mineral crystals depending coating finishes for different reasons, but at the end of the day, they're kind of the same IMO. True saphires have different natural colors and are not used to be cut down for transparency, and are actually more brittle than the "man-made synthetic saphires." However, the synthetics are still brittle and CAN shatter tho' you have to really whack it. The bottom line is: none of them are actually true saphires to begin with, AND you wouldn't want it to be real saphire. You either have reinforced glass (called mineral crystal) or synthetically lab manufactured crystal called synthetic saphire (dealers intentionally or unintentionally confuse you with this for different reasons).

Otherwise, there are hesalites, and other types of plexi's to reduce shatter impact as they stay in place when they crack, whereas "crystals" are brittle and can have open shards. The original moonwatch having hesalites for space for this reason is a good example.

The problem is: no one really knows whether a dealer is selling a synthetic saphire or mineral crystal. There are ways to find out, but it costs $$$. The water test has been shown to have poor reliability and I've actually seen same results on mineral crystal as well, and they differ based on dome shapes. Physics wise, mass and weight and curve distribution matter as well for the hardness. For an example, the 5mm mineral crystal on an Asian SFSO does perfectly fine keeping itself durable, so long as you don't actually dive 300m with it on. (If you dive professionally and you rely on a rep dive watch, WTF is wrong with you to begin with? Prodivers rely on computer equipments nowadays, not divewatches soley like they did in WWII).

To come back to the thread, as for the thick dome shape of the DSSD, mineral should be really still fine, but from what I understand, all DSSD's come with synthetic sapphires anyway, which is the best grade crystal on a watch to begin with as my earlier point. So, I wouldn't worry about this as a variable in DSSD purchase, as much as the movement.

Hope this helps.

 

[robertk]

After speaking with Josh, he confirms all models are exactly the same except for movment issues. Crystal, case, bezel, bracelet, etc. are identical.

Just to clear things up....and yes, I have several expensive gens and all are synthetic saphire.

 

[daytona4me]

We need to stop calling Genuine ETA that are in these watches "Swiss", these are movements assembled in ETA factories in Asia thus making them Asian ETA.. or.. "Genuine ETA" is acceptable.

The "Asian ETA" is an ETA replica movement or "ETA Clone" is prefered..

Everything is the same on these watches however, there is a DG2813 version of this as well.. and it may not necessarily be the exact same as the others.. be careful if offered this model. I have not been able to confirm it's origin.

 

[guanaco]

After speaking with Josh, he confirms all models are exactly the same except for movment issues. Crystal, case, bezel, bracelet, etc. are identical.

Just to clear things up....and yes, I have several expensive gens and all are synthetic saphire.

You have to take what Jandrew says with 20lbs of salt.

 

[OldeCrow]

There is a link in my signature that shows what a real rep factory is, it should be required viewing for newbies!

 

[Yannou]

We need to stop calling Genuine ETA that are in these watches "Swiss", these are movements assembled in ETA factories in Asia thus making them Asian ETA.. or.. "Genuine ETA" is acceptable.

The "Asian ETA" is an ETA replica movement or "ETA Clone" is prefered..

Everything is the same on these watches however, there is a DG2813 version of this as well.. and it may not necessarily be the exact same as the others.. be careful if offered this model. I have not been able to confirm it's origin.

That's why I have bought the asian clone one...I doubt for the Swiss versions... :shock:

 

[hooligan]

After speaking with Josh, he confirms all models are exactly the same except for movment issues. Crystal, case, bezel, bracelet, etc. are identical.

Just to clear things up....and yes, I have several expensive gens and all are synthetic saphire.

When dealing with reps (and especially when dealing with the Cartel), synthetic sapphire = MINERAL CRYSTAL. If it's sapphire, it will just be described as sapphire...

Just to clear things up. :wink:

 

[dandonnelly14]

what about ptswiss? what are his DSSD like? are they v3?

 

[fakemaster]

there is no QC on a dropshipped item.

 

[brtelec]

There is a link in my signature that shows what a real rep factory is, it should be required viewing for newbies!

I remember when you added this link Oldecrow. It was an eye opener.

 

[RNav]

After speaking with Josh, he confirms all models are exactly the same except for movment issues. Crystal, case, bezel, bracelet, etc. are identical.

Just to clear things up....and yes, I have several expensive gens and all are synthetic saphire.

Thanks robertk. I may have to order one to see for myself!

R Nav

 

[alvinado]

i got the dg2813 v3 deepsea from andrew and he told me the crystal is mineral instead of sapphire. But when it is in my hands, i hardly feel the difference. I think this is because th depsea crystal is thick so any difference between mineral and sapphire is minimal.. :twisted: