{*PCTeam*} Pre-V dials pt.2 - The new DSN dials

[kilowattore]

Pre-V dials pt.2 - The new DSN dials​

Following my pre-v dials comparison thread earlier this year (HERE), I would like to share with you some of the updated dials I received from Davidsen a few days ago.I will start saying that overall they look like a great improvement on the earlier batches, although they're still not perfect they are way more nicely finished. Here are some shots taken under direct light, in order show more clearly the details on these dials.NEW DSN 5218-201/A DIAL For comparison purposes, here are a couple of pics of the earlier batch:OLD DSN 5218-201/A DIAL As you can see, the painted indices are now a way paler creamy tone (great for a "matching" build imho), hard to capture in pics but definitely nice IRL. As you know, old tritium dials developed patina differently over time, with the result that a lot of variations can be observed in the color of indices. I think the reference dial for this new DSN batch might be this one:GEN

NEW DSN Vannic calls this the "fat index" dial. As you can see numbers and indexes are indeed fatter than most 201/A dials we see (including the great rolli/FGD release), also lume color is a pale creamy yellow.DSN dial does a good job replicating this one:Numbers shape is very good and improved compared to earlier batches, especially in 12 and 3, LP inscription and logo are thin and crisp, raised and glossy. The whole dial has a nice matte black finish, way better than before.NEW DSN 5218-202/A DIAL Again a great starting point for a matching dial 202/A build. Slightly thinner indexes and numbers compared to above 201/A dial, but all the other features remain the same: Great looking thin and glossy inscriptions, great matteblack finish. 12 shape is good but is apparently missing the improvements of above 201/A dial.Here's Vannic's 202/A matching dial:

NEW DSN 5218-203/A DIAL This 203/A dial looks to be an intermediate batch, or maybe a sort of experiment, since it looks to have a completely different structure compared to the new 201/A and 202/A dials. Also, I think this suits a non-matching build instead of matching due to the darker shade of indexes and numbers.It's main point of strength are the LP MARINA inscriptions, they are just top notch, super glossy and noticeably raised.Pity for the "sausage" style of paint application and for that "rim" around the paint that reminds me of the old 036 and 082 DSN dials, not very accurate. If it would have been closer to the painted area...And Vannic's 203/A (man, this guy is the luckiest man on earth! :lol

CONCLUSIONSNot much left to say tbh, I think here DSN confirms to be a very good alternative for a budget build, a full pre-v watch from him is in the same price range of a noob Luminor and features the best ready to use pre-v parts like case, crownguard and CB (now his casebacks are thicker and with better fonts).Davidsen could be sitting on his achievements since he works on a little niche compared to the current rep production and has very little competition in this niche, the thing I like the most about him is that he instead constantly keeps on improving, showing passion for his work and care for his business.If I had to think of something to improve for next batch, I would think about a way to make the indexes and number ever so slightly more glossy. Imho what's needed could be a thin layer of clear coat placed upon the paint in order to give it a bit more "color depth".As a final note I'd like to point out these are just my opinions and observations, and as such are subject to be discussed, perfected, corrected and improved. Let me know what you think

 

[Abba Zabba Zoo]

201 and 202 look like a major improvement, indeed. You did a good job photographing the structure of the dials, too. Thanks for sharing these pics, Kilo!

 

[chris3007]

Very interesting read. Thanks for your work kilo!


Sent from my iPad Air 2

 

[lmmo]

Great thread. Thank you Kilo

 

[Bozz]

Yes the quality and accuracy are very good now! Thank you kilo for share

 

[kilowattore]

Thanks guys, of course there's no competition with some of the most expensive custom builds, but it's nice to have a budget ready-to-go alternative

 

[ALE7575]

Thanks kilo for this nice review and the infoNice improvement form DSN. Anyway, as you are commenting far from the expensive FGD-Rolli's. ALE

 

[d4m.test]

Crazy that there is not much Pre-V interest on the best Panerai forum on the web.

I'll bump this thread to thank Kilo for his great review and add some additional pictures and comments

This is not a bad dial for a budget introductory build. My very first build was a DSN 203/A years ago. At that time his dials were actually better than they are now. He used to make a nice CNC milled version with hand painted lume. Very close to the genuine structure. The indices now are a bit too fat and the coinage stamp is not correct for the dial. There are some features that are still nice. DSNs serif is actually not bad. The gen dial serif is not exaggerated by any means, by in comparison it looks like the DSN dial has a bit too much ink that is covering up the serif.






Regarding the matte finish.... Gen Pre-V dials actually reflect like a mirror due to the bead blasted brass plate that is colored in an acid bath, not painted. Check out this photo of the gen 203/A dial. Look closely and you'll see the perfect reflection of the light bulb above it.





Guess who's dial also does this because it is made exactly like the gen? I'll give you two guesses and one doesn't count
Rolli's dial is pictured below.



One thing I love about your review above is that it appears DSN is using a coinage stamp. While Genuine Pre-V dials were not stamped but milled with an engraver, this capability from DSNs dial makers will be great on his other "post-V" dials. We just have to convince him to start building the rest of them in this fashion.

 

[kilowattore]

[MENTION=63540]Grimlocktime[/MENTION]
Thanks for chiming in with some valuable points

I'm glad DSN improved his dials, but has more room to improve. Otherwise we would have perfect reps, there would be no need for Southy rolli and so on, and we would miss all the fun of building! :lol:

On a serious note, I agree with you the serif in inscriptions could be more evident, but on the other hand I really like how the print is crisp, without imperfections. Sometimes it can be better to trade accuracy with appearance, like in this case.

Regarding "post-v" dials I reckon David is already updating them, as it happened with his 036 and 082 dials. I haven't seen them in person, but I saw HugoP posting about them on RG and they look pretty good imho.

One last thing, you know I built my own 201/A using a rolli dial, I gave it a good check and also shot a few pics, but I must admit I did not notice at all the mirror effect you showed. Thanks for teaching me this little bit of knowledge

 

[granvino]

Have to agree with Grim's comment about the lack of interest on Pre V history and inclination on the forum to build what I understand as the watches that carry the DNA of historic Panerai. The efforts of David, Rolli, Southy, FGD with their dials is what keeps this matter alive. Thanks Kilo for bringing your review to the discussion.

 

[brianb]

Thank you Kilo and Grim very informative. So if I was looking for a nice 203/A rep under $300 would DSN be my best option?

 

[kilowattore]

Thank you Kilo and Grim very informative. So if I was looking for a nice 203/A rep under $300 would DSN be my best option?

DSN is your man

 

[ALE7575]

Of course : DSN

 

[brianb]

thank you Kilo and ALE!!

 

[brianb]

Based on the latest DSN 203/A. Would that be closest to gen of all the currently available PVD coated PAM's? I'm looking for a nice PVD coated luminor marina. Thanks again for your insight.

 

[Steverland]

Sorry mates but DSN new 203 dial is real crap.
I'm very very very disappointed...
He had those perfect "dremmel-made" numbers.
Oh Lord...

 

[kilowattore]

Sorry mates but DSN new 203 dial is real crap.
I'm very very very disappointed...
He had those perfect "dremmel-made" numbers.
Oh Lord...

203/A definitely needs to be improved. As of now it has similar structure as old 036 and 082 dials, numbers and indices are outlined, which is wrong for the model it is meant to replicate. I think DSN should switch to dials made like his new 201/A and 202/A asap.


I just hope he keeps the same lume color as this current 203/A, it would be perfect for a nice non-matching build, way better than before imho.

 

[kilowattore]

Based on the latest DSN 203/A. Would that be closest to gen of all the currently available PVD coated PAM's? I'm looking for a nice PVD coated luminor marina. Thanks again for your insight.

Sorry brianb, I missed this post.

DLC coated PAMs are not known to be very accurate in general. DSN uses a pencil grey PVD coating, it looks very good under certain light conditions but most of the time looks too grey.
As of now the most accurate DLC cases (regardless overall accuracy of the rep) are imho: 360 H-factory, 026 H-factory, KW 504, KW 505
At least these are the ones that come to my mind

 

[brianb]

Thanks Kilo, None of those models really appeal to me. I don't like the destro or the radiomir case and I need the sub-dial seconds. I currently have a KW 411 and I'm looking for something to compliment it.

 

[Rambo73]

Of course : DSN

Where we can find DSN now in 2021 , please
I also search Ziggy (luming dial)

Currently waiting for your answers please