{*PCTeam} PAM 127 distortion issue possibly solved (modem burner)

[marlin2284]

Just built this 127 for mvyzfr1 one of our members, he wanted an me to install an updated crystal from WSO. I had never tried one, but was curious and had been meaning to do it just hadn't had the time. So I agreed and I'm glad I did, I am very impressed with the results see below....

Sorry for the quick and dirty pictures.

Side by side with regular Noob 127 V3(the one without CG)

AR color: The WSO crystal has a slight blue tint but so does the gen. see video here below. Also the crystal distortion is very similar to the one on the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Q_eVYa_uzh0

Lume shot through the crystals one on the right has the updated crystal, I'm sure you can tell..

Here is the completed watch:

Not a cheap upgrade, but well worth it.......

 

[Drkitch109]

Nice post! How much do the WSO crystals run?

 

[ALE7575]

Hi marlin
This is an intersting modd !!

I like that this crystal distortion is very close to the gen.

It looks really nice and accurate

What about the AR. Doesn't it seem a little bluish?

This could be a very goos solution for the current PAM 127.

Thanks for your job and info

ALE

 

[boneyjr]

Great work!

 

[mojojojay]

Wso crystal is very close to gen IMO , had one installed on my EL fiddy n had it dbl ar by taka . If I'm not wrong price I paid for just crystals $150++ for it .

 

[mvyzfr1]

Yup, the crystal cost $150 on eBay. Pricey, but worth it if the shape of the noob rep crystal bothers you like it did me!

Thanks again for installing it for me along with the other excellent work marlin!

This pic clearly shows that the WSO crystal shape mimics the gen. The shape of the crystal should smoothly blend into the bezel as it does on the gen. You can see on the LH side the rep crystal shape in comparison.

 

[ALE7575]

Contours showed in below pic is what myvzfr1 is talking about.

Smooth transition aligned with the bezel and without breaking radius. Just like gen

ALE

 

[tranzmizzion]

Hmmm

 

[marlin2284]

It does have a bluish tint to it, but it is barely viable. Not like the older 127s like the DSN where the tint was overwhelming. It is very subtle and as you can see from these excerpts from the gen video it too has a slight blue tint.

WSO

Now the earlier gens had a different crystal that had more distortion and a clear AR, it seems that the later gen 127s had a different crystal on them. So the noob crystal is not all that bad compared to the earlier gen 127s. But if the distortion rubs you the wrong way this is definitely the way to go....

 

[granvino]

Now...., I want it. PM sent...., ha!

 

[Leewei]

Thats one hell of a crystal. Beautiful as Gen.

 

[electick]

hmm very interesting... might try it!

 

[mvyzfr1]

Now the earlier gens had a different crystal that had more distortion and a clear AR, it seems that the later gen 127s had a different crystal on them. So the noob crystal is not all that bad compared to the earlier gen 127s. But if the distortion rubs you the wrong way this is definitely the way to go....

This is true, there was an "early" crystal that had different shape and more distortion. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find pictures of these early versions. All the ones that I've seen online are of the later style. I believe Panerai offered to change the crystal to the later version for owners of early 127's that were unhappy.

For the 217 models all the crystals were of the later "smoother" style.

 

[tranzmizzion]

I heard from some of the experts here it wasn's as good quality as the rep/noob. Do you find anything off on the clarity, etc?

 

[mvyzfr1]

And what evidence was there to prove the quality was inferior? I certainly see no evidence of this. I tested the WSO to insure it was indeed sapphire.

 

[tranzmizzion]

It was one of the modders, i gotta look and see if i can find the thread. I sold my first 127 for a better one but if this is the best i map just change it.

 

[mvyzfr1]

Best is probably subjective, but I think it is much better than the noob crystal. Even though I had one of the "good" ones, it just didn't look right to me so had to find an option closer to gen. The movement mods by marlin are icing on the cake. Never thought I'd have this much $$$ into a rep.

 

[snbr2011]

Ale,

Would you know where I can source a nice dome crystal for my Pam233? mine is not good at all and I really like the watch, been trying to find a good crystal but no luck, only for the 47mm case.

Thanks

Hi marlin
This is an intersting modd !!

I like that this crystal distortion is very close to the gen.

It looks really nice and accurate

What about the AR. Doesn't it seem a little bluish?

This could be a very goos solution for the current PAM 127.

Thanks for your job and info

ALE

 

[snbr2011]

Do you guys think that WSO crystal for pam212 would fit Pam233 and Pam270? I have both and I would like to get new crystals for them as I really like the watches, are the sizes comparable?

Thanks guys

 

[Strodda]

To help those considering a WSO, here was mine with one. Personally, it was an awesome crystal.