Genuine vs ZF 15400 dial

[alpharp]

Hello all,

I am showing some up-close shots of the Gen 15400 dial vs ZF V2. The Gen dial is currently installed on my watch, and is absolutely flawless in person. The sunburst in brilliant when it hits the light. If you are thinking about doing a project, now is definitely the time! Thanks for viewing.

ZF is on the right, Gen is on the left

 

[alpharp]

ZF is on the right, Gen is on the left

Major brain fart. Gen is obviously on the right and ZF is on the left! Pretty easy to tell, though

 

[legend]

Good comparison post, thank you.

Just for info, for the silver dial, there are 3 variants

1. H-I series, which has a thinner AP logo and a paler silver color.
2. J series to discontinuation: Has a thicker AP logo and "warmer" silver.
3. A variant (period unknown) which is more of a semi-gloss white/cream. This is the rarest of the silver variants.

When comparing the gen dial to rep, it is important to know which gen dial is the rep emulating. There is not one silver gen dial for the 15400 but 3 at least.

 

[alpharp]

Good comparison post, thank you.

Just for info, for the silver dial, there are 3 variants

1. H-I series, which has a thinner AP logo and a paler silver color.
2. J series to discontinuation: Has a thicker AP logo and "warmer" silver.
3. A variant (period unknown) which is more of a semi-gloss white/cream. This is the rarest of the silver variants.

When comparing the gen dial to rep, it is important to know which gen dial is the rep emulating. There is not one silver gen dial for the 15400 but 3 at least.

Thank you for the insight!!

 

[X24222]

Thank you for the insight!!

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit this, but I can't really tell the difference between the two. I'm sure in real life it's obvious but from the pics, I struggle. Are there "tells" I should be noticing in your side by side?

@legend - as always, amazing context and knowledge you shared about at least 3 variants of silver dials.

 

[alpharp]

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit this, but I can't really tell the difference between the two. I'm sure in real life it's obvious but from the pics, I struggle. Are there "tells" I should be noticing in your side by side?

@legend - as always, amazing context and knowledge you shared about at least 3 variants of silver dials.

Personally, the font is the biggest tell for me. Look at the "Audemars Piguet" lettering, Gen is way more "refined" imho. Legend would have more insight, but the font and sunburst on the dials are two tells that I see. Gen also has a perfect "melting ice cube" affect

 

[X24222]

Personally, the font is the biggest tell for me. Look at the "Audemars Piguet" lettering, Gen is way more "refined" imho. Legend would have more insight, but the font and sunburst on the dials are two tells that I see. Gen also has a perfect "melting ice cube" affect

Even with your prompt, it's hard for me to see -- the left AP lettering seems raised / embossed whereas the right seems printed on the dial. I actually think the raised / embossed lettering looks nicer. Is the left really the rep and the flat printing the gen? This is fascinating to them....we should all feel good about the 15500 or 15400 builds we do....these are down to the smallest of details that even when you know what to look for, it's hard.

 

[alpharp]

Even with your prompt, it's hard for me to see -- the left AP lettering seems raised / embossed whereas the right seems printed on the dial. I actually think the raised / embossed lettering looks nicer. Is the left really the rep and the flat printing the gen? This is fascinating to them....we should all feel good about the 15500 or 15400 builds we do....these are down to the smallest of details that even when you know what to look for, it's hard.

Yeah, the rep is on the left. I honestly feel like you'd feel different if you saw both in person. The ZF dial looks good but the gen is an absolute stunner.

 

[JimmyWW169]

Awesome cheers

 

[X24222]

Yeah, the rep is on the left. I honestly feel like you'd feel different if you saw both in person. The ZF dial looks good but the gen is an absolute stunner.

I’m sure it is — no doubt from me, was just trying to reconcile with the photos. You’re going to have an amazing watch

 

[purplehaze89]

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit this, but I can't really tell the difference between the two. I'm sure in real life it's obvious but from the pics, I struggle. Are there "tells" I should be noticing in your side by side?

@legend - as always, amazing context and knowledge you shared about at least 3 variants of silver dials.

Yeah looks like per legend above the ZF is replicating the earlier dials that are paler.

 

[legend]

Yeah, the rep is on the left. I honestly feel like you'd feel different if you saw both in person. The ZF dial looks good but the gen is an absolute stunner.

We share the same view on this.
The intricacies on the gen dial has to be perused in person for any person to understand and appreciate AP dials.

 

[raspan1123]

thanks for the comparison! i like those kind of posts

for me it shows how close those dials have come. I’m sure in person there is a huge difference but the slightly different angle/lighting in pictures makes it so hard to tell apart and that shows how hard it would be to spot on the wrist…

of course a gen dial would make it “instagram safe” (or close to i guess) but on the wrist especially without direct comparison very very hard

enjoy your gen dial nevertheless, i’m thinking about getting one too. hope the price decline will continue in the market

 

[legend]

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit this, but I can't really tell the difference between the two. I'm sure in real life it's obvious but from the pics, I struggle. Are there "tells" I should be noticing in your side by side?

@legend - as always, amazing context and knowledge you shared about at least 3 variants of silver dials.

No worries at all, actually, the blue has also 3 variants (pale, deep and one rare one somewhat in between), and the black, at least 2 that I have seen (obsidian vs charcoal finish). The grey Ruthenium dial (some erroneously call it Rhodium) is the only one I have seen which is consistent. But to be fair my visual sample size for the grey dial numbers 5 or less. So I am unaware of any variations in the grey dial if there are any.

Look out for the variations in the AP logo too, you get a thicker and thinner version, and likewise for the "swiss made" print. Variations upon variations... it is therefore imperative for owners to know the details and have several points to identify the gen and rep dials instead of just (e.g. oh the color is different from gen and it is therefore rep).
Look at the dial in its entirety and you too will be able to know it for what it is. The beautiful thing about knowledge is that it is something available for anyone who seeks it and not exclusive to one person or group.

 

[hazzmal88]

Hello all,

I am showing some up-close shots of the Gen 15400 dial vs ZF V2. The Gen dial is currently installed on my watch, and is absolutely flawless in person. The sunburst in brilliant when it hits the light. If you are thinking about doing a project, now is definitely the time! Thanks for viewing.

ZF is on the right, Gen is on the left

How is the overall weight and feel like on this model? Is it closest to gen compared to other models?

 

[love_in_jumbo]

No worries at all, actually, the blue has also 3 variants (pale, deep and one rare one somewhat in between), and the black, at least 2 that I have seen (obsidian vs charcoal finish). The grey Ruthenium dial (some erroneously call it Rhodium) is the only one I have seen which is consistent. But to be fair my visual sample size for the grey dial numbers 5 or less. So I am unaware of any variations in the grey dial if there are any.

Look out for the variations in the AP logo too, you get a thicker and thinner version, and likewise for the "swiss made" print. Variations upon variations... it is therefore imperative for owners to know the details and have several points to identify the gen and rep dials instead of just (e.g. oh the color is different from gen and it is therefore rep).
Look at the dial in its entirety and you too will be able to know it for what it is. The beautiful thing about knowledge is that it is something available for anyone who seeks it and not exclusive to one person or group.

Hi @legend Hope you are having a great day.

Is dial with thinner AP logo possibliy be charcoal black dial?

 

[legend]

Hi @legend Hope you are having a great day.

Is dial with thinner AP logo possibliy be charcoal black dial?

Sorry I don’t quite understand the question. Would you mind clarifying it please thank you.

 

[love_in_jumbo]

Sorry for question with lack of context.

You have shared there are at least 3 color variant for white dial and 2 color variant (obsidian and charcoal) for the black dial.

And also you have mentioned to look for AP logo thickness (the slimmer white part vs fatter) for checking variations.

So I was wondering whether if it was okay to think
Slim Ap Logo = charcoal color
Normal AP logo = Obsidian

Thanks

 

[legend]

Oh ok.

Thanks for clarifying.
The gen black 15400 dial comes in at least 2 variants which I’ve seen, one of a lighter charcoal shade and one which is deeper, closer to obsidian. There could be other variants which I’ve not seen.
These seem to be variants which happen in batches rather than a specific time. So you can find both shades with the thicker and thinner AP logos.
I hope that answers your question.

 

[love_in_jumbo]

@legend Thank you for sharing your wisdom. By any chance the photo I’ve uploaded is charcoal color dial?

Or would it be a dumb question to ask over a photo?

Sorry for asking question twice in a row