Overseas 4500v Rep Owners - feedback needed, please :)

[zataralos]

This past week, I had the opportunity to see a Gen 4500v at the Lisbon AD while on vacation. Was fortunate that they had just received one for delivery (black dial SS), no other inventory in the store. I tried it on, they even put the rubber strap on for me to try and I fell instantly in love with it. Now I have to have one, but with a 12-24+ month wait, it's going to drive me bananas. I'm contemplating getting a Rep until then but don't want to be overly disappointed if its far from the Gen. I understand there isn't a NWBIG version out there, but how close can I get? I've read most of the posts here on RWI (most on them are 2 years old), so hoping to get real feedback from those who own these Reps. Here's the things I'm considering:

1) Dial quality - see a lot of feedback around dial color not being the same as gen, especially for Blue. Is that also true for the Black dial? also indices quality?

2) Date window - based on what I read, this one is tricky but can be corrected with some maintenance?

3) Case/Bezel finishing - Is the finishing high quality?

4) Bracelet - Any concerns with the finishing? I'm assuming this is one area where quality wouldn't be a good due to the amount of surface that needs to be polished. Personally I like the rubber strap and can always buy a Gen strap (assuming it fits without any issues)

5) Caseback - Probably the greatest tell, but I've never taken off my watches (even the Gens) to show the movement, so I don't see this as an issue

6) Movement - Read a lot about noisy Miyota movements, how loud are we talking (hear it close to the ear, or while wearing the watch)? also can be silenced?

I understand the disclaimers folks are going to make, I get that Rep quality is not Gen quality, but are you happy with your Rep and would you recommend it? And now for the most subjective question of them all, which version/factory makes the nicest black+SS with all the strap options?

Appreciate everyone's constructive feedback

 

[tokidoki]

I had a rep 4500v and thought the winding was too loud. I could hear it spinning when moving my arm.

From what I've seen and read/hear/discuss the VC dials are one of a kind; reps can't mimic the same elegance and stature of a gen dial no matter what color - white, blue, BLK.

 

[zataralos]

I had a rep 4500v and thought the winding was too loud. I could hear it spinning when moving my arm.

From what I've seen and read/hear/discuss the VC dials are one of a kind; reps can't mimic the same elegance and stature of a gen dial no matter what color - white, blue, BLK.

That's what I keep reading on the rotor noise. Wonder if anyone tried lubing the bearing, if it would reduce some of that noise.

 

[tokidoki]

Some have serviced / modded the rotary to quiet it down.

 

[joeyc]

This past week, I had the opportunity to see a Gen 4500v at the Lisbon AD while on vacation. Was fortunate that they had just received one for delivery (black dial SS), no other inventory in the store. I tried it on, they even put the rubber strap on for me to try and I fell instantly in love with it. Now I have to have one, but with a 12-24+ month wait, it's going to drive me bananas. I'm contemplating getting a Rep until then but don't want to be overly disappointed if its far from the Gen. I understand there isn't a NWBIG version out there, but how close can I get? I've read most of the posts here on RWI (most on them are 2 years old), so hoping to get real feedback from those who own these Reps. Here's the things I'm considering:

1) Dial quality - see a lot of feedback around dial color not being the same as gen, especially for Blue. Is that also true for the Black dial? also indices quality?

2) Date window - based on what I read, this one is tricky but can be corrected with some maintenance?

3) Case/Bezel finishing - Is the finishing high quality?

4) Bracelet - Any concerns with the finishing? I'm assuming this is one area where quality wouldn't be a good due to the amount of surface that needs to be polished. Personally I like the rubber strap and can always buy a Gen strap (assuming it fits without any issues)

5) Caseback - Probably the greatest tell, but I've never taken off my watches (even the Gens) to show the movement, so I don't see this as an issue

6) Movement - Read a lot about noisy Miyota movements, how loud are we talking (hear it close to the ear, or while wearing the watch)? also can be silenced?

I understand the disclaimers folks are going to make, I get that Rep quality is not Gen quality, but are you happy with your Rep and would you recommend it? And now for the most subjective question of them all, which version/factory makes the nicest black+SS with all the strap options?

Appreciate everyone's constructive feedback

The black and blue dial is very close, there’s a guy on here who has a rep and gen blue dial, he mixed them
Up a few times the zf is really good, I wouldn’t worry

 

[Casual]

The black and blue dial is very close, there’s a guy on here who has a rep and gen blue dial, he mixed them
Up a few times the zf is really good, I wouldn’t worry

How? The rep doesn’t have the inner ring

 

[joeyc]

How? The rep doesn’t have the inner ring

Im pretty sure they have the inner ring now. There was a post about it I’ll try to find it

 

[Psim056]

Im pretty sure they have the inner ring now. There was a post about it I’ll try to find it

F

 

[Casual]

Im pretty sure they have the inner ring now. There was a post about it I’ll try to find it

I do see it on some TD’s reference pics but looks much more subtle than Gen and doesn’t have ther “shinmer” that Gen does. In most photos you can’t see it, but Mayor said it’s there irl.

Wish there was a rep readily available with Gen dial lol

 

[joeyc]

I do see it on some TD’s reference pics but looks much more subtle than Gen and doesn’t have ther “shinmer” that Gen does. In most photos you can’t see it, but Mayor said it’s there irl.

Wish there was a rep readily available with Gen dial lol

Depending on the price of the Gen dial would make a difference I mean the blue 4500v dial is 1-2k alone depending on condition let’s say a royal oak 15500 would be 1-2k for the silver or black dial $5500 for the blue dial, amf on here mods the dials also. The 4500v in the words of Lary David is pretty pretty good

 

[mule play]

I have an MKS Factory white dial 4500v and ordered a the blue strap as a back up to the black. It's a great piece. I chose the MKS over the ZF due to lack of service parts with custom ZF movement used. Everything was ordered from Andrew at TrustyTime. Great seller and has been for years and years.

Replies to your questions:
1) Dial quality - I picked white since it does not have the inner dial ring issue and I wanted a white dial / slim case in my collection.

2) Date window - zero issues on my model. Both single and double digits line up evenly square in the window.

3) Case/Bezel finishing - Very good. I took mine snorkeling daily for a week in Italy and like any other watch with high polish it gets micro scratches on the bezel ring. It's easy enough to restore the shine with a Cape Cod cloth or Dremel with a polishing wheel and paste. I have both, so no issues. Mine has some gentle scratches from the ocean sand. Yes, the waterproofing from the factory was fine. I went as deep as 25m without issues. I polished out the micro scratches with a Cap Cod in under 5 mins when I returned home from Italy.

4) Bracelet - I specifically did not choose the bracelet since I knew the quality would not be there. I don't particularly like the bracelet thickness either. Rubber is the way to go in both colors with buckles so there is no issue quick swapping them. The quick release mechanism is simple and snug. Works perfectly. One thing I did do was 'LockTite Threadlocker Red' the case screws in place for extra measure. They are not going anywhere. I love the Blue rubber. Perfect shade of blue to gen.

5) Caseback - Not an issue.

6) Movement - Mildly noisy, but nothing to worry about and you probably will not notice it. Yes, it can be serviced to make more quiet if it's a major issue. I'd wear it daily for a month a decide if you can't live with the rotor noise. I did and I passed on servicing it to quiet it down. It's not noticeable enough to warrant a remedy service at this point. When it goes in for full service, I'll ask the smith to address it as a punch list item.

7). Best Part: The thickness, wrist balance and overall comfort. Completely, and I mean completely, under the radar in terms of flashiness vs AP, Patel and Rolex. With the blue strap on white dial you can go from ocean swim to dinner in linen pants and top seamlessly.

Let me know what else you'll like to know or if more pictures would be helpful.

 

[Casual]

Depending on the price of the Gen dial would make a difference I mean the blue 4500v dial is 1-2k alone depending on condition let’s say a royal oak 15500 would be 1-2k for the silver or black dial $5500 for the blue dial, amf on here mods the dials also. The 4500v in the words of Lary David is pretty pretty good

Blue gen dial for 1-2K on ZF rep would definitely be worth it imo

 

[zataralos]

I have an MKS Factory white dial 4500v and ordered a the blue strap as a back up to the black. It's a great piece. I chose the MKS over the ZF due to lack of service parts with custom ZF movement used. Everything was ordered from Andrew at TrustyTime. Great seller and has been for years and years.

Replies to your questions:
1) Dial quality - I picked white since it does not have the inner dial ring issue and I wanted a white dial / slim case in my collection.

2) Date window - zero issues on my model. Both single and double digits line up evenly square in the window.

3) Case/Bezel finishing - Very good. I took mine snorkeling daily for a week in Italy and like any other watch with high polish it gets micro scratches on the bezel ring. It's easy enough to restore the shine with a Cape Cod cloth or Dremel with a polishing wheel and paste. I have both, so no issues. Mine has some gentle scratches from the ocean sand. Yes, the waterproofing from the factory was fine. I went as deep as 25m without issues. I polished out the micro scratches with a Cap Cod in under 5 mins when I returned home from Italy.

4) Bracelet - I specifically did not choose the bracelet since I knew the quality would not be there. I don't particularly like the bracelet thickness either. Rubber is the way to go in both colors with buckles so there is no issue quick swapping them. The quick release mechanism is simple and snug. Works perfectly. One thing I did do was 'LockTite Threadlocker Red' the case screws in place for extra measure. They are not going anywhere. I love the Blue rubber. Perfect shade of blue to gen.

5) Caseback - Not an issue.

6) Movement - Mildly noisy, but nothing to worry about and you probably will not notice it. Yes, it can be serviced to make more quiet if it's a major issue. I'd wear it daily for a month a decide if you can't live with the rotor noise. I did and I passed on servicing it to quiet it down. It's not noticeable enough to warrant a remedy service at this point. When it goes in for full service, I'll ask the smith to address it as a punch list item.

7). Best Part: The thickness, wrist balance and overall comfort. Completely, and I mean completely, under the radar in terms of flashiness vs AP, Patel and Rolex. With the blue strap on white dial you can go from ocean swim to dinner in linen pants and top seamlessly.

Let me know what else you'll like to know or if more pictures would be helpful.

Thanks for the great feedback on your experience. curious on the rubber strap, is it as comfortable as the gen? I have a few rep rubber straps (other watches) that don't feel like the real ones. Comfort on the wrist is as important to me as at look/finish . Guess I can always opt for a Gen strap

 

[mule play]

Thanks for the great feedback on your experience. curious on the rubber strap, is it as comfortable as the gen? I have a few rep rubber straps (other watches) that don't feel like the real ones. Comfort on the wrist is as important to me as at look/finish . Guess I can always opt for a Gen strap

Yes, it's very soft and pliable silicone. but not cheap and plastic feeling. Lovely texture with the raised triangles. Inside markings and branding is clear and deep. It does not smell odd (oily?) like some of the other straps. As you noted, get the gen for ~$400 or whatever the price to be 100% satisfied. I may go that route when these two wear out.

 

[Eldonsimon]

Latest blue dial

 

[Casual]

Latest blue dial

Looks good, does it have a layer of lacquer or is it only sunburst?

 

[Eldonsimon]

Looks good, does it have a layer of lacquer or is it only sunburst?

I don’t know and to be honest it doesn’t really matter. It’s a cheap toy watch that looks amazing. Feels lovely and solid and has without doubt the best dial that I’ve seen out of all the reps that I have bought over the years

 

[Eldonsimon]

 

[Eldonsimon]

 

[Eldonsimon]