I got tempted and found a bit of free time, so I went for a build. I used the CF case and crown and swapped in the VSF dial and handset. I ended up using the VSF crystal as well, because even after shaving down the gasket, the CF chamfering still didn’t look close enough to the gen for my liking. So I removed it again and went with the VSF gasket and crystal instead. (For the record, there’s about a 0.2 mm difference in gasket height between the two.)
The bezel and insert are both from VSF. I didn’t want to risk cracking the insert just to fit it into the CF bezel. In the end, I actually went with the CF bracelet, since the SELs seemed to fit better visually to CF case. The bracelets are interchangeable. I did keep the VSF clasp though.
I gave the rehaut a light polish using a few different cloths to clean up the look a bit. Unfortunately, I ran into the usual frustration with movement components, mainly the cheap screws. One of them snapped clean in half with just a gentle touch of the screwdriver, so I carefully positioned it and secured it in place using two small drops of Pattex Repair Epoxy to stabilize the movement inside the case. It worked just fine for me, solid and resistant to shocks. If needed, IPA 99 can clean it up easily. I even tried to nudge the 6-hour indice upward. Maybe it moved just a little, but I didn’t push too hard, didn’t want to risk damaging it or the dial.
As you can see, the rehaut engraving isn’t perfectly centered. But to be fair, like we’ve said before, even the genuine piece has it. Overall, I’m really happy with how it turned out. I didn’t press the retaining ring all the way into the case, leaving about a tiny gap to keep that springy bezel feel and a slight lip between the case and the bezel. When Subs arrive from China, their bezels always sit very close to the case, leaving no gap at all.
I also tested it for water resistance. It passed 6 ATM just fine, so yes, it’s shower-safe!
Some of you asked whether parts from different factories are interchangeable. Yes, they are, fully. There are some minor differences, such as the height of the crystal gasket, but overall everything fits together fine. In my build, for example, I used the CF crystal retaining ring along with the VSF bezel and other parts without any issues.
Right now, the watch measures 12.4 mm in thickness. Personally, I prefer it on the slimmer side. I saved 0.2 mm by using the VSF crystal gasket, and another 0.1 mm by finally removing the case back sticker
What could be better? Well, the rehaut is never quite perfect, and the crystal could use that slight foggy look like the genuine one. That would make it even better.
To my eyes, you would really need to look very closely and have a genuine piece next to it to say this is a replica. The crown guards and case are spot on, the crystal sits low with the correct chamfering, there is a slight springy feel to the bezel and a visible lip between the bezel and the case. The handset looks good as well, and it keeps time properly with high amplitude and low beat error.
Overall, I am happy. Although I do still have second thoughts about replica watches and the idea of copying someone else’s work. At the same time, I see it more as a hobby, like toys for grown-up boys. I guess the time will come when I grow out of it. It is just a matter of time.
