288k maker: 253i and 212i

[MMs]

212i: http://www.1-pc8838.com/0pn212i01-212i-1950-flyback-chrono-ssru-28800-p-9601.html

Size: 45mm x 19mm
Movement: Asian 7750 automatic chronograph movement at 28800vph
Functions: hours, minutes, sub-seconds and working chronograph
Case: solid 316L stainless steel case with running individual IXXX/900 serial numbers
Crystal: super dome mineral crystal with colorless anti-refelction coating inside (same AR as genuine)
Dial: black dial
Bezel: polished fixed bezel
Strap: sport deployant rubber strap
Clasp: deployant buckle
Water resistance: >50 Meters
Other: polished lug screw head and tail, flush crown guard lever pin, free silicon watch protector
Remark: 1:1 replicated from a genuine watch sample, all parts are interchangeable with genuine, made by HBB V1 maker who also makes the PAM288K and PAM177L Ultimate Edition

__________________________________________________________________________________________________


253i: http://www.1-pc8838.com/0pn253i01-253i-regetta-flyback-chrono-ssru-2880-p-9600.html

Size: 45mm x 19mm
Movement: Asian 7750 automatic chronograph movement at 28800vph
Functions: hours, minutes, sub-seconds and working chronograph
Case: solid 316L stainless steel case with running individual IXXX/500 serial numbers, Classic Yachts Challenge 2006 engraved on caseback
Crystal: super dome mineral crystal with colorless anti-refelction coating inside (same AR as genuine)
Dial: black dial
Bezel: polished fixed bezel
Strap: sport deployant rubber strap
Clasp: deployant buckle
Water resistance: >50 Meters
Other: polished lug screw head and tail, flush crown guard lever pin, free silicon watch protector
Remark: 1:1 replicated from a genuine watch sample, all parts are interchangeable with genuine, made by HBB V1 maker who also makes the PAM288K and PAM177L Ultimate Edition

 

[Mambo]

A shame it's not sapphire crystal ...

 

[polaris]

Looks like after many expensive HBBs the maker is going after the cheaper end of the market.
$248 is pretty good for what it is. Would prefer a sapphire crystal myself tho.

 

[polaris]

hmm
There is a 253/212 crystal project here and here

That could be interesting. Some would say the movement's lack of regulator, novodiac kif? shock system are instant flaws. I don't care much about the back. A new crystal with single AR, even if $100, would make this a nice rep. I don't know much about this model tho.

 

[QinetiQ]

It bottles my mind why they used mineral crystal instead of sapphire. Is that how the gen is?

 

[polaris]

Gen is sapphire
Could be the shape/curvature wasn't worth their while.

 

[pabler]

Does it has correct CG chape?

 

[polaris]

Does it has correct CG chape?

- Blue second hand is correct as per gen
- Crownguard and pin for lever correct as per gen
- Lume is better in this version
- Caseback I series number engraved
- Rotor engravings look correct

Seems a lot better than the old one. Just the mineral glass crystal, movement all I know of.

 

[chromed.]

i really like e 212i, been waiting for a better rep&now its here..

other then e mvmt flaws, i think e dial, cg, crown, markers&all r gd, how bout u guys.?

 

[Snrubb]

It bottles my mind why they used mineral crystal instead of sapphire. Is that how the gen is?

Bottles?

 

[d4m.test]

Please can someone explain what is wrong with the movement? I am seriously considering buying one and I would like to be sure it will last!

Thank you!

 

[digi]

lack of a working regulator.

 

[brahmabull]

just reviewed the 253 with the actual pictures from the Panerai special editions catalogue. The biggest thing that stands out is that the movement is very different to the picture. The font on the back casing for 'OFFICINE PANERAI 30 jewles is a different shade of blue. Not a big deal as this is the back of the watch.

The front is pretty exacting. Slight difference in font for the tachymeter. Everythign looks pretty good.

 

[d4m.test]

What exactly is a working regulator? And how much of a problem is it to not have one? Thanks!

 

[jonasprivate]

Where is the pictures ?


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

[MMs]

fixed.
I ran out of bandwidth, so from now on my bandwidth is unlimited.

 

[d4m.test]

I'm wondering whether there is a typo mistake in the descriptions or did Timesshop actually swapped the mineral with a sapphire crystal on this 212 http://www.timesshop.net/product.php?id_product=7381

I just ordered my 212 in mineral with another dealer at similar prices

 

[WatchDude13]

Aren't these the ones that have the occasional exploding crystal?

 

[hooligan]

Yes, these domed mineral crystals are the ones that tend to crack/break.

The "regulator" is a small needle indicator for adjusting the speed of the movement. It's not a *huge* flaw, since anyone who knows what they're looking at will know it's a fake the minute you turn the watch over.

The best 212/253 reps made, by far.

 

[d4m.test]

Yes, these domed mineral crystals are the ones that tend to crack/break.

hooligan, does this includes the newer versions made by the 288K factory? I read in another forum where Josh explained that the mineral crystal in this version are much thicker than the previous exploding ones. What's your take on this claim?

The "regulator" is a small needle indicator for adjusting the speed of the movement. It's not a *huge* flaw, since anyone who knows what they're looking at will know it's a fake the minute you turn the watch over.

The best 212/253 reps made, by far.

If that guy knows what he is looking for, then I believe it will not make any difference even if the regulator is (modded) to be there. Most obvious being the lack of cotes de geneve?