Omega Aqua rep. Asian 2824 vs VSF Super Clone

[Koss]

Greetings!

I choose the replica of Aqua Terra, I consider two options:
1) With the Asian 2824 mechanism. In my opinion, the appearance of the movement is more similar to the original. It is more reliable and easier to find spare parts.



2) With VSF Super Clone 8500(8900) movement. Newer mechanism. There are questions about reliability and the problem with finding spare parts. Externally, the movement differs from the original by the presence of a "thermometer" (marked in red on the figure).




The replica with Asian 2824 is about 90$ cheaper than the replica with VSF Super Clone.

Questions to the experienced inhabitants of the forum.
Has anybody compared such models? Tell us what the difference is.
Could it be that the replica on Asian 2824 is significantly inferior as a dial finish?

Share your opinion on replica quality with the Asian 2824 compared to the VSF Super Clone.

Thank you.

 

[pippo]

You are comparing 2 different AT models., first of all I would make up my mind which one you like better.

VSF are known to be the most accurate, no contest and I heard very good comments about their 8900 clone movement.
It's true a common ETA 2824 is much less problematic to fix (spare parts easy to source).

If on stock, I'd grab this:
https://www.intime05.co/omega/5290-...gray-textured-dial-on-ss-bracelet-vs8500.html

If you use the search function you can find plenty of info.

 

[YellowFin]

A2824 is probably more reliable and can be replaced with an ETA or Sellita once you have an issue. Quick date advance is another advantage, the whole "jumping hour date adjustment" isn't really designed for longevity. That mechanism broke down after roughly five years on my gen...

However, talking about accuracy. The 2824 version also has multiple tells. The two clamps marked shouldn't be there and the lower surface surrounding the movement (marked blue) are engraved with red letters visible through the case back.

 

[Koss]

Do you think it is possible to remove this "speed controller" (marked in red) from the VSF Super Clone 8500(8900) movement without losing functionality?
Why can't I see the "speed controller" on the gen?

 

[YellowFin]

Why can't I see the "speed controller" on the gen?

Because the gen uses a gen movement?

 

[Koss]

Because the gen uses a gen movement?

Oh, really!? I thought it was all real...
Seriously, I wonder where the gen has the "speed regulator" hidden.

 

[YellowFin]

Oh, really!? I thought it was all real...
Seriously, I wonder where the gen has the "speed regulator" hidden.

The Omega 8900 has a free sprung balance lacking a regulator that increases/decreases the length of the spring. Check below article for more info.

https://monochrome-watches.com/techn...ulating-organ/

 

[Koss]

If you disassemble the replica movement and remove the speed controller, the outer side of the back cover will be indistinguishable from the gen. Do you know someone who has done this before?

 

[YellowFin]

If you disassemble the replica movement and remove the speed controller, the outer side of the back cover will be indistinguishable from the gen. Do you know someone who has done this before?

You can't remove the regulating organ if it was designed to have one. It might not run at all or timekeeping accuracy will be all over the place. Besides, the movement still won't look 100% gen. Not sure why this tiny detail keeps you awake at night...

 

[WingNut]

I just ordered a VSF AT 8900...been yearning for a long time...all I can say after being in this game for quite a while is Koss you may want to save your pennies and buy a gen...for shitz sake...who in the hell is going to see what you are worried about...your watchsmith?...when you ask him to tear down your replica movement?

Seriously...me thinks you expect too much from our Asian friends...

Enjoy the watch...it's the best we can get for less than $4K

:drinks_cheers:

 

[Alex22]

Is the clone movement (8500 or 8900) difficult to repair or overhaul? Sooner or later, like any mechanical watch, it will need an overhaul. Will it be possible or is it to be considered "as long as it lasts" and then throws it away?

 

[lumentin]

I think all this movement can be repaired. The question is, will it be worth the price, and will you be able to find the right spare part in 2-5 or 10 years.
But I am not a professionel, I may be wrong!

 

[pippo]

Spare parts might be the issue.
Every decent watchmaker can service it though.

 

[Alex22]

Is it worth it? I do not know. I think (I hope) yes, otherwise it would be a disposable watch. In your opinion, therefore, can a revision be made but will it not be easy to be able to replace parts in case of need to replace them?

 

[lumentin]

By worth it, I meant, if I tell you, repairing your 300$ watch for 200$, will you do it, even if it's 5+ years old, with scratches? You will probably do it for a 1000+, but there is a point where you will think you prefer a new one.
I read people here doing a service of the watch when they receive it, oiling it to prevent fast wearing.

 

[Alex22]

I understand your reasoning. If in 5 years the rep breaks down and you need to change a piece that has a cost of 200 dollars probably nobody would think about fixing it, they have "thrown" 80 dollars a year and stop. But if these reps of the last few years are now done very well in terms of materials it would be nice to be able to keep them alive for a long time (I have never seen a rep up close but from the photos I see it might really be useless to buy some gens of which you do not is fully convinced, spending 1/10 of the value and having substantially the same watch).

 

[lumentin]

I don't know about the parts price, but skilled labor can cost al lot, too.
Maybe there is even the possibility to change the whole movement, like some brand do. I heard Tissot does it for some model.

That's a concern for me too, I have some seikos and never serviced them...
400$ may be cheap comparing to gen, but for disposable stuff, it's still a lot of money. I searched the forum about it, and did not really find "the truth", I would be curious to know how many people are servicing the watch, when it's new, or later and when, and how many just let the watch live (and die).

 

[Alex22]

The reasoning of many could be: the rep costs 400 dollars, if after 5 years it breaks you buy another one. The gen costs 4000 (I'm taking a generic example) and after 5 years a revision must be made which in some cases can cost 300/400 dollars. It is a shareable reasoning. But, as I wrote before, if I take a very well made omega rep it would be nice to be able to make it last many years (there are gen watches - some Tissot, Seiko, Hamilton etc. that cost $ 400 and that could last a lifetime)

 

[lumentin]

if I take a very well made omega rep it would be nice to be able to make it last many years (there are gen watches - some Tissot, Seiko, Hamilton etc. that cost $ 400 and that could last a lifetime)

Totally agree. I am new into reps, got only one, and next are on way, and hope I can get them to last many years.
That's also why I am not a big fan of decorated mouvement, I had the feeling reading the topics it makes them more difficult to service/repair. I speak only for myself, but I don't need to have a mouvement that seems to be the same without being it. But I can understand someone wants it.

 

[Ema79]

My super clone 8500 movement broke after 4 years and I'm unable to find replacement parts. even the watchmaker is unable to find the replacement parts to fix it. If I had to choose today I would buy a movement that is much easier to service and repair.