Thanks Bozz for starting this magnificent thread.
Thanks also to mikewatch for the magnificent comparison pics and to Kilo, Set and kampachi for their comments.
After these posts we will get a better idea about the new cases Noob V4 and new H maker (V2 ?)
Firstly to say that rep cases have arrived to a great level almost parallel to the gen. Please see the lug contours joining the case and the inner part between the lugs to understand what I'm talking about. The overall appearance is awesome.
Regarding the edges, it seems clear that gen is something between Noob and H maker and closer to Noob
It is necessary to say that H maker sharper edges are really difficult to get and look really nice, but it is also clear than gen has a bit softer edges.
Maybe the most important in gen is that the radius of the rounded edges is very uniform and is clear that PANERAI is trying voluntarily of getting this goal: a softened uniform edge. This is as difficult as getting a sharp edge. Because you can easily go from a sharp edge to an overpolished edge.
Noob edges are nicely made, even more accurate, but they seem a bit overpolished and less uniform in comparison to the gen, always within a great quality.
H maker could be less accurate but we should admit that are nicer and give the watch an impressive "character" and gen-like appearance. Leaving aside accuracy everyone can say that H maker is a well finished product.
It happens something similar with the bezel, Noob is clearly more accurate with a transition edge (between the bezel base and the slopped surface) rounded just like gen. H maker bezel has a transition edge really sharp, nice but inaccurate. The base of H maker bezel is a little bit higher than gen and this flaw is enhanced by the sharpness of the transition edge. That happened the same in the old bezel from H maker and KW but now that effect seems a bit stronger. As above commented really nice (even nicer) but inaccurate. It seems that H maker is trying to improve this issue in last batches. Indeed Bozz pics seem to show an improved bezel. It would be really easy the improvement (to be confirmed).
In real size these edges are not as noticeable as in enlarged pics an we need to admit that the sharper edges confer to the watch a strong appearance of quality and gen-like feel.
Unfortunately, makers are using new and old parts mixed and some H maker "new" cases have still same inconsistencies regarding quality. So we should wait for the stabilization of the productions and the application of only NEW parts on the current reps
Thanks Bozz for confirming the wrong inner structure of H maker cases, just the same as old ones. I was really interested about this matter. This is not noticeable when the watch is assempled but it is an obvious tell the watch is disassembled. It is not very important in real life, but I'm a bit disappointed about this matter.
Therefore hard decision for the buyers.
For people interested on this matter about caseset structure and "old" cases from H maker, Noob and KW, I recommend you reading the Luminor 44mm caseset comparison review by Klockis-ALE
PAM Luminor 44mm CASE-SETS - Noob vs. KW vs. H maker - ALE-Klockis Review
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php?t=150417
From above commented review you can easily see the great evolution of the new casesets.
I would like to see pics and opinions about new KW-V6Fac cases that also seem really promising
Welcome to the new scene of PAM reps. Again closer to the gen
OMG ! Another expensive year !!
ALE
