298 not worth it imho and isn't that a cartels watch? just stick with the 2824. either way, the gen doesn't run at 28,800bph from what I have read in these forums from time to time.
I have the 2824 sitting right in front of me, it is perfectly fine. why spend $100 more on a cartel watch. I'd buy another one of these if the price was dropped because I'm just hanging onto my extra cash. this economy we are in is the pits.
You're right, the gen's movement is 25.2kbph. But no rep has a coaxial movement with these characteristics.
Then you're looking at 28.8 or 28.8 or 28.8 or 21.6... And one notices more easily a more "jerky" hand than a smoother one, so I guess it's always better to go the high beat road, if the right beat speed isn't available.
Among the various movements beating at 28.8kbph, some are better than others... Like the genuine Rolex movement, or a genuine Patek movement... For the ETA movement, one of the best "cheap and simple" movements is the 2892-2 and its GMT modified sibling the 2893-2... Then come others like 2824, 2836 etc. They are (for the most part) available as "Swiss" or Asian clones. The clones are cheaper and more predictable as they will always be new and all Asian, relatively clean pieces. Swiss on the other hand might be a brand new ETA movement if you're very lucky, or a Asian finished Ebauche, or an old ETA refurbished but not even cleaned, and as so not very reliable...
At the lower part of the price spectrum you find the plane jane 21j, its better quality brother, the DG2813 (both at 21.6kbph) and the more recent updated version of the 2813, the 4813. Seems that at the very begining some problems existed with the latter. Problems that apparently have been ironed out. Which leaves the DG4813 a very reliable movement, which can keep very excellent time (I've got two running within COSC limits) and with a smoother seconds hand.
So in terms of movements, 2892 IS BETTER than 2824... but, yeah, that's "given a specific construction"... For example if you get a gen ETA "chronometre" 2824 (COSC certified), it's better than the lower grade "Standard" 2892 (FYI, ETA does have 4 grades for their movement: Standard, Elaboré, Top and Chronomètre). So Asian clone for Asian clone, if there are no known construction issues, 2892 is to be prefered to 2824. Particularly at the same price!
Last issue... "The Cartel"... Huuu, sounds omnious, hey? Well, they've been labelled as so for their rough commercial behaviour WRT OTHER DEALERS, which have complained. So those 2 dealers have been de-trusted here... But remain trusted on the other main rep-forums... Why? Simply because in terms of their behaviour wrt the customers, they're just like any other dealer... maybe even better. And their products are as good as any. So it's a choice regarding "Ethics" (funny word for dealers of counterfeit goods, isn't it?
). Outside of that, its the same as any other dealer... personal preferences, choice and price!
As I say, there's a GOOD reason why they're not TD here... And a GOOD reason why they're TD on the other main rep forums.
Now the fact that they're the only ones carrying these DG4813 might be because the movement is crap and others don't want it (I don't believe in that for a second)... or it might well be yet another instalment of their "small war" with the other dealers. They might have secured an "exclusivity deal" on that movement to gain a competitive hedge on the competition (much more probable)... Quite legit, in my book, particularly if they don't sell these for outrageous prices, but then again that's something philosophical that could be discussed for ever
