New DSN PVD Case??? Or Not All DSN Cases Are Created Equal

[d4m.test]

I have been sending a lot of emails to DSN recently inquiring about parts for Pre V PVD builds. And I have had a few responses where he mentioned improvements coming soon, mainly new runs of dials. But on the most recent order I placed with him I received a case that was totally unlike the one that I initially used for my 203a build. The first case I got from him had a huge cushion shape and long thin lugs, very much like the OP 6500 and 6502 cases.

DSN:

Gen 6502:

I must say I was a little disappointed that the shape was so unlike Pre-V, so much so that I experimented with my 203a in a Noob 360 case but that didn't last long (it's just too black):

So I placed another order with DSN for my 202a build expecting to receive the same gorgeous pencil lead but wrongly shaped case. WOW, was I wrong!!!

Check out the new case below
Notice the following:
1 totally different shaped bezel
2. The lugs are fatter/more stubby and the angle is less sharp, causing the case to appear that it sits lower
3. the cushion shape is much less pronounced
4. Overall this is much, MUCH closer to the classic Pre-V shape.
(Here, NEW is RIGHT, old is left)

(In this pic new on top old on bottom)

Here is a comparison with the legendary 111J, on which I am in the process of completing a reshape:

Not totally visible here, but there is virtually no lug ripple on the case!

This new case shape is so good that I decided it will house my grail 203a. I put the 202a in the original case.

I don't know if this is a new case or an old one, but hopefully it is new and a huge step in the right direction for Pre-V PVD fans. I will try to get a solid answer out of Davidsen. Ill let you know what I find out!

Either way BRAVO Davidsen for the awesome case!

 

[thefever]

It'd be awesome if this is the pre-v case being offered from now on.

 

[granvino]

Grim..., you are right. Looks like all Pre V and Pre A (PVD included) cases from him are a new reincarnation of his 'newborn' title. I might have to get one for my 009.

 

[d4m.test]

I think you'll be happy with it! There are only a few shape quirks: a bit flat on top of the lugs. But the pros far outweigh the cons.
-The top edge of the bezel is more crisp with a flat edge that frames the crystal
-The crystal itself is WAY nicer than the other case. I compare it to my Noob crystal. Not cloudy or swirly in bright sun.
-The PVD finish appears more evenly applied.
-Totally devoid of any strap notch
-Again, the lugs are vastly improved

You can see the new case on my 203a in my other thread.

 

[d4m.test]

UPDATE:

My suspicion is confirmed. It IS a new case. Order away!

DSN messaged me tonight-

"Hi

Now i have upgraded all with new case like the 202a now.

Thank you for letting othes aware of the new change."


Great news. The case is a nice improvement for Pre V builders who don't want to go through the expense of a custom PVD job.

 

[ALE7575]

This is a good new for built Pre-V
Anyway I don't understand why makers don't inform about these imporvements !

ALE

 

[granvino]

This from David last night after I asked him about the NEW cases. It seems good news for the PAM 'historic' builders and modders since this case shape is extremely rare in the market today. I will reserve comments to the real experts once they see the product. For me, the pencil lead PVD from him is non matched and if the case shape has improved then we might be in a different quality level all together. .... He says the new case is the same for all Pre V and Pre A ...

only CG and lug screws are not the same But case shape and profile are very same..'

 

[d4m.test]

only CG and lug screws are not the same But case shape and profile are very same..'

Wait a second, so he is saying that the CG and lug screws are new, but the case is really about the same?

 

[mir36]

The new case looks promising! But the slight slope on the top curve of the lug makes it look 6500ish or 6502ish.

Grimlock: Is the bezel gen construction or 1 piece?

 

[granvino]

Wait a second, so he is saying that the CG and lug screws are new, but the case is really about the same?

I think he means is the same (NEW)case for Pre V and Pre A ,....but, of course, the CG and lug screws are different, one sided (Pre A) versus two sided (Pre V)
The question now is what did they use as reference for this new case? Remember wOlf (quote):
The elusive OP6500 case low-down:

The one case that's just nowhere to be found in the repworld today is the type of case that was made for Panerai by an Italian concern "CORO", better known as the OP6500 case. It was the case used in PreV models 5218-209, -210, 218/A and many PreA watches that came out under Vendome like the PAM01, 02, 04, 09, etc.

Has David taken this approach?

 

[d4m.test]

DSN has a one piece bezel. Do you have any pictures of the gen bezel? Is it 2 piece?

The new case looks promising! But the slight slope on the top curve of the lug makes it look 6500ish or 6502ish.

Grimlock: Is the bezel gen construction or 1 piece?

 

[mir36]

Yup. Gen is 2 piece.

You can get a sense of it from here.

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/martinwilmsen/tags/productioncycle/

Vintage 615x cases have 2 piece bezels, so the DNA comes from there.

Noob and DW cases have 2 piece bezels as per gen.

 

[d4m.test]

Yup. Gen is 2 piece.

You can get a sense of it from here.

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/martinwilmsen/tags/productioncycle/

Vintage 615x cases have 2 piece bezels, so the DNA comes from there.

Noob and DW cases have 2 piece bezels as per gen.

Thanks for that link and the clarification Mir. I have a question though...see this picture below. This is a Pre-A 6502 case. Isn't that a one piece bezel? I need more experience here. I don't really know what I'm talking about on one piece versus two piece bezels.

I thought the Pre-V and Pre-A cases had similar construction.

 

[ALE7575]

I think it is a misunderstanding
When you say 2 pieces bezel you mean two pieces the group case and bezel. One case and one bezel inserted over the case (like showed in pics)
You are no meaning that the bezel is made in two pieces

These are my thoughts

ALE

 

[d4m.test]

Thanks Ale! In that case the DSN is a two piece bezel.

 

[ALE7575]

Thanks Ale! In that case the DSN is a two piece bezel.

No, no. Maybe a translation problem

If the construction is like you show in the pic, it is bezel one piece

Bezel one piece + Case one pice = Total two pieces
But bezel is made in one only piece.

LOL
ALE