Finally received my little prince. Borrowed my friend's gen to do some quick comparison shots.
First impressions: When I first looked at the rep, I didn't think it had any purplish hues to it. I was amazed by the quality and finish. I even compared with it first with my friend's gen under fluorescent, and didn't see any colour difference. It's only when I brought both watches out to the open, you can see a clear difference in colour under sunlight. However, that does not take it away the fact that it's a very very good rep, even when compared to the gen. I would say around 98% similar.
Dial: As mentioned, the purple hue is a lot more obvious where sunlight's present and when it's placed side by side with the gen. Naturally the fonts and finish on the gen dial are more intricate and finer in shape and detail. I can't see any difference between both datewheels. The gen has a more brilliant sunburst whereas the rep looks a little more matte.
Caseback. I would say this is spot on! Even with a microscope, I'd be hard pressed to find any difference!
Strap: In all honesty, there's no need to change the strap if you want it to look like the gen! The top end of the strap attached to the watch is slightly thicker and stiffer on the rep, but the rest of the strap feels very close to the gen. With constant wear, it'll feel even better. I thought I needed to buy a new strap, but after comparing with the gen, there's no need to!
So there you have it. A quick review of the IWC Little Prince. If you're not bothered by the purplish hue under sunlight, by all means get it. That's the main tell if you compare it side by side with the gen. But it's still a beautiful watch. I love the caseback!
I'll try to take more macro pictures and do a more detailed review over the weekend....
First impressions: When I first looked at the rep, I didn't think it had any purplish hues to it. I was amazed by the quality and finish. I even compared with it first with my friend's gen under fluorescent, and didn't see any colour difference. It's only when I brought both watches out to the open, you can see a clear difference in colour under sunlight. However, that does not take it away the fact that it's a very very good rep, even when compared to the gen. I would say around 98% similar.
Dial: As mentioned, the purple hue is a lot more obvious where sunlight's present and when it's placed side by side with the gen. Naturally the fonts and finish on the gen dial are more intricate and finer in shape and detail. I can't see any difference between both datewheels. The gen has a more brilliant sunburst whereas the rep looks a little more matte.
Caseback. I would say this is spot on! Even with a microscope, I'd be hard pressed to find any difference!
Strap: In all honesty, there's no need to change the strap if you want it to look like the gen! The top end of the strap attached to the watch is slightly thicker and stiffer on the rep, but the rest of the strap feels very close to the gen. With constant wear, it'll feel even better. I thought I needed to buy a new strap, but after comparing with the gen, there's no need to!
So there you have it. A quick review of the IWC Little Prince. If you're not bothered by the purplish hue under sunlight, by all means get it. That's the main tell if you compare it side by side with the gen. But it's still a beautiful watch. I love the caseback!
I'll try to take more macro pictures and do a more detailed review over the weekend....
