Yeah, I think I'll wait for the next version with an improved bezel. I actually like the uniqueness of this and the 604. Some purists hate them but to each their own. Now if only the prices will go down! :cryingbadly:
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{*PCTeam*} KW/V6F Panerai Carbotech 616 small review
- Thread starter PolonusTM
- Start date
You always give great reviews mate.
I always buy the model reviewed after reading your review.
Noto to self: don't read a review of a watch you are not planning to buy
I always buy the model reviewed after reading your review.
Noto to self: don't read a review of a watch you are not planning to buy
KW/V6F Panerai Carbotech 616 small review
I mentioned that already: from Joshua/Perfect Clones
not TD here, though.
I mentioned that already: from Joshua/Perfect Clones
not TD here, though.are pam 616 use same strap change system like radiomir 1940 case? how reliable this system? are same reliable with standar springbar?
Interesting fact: the company I work for has also composite manufacturing plant so I went there this morning to their lab, shown the watch and asked about it. Friend looked at it, tried to scratch it a bit and said that it looks like Ketron PEEK reinforced with carbon fibres. He said it is quite expensive, you can buy it in blocks, cat in whatever shape you want and that it is thermoplastic. I asked about the bezel pointing to nice zebra-like pattern and he replied that this is thermoplastic so they can heat it and bulge a bit - and cut into slices when it stabilises again. PEEK carbon fibre reinforced material is being produced by several (but limited number) of manufacturers and doing custom PEEK with such effect as on gen bezel would be custom, expensive job.
Conslusions:
- it is PEEK! so probably more or less the same material as on a gen - so "it is like ceramic" sensation when touched is correct one
- few manufacturers where main is i.e. Quadrant and ordering a block of PEEK custom carbon fibre settings would cost several thousands of USD...
- another hint taken from Paneristi forum - Carbotech bezel replacement will be VERY expensive
- that's why we will probably NEVER see "as per gen" bezel :/
Some non-altered photos:
Conslusions:
- it is PEEK! so probably more or less the same material as on a gen - so "it is like ceramic" sensation when touched is correct one
- few manufacturers where main is i.e. Quadrant and ordering a block of PEEK custom carbon fibre settings would cost several thousands of USD...
- another hint taken from Paneristi forum - Carbotech bezel replacement will be VERY expensive
- that's why we will probably NEVER see "as per gen" bezel :/
Some non-altered photos:
- 18/1/11
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Polonus has achieved IMO several interesting things through this magnificent review.
- To give a good and true idea about the wacth you can get
- To inform about the accuracy and quality of the rep
- To Illustrate about the way the gen is made in a precise, rigorous and why not enjoyable way
- You will love this watch and this rep after reading the review
- We will get the info enough to give a valid evaluation of the rep
It is impressive how rep maker KW-V6Fac has made such approach to the complicated and sophisticated gen.
I agree with Polonus that dial is made really well, at least at the same level as gen.
I saw the “delamination” effect that Polonus is talking about in some rep pics some days ago but I didn’t find the exact word to nominate it. “Delamination” is perfect and describes perfectly the flaw.
Bezel obviously is not accurate, mainly under strong lighting conditions. But the attempt is awesome for a rep, mainly knowing the material is so closer to the gen.
It is a shame that maker has not orientated the carbon fibers in the same way as gen: changing the orientation above and below of each layer.
IMO this had been relatively easy for rep maker, and that had got the different 4 or more colours of the gen pattern and avoided in some way the zebra effect of the rep. But, as Polonus said, this effect will be much less evident under real lighting conditions.
I’m really falling in love with this watch after reading the nice Polonus review.
Congrats Polonus we should be proud to have you in our PCTeam.
Thanks and keep the good job
ALE
Evaluation:
Bearing in mind accuracy of the front of the bezel maybe a First Class rep status would not be possible
But bearing in mind the quality of the dial and the awesome construction and attempt made by the maker and the help of the closed caseback, maybe a First Class rep bordering lower status would be a fair decision
What are you thinking about ??
- To give a good and true idea about the wacth you can get
- To inform about the accuracy and quality of the rep
- To Illustrate about the way the gen is made in a precise, rigorous and why not enjoyable way
- You will love this watch and this rep after reading the review
- We will get the info enough to give a valid evaluation of the rep
It is impressive how rep maker KW-V6Fac has made such approach to the complicated and sophisticated gen.
I agree with Polonus that dial is made really well, at least at the same level as gen.
I saw the “delamination” effect that Polonus is talking about in some rep pics some days ago but I didn’t find the exact word to nominate it. “Delamination” is perfect and describes perfectly the flaw.
Bezel obviously is not accurate, mainly under strong lighting conditions. But the attempt is awesome for a rep, mainly knowing the material is so closer to the gen.
It is a shame that maker has not orientated the carbon fibers in the same way as gen: changing the orientation above and below of each layer.
IMO this had been relatively easy for rep maker, and that had got the different 4 or more colours of the gen pattern and avoided in some way the zebra effect of the rep. But, as Polonus said, this effect will be much less evident under real lighting conditions.
I’m really falling in love with this watch after reading the nice Polonus review.
Congrats Polonus we should be proud to have you in our PCTeam.
Thanks and keep the good job
ALE
Evaluation:
Bearing in mind accuracy of the front of the bezel maybe a First Class rep status would not be possible
But bearing in mind the quality of the dial and the awesome construction and attempt made by the maker and the help of the closed caseback, maybe a First Class rep bordering lower status would be a fair decision
What are you thinking about ??
Thank You ALE for you kind words and - for an award
The impression I took from talks with a friend in a lab is that manufacturing process of a block of reinforced PEEK is not trivial and there is a reason only few manufacturers do it. For an example, there is no PEEK manufacturer in Poland at all - only distributors. There are PEEK manufacturers in China, working under licence or as a subsidiary. So rep manufacturers cannot do it better since they cannot do PEEK on their own and their friends probably cannot do it, too. Maybe some rep-makers will figure how to mimics the bezel optical effect but it would not be PEEK but something softer. And I guess they tried that approach already with no luck.
The impression I took from talks with a friend in a lab is that manufacturing process of a block of reinforced PEEK is not trivial and there is a reason only few manufacturers do it. For an example, there is no PEEK manufacturer in Poland at all - only distributors. There are PEEK manufacturers in China, working under licence or as a subsidiary. So rep manufacturers cannot do it better since they cannot do PEEK on their own and their friends probably cannot do it, too. Maybe some rep-makers will figure how to mimics the bezel optical effect but it would not be PEEK but something softer. And I guess they tried that approach already with no luck.
You're welcomed
I must admit that, after 2 days of wearing this watch, that it has great balance of size/weight. Very comfortable.
I must admit that, after 2 days of wearing this watch, that it has great balance of size/weight. Very comfortable.