{*PCTeam*} DSN Crowns: How Gen Are They? Photo Comparison to Gen with Measurements

[d4m.test]

A few years back maker Davidsen made decided to make an accurate copy of a Pre-V style crown. This is a spring loaded crown with distinctive double O-ring on the neck. I have a few franken projects going on and I decided to source some early panerai Pre-A and A Series Gen crowns which are the same construction as gen Pre-V. What a great opportunity to compare them with DSN, of which I have several on hand.

At first glance it is very obvious you are holding gen crown. The finish glows, even on the Titanium and PVD coated finish. But to the untrained eye, they might be hard to pick out.



The construction is very gen like with DSN on the Right and Gen on the Left in these photos. The O Rings are taller and thicker. This comes into play later on. The Gen crown actually fits the DSN tube and actually fits better than the DSN, due to the thick O rings. Other than that the profiles are virtually the same. Quite remarkable.


When looking from above the Gen gasket is also thicker. More finely tuned assembly is also evident.


The beveled edge is, of course, more clean on the gen, but the rim is nearly the same thickness. Projectologist has shown pictures in the past of DSN crowns he has cleaned up through polishing. After comparing DSN versus Gen you can really get a sense for how a little polishing and slight clean up of the bevel could go a long way.


Comparison of the PVD color on the Gen versus the DSN. The DSN is clearly more gray and has an oily finish. the Gen somehow glows and sparkles under the finish despite the PVD.


The Measurements
DSN Outside Diameter: 9.94


Gen Outside Diameter: 9.95


DSN Tube Recess Lip: 6.02


Gen Tube Recess Lip: 6.02


DSN Tube Neck: 2.76


Gen Tube Neck: 2.69, but fits the DSN tube due to the large O rings


Pre-V Pre-A and A Series Modders, Enjoy your Gen like DSN Crowns!!!

 

[ALE7575]

Thanks Grim
This is a very useful thread for build lovers
Interesting mainly for Pre-V, Pre-A and A projects
Rep points added

ALE

 

[silverclaw]

thanks for the comparison. This is very useful for future builds.

 

[d4m.test]

Thanks Ale and Thanks SC

This is something I was very curious about. I had always heard that the DSN crowns had Gen construction, but honestly didn't plan on the measurements being that close.

And certainly not the fact that you can use a DSN tube on a gen crown. I actually figured out one more point. To get the DSN crown even closer to gen you can add a slight bevel to the inside edge of the rim of the crown. Look at this photo. You can see a slight bevel on the edge of the gen crown on the left that is missing from the DSN crown on the right.

 

[panerai153]

Beautiful pictorial. Do the present day DSN watches come with these gen like crowns? I'm interested as I might be delving into buying a DSN 063 GMT.