- 23/8/07
- 6,469
- 8,420
- 113
ARF releases their highly anticipated SH3186 movement, and in a superb package typical of ARF quality.
First, many thanks to Angus at PureTime and his friendly, professional staff. Especially Elena for her detailed QC process
As I’ve been into my ARF SD43 the past couple of years I’m a little behind on our Sub C and GMT versions; but I did finally get an ARF Hulk recently and it delivers on all the ARF (and JF) qualities I expected. Their GMT release is no different. I’m no expert and your comments are welcome. These are just my humble impressions.
SH3186
I can’t speak for the movement as I’m not that technical. Our occb2 is doing a deeper ARF review along with the VRF. I can say it winds smooth, and either the rotor is missing or it’s gen quiet. The date changes exactly at midnight. To set the date, I followed the gen owners manual. The 24-hour hand moves with a nice click feel and no play. Time set direction is like 3135. CHS naturally.
BEZEL
The engravings look to have the correct fonts and depth. The bezel fill “platinum” has a fine powder coating texture—it’s not like a paint coat. Gen like contrast indoors. The bezel action has firm, precise feel with clear notches when turning and no play. More important to me the bezel has no gap with the case. I can’t confirm, but looking at the precise fit of the ceramic insert I’d say it’s pressed in like their SD43—gen construction.
CASE
I don’t obsess over lug corners or tiny differences on crown guards. I do obsess over the satin finish, and a good match from case to bracelet, which this does. The finish is gen smooth and consistent throughout. Rehaut has a nice sheen and engravings look to line up with the dial markers.
BRACELET
No surprise here. Typical of ARF the bracelet is quiet, feels solid with minimal play at the links, refined edges, and has a beautiful gen like finish throughout. SEL fit at the case is superb.
CLASP
Beautifully finished inside and out. Tight tolerances. Feels and sounds solid when folding and closing. The easy link extension snaps tightly. Nicely finished coronet. Flip lock has no gaps.
CRYSTAL
The crystal looks on par with my SD43 which I consider one of the best OOTB with good clear cyclops. Crystal height looks correct to me.
DW
The date wheel I think is improved from my Hulk V2 (and JF 16610) but not quite like my SD43. Mine is an early GMT—if not the first one—and I understand better date font wheels are coming like the new V3 Sub DW which looks amazing. More important, the date position is dead center on all dates. Again, ARF consistency throughout.
DIAL
Nice sharp font print. The Green on the GMT-MASTER logo and 24-hour hand looks correct and contrasts nicely against the black dial. I really don’t obsess over hour markers.
Onto the photos
First, many thanks to Angus at PureTime and his friendly, professional staff. Especially Elena for her detailed QC process
As I’ve been into my ARF SD43 the past couple of years I’m a little behind on our Sub C and GMT versions; but I did finally get an ARF Hulk recently and it delivers on all the ARF (and JF) qualities I expected. Their GMT release is no different. I’m no expert and your comments are welcome. These are just my humble impressions.
SH3186
I can’t speak for the movement as I’m not that technical. Our occb2 is doing a deeper ARF review along with the VRF. I can say it winds smooth, and either the rotor is missing or it’s gen quiet. The date changes exactly at midnight. To set the date, I followed the gen owners manual. The 24-hour hand moves with a nice click feel and no play. Time set direction is like 3135. CHS naturally.
BEZEL
The engravings look to have the correct fonts and depth. The bezel fill “platinum” has a fine powder coating texture—it’s not like a paint coat. Gen like contrast indoors. The bezel action has firm, precise feel with clear notches when turning and no play. More important to me the bezel has no gap with the case. I can’t confirm, but looking at the precise fit of the ceramic insert I’d say it’s pressed in like their SD43—gen construction.
CASE
I don’t obsess over lug corners or tiny differences on crown guards. I do obsess over the satin finish, and a good match from case to bracelet, which this does. The finish is gen smooth and consistent throughout. Rehaut has a nice sheen and engravings look to line up with the dial markers.
BRACELET
No surprise here. Typical of ARF the bracelet is quiet, feels solid with minimal play at the links, refined edges, and has a beautiful gen like finish throughout. SEL fit at the case is superb.
CLASP
Beautifully finished inside and out. Tight tolerances. Feels and sounds solid when folding and closing. The easy link extension snaps tightly. Nicely finished coronet. Flip lock has no gaps.
CRYSTAL
The crystal looks on par with my SD43 which I consider one of the best OOTB with good clear cyclops. Crystal height looks correct to me.
DW
The date wheel I think is improved from my Hulk V2 (and JF 16610) but not quite like my SD43. Mine is an early GMT—if not the first one—and I understand better date font wheels are coming like the new V3 Sub DW which looks amazing. More important, the date position is dead center on all dates. Again, ARF consistency throughout.
DIAL
Nice sharp font print. The Green on the GMT-MASTER logo and 24-hour hand looks correct and contrasts nicely against the black dial. I really don’t obsess over hour markers.
Onto the photos
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