Best AP

[MrOptional]

swnupe11
15400 is a great rep, but it's can't be called a super rep. I am super rep is a very broad definition. 15400 dial is not like Gen, hands and numerals are off, bracelet is different, metal is different, case back is totally different. It's a great rep, but once you start looking into detail, and comparing them side by side, there are many differences. You are comparing $400 watch to $20000 watch, it is a great rep OOTB but it's not without flaws.
And knowing the flaws of JF v3 or v4 helps me make a decision to buy here. But if you go down the street you don't know if you are buying v1, v2 or maybe even a version from another factory which in reality costs much less. like this thing for example
LOL

 

[Tigerdragon]

I agree legend very well written. Whats interesting btw. that AP himself has sometimes issues like this one:

They pretty much fucked up the Swiss Made printing (look at 2:24) i first thought its a rep but no its not. Its quiet funny

 

[Tigerdragon]

swnupe11
15400 is a great rep, but it's can't be called a super rep. I am super rep is a very broad definition. 15400 dial is not like Gen, hands and numerals are off, bracelet is different, metal is different, case back is totally different. It's a great rep, but once you start looking into detail, and comparing them side by side, there are many differences. You are comparing $400 watch to $20000 watch, it is a great rep OOTB but it's not without flaws.
And knowing the flaws of JF v3 or v4 helps me make a decision to buy here. But if you go down the street you don't know if you are buying v1, v2 or maybe even a version from another factory which in reality costs much less. like this thing for example
LOL

Metal is different? You mean the indices? Because the case and the bracelet are both stainless steel, ofcourse the rep steel is the cheapest ive ever seen (for an 400 dollar rep ofcource) it scratches really fast but also the gen seems to scratch pretty fast so yeah.

 

[legend]

I agree legend very well written. Whats interesting btw. that AP himself has sometimes issues like this one:

They pretty much fucked up the Swiss Made printing (look at 2:24) i first thought its a rep but no its not. Its quiet funny

Oh I have zero doubts that AP has released watches with messed up details every now and then too. After all, the QC is done by humans, and humans are perpetually prone to err.
One difference between the gen and rep is the stringent QC process the gen employs. Not 100% perfect either, but we can fairly say 99%?

 

[Tigerdragon]

Yep was just funny because he said in the video its a limited 250 pieces edition for 60k and i was like "Wow for 60k the swiss made printing looks not that good" but like we say before, the gen owners dont care and often dont see the flaws or maybe its even not a flaw maybe they want it that way (the automatic is also not 100 % bold like the rest so maybe its the new "style" i dont know).

 

[MrOptional]

You mentioned Rolex reps are better. Which ones in particular, not looking to buy, just curious.

 

[Tigerdragon]

Black ARF sub as an example

 

[MrOptional]

For some reason I don't find any Rolex to be attractive. Probably something wrong with me

 

[swnupe11]

Obviously you didn’t see in my post that I talked about dial date with you and some of the more specific details let me tell you this if you are rich enough to have an AP why trash a rep who cares I do my research! And a consensus has already been made on it sounds like you should do yours Legend.

 

[swnupe11]

Well said though legend, we are here to know. Thanks for the know

 

[swnupe11]

I agree with you that AP reps are behind Rolex reps in terms of accuracy of details. That cannot be helped, given how intricate the gen AP details are. I also agree that most people will not know whether it is a gen or rep in real life.

You are entitled to call the JF rep anything you wish, in the spectrum of super rep to garbage, you can take your pick as it is pretty subjective. But going by the below flaws:

1. Dial: printing isn't perfect, tapisseries are not perfectly replicated either. Markers are not finished as per gen. Close, yes, but no cigar.
2. Hands are definitely off in terms of center pinion, and quality of shine. No contest there
3. Movement is a Miyota 9015. Gen uses an AP 3120 caliber. The two are definitely leagues apart in terms of finish, decoration, complexity and exquisiteness. One look through the caseback of the rep and you can spot the relatively poor finish, the wrong position of the balance wheel and the utterly fake looking "jewels", as well as differences between the rep and gen movements. But yes, it is possible that both movement types can keep time equally well if maintained properly. The Miyota 9015 movement is a reliable movement in terms of timekeeping and has decent power reserve too.
4. Case thickness is a giveaway, in a side by side comparison. On the wrist, not so noticeable unless you study the case profile.
5. Bracelet is too stiff, and like what Tigerdragon pointed out, the size of the end links is wrong. Bracelet edges have improved in terms of softness and have become more acceptable versus the previous versions.
6. Case finish is very close to, or identical with gen. I cannot quite tell them apart in a side by side combination.
7. Date font is close for the latest iteration of the JF rep, but differences still exist. Not 100%.
8. Crystal is as good as gen, or has imperceptible differences.

In view of the above, I will definitely consider it a good rep and nothing more. Going by your theory that very few people will call it out in real life, why not call it a gen then? But in RWI forum terms, the JF 15400 rep is definitely still a few leagues away from being anointed with super rep status, where the concerns of the community go. You are well within your right to consider it any level of rep you wish. I agree with you that in real life, nobody will know or care. But we are in this forum precisely to KNOW, and you need to balance the knowledge of the flaws, with the contention as a owner. I will say that you do this well and possess the right attitude in wearing your rep in real life. As long as you are happy with it, honestly what the world thinks should not matter.

Well I guess I’ll just be quiet now! Lol
thanks for the wisdom