Mini Review : How accurate is DSN's PAM24 A series dial ?

[taiji]

So, how close is DSN's PAM24 "A" series dial as compared to the gen?

Take a close look at the pic below, can you spot the rep?




This can be tough for untrained eyes.

Experts say that one way to tell is to look at the lume dot indices.

DSN's lume dot indices were made deliberately with white outer ring surrounding the tritium lume dot.

I was on the fence whether to use his dial when I read this.

So I try to google for gen pics (especially close-up pics) to see how DSN's fare?


Some gen pics found. Notice the indices?




Do you see the white outer ring? here's another one ...



And now, it's DSN's turn ...



Review :

Although DSN's PAM24A dial may not be 99.9% accurate but IMHO it is one of the best made submersible dial.

Another important update is that the cyclop position (which was wrongly offset towards the left) had been fixed. It is well-centered and align with the date window.

Hope you like the mini review.

 

[co-axial]

Thanks Taiji for this small overview. I owned one of these (new born) DSN 024A subs. Yes, the dial is OK for rep standards. But what made me sell the watch is the crystal and the imho poor CG construction.

 

[taiji]

Thanks Taiji for this small overview. I owned one of these (new born) DSN 024A subs. Yes, the dial is OK for rep standards. But what made me sell the watch is the crystal and the imho poor CG construction.

I agree that his previous crystal, case plus CG construction are off.

I am using an old school case (no longer avail) in which is case and CG construction are the best IMO + 2geeks date wheel.

Effect was stunning.

 

[kilowattore]

Thanks for sharing the great info, the dial is indeed very close to gen to my eye

 

[d4m.test]

I love this thread and I'd like to add to it. Thanks to Taiji for his great observations.

I have done a lot of study on DSN dials/cases/etc... due to my minor obsession with Pre-V, Pre-A, and A Series Panerai, he's the only one that can satisfy my curiosity.

His PAM024 and PAM025 are of particular interest since they are both on my genuine hit list.

I can tell you first hand that his 24 submersible dials are some of the best made and his 25 dials only need minor correction to be near perfect.

I have held his rep 24 and 25 dials side by side with the gen and here are my observations:

Font - Identical
Lume - correct yellow aged tritium with creamy white borders on the A series and stainless rings on the D Series
Milled recessed subdial - 30 rings on DSN, 31 on Gen but the DSN seconds pinion hole is slightly bigger, so we can call the rings the same.
Finish - on the 25A it falls short (see below) His 25A is too glossy compared to gen, but this is easily fixed with a semi-matte spray
The 24A is the correct semi-matte
Number/Marker Shape: I dare say perfect, I haven't found another of his dials that replicates gen number shape like his sub dials



Now that leaves the challenge of the case. Co-axial said it all. There is far more wrong than right for this case to be correct. The only options are to find a 199 case and use a DSN 24D dial or to reshape the case yourself

Before
fat and stubby with way too much material on the top edge and lug holes that are drilled too high


After
Material removed from the top and bottom edges to be more of a Pre-V shape. This isn't the gen shape, but way better than before. (reshaped by a friend on homage forum, I chickened out )


Here's the summary: If you can find a 199 case, get The DSN 24D dial and case back. It will be the start of a great build.

 

[taiji]

Hi Grimlocktime,

Wow. Nice post.

Thanks

 

[Bozz]

Yes, the DSN case is terrific! I hope to see a decent 024 - 025 rep from ZF or Noob in the next future...

 

[ALE7575]

Thanks taiji and Grim for your pics, review and comments
Points added for both and I will include this link in PAM GUIDE

Thanks again
ALE