I perhaps have not spoken much about it, but I have great affection for the Cermit, specially my Green Factory version that I luckily scored over at RWG.
I think after the original Kermit, the Cermit has to be my favorite Sub (that of course after p0pperini's matte 16800 which he continues to wear to spite me).
Once again, luck struck me when without me looking, Uhr70, who is one of my worst influences here, sold me his Pre-Raid VSF Cermit, and to him I am thankful for the great transaction and watch.
I am a firm believer that once I am certain I love a watch, meaning it will stay in the collection and is worn frequently, I try my best to get the best maker of it. Those who know me well and long enough know that I tend to favor Omega way more, but in general, I am a lover of diver and pilot watches (including astronaut watches), and watches of certain uniqueness or special lineage. The Cermit definitely falls in two of those categories.
This is my first ever review/comparison and will state that the views on the VSF are preliminary, since I literally just got it from the mailbox. I will obviously update this thread on a longer term. I will not be boring you with measurements, color pallets, or opinions in the taste of Theo & Harris.
The VSF will always be on the left, with date #6, the GF will be on the right, date #2.
Initial impressions:
Bezel:
Crown and Crownguard:
Movements:
Bracelet and Clasp:
Dial:
Final thoughts:
I think after the original Kermit, the Cermit has to be my favorite Sub (that of course after p0pperini's matte 16800 which he continues to wear to spite me).
Once again, luck struck me when without me looking, Uhr70, who is one of my worst influences here, sold me his Pre-Raid VSF Cermit, and to him I am thankful for the great transaction and watch.
I am a firm believer that once I am certain I love a watch, meaning it will stay in the collection and is worn frequently, I try my best to get the best maker of it. Those who know me well and long enough know that I tend to favor Omega way more, but in general, I am a lover of diver and pilot watches (including astronaut watches), and watches of certain uniqueness or special lineage. The Cermit definitely falls in two of those categories.
This is my first ever review/comparison and will state that the views on the VSF are preliminary, since I literally just got it from the mailbox. I will obviously update this thread on a longer term. I will not be boring you with measurements, color pallets, or opinions in the taste of Theo & Harris.
The VSF will always be on the left, with date #6, the GF will be on the right, date #2.
Initial impressions:
- GF: When I first got this some months ago, I felt I was dealing with an ARF watch. The dial quality was mesmerizing to me. The bracelet was just as good, the bezel color was so pleasing to the eyes. The datewheel alignment reminded me of when ARF came out with the SD43 and we all went goo-goo gah-gah over it. It felt like a home-run. I think I wore the watch for a week non-stop. I was even more lucky because this watch had been water tested to 5atm already, when I tested it myself, it passed with passing colors. Movement wise, it's an A2824 which I still tend to favor unless its a VSF or VR movement. As you can see, I was really happy to buy this for some $300. It got compliments left and right, including at the mall and my friends (as if I cared about that but its worth mentioning).
- VSF: For me, getting the VSF is like getting to own the remastered/extended/perfected/restored soundtrack of my favorite Bond movie as opposed to having the greatest hits CD (in this case, the GF) The VSF has a totally different feel to it, specially weight related.
Bezel:
- Bezel action on the VSF is definitely smoother, but both are accurate. I'm certain the GF could have a thicker hytrel gasket or something causing it to be thicker to the feeling. The pearl on the GF has a more pronounced curvature than the VSF. Color on the VSF is... bear with me... softer to the eyes. I cannot describe it better. Platinum coloring in the bezel is good on both, somewhat better on the VSF. I feel the GF is just a tad darker.
Crown and Crownguard:
- Interestingly, the only difference between these two is the quality of the Coronet and 3 dots. The VSF is most defined, the GF does show some corner cutting, but it is minimal. Crown guard shape and definition are almost equal to the eyes. I would consult with KJ2020 with regards to correct to gen sizes and shapes.
- They are both to current standards, the VSF has a bolder font, but both are clearly defined and alignment is unremarkable.
Movements:
- The GF uses the old workhorse, the A2824. I have regulated it to COSC spec, not losing a second on the wrist or winder. I am very new on the VS3235 so this section will be updated later. I have heard good and not so good on it, so I hope I get lucky.
- Unremarkable. I'm certainly not an expert. They both look good to me, maybe a bit better on the GF for the SEL.
Bracelet and Clasp:
- Other than the VSF's gaping mouth gap on the release latch, they are both pretty standard. Good locking and extension action. Very smooth. Finishing is very good on both, the GF reminds me of ARF finishing, VSF is up to VSF standards of course.
Dial:
- To an obvious extent, the VSF is the winner with the better printing and correct fonts etc. BUT, the GF makes great competition to it. The dial printing quality is mind blowing to me for the price. It is well painted and to my eyes exquisite, but that does not mean is the better of the both. Both have great lume and all around pleasant features to us geeks.
Final thoughts:
- Current times are making us all to find alternatives to the VSF due to all the shit that's going on. The GF is a great candidate. The differences are somewhat minimal. While I intend to keep the VSF as it is the best of this model, I will kind of feel sad letting the GF go. I wish I could bash it or say anything bad about it, I just can't. It feels good. I like it.
