Help me decide please - 057 or 028?

[pamegalex]

Hi guys,

Need your thoughts and opinion here. Been thinking long and hard over a DSN piece based on all of the good reviews here on his work and finally decided to pull the trigger. Problem is, I can't make up my mind between the 057 and the 028. I've been going through ALE's guide back and forth for god knows how long and numerous treads of members who owns those 2 reps, comparing pics of those 2 side by side and I'm nowhere near deciding yet lol... :frusty:


One thing that's for sure is that I absolutely love the hobnail texture dial on both, especially the 057 with the unique brownish - one of the most beautiful dial I've ever seen for PAMs (imho). On the other hand, I've been after a PVD coating PAM for sometime now and this might be a good chance to do that (not to mention that the titanium on the 057 is more prone to scratches compared to the PVD on the 028?). So I am ever so slightly leaning towards the 057 but having no experience with titanium cases, the thought of it being easily scratch just pull me back towards the fence on both reps.:thud:


So please guys, need some useful suggestions and honest opinions to help me decide. David has been great with his super fast replies with all my questions and I really don't wanna bug him any more than I already have unless it is to confirm which one to get. The funds are literally begging to be shipped out of my account, just unsure of which one it should go to :dejection:

 

[Evora]

Both are really special and nice watches, fitted with the Soprod movment, same as gen.

I have the 028, but if I were you, I would go with the 057. The main reason is that you couldn't have the right PVD/DLC finish as gen, whatever the maker it comes from.
As you said, this hobnail brown textured dial is amazing! And quite more unique than the black one.

David himself told me that the titanium and ss cases were better finished than the PVD ones. On my 028 (I sent it back to change the case), there were "cuttings-like" marks arround the lugs. Now, the case is better, but still some light cutting/filing marks... I can live with...

Even if I have the 028, I think to go with the 057 soon. But actually 5 watches from DSN on shippment, I will wait a bit

Evora

 

[sasa408]

+1 on the 057. Super rep status says it all for me.

 

[nalomb]

+1 on the 057. Super rep status says it all for me.

I think that is under reevaluation -- the space between the dial printing and the edge of the dials is a big tell, along with the hands. I know Grim has written extensively about it. I love mine though!

 

[Evora]

Only ppl from RWI & co know about that. These refs are quite unknown in gen market, I'll be very surprised if someone comes to tell me "wow, a 057!". Probalby 0.01% ppl... And from these 0.01%, how many could you tell you that the second hand is not right (or space between prints and dial edge)?

I wouldn't hesitate for these kind of "flaws".

Evora

 

[nalomb]

Only ppl from RWI & co know about that. These refs are quite unknown in gen market, I'll be very surprised if someone comes to tell me "wow, a 057!". Probalby 0.01% ppl... And from these 0.01%, how many could you tell you that the second hand is not right (or space between prints and dial edge)?

I wouldn't hesitate for these kind of "flaws".

Evora

Neither would I -- its a great piece!

 

[shelby1501]

Never owned either of those two but 028 all the way for me after I read Grimlocktime's review (and I'm not really after DLC PAMs over SS ones). Just beautiful watch and DLC fits much better on it than Ti or SS IMO. Hope to add one to my collection one day as my only DLC PAM.

 

[pamegalex]

Thanks for the opinion guys!

Both are really special and nice watches, fitted with the Soprod movment, same as gen.

I have the 028, but if I were you, I would go with the 057. The main reason is that you couldn't have the right PVD/DLC finish as gen, whatever the maker it comes from.
As you said, this hobnail brown textured dial is amazing! And quite more unique than the black one.

David himself told me that the titanium and ss cases were better finished than the PVD ones. On my 028 (I sent it back to change the case), there were "cuttings-like" marks arround the lugs. Now, the case is better, but still some light cutting/filing marks... I can live with...

Even if I have the 028, I think to go with the 057 soon. But actually 5 watches from DSN on shippment, I will wait a bit

Evora

I've seen Grim's pics of the brown hobnail dial and it is indeed something amazing and very unique compared to the other PAMs out there. As Grim pointed out, different texture of brown shows depending on the lighting and just.. wow!

As for the PVD finish, I've heard that David is one of, if not the only one who has the best quality of PVD/DLC coating on PAMs around here. Based on what you just mentioned, would you suggest that I should just forget about a PVD/DLC PAM entirely?

I think that is under reevaluation -- the space between the dial printing and the edge of the dials is a big tell, along with the hands. I know Grim has written extensively about it. I love mine though!

I too read bout the spacing gap between the indicies and the rehaut seemed a little too wide and thought it was a big tell and would bother me but imho, as Evora pointed out, its only noticeable with a side by side comparison of the gen. It's not something that sticks out like a sore thumb when looking at the rep just on its own so I don't think its something that will bother me. Not especially when it has the same Soprod movement as the gen which makes it even better!

 

[Evora]

Regarding de DLC finish, as you said, David has the nearest gen-like tint (with HFactory). But I can't explain, it's a matter of texture or so, even if the tint looks like gen, the light has not the same reflects on the case.

But keep in mind even on gens, there are also differences in DLC tints/finishes. Furthermore, the color changes a lot with the lightning, makes it difficult to point out.

So don't forget about a DLC PAM at all

It did not stop me to take it, and I really enjoy this watch! You asked our opinion between the 057 and 028, I just said that I would go for the 057, this doesn't mean that the 028 is not an amazing watch.

Personnally, the filing marks near lugs bored me more. Once again, that didn't stop me to order some new watches to David 2 weeks ago

Evora

 

[pamegalex]

Regarding de DLC finish, as you said, David has the nearest gen-like tint (with HFactory). But I can't explain, it's a matter of texture or so, even if the tint looks like gen, the light has not the same reflects on the case.

But keep in mind even on gens, there are also differences in DLC tints/finishes. Furthermore, the color changes a lot with the lightning, makes it difficult to point out.

So don't forget about a DLC PAM at all

It did not stop me to take it, and I really enjoy this watch! You asked our opinion between the 057 and 028, I just said that I would go for the 057, this doesn't mean that the 028 is not an amazing watch.

Personnally, the filing marks near lugs bored me more. Once again, that didn't stop me to order some new watches to David 2 weeks ago

Evora

Appreciate the opinion Evora

Looks like it's going to be the 057c after all. As soon as I saw the brown hobnail dial I knew instantly that I must have it. Then I did some research and the 028 came up. Shouldn't have read so much and just pull the trigger on it lol.
If only theres a mash up between the 057 and the 028 - brown hobnail dial with PVD/DLC coating
Who knows? I might just

 

[ALE7575]

The flaw in PAM 057 dial bothered me a lot, I don't liked PVD colour of PAM 028, I like the hobnail dial.

I talked with Grim and Davidsen and finally I decided to get a PAM 027 with the dial of a PAM 028. Really nice combination.

ALE

 

[pamegalex]

The flaw in PAM 057 dial bothered me a lot, I don't liked PVD colour of PAM 028, I like the hobnail dial.

I talked with Grim and Davidsen and finally I decided to get a PAM 027 with the dial of a PAM 028. Really nice combination.

ALE

Just when I've decided to go with the 057 this pops up lol.. And I'm back to square one..

Is the dial really that big of a tell? I've ad a look at Grim's pics and tbh, you'd have to look really closely to see the gap between the indicies and the rehaut.

 

[ALE7575]

Just when I've decided to go with the 057 this pops up lol.. And I'm back to square one..

Is the dial really that big of a tell? I've ad a look at Grim's pics and tbh, you'd have to look really closely to see the gap between the indicies and the rehaut.

It is visible if you know the flaw
Otherwise it is almost impossible
PAM 057 is a very nice and good replica. Even with the dial flaw and following Grim reviews I think it would be a First Class bordering Super rep Status
You can buy it with confidence

ALE

 

[Evora]

What else?

Go for it

Evora

 

[d4m.test]

Okay I'm finally ready to weigh in on this. I had to dig up an old email I sent to Ale

Here's what I know about the 28A already:
1. The DSN CG is improved but there is an upgrade option with a Sead CG
2. The PVD is beautiful. But it is missing the black undertones of the genuine coating
3. DSN Crystal quality is inconsistent. Although he will work with you until you are happy. I ended up getting a crystal so good that it looks genuine.

However there are some fixes to make this watch NEAR perfect:
1. The Sead CG fits
2. The PAM029M from Noob has a crystal that is a perfect fit
3. Aftermarket PVD coating is a nice option

To build the ultimate DSN watch here is the recipe. Order a 28A with a STAINLESS case. Then add a Sead crown guard and have the case PVD coated by NeckyZips. If you aren't happy with the Crystal then buy a 029M and swap the crystals.

This will make for an amazing watch.


I too love the 057C and truly wanted to like the one I briefly owned. But the dial accuracy bothered me. So, for us here are the scenarios i see to help guide your decision based on the different decision-making aspects:


The 027A:
Dial Accuracy - high importance
Hobnail surface - low importance
Ability to upgrade - high importance
Low Cost - high importance


The 028A (DSN PVD case):
Dial Accuracy - high importance
Hobnail surface - high importance
Ability to upgrade - mid to low importance
Low Cost - high importance



The 028A (stainless, custom built):
Dial Accuracy - high importance
Hobnail surface - high importance
Ability to upgrade - high importance
Low Cost - LOW importance


The 057C:
Dial Accuracy - mid to low importance
Hobnail surface - high importance
Ability to upgrade - mid to low importance
Low Cost - high importance


Other DSN B or C series dials:
These are all very beautiful, like the 057C. I actually think the DSN spacing is more appealing and more attractive than the genuine dial. You really can't go wrong with any of them. Even with the dial issues, they are lovely watches.

 

[ALE7575]

And this way I got my DSN Power reserve (PAM 028 dial on SS polished case)
Beautiful
Thanks Grim

LOL

ALE

 

[pamegalex]

Okay I'm finally ready to weigh in on this. I had to dig up an old email I sent to Ale

Here's what I know about the 28A already:
1. The DSN CG is improved but there is an upgrade option with a Sead CG
2. The PVD is beautiful. But it is missing the black undertones of the genuine coating
3. DSN Crystal quality is inconsistent. Although he will work with you until you are happy. I ended up getting a crystal so good that it looks genuine.

However there are some fixes to make this watch NEAR perfect:
1. The Sead CG fits
2. The PAM029M from Noob has a crystal that is a perfect fit
3. Aftermarket PVD coating is a nice option

To build the ultimate DSN watch here is the recipe. Order a 28A with a STAINLESS case. Then add a Sead crown guard and have the case PVD coated by NeckyZips. If you aren't happy with the Crystal then buy a 029M and swap the crystals.

This will make for an amazing watch.


I too love the 057C and truly wanted to like the one I briefly owned. But the dial accuracy bothered me. So, for us here are the scenarios i see to help guide your decision based on the different decision-making aspects:


The 027A:
Dial Accuracy - high importance
Hobnail surface - low importance
Ability to upgrade - high importance
Low Cost - high importance


The 028A (DSN PVD case):
Dial Accuracy - high importance
Hobnail surface - high importance
Ability to upgrade - mid to low importance
Low Cost - high importance



The 028A (stainless, custom built):
Dial Accuracy - high importance
Hobnail surface - high importance
Ability to upgrade - high importance
Low Cost - LOW importance


The 057C:
Dial Accuracy - mid to low importance
Hobnail surface - high importance
Ability to upgrade - mid to low importance
Low Cost - high importance


Other DSN B or C series dials:
These are all very beautiful, like the 057C. I actually think the DSN spacing is more appealing and more attractive than the genuine dial. You really can't go wrong with any of them. Even with the dial issues, they are lovely watches.

Lol was wondering when you'd pop by to weigh in seeing as you've got the most experience with the DSN power reserves Anyway thanks for the info Grim, really appreciate it coming from someone who has extensive knowledge on the 057 and 028

TBH, I really couldn't tell the difference in the dial had you not pointed it out and did a side by side comparison with the gen (that's how much of a noob I am lol!). I feel that it's not really noticeable when looking at it closely from a certain angle and definitely not something that's noticeable unless, as ALE mentioned, you know what you're looking for. I've had my mind pretty much set on the 057 as soon as I saw the hobnail dial - it is just simply amazing.

Before I make a decision, just a couple of questions on what I should be in the look out for if you don't mind Grim:

* Crystal & cyclops - You've mentioned in your review that some of the DSN cyclops was blurry too?
* CG - David told me that the CG has been updated, not sure if its the Sead CG?
* Case - From your brief experience with the 057, are titanium cases really prone to scratches? I've never owned a titanium case as all my other PAMs are all SS. Prehaps you could say that this is my biggest concern.

Thanks in advance for the info guys!

And this way I got my DSN Power reserve (PAM 028 dial on SS polished case)
Beautiful
Thanks Grim

LOL

ALE

Hey ALE, wouldn't that technically mean that its a 'fantasy' rep (since there is no 028 dial on a SS case)?

 

[ALE7575]

YES you are right : a fantasy rep !!

LOL

ALE

 

[d4m.test]

Cyclops: this is the same construction as gen, milled into the crystal. There is no significant foggy appearance to the cyclops. It is too small to notice anything like that.
CG: Sead is a TD that offers a decent A-F series CG. The DSN CG is totally different
Case: sure it picks up scratches. But is easily and quickly brushed back to brand new. This should not be an issue. It is part of the charm of a Ti case.