Well... I will add a few stats and results on this review:
Purchased from: Hontwatch, June 2008
Results:
Strap and clasp: (max. 10 points)
The watch comes with latest rubber 24mm replica rubber strap. I have compared it with various older replica Panerai rubber straps. This is indeed very good. It has butter soft feeling, doesn't attract dust, smells good and has a gen feeling on it. The butterfly clasp/double deployant needs further refinement nonetheless. Genuine Panerai deployant has higher quality finishing. The rep is not bad, it has no sharp parts. As a bonus, the screws on the lug are very good. Not stripped and possibility to change it to aftermarket spring bar (River's) is there.
9
Operation: (10)
It has GMT function which is adjustable, crown guard works perfectly to keep crown in place. Setting time and date is not a problem at all. Hack function is available on this model. The crown has butter smooth feeling when manually winding the movement. Flappy CG lever may be a minus point here.
8
Case: (10)
Very well made case, sharply cut and well define just like the genuine article. Caseback engraving is done very well too without "unfinished" part. Engraving looks deep enough. Just like gen, markers are glued to the bezel. I don't think it will fall off easily. I tried to remove the markers, to no avail. CG needs some refinement nonetheless (there is a little gap between CG and case, barely noticable).
8
Design: (15)
Unmistakably Panerai. You can't go wrong with this watch if you like a unique and distinctive design. It's a big watch but I am sure most readers will be able to wear this watch. Sometimes, thickness may posses a concern if you are wearing suit. But hey, this is a sport watch
13
Legibility: (10)
After reluming, I will give it full mark but stock lume on this rep is not good at all (i.e.: mediocre). Sometimes there is a possibility to mistake the GMT hand with minute hand. They are using the same hand colour.
8
Wearing comfort: (15)
This is one of the comfortable and well balanced watches. The rubber straps + deployant buckle are a good combo for this watch. Tried it with a pair of calf strap on a tongue buckle, not as good feeling as stock rubber. Not too heavy/too light.
13
Movement: (20)
Well... Asian 7750 Hi Beat rate with GMT complication. By default, it's 10 secs fast a day. Now I brought it down to 3secs fast a day. Not bad for a fresh movement. While reluming, I have a chance to take a peep at the movement. Rotor is decorated with "stickers". Not a good one here. Swapped the rotor to genuine ETA7750. Winding feels much smoother now. But parts appears to be clean under 10x loupe.
15
Overall value: (10)
Got it at wholesale price which is perfect. If you get it however at "street price", this is still worth quite a lot. I don't think resale price is gonna drop a lot on this model too. Just be aware that this model has been released for quite some time, it MAY get discontinued.
8
Total:
82/100
