ARF 116610 904l 2824

[MrOptional]

Guys, I've spent two days reading this entire thread and some other threads about SH3135 movement. I read the 2824 review by occb2 and how much he liked the original version of this watch. Then I read his review about how he hated the SH3135 watch for many reasons. I also read all the criticism from Tigerdragon and then how he liked the 2824 watch.

With that out of the way, I am looking to purchase the 116610 ARF now, should I go for the SH3135 v2 that is listed on the PureTime site (but buy from Lucy though as she is my go-to TD), or should I ask her for 2824 version, or should I not buy at all right now, and wait for all the issues to be sorted out? What is your recommendation?

 

[Tigerdragon]

All i can say about my A2824 version is 0.1 seconds per day, 62 hours of power reserve, enough said its even better than my gen ETA movement in my Steinhart and its not even serviced. Seems like the 2824 versions are pretty good.

 

[xartan]

That’s great but that kind of precision is a hit or miss. While the Asian clones have gotten better they are still inferiour to ETA in terms of build quality. On top of that the clones are often dirty and under/over lubricated or not lubricated at all when leaving the factory. Unserviced they are ticking bombs that can die any day. I’ve had a few die on myself. The last one in a DSSD was beyond repair and had to be replaced and shipping and service cost about the same as the watch did originally. It’s a lottry. They may last a day or 5 years unserviced.

 

[Rolemars]

2824 seems to be a bit more reliable yes. How does the date wheel work on the 2824? I mean, how much time does it take to engage until it finally changes? 10 minutes? Half an hour?
Also, another small question. The 2824 has been out for some time now, should we expect a new model coming soon? Haven't heard from Angus in a while under his topic (news and insights).

 

[Hinclimincli]

Hiya,

I thought I might just leave this here: http://watchguy.co.uk/comparison-sea-gull-st2130-eta-2824-2-peacock-sl3000/

In case people wonder about the quality of the asian clones. Long read, lots of photos, and really clarifies many myths. Still, the advantages of using 2824 (clone or not) are that most watchsmiths have plenty of experience repairing these movements, spare parts are readily available anywhere and with not much waiting time, and worst case you can buy a new movement for not much money.

 

[Tigerdragon]

Thanks for the link!

 

[MrOptional]

Thanks! But aside from movements, is 2824 still a better rep? Case, dial, bezel, crown, etc?
are 2824 still available from TDs?

 

[Tigerdragon]

Its all the same now (even the case) so it really only depends on what movement do you like.

 

[MrOptional]

Got it. I didn’t realize that. So the new 2824 is worse than the original reviewed here by occb2?

 

[Tigerdragon]

i dont like the case yes, SEL is not good as before the rest should be the same.

 

[MrOptional]

Is it sill better than noob out of the box? I am trying to figure it if it’s all that much worse than the original 2824 reviewed here, or if it is still a fantastic rep.

 

[Tigerdragon]

The ceramic insert + hands are better than noob, that alone i would buy the arf.

 

[xartan]

If you’re picky about the midcase you may feel differently. It’s a great rep as far as I’m concerned but noob may be a better franken base is what I hear.

 

[JMK]

I love my 2824 ARF.... it’s one of the first batches and the only thing that really irks me is the datewheel font. I haven’t yet found an actual datedisc I can swap in. So, while I continue my DW chase, I really enjoy it. To add to some other comments on reliability... I’ve had mine well over a year now and it’s running perfectly.

My thinking right now is that I’ll do some kind of mashup like this...
ARF Bracelet + Clasp
Noob 2836 midcase
Noob Dial
Noob DW
ARF Hands
Gen XTal
Clean Factory (or ARF) Bezel + Insert

My only hesitation is that I’ll want to swap for the next gen of dials hoping they have rounded markers and I’m assuming that these will only be offered in the 3135 movement.

 

[gosho]

Is that big difference on ARF case compared to gen?
Does noob or vrf has same as gen case?
And how bad is the noob or vrf bracelets compared to arf?
I’m trying to figure it out which sub to get (no 3135).
Or should I go with no date sub, and which one?
Thanks for your help guys!

 

[Tigerdragon]

No factory has an actually "gen" case all have problems with the SEL etc.

 

[freediver]

ARF 2824 may not have perfect 1:1 case, but it's proportions make an optical illusion very close to gen

 

[Drr80]

can someone show exactly what is off on the ARF case? i dont see anything obvious. (with pictures please) someone school me!

 

[Alibaba89]

Is there any new if arf gonna start using better n thinner datewheel? I remember the first ones they came out with a year ago and they were waay better

 

[muiramas]

Wearing mine again today a month after losing the pearl. Mad props to Sead for sending me a new one FOC. Stunning watch. Yeah, I know its a Chinese fake - but it looks and feels soooo good. It will be a year old next week.