The shipping process:
It took a while before shipping because the clean factory GMT was not available and it took a few weeks to get the QC.
I also asked Elliot for the waterproof test and then after the quality control it took another week to be shipped however the test was free.
Shortly after getting the shipping code I got scared because the tracking reported "Package not accepted by sorting center" and I thought the package had been stopped in China. However Elliot reassured me saying that it was a technical problem and that in a few days the shipment would be sent, so it was. The package was later accepted so do not worry if you see that status in the tracking.
From the moment I received the tracking of the shipment (8 Nov) to the day I received the package (19 Nov) in Italy it took just 11 days
Really a great time for a shipment from China to Italy.
The watches:
The watches arrived really well packaged in little packets with the Andiot logo. Both watches had a protective case.
At my PAM I immediately changed the strap with a custom one (even though the one supplied is still of good quality) while there was a small problem with my friend's Clean GMT: the clean bracelet is too tight and does not fit him very well, it seemed strange to me because my friend is not a very robust or fat person but by researching I discovered that the Jubilee clean covers up to 18.32 cm of wrist. They are probably sized for the Asian market.
After asking, my friend ordered 2 additional links on Aliexpress as delivery is fast.
Both watches works perfectly and have no defects.
Andiot did not provide me with any documentation of the waterproof test but reassured me that if he did it and then sent it, the test was passed and I trust him.
Maybe to be safe before next summer I will repeat the test at my watchmaker and then go to the beach.
The accuracy of the Panerai is around + 7 seconds per day, during the day when worn it gains around +2 seconds and at night (I leave it with the crown facing upwards) it gains around 5 seconds. The chronocomparator test in the quality control video reported + 3 seconds per day with the dial facing upwards.
For the Rolex I cannot provide accurate proof as I do not use it but it seems to work very well.
The luminescence of the PAM is amazing in terms of intensity and duration
The dial of the PAM is truly perfect, even a friend of mine who owns a Gen Pam was impressed. There are no smudges.
My personal impression about the watches:
The VSF PAM is really well made, even taken off the wrist and picked up you have to be a true expert in the field to understand that it is a REP.
The Clean GMT is visually exceptional: bezel, reflections, etc... but when you hold it in your hand, some finishes like the outside of the central link of the bracelet or the bezel are "sharp" to the touch, perhaps because it is new. So an expert who touches it and passes his finger over some parts would notice something strange. To the eye, however, nothing stands out, even with a close analysis.
Mine is just an impression, I have several watches but I do not consider myself an expert because there is always something to learn and I am happy if you will argue my opinion.
Conclusion:
I highly recommend Andiot Watches for these strong points:
- Prices: they seem the most competitive, I saved about 100 - 150 euros per watch. This is money that you can use for straps or to overhaul a vintage watch.
- Website: The site is full of photos and quite up to date, even if it is sometimes slow. Although there are photos for each watch and factory on the forum, I like to see them grouped together and understand exactly what I want to buy.
- QC process: I really appreciated the test with the chronocomparator and the videos of operation, in addition to the photos that show every facet. In addition, the quality controls of all orders are public and can be seen, it is useful for evaluating future purchases.
- Customer service: Elliot satisfied me and tested the waterproofness for me
- Shipment: From the moment it was shipped, it took only 11 days to arrive in Italy.
The only things to pay attention to are 2:
- ask through the communication channels for availability before placing an order: In my case I ordered before asking and the Clean was not in Stock. This thing is the same for all TDs
- Clean factory bracelets are small, they have less links and they could not fit extra-asian wrists, I think a vendor must advice this when you buy a Clean in order to provide extra links
They are some detailed photos of my Pam, in the future maybe I'll take the same with my friend's Batgirl: