How would you rate the build quality of the top PAM reps compared to lower-end gens?

[dood]

I know this sounds like a strange question, but hear me out. By “quality” I mean things the materials, fit and finish, construction, etc. forgetting about the movements for now.

I know the big caveat to this question is that reps have no quality control and you either get lucky and get a really good one or not so lucky and get one with issues.

But for the sake of argument, let’s say you got lucky and got the best 029 or 111 or 288 etc. out of a new batch.

Would the build quality of that rep watch be comparable to a genuine Tissot? A genuine Seiko 5? Better than both? Worse than both? Comparable to a different gen brand? Really curious to see what people think.

 

[d4m.test]

I´d say it´s an incomparably different experience and love - and get the PAMs, several of them
(and the Tissot and Seiko 5 is either already picked up in the past or gets picked up along the way).

 

[dood]

Yes the experience is very different, but my question is more about objectively assessing the build quality of top reps and comparing their quality against the quality of various gen brands.

I only used Tissot and Seiko as examples because we know that rep PAMs are not on the same level as gen PAMs in terms of quality and finish, but they might be on the same level of lower-end gen brands.

Let me phrase the question differently....

Say, hypothetically if you spend $460 on a rep PAM 029 with a genuine ETA 2836-2, are you getting the same quality, better quality or lower quality watch than if you spend $460 on a gen Tissot PRS516 with the exact same movement ETA 2836-2.

Does that make more sense?

I have a big pile of lower end gen watches (that are collecting dust and that I'm in the process of getting rid of) including Longines, Oris, Seiko, Tissot, TAG and Rado. Personally I'm much more impressed with the quality, finish and feel of the top PAM reps than pretty much all of the lower end gens that I own but that's just my opinion. I'm much more interested in hearing what others think.

 

[shai]

To begin with ..I am a complete newby and dont even own a watch but I am very good at researching ..IMHO ..and like I said I dont even own a watch yet..neither a rep nor a gen... Here is a poor Pam 359 rep

Single AR, sapphire back and front, the 6 is very different. The back of course is completely different .. the movement decoration as well as a full plate missing. The strap is different as well. This piece is about 190 USD cheaper than a noob or v6F


Now here is a decent PAM 111

And the only difference that I can make out is the officiane panerai inscription in the back gets cut off more ..indicating a thicker back cover. That and of course the crappy strap. Difference in price about USD 50

Then when you buy off a TD you get better resale and known movement

I am sure any PAM owner gen or rep will be able to add more but I reckon the choice only boils down to how close to the gen do you want your rep.

 

[shai]

And having made that long post I just realised that the OP was comparing high end reps to low end gens not high end reps to low end reps . Note to self.. stop drinking wine and get off these watch sites :whistling:

 

[dood]

And having made that long post I just realised that the OP was comparing high end reps to low end gens not high end reps to low end reps . Note to self.. stop drinking wine and get off these watch sites :whistling:

lol, I was starting to think I was going crazy (or speaking in an alien language) after reading the replies to this thread so far. ^This post gives me hope that someone out there might actually understand what I'm getting at.

Yes, you are right I'm trying to have a discussion about comparing high end reps to low end gens (or even higher end gens) strictly in terms of materials, construction, build quality, fit and finish, feel etc. (leaving aside movements).

 

[PolonusTM]

Just for comment: I recently sent my Noob's Rolex 116600 to watch smith for servicing (Asian 2836). When receiving it back the guy told me "it is quality watch indeed, from as-a-watch point of view" and this guy runs authorized service center for Tissot, Certina and Festina watches so he can directly compare...

 

[granvino]

Same here..., my local guy is in awe of the quality of some reps I've taken for service/minor repair. The last one was my Marlin/Noob 111 v3 to be fitted with a gen dial and he kept repeating how good the Noob dial was in comparison.

 

[tommikeson]

I think I get what you are asking. I have an older Seiko that was $500-$800, I can't remember. First thing, that movement had a problem and needed to be replaced. In terms of quality, my Noob 111 v3 is on par with that watch and is nicer than some of my cheaper Seikos and Citizen watches.

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

 

[Maraach]

Hmmmm perhaps my attention to detail isn't that great (though generally the opposite is true) but I've got gen's and reps and apart from at times poor quality movements in the reps (which I get replaced when possible or serviced at least) the reps are actually pretty damn good. I do wish there was an option to spend more on a better put together movement.

In fact I've had more glitches with my gen 329 than my rep 320. Make of that what you will. If KW sorted there hand length issue and too brown font I wouldn't buy the gen again, I'd save the $11k and buy lots more reps . The 72 hour PR is nice though.

I often find myself forgetting whether the pam I'm wearing is a rep or gen and need to look twice. The obvious call out is rep straps.... They aren't even close apart from the asso.. Get your movement sorted and a nice strap though... And you have a pretty nice watch.

 

[dood]

Hmmmm perhaps my attention to detail isn't that great (though generally the opposite is true) but I've got gen's and reps and apart from at times poor quality movements in the reps (which I get replaced when possible or serviced at least) the reps are actually pretty damn good. I do wish there was an option to spend more on a better put together movement.

In fact I've had more glitches with my gen 329 than my rep 320. Make of that what you will. If KW sorted there hand length issue and too brown font I wouldn't buy the gen again, I'd save the $11k and buy lots more reps . The 72 hour PR is nice though.

I often find myself forgetting whether the pam I'm wearing is a rep or gen and need to look twice. The obvious call out is rep straps.... They aren't even close apart from the asso.. Get your movement sorted and a nice strap though... And you have a pretty nice watch.

Interesting. So you'd say the quality of the top reps (for everything except the movements and straps) is in the same league as gen PAMs?

In other words, if you put a gen movement and gen strap on a super rep you have a watch that is in the same league of quality as gen?