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{*PCTeam*} Star Match - KW vs. ZFac PAM 505 O-series – Definitive Comparison Review
THE GEN PAM 505 Radiomir Black Seal 3 Days Composite 45mm.
The gen PAM 505, the same as PAM 339, 375 and 386, is made of an especial material Panerai COMPOSITE. It is the result of an electrochemical process of ceramization of the aluminium, this material is harder, in the surface, than the ceramics normally used for cases in watch-making (zirconia), and also harder than metals like steel and titanium, as well as being lighter. Thanks to its qualities of ductility and reliability, the Panerai composite allows for complex and extremely precise workings and is the result of processes that, up to now, were employed in the creation of components for the aeronautic industry and for car and motorcycle races requiring the highest levels of performance.
This watch Radiomir Black Seal was introduced as regular production in year 2012 O-series.
It features second @9 subdial, date window @3 without Cyclops, and 6-9-12 markers combined with sticks. Lume has a nice vintage patina. Overall colour is dark brown. This watch is fitted with the PANERAI Manifattura movement P.9000, with a power reserve of 72 hours achieved by means of two spring barrels powered by an oscillating weight that winds in both directions. With a diameter of 13¾ lignes and a balance that oscillates at a frequency of 4 Hz, the P.9000 calibre is also fitted with a stop-seconds device enabling the time to be synchronized with a reference time signal.
The name Black Seal, printed on the dial, is a proprietary name of Officine Panerai which evokes fascinating memories of the history of the brand: Black Seal was one of the names used to describe the slow-speed torpedoes PIG, the midget submarines on which the commandos of the Italian Navy carried out their heroic underwater enterprises during the Second World War, with Panerai watches and instruments on their wrists.
INTRODUCTION – THE REPLICAS
The purpose of this thread is making a comparrison review of two magnificent reps of PAM 505 Radiomir Black Seal 3 Days Composite 45mm.
The reps are as follows
1-KW PAM 505 O-series
Version V1 of this rep was started in July 2013 by Kuvarsit. This rep is made of SS DLC dark Brown coated with an awesome finish, achieved by a beadblasted treatment before coating.
It is fitted with a movement Seagull ST2555, automatic, 26 jewels, 21600 b/h, decorated with nice bridges like a P.9000.
There is a version V2 released in October 2013 fitted with A7750 nicely decorated like P.9000. As far as I know the changes in this version are:
-Movement from Seagull to A7750
–Lug bars fixations, adding a metallic sleeve in the tip of the lug bars to be introduced in the case.
-Caseback. Changing the wrong placement of inscriptions and improving accuracy of series number (this change was already introduced in some batches of V1 version)
PAM 505 REPLICA KW
2- ZFac PAM 505 O-series
Released in December 2013 by ZFac in cooperation with TSWatches. This rep is made of Titanium DLC coated, to get a weight closer to gen Composite. The finish of coating surface is very similar to KW version.
It is fitted with a nice decorated movement ZFac type. This replica is the first Titanium DLC coated of this model. This is an advantage over other competitors.
PAM 505 REPLICA ZFac
1-DIAL
1.1- DIAL LAYOUT
As we can see in below FIGURES, both replicas have almost the same dial layout and almost exact to gen dial. Dial layout is very accurate. Just we can detect in ZFac a little displacement of PANERAI inscription and “9” marker to the left side. But it is no noticeable in practice. L SWISS MADE L inscription is bad placed or inaccurate in the reps as we will see in inscriptions Section 1.4.
FIGURE 1.1.A- DIAL COMPARISON KW-ZFac
FIGURE 1.1.B- DIAL COMPARISON GEN-KW
FIGURE 1.1.C- DIAL COMPARISON GEN-ZFac
1.2- SANDWICH DIAL CUTOUTS
Both replicas have almost the same depth in cutouts of markers as gen. The cuts are well defined and clean as gen. The upper edge is a bit more rounded in KW and sharper in ZFac. In my opinion gen is between KW and Zfac but this is only noticeable under a lens. Therefore we can say both replicas are accurate in this regard. See below FIGURE 1.2.A
FIGURE 1.2.A- SANDWICH DIAL CUTOUTS COMPARISON GEN-KW-ZFac
1.3- MARKERS ACCURACY
As you can see in above FIGURES 1.1.A, B and C, all markers are accurate enough in both reps and there are no significant differences. Therefore, very accurate markers in both versions.
PAM 505 gen markers have a lume with a creamy colour vintage style.
KW markers lume is just a little bit more creamy than ZFac, but it is a very very little difference. I have made direct comparison KW to the gen and I was not able to see differences. Therefore we can consider accurate the lume colour in both replicas.
In gen PAM 505 markers lume, hand lume colour and colour of dial inscriptions are matched and you can see a uniformity of colour in the dial. KW matching is almost perfect . ZFac colours, as we will see below, have some little differences.
1.4- INSCRIPTIONS ACCURACY
“L SWISS MADE L” inscriptions
The most important dial differences are in L SWISS MADE L inscriptions
As you can see in below FIGURE 1.4.A, B both replicas have wrong LSML inscription.
ZFac version LSML inscription is placed clearly higher and is a little bit longer
KW rep has clearly shorter and smaller LSML inscription but is almost correctly placed.
Regarding colour KW rep has the inscriptions with the same colour as markers lume. Zfac rep has a creamier colour, mainly under some warm indoor lighting conditions. See FIGURE 1.4.E where I have forced the lighting conditions to enhance the relief, shine and colour of inscriptions.
FIGURE 1.4.A- “L SWISS MADE L” INSCRIPTION COMPARISON GEN-KW
FIGURE 1.4.B- “L SWISS MADE L” INSCRIPTION COMPARISON GEN-ZFac
Therefore, in my opinion ZFac has more accurate LSML inscription, because the flaw of KW is more noticeable.
“RADIOMIR” – “BLACK SEAL” – “PANERAI” inscriptions
In general fonts and placements of above mentioned inscription is very good and you cannot see great differences. See FIGURE 1.4C
FIGURE 1.4.C- “RADIOMIR”-“BLACK SEAL”-“PANERAI” INSCRIPTIONS COMPARISON GEN-KW-ZFac
As you can see KW inscriptions are very accurate, with almost exact fonts and thickness. ZFac inscriptions have accurate fonts, leaving aside a bit different “R”, but are clearly thicker, worse defined and less sharp. As previously commented in Layout Section, placements are good enough, although ZFac “PANERAI” is a bit displaced to the left side.
In relation to colour, relief and shine of these inscriptions, gen inscriptions have a vintage colour matching the creamy vintage lume of the markers. They are almost flush with the surface (without relief) and have no shine. Otherwise other models like PAM 111 and PAM Boutique which have raised and shiny inscriptions. See FIGURE 1.4.D
FIGURE 1.4.D- FLUSH AND NO SHINY “RADIOMIR”-“BLACK SEAL”-“PANERAI” GEN INSCRIPTIONS
See KW inscriptions in below FIGURE 1.4.E, they are almost flush and almost without shine. In practice they are almost like gen. The colour is good enough matching vintage markers lume. Bear in mind that lighting conditions were forced to take the pic and enhancing the effect. In regular conditions inscriptions are less raised and less shiny
FIGURE 1.4.E- “RADIOMIR”-“BLACK SEAL” KW INSCRIPTIONS
See ZFac inscriptions in below FIGURE 1.4.F, they are raised, with body, and really shiny, less accurate than KW inscriptions. ZFac rep, as above commented in relation to L SWISS MADE L inscription, has a creamier colour, mainly under some warm indoor lighting conditions. See FIGURE 1.4.F where I have again forced the lighting conditions to enhance the relief of inscriptions, shine and colour. In regular conditions inscriptions are less raised, less shiny and match better, but not perfect, the markers lume.
FIGURE 1.4.F- “RADIOMIR”-“BLACK SEAL” ZFac INSCRIPTIONS
We can say that KW “RADIOMIR-BLAK SEAL” and “PANERAI” inscriptions on dial are more accurate in fonts, thickness, position, relief and shine than ZFac inscriptions and KW reps have better matching colour, sharpness and finish.
1.5- DATE WINDOW AND DATE WHEEL
Date Window
As you can see in FIGURES 1.1.A, B, C either KW or ZFac rep have Date Window well placed and with well cut edges almost like gen. Of course gen dial has more sharp and uniform cuts and corners but reps in practice are good enough.
Date Wheel
Date Wheel placement and fonts are not as correct as Date Window. There are some clear differences in placement and fonts.
As it is showed in FIGURE 1.5.A date wheel fonts are in both reps larger and bolder. They are also inaccurate in KW version, whereas in ZFac rep are closer to gen.
The placement of date numbers is correct in ZFac but they are placed inwards in KW.
In regard to Date Wheel ZFac version is clearly superior.
FIGURE 1.5.A- DATE WHELL PLACEMENT AND FONTS - COMPARISON GEN-KW-ZFac
1.6- DIAL SURFACE AND COLOUR
Gen PAM 505, as we can see in FIGURE 1.6.A has a textured dial surface and the colour is more brown than the case.
FIGURE 1.6.A- DIAL TEXTURE PAM 505 GEN
Gen colour is more brown than you can expect from usual wristshots from owners, catalogue pics and advertisements. Usually white balance adjustment makes more black this watch, but PAM 505 really is brown instead of black as can be deduced from some pics. I recommend people to see the gen before buy this rep because some buyers get disappointed by the brown colour if they are expecting a more black watch like a PAM 292.
Colour changes with the lighting, indeed in sunlight the colour is less brown, but becomes almost chocolate under warm indoor lighting.
These changes make more difficult the comparison between the reps and with the gen. Through the pics the comparison is almost impossible.
Anyway I can say than KW dial is a little more brown than Zfac in all lighting conditions, mainly under warm indoor light. KW is closer to gen in dial colour. But you would need a side by side comparison to see the differences. No reddish, greenish or purplish tone can be seen in the reps.
Regarding texture of the dial surface, KW has the same texture as gen, maybe due to the micro-beadblasted treatment before painting of KW dial. Indeed the KW dial surface is almost the same as gen. ZFac surface is smoother than gen
The gen-like appearance and colour of dial is superior in KW replicas.
That is showed in FIGURES 1.6.B, C
FIGURE 1.6.B- DIAL TEXTURE PAM 505 KW
FIGURE 1.6.C- DIAL TEXTURE PAM 505 KW
Therefore, more accurate KW watch in this regard
1.7- DIAL POSITION
This is a subject usually neither observed nor commented about this watch, I mean the position of the dial in relation to the crystal.
KW rep and gen have the dial clearly closer to the crystal than ZFac version. That gives to dial a more clear view and less distortion and reflections in the contour. It is no easy to notice this effect through pics, but in direct observation people are usually inclined to prefer the KW dial.
FIGURE 1.7 shows this depth differences, you can see KW dial is clearly closer to the crystal.
FIGURE 1.7.A- DIAL POSITION IN RELATION TO CRYSTAL – COMPARISON KW-ZFac
1.8- DIAL FINISH AND APPEARANCE
Finish and appearance of both rep dial are very good in general and with a lot of gen-like appearance. Of course KW has better gen-like appearance due to a more textured surface and closer position to the crystal.
2- HANDS AND CANNON PINION
Hour and minute Hands of gen PAM 505 are black and with a strong texture similar to dial surface. Gen CP is polished and almost flat (just a bit convex). In the gen showed the CP is a bit uneven. See FIGURE 2.A
FIGURE 2.A- GEN MAIN HANDS TEXTURE AND CANNON PINION
In below FIGURES 2.B and 2.C we can see the texture and CP of the KW and ZFac reps.
FIGURE 2.B shows the hands of KW with very similar texture to gen hands and a CP well polished and very gen-like. Sample studied has a bit uneven the CP too (like it occurs in gen showed). Accuracy and finish of KW hand are very good and the edges are well finished for a rep. The edges and lume application are not as perfect as gen watch but are better than Zfac.
FIGURE 2.B- KW MAIN HANDS TEXTURE AND CANNON PINION
Below FUGURE 2.C shows the hands and CP of ZFac watch. It is clear that texture is smoother than gen and finish of edges, but lume application are rough in comparison with KW rep and, of course, with the gen.
The ZFac CP is very curious because minute hand features a raised rim which surrounds a raised CP. This feature is clearly showed in below pic. That is no nice and, besides, is inaccurate. Due to this rim encircling the CP, this CP seems larger than gen, although the real CP is almost the same as gen. This is a noticeable flaw in my opinion.
FIGURE 2.C- ZFac MAIN HANDS TEXTURE AND CANNON PINION
Therefore ZFac has worse hands and CP than KW version which has very accurate main hands and CP.
Regarding lume width reps have a wider lume. Mainly KW hands. It is few noticeable but it exists. The difference is not great but is enhanced by a rough edge in reps lume application, gen is almost perfect and straight and seems narrower.
In below FIGURE 2.D you can see the little differences.
In relation to hand lume colour, as above commented, gen has matching markers lume, hands lume and inscriptions colour. KW rep gets also an almost perfect matching, but ZFac has again differences because ZFac hands lume is a bit whiter than markers lume.
FIGURE 2.D- LUME WIDTH IN HANDS - COMPARISON GEN-KW-ZFac
Talking about seconds hand in sub-dial @9, the gen is less textured than main hands and ZFac is more accurate than KW. KW hand is a bit fatter mainly in central circle and more textured.
Regarding pin of seconds hand is more accurate in KW, since ZFac has a bigger central hole.
See the differences in below FIGURE 2.E
FIGURE 2.E- SECONDS HAND ON SUBDIAL @9 - COMPARISON GEN-KW-ZFac
3- CRYSTAL
Quality and AR
Both reps are fitted with high quality Sapphire crystals with single colourless AR in the inner surface like gen.
Rep crystal is a bit less clear than gen one as usually, and AR it is not as strong as gen.
In below FIGURE 3.A you can see the Colourless AR, not very strong but good enough to see the dial details.
Rep AR is very similar in KW and Zfac versions.
FIGURE 3.A- COLOURLESS SINGLE AR - COMPARISON KW-ZFac
Bevelled and contour of crystal
This will be the most curious (and even polemic) matter of this comparison, because Zfac crystal features a weird whitish halo in its contour which tarnishes the image of the dial and places the bevelled a bit inwards, producing many reflections of the markers in the bevelled of the crystal. Besides Zfac crystal has a narrower bevelled and it is placed a bit raised.
In below FIGURE 3.B we can see clearly the whitish halo in ZFac rep and the clean contour in KW rep. You can see also the markers reflections in the bevelled of ZFac crystal.
FIGURE 3.B– THE WHITISH HALO IN ZFac CRYSTALCONTOUR – COMPARISON KW-ZFac
What is the reason which produces that weird halo?
That halo is produced by a gasket placed between the bevel and the crystal in Zfac version. In below FIGURE 3.C you can see this gasket, in Zfac version, placed between the crystal and the bezel of the case, in comparison with the gen crystal which is joined to the bezel.
FIGURE 3.C– BEVELLED OF CRYSTAL – COMPARISON GEN-ZFac
Below FIGURE 3.D shows KW crystal placed close to the bezel of the case like gen watch.
FIGURE 3.D– BEVELLED OF CRYSTAL – COMPARISON GEN-KW
FIGURE 3.E– BEVELLED OF CRYSTAL – COMPARISON KW-ZFac
In FIGURE 3.F we can see the markers reflections produced in the bevelled of the ZFac crystal in comparison with the clean bevelled of KW rep.
FIGURE 3.F– MARKERS REFLECTIONS IN BEVELLED OF ZFac CRYSTAL – COMPARISON KW-ZFac
Regarding shape of the crystal, KW bevelled is more similar to the gen because gen bevelled is wider than ZFac and is not raised like this replica is.
In FIGURE 3.G is showed the shape of gen bevelled
FIGURE 3.G–SHAPE OF GEN CRYSTAL BEVELLED
Bellow in FIGURES 3.H we can see the comparison between KW and ZFac bevelled. Please note the narrower bevelled, the raised crystal and the gasket in ZFac watches.
FIGURE 3.H– SHAPE OF CRYSTAL BEVELLED – COMPARISON KW- ZFac
Therefore in regard to crystal, quality and AR are similar in both reps, but regarding bevelled and clean contour is very superior KW version.
4- CASE & BEZEL – CASEBACK
Shape and dimensions of case-set
It is almost impossible without a careful side by side comparison or without knowing the flaws to realize differences between gen and rep cases or between both replicas. However after a deeper study and analyzing enlarged pics we can see there are some interesting differences.
Both replicas are very good, but in general we can say that ZFac mid-casel has more accurate shape than KW version, whereas caseback shape is more accurate in KW watch. Although the shape is more accurate ZFac case has 44,3mm of width instead of 45mm like gen and KW cases. This is of course very noticeable with a calliper, but under naked eye it is almost impossible and less without knowing the flaw.
KW mid-case is more “slim”, it has less pronounced cushion shape than ZFac and is even nicer. At the beginning, due to KW case-set was nicer, I thought it was more accurate, but, seeing enlarged pics and making appropriate comparisons, I saw that Zfac had a shape more “fat”, more pronounced cushion shape, just like gen.
I repeat, you would need to know these differences and doing a side by side comparison to see them, otherwise they will go unnoticed.
Therefore, although KW has a nicer shape it is less accurate.
We are going to show the case-set comparison between KW and ZFac reps in below FIGURES 4.A. You can start to see ZFac is clearly more “fat”
FIGURE 4.A– COMPARISON KW – ZFac CASE-SETS SIDE VIEWS
FIGURE 4.B shows clearly the thickness differences in a side by side comparison of KW with ZFac reps. Either Caseback or mid-case are thicker in ZFac watch, bezel is just a little bit thicker in Zfac (almost the same), but we will see ZFac is overall closer to gen in shape, although it is 0,7mm smaller in total width.
FIGURE 4.B– COMPARISON KW – ZFac CASE-SETS SIDE BY SIDE
Below we will compare KW and ZFac case–set dimensions. FIGURE 4.C
We can see the difference of total width, 45mm for KW and 44,3mm for ZFac
At the bottom of the FIGURE it is showed a case-set made with left-half KW and right-half ZFac in order to enhance the differences. ZFac has thicker caseback, mid-case and bezel (total thickness was measured with crystal included)
FIGURE 4.C– DIMENSIONAL COMPARISON KW – ZFac CASE-SETS
Now, we will show the differences with gen case-set. We will take as reference below gen side view from 9hrs.
FIGURE 4.D- GEN REFERENCE SIDE VIEW FROM 9hrs.
In FIGURE 4.E we compare GEN and KW case–set dimensions. We can see the same of total width, 45mm for KW and GEN case
At the bottom of the FIGURE it is showed a case-set made with left-half GEN and right-half KW in order to enhance the differences. Total thickness is almost accurate (a bit thinner KW). Caseback is almost the same, very accurate. KW mid-case is clearly thinner, for this reason KW case seems more “slim” than gen mid-case and bezel (total thickness was measured with crystal included) whereas bezel is thicker in KW.
FIGURE 4.E– DIMENSIONAL COMPARISON GEN - KW CASE-SETS
In FIGURE 4.F we compare GEN and ZFac case–set dimensions. We can see the different total width, 45mm for GEN and 44,3mm for ZFac
At the bottom of the FIGURE it is showed a case-set made with left-half GEN and right-half ZFac in order to enhance the differences. Total thickness is inaccurate and larger in ZFac (about 0,3mm). Caseback is clearly thicker at the edge, because the total thickness is similar to the gen, very noticeable since edge is the part most visible and evident. ZFac mid-case is very similar, this is the most accurate part, whereas bezel is thicker in Zfac as happened in KW version.
Anyway, due to accuracy of ZFac mid-case, the overall appearance of Zfac (leaving aside the edge of caseback) is more accurate than KW.
FIGURE 4.F– DIMENSIONAL COMPARISON GEN – ZFac CASE-SETS
Now we will do a final comparison with KW and ZFac case-set dimensions in FIGURE 4-G, to confirm differences above showed.
Obviously we can see the difference in total width, 45mm for KW and 44,3mm for Zfac.
As previously, at the bottom of the FIGURE it is showed a case-set made with left-half KW and right-half ZFac in order to enhance the differenes. Total thickness is larger in Zfac. Caseback edge is thicker in Zfac. KW mid-case is clearly thinner and with more “slim” cushion shape, whereas bezel is almost the same (just a little bit thicker Zfac)
FIGURE 4.G– DIMENSIONAL COMPARISON KW – ZFac CASE-SETS
Differences with gen case-set are not only dimensional, because edges and corners of cushion shape are more rounded and smooth in gen. It seems that Radiomir cases made of composite have more rounded and less sharp corners than metallic cases, maybe in order to provide, for eventual hits, more protection to the edges and corners since composite is hard in the surface but soft inside.
Reps, either KW or Zfac, but mainly KW, have sharper edges and corners and knowing this flaw is very noticeable in the cushion shape.
In FIGURE 4.H are showed rounded edges and corners of gen Composite PAM505 in comparison with sharper ones of the reps.
FIGURE 4.H– SHARPNESS OF EDGES AND CORNERS OF THE CUSHION SHAPE - COMPARISON GEN - KW – ZFac
Caseback inscriptions
We have already seen that KW caseback is more accurate in dimensions than Zfac which has a thicker external edge. We will analyze now the accuracy of fonts and placement of caseback inscriptions.
We will need to compare first KW V1 and KW V2 version because KW changes Series caseback inscriptions and wrong placements in V2 version and maybe in some batches of V1.
Below FIGURES 4.I show the comparison of gen caseback with KW V1, KW V2 and ZFac.
FIGURE 4.I- CASEBACK INSCRIPTIONS – DIRECT COMPARISON GEN – KW V1 - KW V2 - ZFac
“OFFICINE PANERAI” inscriptions are accurate enough in font and placement but the engraving is less deep in reps than gen. KW engraving is closer to gen depth and the bottom part of the engraving is cleaner than ZFac, because ZFac has a rough bottom. We can realize above mentioned in FIGURE 4.J
FIGURE 4.J- “OFFICINE PANERAI” CASEBACK INSCRIPTION – COMPARISON KW - ZFac
Series number engravings are less deep in all reps, depth closer to gen is KW V2. Fonts are wrong in KW V1 and ZFac, whereas KW V2 version is much better and shows an appearance closer to gen watch. KW has done a good job in this change. See this accuracy and lack of depth in below FIGURE 4.K.
FIGURE 4.K- SERIES NUMBER CASEBACK INSCRIPTION – COMPARISON GEN - KW - ZFac
Other smaller inscriptions are less noticeable due to the small size, but in general are less deep but have accurate fonts, although ZFac fonts are closer to gen. See an example with “COMPOSITE” inscription. See FIGURE 4.L
FIGURE 4.L- “COMPOSITE” CASEBACK INSCRIPTION – COMPARISON GEN - KW - ZFac
Regarding placement of inscriptions there are many differences, the most accurate is the placement of ZFac inscriptions, then KW V2 and the worse placement with great difference are the inaccurate placement of KW V1.
In FIGURE 4.M we can see the differences and displacements in relation to the gen placements.
Red arrow aligned with the first stroke of “P” in PANERAI inscription will be the reference of positions. Yellow arrows are indicating the positions of the start and the end of each inscription in the gen caseback.
Red lines are indicating the start and the end of inscriptions in rep casebacks. In each rep caseback we have placed the reference gen yellow arrows. The differences between red lines and yellow arrows indicate the displacement of rep inscriptions in relation to the gen. KW V2 shows few displacements and Zfac is very close to gen. KW V1 caseback has very inaccurate positions mainly talking about Series number very far from the end of PANERAI.
FIGURE 4.M- PLACEMENT ACCURACY OF ALL CASEBACK INSCRIPTIONS – COMPARISON GEN - KW V1 - KW V2 - ZFac
Therefore little inscriptions and placements are better in ZFac, but Series number depth and quality of engraving are better in KW V2. KW V1 is the worst with a great difference.
Caseback display crystals
As you know PAM 505 caseback is fitted with a display darkened crystal. This dark crystal is lighter in gen than in reps.
Caseback crystal in KW versions is more brown than ZFac one. ZFac display crystal has more grey colour than KW crystal which is clearly more brown. See FIGURE 4.N
where are showed both caseback crystals over a white background in order to see the colour of both crystals. Gen crystal is lighter and with a colour between both reps.
FIGURE 4.N- DISPLAY CASEBACK CRYSTAL COLOUR – COMPARISON KW - ZFac
In respect to darkness the colour of Zfac is darker than KW one. Since the gen is lighter KW is more accurate in darkness. See FIGURE 4.O
FIGURE 4.O- DISPLAY CASEBACK CRYSTAL DARKNESS – COMPARISON KW - ZFac
Therefore KW caseback crystal is closer to gen in darkness whereas in colour gen is between both replicas.
Colours of case-set
This is a controversial matter due to several reasons:
-The differences of colour in Brown DLC coatings depend on light conditions. Warm and strong indoor light give to the colours more brown tone and enhances differences. Under sunlight conditions the differences are smaller, almost unnoticeable.
-The DLC coating in reps is hit and miss and there is neither continuous nor rigorous QC in rep processes. We should expect some variations between batches.
-Colour varies a lot with the shape, texture and position of the coloured surfaces in relation to the lighting.
-Human eye has different appreciations of brown tones depending on persons
-It is almost impossible to take conclusions from pics
Due above mentioned reasons it is no easy to establish which rep has more accurate colour.
The samples I got (KW V1 and ZFac) are almost the same in colour under sunlight but under indoor lighting KW becomes more brown and warm. You can see this difference in some previous comparison pics (they are taken in exactly the same light conditions and positions)
I have compared KW V1 with the gen under halogen indoor lighting and it seems gen was a little bit less brown, but only noticeable in a careful side by side comparison and in some positions.
Maybe gen is closer to ZFac sample I got.
Anyway, you would need a calm environment very good lighting and some time with the samples in your hand to see some differences.
What I can assure is that both reps have neither reddish nor greenish nor purplish tone. Rep case colour it is just brown.
We can conclude that reps are accurate enough regarding colours without red, green or purple hue.
Besides finish and texture are as important as the colour and in this regard both reps are awesomely accurate.
Weight
With respect to weight there are obvious differences since the gen is made of Composite , KW versions are made of SS DLC coated and ZFac version is made of Titanium DLC coated.
Obviously gen is the lighter watch with about 60 gr. without strap, whereas KW weights 107 gr. and ZFac 92 gr. (both without strap).
Therefore both reps are far to gen weight, but ZFac is more accurate in this regard.
Maybe if you are not very concerned about the weight this rep difference goes unnoticed without a side by side comparison. But when you know the difference you are easily able to tell the lighter ZFac without doubts.
Titanium material is an advantage of ZFac regarding this matter. But no decisive in my opinion, since it continues being very different from the gen.
Finish and appearance
People know perfectly the quality of KW PAM 505 in this point.
Well, the best I can say about ZFac version is that you will not be able to see differences.
We know KW case-set is beadblasted before DLC coating in order to get a similar finish like Composite has. This quality finish is achieved with great success in KW rep and I’m sure ZFac applies the same process to its cases, since the result is exactly the same.
Both reps are really awesome on this point with impressive gen-like appearance which makes you forget the little flaws of accuracy.
These rep watches are really nice
5- LUG BARS, LUG SCREWS AND FIXATION DEVICES
Removing Lug bars on Panerai Radiomir watches to change the strap is always a bit
annoying job, even in gen Radiomirs.
In some reps many times is a true nightmare. Some times it is impossible either to remove fixation screws or tightening appropriately the lug bars with the screws.
PAM 505 KW V1 was specially annoying in this regard. A lot of screws remained into the case, being almost impossible to remove them from the case or tightening in a sure way the lug bars. These were some of the improvements in KW V2 version
In order to avoid above mentioned issues when we want to remove and assembling again lug bars, rep makers are using some devices, like sleeves in the tip of lugs and rubber O-rings in the screws.
KW V1 didn’t come with sleeves or O-rings. KW V2 comes with metallic sleeves and seemingly works appropriately. ZFac comes with rubber sleeves and screws have a rubber O-ring. FIGURE 5.A shows the lug bars, screws and fixation devices used in three versions.
FIGURE 5.A- LUG BARS, SCREWS AND FIXATION DEVICES
In Below FIGURE 5.B you can see enlarged the metallic sleeve used by KW V2 and the rubber sleeve used by ZFac.
FIGURE 5.B- LUG BAR TIP SLEEVES – COMPARISON KW V1 – KW V2 - ZFac
Regarding working I have not had problems removing and assembling again my PAM 505 KW V1, but I have some experience and always use a high quality 1,6mm screwdriver filled in the tip to get a less sharp point and fitting better the notch of the screws. But it is well known many people had serious problems with KW V1 version
PAM 505 ZFac also works appropriately, but rubber sleeves are ugly and delicate, they get damaged easily. In my sample I was not able to remove two rubber sleeves and they remained into the case. Anyway, you can always make the removing of lug bars and assembling again with the sleeves into the case. Rubber sleeve are a bit annoying but the screws tighten strongly the lug bars and the O-rings assure well the screws.
PAM KW V2 seems working appropriately too, metallic sleeves are nicer than rubber ones but they are also delicate and coating gets damaged easily. Metallic sleeves are working well and lug bars keep tightened. Screws can be removed and assembled again. It seems KW has improved this issue in V2 version
I personally prefer metallic sleeves because rubber ones get damaged easily, some times keep into the case and are a bit ugly. But I have to admit that rubber sleeves are working perfectly
Anyway I recommend using some Loctite medium force (Loctite 222 or 243) in order to keep the screws in its place. I also recommend, as above commented, using a good quality screwdriver with a filled tip to get it less sharp and having better fitting with screw notches.
6- CROWN – CROWN TUBE
Crown shape accuracy
In respect to Crown shape accuracy everything is showed in below FIGURES 6.A and 6.B
FIGURE 6.A- CROWN SHAPE ACCURACY – COMPARISON GEN - KW
FIGURE 6.B- CROWN SHAPE ACCURACY – COMPARISON GEN - ZFac
As you can see in above FIGURES KW Crown shape is almost exact to the gen whereas ZFac Crown shape is a bit different, because it is longer than gen and therefore protrudes a bit more than gen.
Regarding crown shape KW is more accurate and very close to the gen
Crown logo accuracy
In FIGURE 6.C we can see the comparison of logos OP in the head of the crown.
FIGURE 6.C- CROWN OP LOGO ACCURACY – COMPARISON GEN – KW - ZFac
Gen OP logo is sharper and deeper. Both reps have inaccurate logo but ZFac is clearly closer to gen logo
Regarding crown logo Zfac is more accurate
Crown Tube accuracy
PAM 505 crown tube has two parts: the own threaded tube and a socket-base in the case to shelter the tube.
As we can see in below FIGURES 6.D and 6.E threaded tube is the same in the three watches, but gen is clearly silver, Zfac is dark silver and KW is dark brown like the case.
FIGURE 6.D- CROWN TUBE – COMPARISON GEN – KW
FIGURE 6.E- CROWN TUBE – COMPARISON GEN – ZFac
As showed in the FIGURES 6.D, 6.E and 6.F there are some differences regarding socket-base. Gen is most likely made directly in the body of the case, because they seem the same piece, but the transition edge between case and base is very sharp.
ZFac is made in the same way. It is a very risky, expensive and good attempt but the transition edge between case and base is very rounded and the shape of the socket is clearly conical, you can realize the differences with the gen. This issue is more evident in below FIGURE 6.F
FIGURE 6.F- CROWN SOCKET-BASE – COMPARISON GEN – KW - ZFac
KW is made in two pieces, it actually is less accurate, but this system gets a transition edge sharp and well defined, more similar to gen. The process of manufacture is completely different but the result is more accurate. It is a manufacture trick but very useful.
It is a pity that ZFac using the same structure as gen doesn’t get the same accuracy as KW
I really like more KW solution, because ZFac rounded transition edge and the conical shape is noticeable in comparison to the gen. See above FIGURE 6.F.
Anyway, this is a taste matter and some people could prefer the construction system accuracy of ZFac solution.
Crown – Crown tube Finish and appearance
Although rep crowns have no perfect crisp finish and uniformity of knurling, have more shiny colour and have worse logo, their appearance in practice and at real size is very good and accurate enough. No worries with regard to this matter.
7- MOVEMENT
Rep movements are based in two types of movements, all them decorated like a PAM P.9000
-KW V1 is based in Seagull 2555 (balance wheel @6)
-KW V2 is based in A7750 (balance wheel @11)
-ZFac is based in A7750 (balance wheel @11)
Gen movement is a Panerai Manifattura P.9000 with balance wheel @7
All rep movements have different position of balance wheel, besides they have inverted layout in relation to the gen, and it is impossible to get total accuracy even with the best decoration. Anyway if you are not an expert in movements or you don’t know perfectly gen P.9000 is very difficult to see the differences without a careful inspection and side by side comparison, even the rotor in movement and the darkened display crystal make more difficult the checking. With a bit of patience and in side by side comparison, even without special knowledge, you will tell the differences in some minutes.
Three rep movements are fitted with a plastic false escapement wheel placed in the same position as gen but over the balance wheel instead of under it. This is a controversial matter, because being gen escapement under the balance wheel it is not clearly visible, whereas rep false escapement wheel being placed over the balance wheel is clearly visible and very noticeable. Besides gen escapement is obviously in movement and false rep is completely stopped. Some owners have removed this false escapement wheel to get more accuracy in their opinion. See more clearly this matter in below FIGURES 7.B, 7.C, 7.D
If you observe all movements in the same position of the case you will see that KW V1 Seagull base with balance wheel @6 is more accurate. See below FIGURE 7.A
FIGURE 7.A- COMPARISON OF MOVEMENTS IN THE SAME CASE POSITION GEN – KW V1 – KW V2 - ZFac
Below we will analyze more detailed comparison pics in the same position of the case (see the crown position) with the rotor turned a bit to see more details.
FIGURE 7.B- COMPARISON OF MOVEMENTS IN THE SAME CASE POSITION GEN – KW V1
In KW V1 Seagull base the center of the rotor and the bearing are wider than gen, but this inaccuracy is corrected in KW V2 version as you can see in below FIGURE 7.C
FIGURE 7.C- COMPARISON OF MOVEMENTS IN THE SAME CASE POSITION GEN – KW V2
FIGURE 7.D- COMPARISON OF MOVEMENTS IN THE SAME CASE POSITION GEN – ZFac
From above FIGURES it is evident in three rep movements the accuracy matter about escapement wheels, this wheel is almost invisible in gen but very evident in reps.
Now we will analyze the accuracy of three rep movements turning the case to match the position of balance wheels.
FIGURE 7.E- COMPARISON OF MOVEMENTS MATCHING BALANCE WHEEL POSITIONS - GEN – KW V1
FIGURE 7.F- COMPARISON OF MOVEMENTS MATCHING BALANCE WHEEL POSITIONS - GEN – KW V2
FIGURE 7.G- COMPARISON OF MOVEMENTS MATCHING BALANCE WHEEL POSITIONS - GEN – ZFac
In above FIGURES can be clearly seen the inverted layout of rep decorations in relation to the gen.
Inscriptions are in general thicker than gen and less sharp, usually blue colour is a bit lighter in reps. In this regard rep are hit and miss and with equivalent quality. No evident differences between inscription of both reps.
In relation to CAL P.9000 inscription there are some discussions about inaccuracy of KW versions because the inscription is placed to be read from external side. This placement is not worse than ZFac it is just a different approach to the gen
Since rep movements have inverted layout, the inscriptions can never be the same as gen.
In Gen CAL P.9000 inscription is placed to be read from the center and inscription finished with P.9000 near the balance wheel.
With an inverted rep layout you cannot get two above mentioned conditions. Threfore, if you have inscription placed to be read from the center the inscription will start with CAL close to the balance wheel (inaccurate). If you want the inscription finishes with P.9000 close to balance wheel you will need to place the inscription to be read from external side. You cannot keep both conditions
ZFac has just adopted first solution with inaccurate CAL close to the balance wheel
KW has just adopted second solution with inaccurate placement to be read from external side
Both have some kind of inaccuracy.
Rotors and rotor bearings are very similar in finish and appearance and accurate enough. Below you can see this point in FIGURE 7.H. Bear in mind that the KW is a V1 with wider rotor center and bearing, these flaws are already corrected in KW V2 version
FIGURE 7.H- ROTOR COMPARISON KW V1 - ZFac
Below we will talk about the main differences in rep decorated movements: the Balance Cock and the decoration Jewels.
Balance cock, is the bridge over the balance wheel which supports the Incabloc absorber system with the upper jewel of the balance wheel. It has a matt silver tail, where it is fixed to the movement, and a shiny chromed tip fixed by two little blue screws with a hole to shelter the Incabloc system. In the reps the real Balance Cock is under the decoration bridge which has the appearance of the gen Balance Cock.
In FIGURE 7.I we see the comparison between gen Balance Cock and rep decorations.
FIGURE 7.I- BALANCE COCK COMPARISON GEN – KW V1 – KW V2 - ZFac
In above FIGURE 7.1 is very clearly showed the inverted layout, because the Balance Cock is placed in inverted position in the reps
This decoration is more accurate in KW V2 than KW V1 and Zfac. Therefore balance Cock decoration, that is an important part, is more accurate in KW V2 version
Reps have the real Jewels in different position from gen movement. Therefore rep decorations are fitted with false Jewels to be closer to gen movement. But the systems used are different in each rep maker. KW V1 and V2 are fitted with false items with appearance of real Jewels whereas ZFac decoration have no real items, because Jewels are imitated by a hole filled with a paint or plastic material with a strong red colour completely wrong. Then ZFac “jewels” have no the correct shape and appearance, they are just a red material filling holes on the bridge surface.
In below FIGURE 7.J we can see the appearance and good finish of the bridges and polished edges, very similar in both rep makers. Besides we will see the differences of Jewels.
FIGURE 7.J- BRIDGES AND JEWELS COMPARISON KW - ZFac
Below FIGURE 7.K illustrates perfectly the differences between KW and Zfac decoration Jewels. It is showed the “real” KW Jewels and the holes in ZFac bridges filled with the red material
FIGURE 7.K- JEWELS COMPARISON KW - ZFac
KW V1 is in my opinion the most accurate overall of the rep movements. But it is not yet available
Rep movement has not, by far, the finish and beauty of gen movements, maybe KW is a bit nicer and more consistent, but anyway rep decorations are very variable. Under the darkened display crystal and with the rotor in movement, differences are much less noticeable and reps movement appearance is good enough
Between two movements available nowadays, both have the same movement base A7750 and have the same position of balance wheel, both have similar quality and accuracy regarding inscriptions and finish (maybe a bit better and consistent KW decorations), the main differences are Balance cock and decoration Jewels, in these points KW is superior to Zfac. Therefore we can conclude that KW decorated movement is more gen-like than Zfac.
8- LUME
Lume is not the stronger quality of these reps of PAM 505.
This is usual in reps with vintage coloured lume.
Gen lume uncharged is vintage creamy.
As previously commented KW lume is accurate and are matching hands and markers with inscriptions. Whereas ZFac rep has hands lume wither than markers and inscriptions are creamier than markers.
Lume after appropriate charge is greenish and quite good, and almost with the same intensity in both replicas (just a bit stronger in Zfac) but not at the level of last Sandwich greenish lume from H maker or Noob
But lume lasts few minutes, in 7 min is about 40% and in 15 min. almost disappears. Zfac lasts a bit more but just some minutes.
See below FIGURE 8.A with the lume comparison of KW and ZFac, just after charge, after 7 min. and after 15 min.
FIGURE 8.A- LUME COMPARISON INMEDIATELY AFTER CHARGE, AFTER 7 MIN. AND AFTER 15 MIN.
To summarize, lume is greenish and uniform, matching markers and hands, and starts at the same level in both watches, but decreases quickly and almost disappears after 15 min in KW, lasting a few minutes more in Zfac rep.
Therefore ZFac has a little better lume than KW rep.
9- STRAP AND BUCKLE
Strap
Gen PAM 505 and both replicas are fitted with brown Asso strap with dark brown buckle like the case.
Of course gen strap is superior in quality of material finish and stitching and is more flexible.
The best rep strap is clearly in my opinion ZFac, with a better appearance and material. Seemingly, by the pics, both reps straps seem similar, but there is something special about finish, material and colour which makes ZFc strap superior. A better sharp and defined groove aligned with stitching helps a lot to get this better appearance.
Colour of gen strap is less brown than reps and the tone is a bit more sand instead of brown. Between rep strap ZFac is darker and closer to gen, whereas ZFac stitching is lighter than KW and more shiny a little more than gen, but more accurate than KW
FIGURE 8.A- COMPLETE STRAP COMPARISON KW - ZFac
Stitching quality is very similar in both reps but ZFac thread is nicer and closer to gen. The little groove parallel to the stitching is sharper and better defined in ZFac
FIGURE 8.B- LUG END OF STRAP COMPARISON KW - ZFac
FIGURE 8.C- TIP OF STRAP COMPARISON KW - ZFac
Smoothness is very similar in both reps but they are worse than gen in this regard. Rep strap become smoother with the use. KW strap is thicker and the profile is more protruded in the center of the strap.
FIGURE 8.D- THICKNESS AND PROFILE COMPARISON KW – Zfac
Back of the rep straps are similar in finish and quality, but engravings are sharper, deeper and much better defined in ZFac strap
FIGURE 8.E- BACK STRAPS COMPARISON KW - ZFac
To summarize: ZFac has better material, colour, stitching, contour groove and appearance. In my opinion is clearly superior and nicer.
Buckle
Gen buckle is made of Composite whereas rep buckle are metallic DLC coated like the cases.
Regarding colour we need to make the same considerations as we have made about case colour. Besides the variations expected in rep buckles are greater than in cases. Indeed, talking about the reps I have in my hands, ZFac buckle is more brown than KW one, just unlike the cases.
Anyway it is completely impossible to tell colour differences in practice and without a careful side by side comparison with good lighting. We can consider that colour is accurate enough and the same about finish and appearance, although gen buckle have finer and nicer finish, better screw and better fitting between the tip of the central hanger and the hollow of the buckle.
As we can see in FIGURE 8.F, the shape is accurate in both reps but KW is more accurate in general.
FIGURE 8.F- BUCKLE SHAPE COMPARISON GEN - KW - ZFac
Anyway corners A and B indicated in the FIGURE are different.
Corner A is slightly rounded in gen, whereas is completely sharp in KW and strongly rounded in ZFac. ZFac is nicer but more inaccurate. Sharp KW corner is closer to gen but very noticeable, since you can tell the sharpness just touching the corner and visually is very evident. ZFac is dimensionally more inaccurate but visually is closer to gen.
Corner B is rounded in gen, whereas is completely sharp in KW and again strongly rounded in ZFac. We can make the same considerations as in corner A.
To summarize, KW is dimensionally more accurate but with very evident sharp edges, ZFac is nicer and visually seems closer to gen.
FIGURE 8.G shows the side view of both reps which are almost identical and close to gen. Central hanger of KW has better side finish but it is not engraved like gen and ZFac (see the engraving in the base of ZFac hanger). There are some differences in the hole of the screw, but few noticeable, and some differences in hanger shape, being KW closer to gen, but completely no noticeable in practice.
FIGURE 8.G- BUCKLE SIDE VIEW COMPARISON KW - ZFac
Pam 505 buckle has three inscriptions:
-In the front: PANERAI
-In the back: a code with some letters
-In the side of the central hang
PANERAI inscription comparison is showed in FIGURE 8.H. Although in the pics, most likely due to lighting conditions, it seems that rep are similar to gen, the truth is that in person gen is cleaner, deeper, sharper and nicer. Rep PANERAI inscriptions are good enough, fonts are accurate (just a bit different R), size is correct and are deep and sharp enough.
ZFac seems a bit cleaner and defined but KW has better placement, because ZFac is placed a bit lower, as you can see in FIGURE 8.H.
FIGURE 8.H- BUCKLE “PANERAI” INSCRIPTION COMPARISON GEN - KW - ZFac
Inscriptions in back side are good in ZFac, with inscriptions placed like gen and with accurate engraving (laser type) and fonts. KW back inscription is almost invisible and inaccurate. See FIGURE 8.I
FIGURE 8.I- BUCKLE BACK INSCRIPTION COMPARISON KW - ZFac
Inscription in the side of the central hanger is only in ZFac version. KW has no inscription as we can see in previous FIGURE 8.G
FIGURE 8.J- BUCKLE COMPARISON GEN – KW - ZFac
Therefore ZFac has a more accurate and nicer strap-buckle combination. ZFac strap is in my opinion clearly better and KW buckle would be perfect with a little job of filling in the corners.
CONCLUSIONS
These watches, either KW or ZFac, are among the best replicas available on the market. Reading this review, you can think that there are a lot of flaws to say that. But few replicas can bear a scrutiny like this thorough and analytical review.
The gen-like appearance is awesome in both versions and leaving aside the movement you will not be able to tell the rep even from a little distance and less in the wrist. Despite the fact that the reps are not made of Composite.
Due to an obviously nice but inaccurate decorated movement and the difference of material, these replicas cannot be evaluated as Super reps (following our current criteria) but the rest of these replicas are Super rep quality.
We will confirm the current PAM GUIDE evaluation of First Class rep high level.
Which is the best version: KW or Zfac?
Above you can get all data to take a decision, because, as many times, that will depend on personal taste and the issues you can or cannot live with.
As a guide, below I will show the main reasons for preferring or no preferring both versions:
Regarding finish and gen-like appearance, dial layout, markers accuracy, hands, lume… they are almost the same.
Main reasons for preferring ZFac version:
-Better Mid-case shape accuracy
-Weight of case-set closer to gen
-More accurate Date wheel fonts and placement of numbers
-Better crown OP Logo
-Better Strap
Main reasons for NOT preferring ZFac version
-Whitish halo in crystal contour with marker reflections
-Inaccurate Cannon Pinion
-Worse quality and thickness of main inscriptions on dial
-Little colour differences between markers and hands lume and inscriptions
-Inaccurate Crown shape
-Worse movement decoration
Main reasons for preferring KW version:
-Cleaner contour of crystal without marker reflections or whitish halo
-More accurate main inscriptions on dial and dial surface texture
-More accurate Cannon Pinion
-Matching of colours almost perfect
-More accurate Crown
-Better Movement decoration
Main reasons for NOT preferring KW version
-Shorter L SWISS MADE L inscription
-Worse Mid-case shape
-Case-set weight less close to gen
-Less accurate Date wheel fonts and placement of numbers
-More inaccurate crown Logo
-Worse strap
Maybe if you are the happy owner of a KW it would not be worth to do a change to ZFac, but vice versa is also correct in my opinion. Maybe it would be worth to swap KW strap with a ZFac.
What is my choice? To be coherent with previously said, since I own a KW, I will keep this watch. But I will also buy the Zfac strap to do the swapping in my KW watch
If you like a more involved judgement I would say that, leaving aside the strap, I prefer KW version, since the whitish halo in crystal contour produces an overall less clean dial and KW dial inscriptions and CP are nicer (despite LSML and date wheel are worse than ZFac). Movement, although KW is better, is not decisive because the darkened display crystal and the rotor make difficult to notice the differences. The differences in mid-case shape, without direct side by side comparison and without knowing the flaws, are merely noticeable.
Anyway, two great reps and two great watches to be enjoyed for many time. They really are good choices for your next watch.
Thanks for reading
ALE
THE GEN PAM 505 Radiomir Black Seal 3 Days Composite 45mm.
The gen PAM 505, the same as PAM 339, 375 and 386, is made of an especial material Panerai COMPOSITE. It is the result of an electrochemical process of ceramization of the aluminium, this material is harder, in the surface, than the ceramics normally used for cases in watch-making (zirconia), and also harder than metals like steel and titanium, as well as being lighter. Thanks to its qualities of ductility and reliability, the Panerai composite allows for complex and extremely precise workings and is the result of processes that, up to now, were employed in the creation of components for the aeronautic industry and for car and motorcycle races requiring the highest levels of performance.
This watch Radiomir Black Seal was introduced as regular production in year 2012 O-series.
It features second @9 subdial, date window @3 without Cyclops, and 6-9-12 markers combined with sticks. Lume has a nice vintage patina. Overall colour is dark brown. This watch is fitted with the PANERAI Manifattura movement P.9000, with a power reserve of 72 hours achieved by means of two spring barrels powered by an oscillating weight that winds in both directions. With a diameter of 13¾ lignes and a balance that oscillates at a frequency of 4 Hz, the P.9000 calibre is also fitted with a stop-seconds device enabling the time to be synchronized with a reference time signal.
The name Black Seal, printed on the dial, is a proprietary name of Officine Panerai which evokes fascinating memories of the history of the brand: Black Seal was one of the names used to describe the slow-speed torpedoes PIG, the midget submarines on which the commandos of the Italian Navy carried out their heroic underwater enterprises during the Second World War, with Panerai watches and instruments on their wrists.
INTRODUCTION – THE REPLICAS
The purpose of this thread is making a comparrison review of two magnificent reps of PAM 505 Radiomir Black Seal 3 Days Composite 45mm.
The reps are as follows
1-KW PAM 505 O-series
Version V1 of this rep was started in July 2013 by Kuvarsit. This rep is made of SS DLC dark Brown coated with an awesome finish, achieved by a beadblasted treatment before coating.
It is fitted with a movement Seagull ST2555, automatic, 26 jewels, 21600 b/h, decorated with nice bridges like a P.9000.
There is a version V2 released in October 2013 fitted with A7750 nicely decorated like P.9000. As far as I know the changes in this version are:
-Movement from Seagull to A7750
–Lug bars fixations, adding a metallic sleeve in the tip of the lug bars to be introduced in the case.
-Caseback. Changing the wrong placement of inscriptions and improving accuracy of series number (this change was already introduced in some batches of V1 version)
PAM 505 REPLICA KW
2- ZFac PAM 505 O-series
Released in December 2013 by ZFac in cooperation with TSWatches. This rep is made of Titanium DLC coated, to get a weight closer to gen Composite. The finish of coating surface is very similar to KW version.
It is fitted with a nice decorated movement ZFac type. This replica is the first Titanium DLC coated of this model. This is an advantage over other competitors.
PAM 505 REPLICA ZFac
1-DIAL
1.1- DIAL LAYOUT
As we can see in below FIGURES, both replicas have almost the same dial layout and almost exact to gen dial. Dial layout is very accurate. Just we can detect in ZFac a little displacement of PANERAI inscription and “9” marker to the left side. But it is no noticeable in practice. L SWISS MADE L inscription is bad placed or inaccurate in the reps as we will see in inscriptions Section 1.4.
FIGURE 1.1.A- DIAL COMPARISON KW-ZFac
FIGURE 1.1.B- DIAL COMPARISON GEN-KW
FIGURE 1.1.C- DIAL COMPARISON GEN-ZFac
1.2- SANDWICH DIAL CUTOUTS
Both replicas have almost the same depth in cutouts of markers as gen. The cuts are well defined and clean as gen. The upper edge is a bit more rounded in KW and sharper in ZFac. In my opinion gen is between KW and Zfac but this is only noticeable under a lens. Therefore we can say both replicas are accurate in this regard. See below FIGURE 1.2.A
FIGURE 1.2.A- SANDWICH DIAL CUTOUTS COMPARISON GEN-KW-ZFac
1.3- MARKERS ACCURACY
As you can see in above FIGURES 1.1.A, B and C, all markers are accurate enough in both reps and there are no significant differences. Therefore, very accurate markers in both versions.
PAM 505 gen markers have a lume with a creamy colour vintage style.
KW markers lume is just a little bit more creamy than ZFac, but it is a very very little difference. I have made direct comparison KW to the gen and I was not able to see differences. Therefore we can consider accurate the lume colour in both replicas.
In gen PAM 505 markers lume, hand lume colour and colour of dial inscriptions are matched and you can see a uniformity of colour in the dial. KW matching is almost perfect . ZFac colours, as we will see below, have some little differences.
1.4- INSCRIPTIONS ACCURACY
“L SWISS MADE L” inscriptions
The most important dial differences are in L SWISS MADE L inscriptions
As you can see in below FIGURE 1.4.A, B both replicas have wrong LSML inscription.
ZFac version LSML inscription is placed clearly higher and is a little bit longer
KW rep has clearly shorter and smaller LSML inscription but is almost correctly placed.
Regarding colour KW rep has the inscriptions with the same colour as markers lume. Zfac rep has a creamier colour, mainly under some warm indoor lighting conditions. See FIGURE 1.4.E where I have forced the lighting conditions to enhance the relief, shine and colour of inscriptions.
FIGURE 1.4.A- “L SWISS MADE L” INSCRIPTION COMPARISON GEN-KW
FIGURE 1.4.B- “L SWISS MADE L” INSCRIPTION COMPARISON GEN-ZFac
Therefore, in my opinion ZFac has more accurate LSML inscription, because the flaw of KW is more noticeable.
“RADIOMIR” – “BLACK SEAL” – “PANERAI” inscriptions
In general fonts and placements of above mentioned inscription is very good and you cannot see great differences. See FIGURE 1.4C
FIGURE 1.4.C- “RADIOMIR”-“BLACK SEAL”-“PANERAI” INSCRIPTIONS COMPARISON GEN-KW-ZFac
As you can see KW inscriptions are very accurate, with almost exact fonts and thickness. ZFac inscriptions have accurate fonts, leaving aside a bit different “R”, but are clearly thicker, worse defined and less sharp. As previously commented in Layout Section, placements are good enough, although ZFac “PANERAI” is a bit displaced to the left side.
In relation to colour, relief and shine of these inscriptions, gen inscriptions have a vintage colour matching the creamy vintage lume of the markers. They are almost flush with the surface (without relief) and have no shine. Otherwise other models like PAM 111 and PAM Boutique which have raised and shiny inscriptions. See FIGURE 1.4.D
FIGURE 1.4.D- FLUSH AND NO SHINY “RADIOMIR”-“BLACK SEAL”-“PANERAI” GEN INSCRIPTIONS
See KW inscriptions in below FIGURE 1.4.E, they are almost flush and almost without shine. In practice they are almost like gen. The colour is good enough matching vintage markers lume. Bear in mind that lighting conditions were forced to take the pic and enhancing the effect. In regular conditions inscriptions are less raised and less shiny
FIGURE 1.4.E- “RADIOMIR”-“BLACK SEAL” KW INSCRIPTIONS
See ZFac inscriptions in below FIGURE 1.4.F, they are raised, with body, and really shiny, less accurate than KW inscriptions. ZFac rep, as above commented in relation to L SWISS MADE L inscription, has a creamier colour, mainly under some warm indoor lighting conditions. See FIGURE 1.4.F where I have again forced the lighting conditions to enhance the relief of inscriptions, shine and colour. In regular conditions inscriptions are less raised, less shiny and match better, but not perfect, the markers lume.
FIGURE 1.4.F- “RADIOMIR”-“BLACK SEAL” ZFac INSCRIPTIONS
We can say that KW “RADIOMIR-BLAK SEAL” and “PANERAI” inscriptions on dial are more accurate in fonts, thickness, position, relief and shine than ZFac inscriptions and KW reps have better matching colour, sharpness and finish.
1.5- DATE WINDOW AND DATE WHEEL
Date Window
As you can see in FIGURES 1.1.A, B, C either KW or ZFac rep have Date Window well placed and with well cut edges almost like gen. Of course gen dial has more sharp and uniform cuts and corners but reps in practice are good enough.
Date Wheel
Date Wheel placement and fonts are not as correct as Date Window. There are some clear differences in placement and fonts.
As it is showed in FIGURE 1.5.A date wheel fonts are in both reps larger and bolder. They are also inaccurate in KW version, whereas in ZFac rep are closer to gen.
The placement of date numbers is correct in ZFac but they are placed inwards in KW.
In regard to Date Wheel ZFac version is clearly superior.
FIGURE 1.5.A- DATE WHELL PLACEMENT AND FONTS - COMPARISON GEN-KW-ZFac
1.6- DIAL SURFACE AND COLOUR
Gen PAM 505, as we can see in FIGURE 1.6.A has a textured dial surface and the colour is more brown than the case.
FIGURE 1.6.A- DIAL TEXTURE PAM 505 GEN
Gen colour is more brown than you can expect from usual wristshots from owners, catalogue pics and advertisements. Usually white balance adjustment makes more black this watch, but PAM 505 really is brown instead of black as can be deduced from some pics. I recommend people to see the gen before buy this rep because some buyers get disappointed by the brown colour if they are expecting a more black watch like a PAM 292.
Colour changes with the lighting, indeed in sunlight the colour is less brown, but becomes almost chocolate under warm indoor lighting.
These changes make more difficult the comparison between the reps and with the gen. Through the pics the comparison is almost impossible.
Anyway I can say than KW dial is a little more brown than Zfac in all lighting conditions, mainly under warm indoor light. KW is closer to gen in dial colour. But you would need a side by side comparison to see the differences. No reddish, greenish or purplish tone can be seen in the reps.
Regarding texture of the dial surface, KW has the same texture as gen, maybe due to the micro-beadblasted treatment before painting of KW dial. Indeed the KW dial surface is almost the same as gen. ZFac surface is smoother than gen
The gen-like appearance and colour of dial is superior in KW replicas.
That is showed in FIGURES 1.6.B, C
FIGURE 1.6.B- DIAL TEXTURE PAM 505 KW
FIGURE 1.6.C- DIAL TEXTURE PAM 505 KW
Therefore, more accurate KW watch in this regard
1.7- DIAL POSITION
This is a subject usually neither observed nor commented about this watch, I mean the position of the dial in relation to the crystal.
KW rep and gen have the dial clearly closer to the crystal than ZFac version. That gives to dial a more clear view and less distortion and reflections in the contour. It is no easy to notice this effect through pics, but in direct observation people are usually inclined to prefer the KW dial.
FIGURE 1.7 shows this depth differences, you can see KW dial is clearly closer to the crystal.
FIGURE 1.7.A- DIAL POSITION IN RELATION TO CRYSTAL – COMPARISON KW-ZFac
1.8- DIAL FINISH AND APPEARANCE
Finish and appearance of both rep dial are very good in general and with a lot of gen-like appearance. Of course KW has better gen-like appearance due to a more textured surface and closer position to the crystal.
2- HANDS AND CANNON PINION
Hour and minute Hands of gen PAM 505 are black and with a strong texture similar to dial surface. Gen CP is polished and almost flat (just a bit convex). In the gen showed the CP is a bit uneven. See FIGURE 2.A
FIGURE 2.A- GEN MAIN HANDS TEXTURE AND CANNON PINION
In below FIGURES 2.B and 2.C we can see the texture and CP of the KW and ZFac reps.
FIGURE 2.B shows the hands of KW with very similar texture to gen hands and a CP well polished and very gen-like. Sample studied has a bit uneven the CP too (like it occurs in gen showed). Accuracy and finish of KW hand are very good and the edges are well finished for a rep. The edges and lume application are not as perfect as gen watch but are better than Zfac.
FIGURE 2.B- KW MAIN HANDS TEXTURE AND CANNON PINION
Below FUGURE 2.C shows the hands and CP of ZFac watch. It is clear that texture is smoother than gen and finish of edges, but lume application are rough in comparison with KW rep and, of course, with the gen.
The ZFac CP is very curious because minute hand features a raised rim which surrounds a raised CP. This feature is clearly showed in below pic. That is no nice and, besides, is inaccurate. Due to this rim encircling the CP, this CP seems larger than gen, although the real CP is almost the same as gen. This is a noticeable flaw in my opinion.
FIGURE 2.C- ZFac MAIN HANDS TEXTURE AND CANNON PINION
Therefore ZFac has worse hands and CP than KW version which has very accurate main hands and CP.
Regarding lume width reps have a wider lume. Mainly KW hands. It is few noticeable but it exists. The difference is not great but is enhanced by a rough edge in reps lume application, gen is almost perfect and straight and seems narrower.
In below FIGURE 2.D you can see the little differences.
In relation to hand lume colour, as above commented, gen has matching markers lume, hands lume and inscriptions colour. KW rep gets also an almost perfect matching, but ZFac has again differences because ZFac hands lume is a bit whiter than markers lume.
FIGURE 2.D- LUME WIDTH IN HANDS - COMPARISON GEN-KW-ZFac
Talking about seconds hand in sub-dial @9, the gen is less textured than main hands and ZFac is more accurate than KW. KW hand is a bit fatter mainly in central circle and more textured.
Regarding pin of seconds hand is more accurate in KW, since ZFac has a bigger central hole.
See the differences in below FIGURE 2.E
FIGURE 2.E- SECONDS HAND ON SUBDIAL @9 - COMPARISON GEN-KW-ZFac
3- CRYSTAL
Quality and AR
Both reps are fitted with high quality Sapphire crystals with single colourless AR in the inner surface like gen.
Rep crystal is a bit less clear than gen one as usually, and AR it is not as strong as gen.
In below FIGURE 3.A you can see the Colourless AR, not very strong but good enough to see the dial details.
Rep AR is very similar in KW and Zfac versions.
FIGURE 3.A- COLOURLESS SINGLE AR - COMPARISON KW-ZFac
Bevelled and contour of crystal
This will be the most curious (and even polemic) matter of this comparison, because Zfac crystal features a weird whitish halo in its contour which tarnishes the image of the dial and places the bevelled a bit inwards, producing many reflections of the markers in the bevelled of the crystal. Besides Zfac crystal has a narrower bevelled and it is placed a bit raised.
In below FIGURE 3.B we can see clearly the whitish halo in ZFac rep and the clean contour in KW rep. You can see also the markers reflections in the bevelled of ZFac crystal.
FIGURE 3.B– THE WHITISH HALO IN ZFac CRYSTALCONTOUR – COMPARISON KW-ZFac
What is the reason which produces that weird halo?
That halo is produced by a gasket placed between the bevel and the crystal in Zfac version. In below FIGURE 3.C you can see this gasket, in Zfac version, placed between the crystal and the bezel of the case, in comparison with the gen crystal which is joined to the bezel.
FIGURE 3.C– BEVELLED OF CRYSTAL – COMPARISON GEN-ZFac
Below FIGURE 3.D shows KW crystal placed close to the bezel of the case like gen watch.
FIGURE 3.D– BEVELLED OF CRYSTAL – COMPARISON GEN-KW
FIGURE 3.E– BEVELLED OF CRYSTAL – COMPARISON KW-ZFac
In FIGURE 3.F we can see the markers reflections produced in the bevelled of the ZFac crystal in comparison with the clean bevelled of KW rep.
FIGURE 3.F– MARKERS REFLECTIONS IN BEVELLED OF ZFac CRYSTAL – COMPARISON KW-ZFac
Regarding shape of the crystal, KW bevelled is more similar to the gen because gen bevelled is wider than ZFac and is not raised like this replica is.
In FIGURE 3.G is showed the shape of gen bevelled
FIGURE 3.G–SHAPE OF GEN CRYSTAL BEVELLED
Bellow in FIGURES 3.H we can see the comparison between KW and ZFac bevelled. Please note the narrower bevelled, the raised crystal and the gasket in ZFac watches.
FIGURE 3.H– SHAPE OF CRYSTAL BEVELLED – COMPARISON KW- ZFac
Therefore in regard to crystal, quality and AR are similar in both reps, but regarding bevelled and clean contour is very superior KW version.
4- CASE & BEZEL – CASEBACK
Shape and dimensions of case-set
It is almost impossible without a careful side by side comparison or without knowing the flaws to realize differences between gen and rep cases or between both replicas. However after a deeper study and analyzing enlarged pics we can see there are some interesting differences.
Both replicas are very good, but in general we can say that ZFac mid-casel has more accurate shape than KW version, whereas caseback shape is more accurate in KW watch. Although the shape is more accurate ZFac case has 44,3mm of width instead of 45mm like gen and KW cases. This is of course very noticeable with a calliper, but under naked eye it is almost impossible and less without knowing the flaw.
KW mid-case is more “slim”, it has less pronounced cushion shape than ZFac and is even nicer. At the beginning, due to KW case-set was nicer, I thought it was more accurate, but, seeing enlarged pics and making appropriate comparisons, I saw that Zfac had a shape more “fat”, more pronounced cushion shape, just like gen.
I repeat, you would need to know these differences and doing a side by side comparison to see them, otherwise they will go unnoticed.
Therefore, although KW has a nicer shape it is less accurate.
We are going to show the case-set comparison between KW and ZFac reps in below FIGURES 4.A. You can start to see ZFac is clearly more “fat”
FIGURE 4.A– COMPARISON KW – ZFac CASE-SETS SIDE VIEWS
FIGURE 4.B shows clearly the thickness differences in a side by side comparison of KW with ZFac reps. Either Caseback or mid-case are thicker in ZFac watch, bezel is just a little bit thicker in Zfac (almost the same), but we will see ZFac is overall closer to gen in shape, although it is 0,7mm smaller in total width.
FIGURE 4.B– COMPARISON KW – ZFac CASE-SETS SIDE BY SIDE
Below we will compare KW and ZFac case–set dimensions. FIGURE 4.C
We can see the difference of total width, 45mm for KW and 44,3mm for ZFac
At the bottom of the FIGURE it is showed a case-set made with left-half KW and right-half ZFac in order to enhance the differences. ZFac has thicker caseback, mid-case and bezel (total thickness was measured with crystal included)
FIGURE 4.C– DIMENSIONAL COMPARISON KW – ZFac CASE-SETS
Now, we will show the differences with gen case-set. We will take as reference below gen side view from 9hrs.
FIGURE 4.D- GEN REFERENCE SIDE VIEW FROM 9hrs.
In FIGURE 4.E we compare GEN and KW case–set dimensions. We can see the same of total width, 45mm for KW and GEN case
At the bottom of the FIGURE it is showed a case-set made with left-half GEN and right-half KW in order to enhance the differences. Total thickness is almost accurate (a bit thinner KW). Caseback is almost the same, very accurate. KW mid-case is clearly thinner, for this reason KW case seems more “slim” than gen mid-case and bezel (total thickness was measured with crystal included) whereas bezel is thicker in KW.
FIGURE 4.E– DIMENSIONAL COMPARISON GEN - KW CASE-SETS
In FIGURE 4.F we compare GEN and ZFac case–set dimensions. We can see the different total width, 45mm for GEN and 44,3mm for ZFac
At the bottom of the FIGURE it is showed a case-set made with left-half GEN and right-half ZFac in order to enhance the differences. Total thickness is inaccurate and larger in ZFac (about 0,3mm). Caseback is clearly thicker at the edge, because the total thickness is similar to the gen, very noticeable since edge is the part most visible and evident. ZFac mid-case is very similar, this is the most accurate part, whereas bezel is thicker in Zfac as happened in KW version.
Anyway, due to accuracy of ZFac mid-case, the overall appearance of Zfac (leaving aside the edge of caseback) is more accurate than KW.
FIGURE 4.F– DIMENSIONAL COMPARISON GEN – ZFac CASE-SETS
Now we will do a final comparison with KW and ZFac case-set dimensions in FIGURE 4-G, to confirm differences above showed.
Obviously we can see the difference in total width, 45mm for KW and 44,3mm for Zfac.
As previously, at the bottom of the FIGURE it is showed a case-set made with left-half KW and right-half ZFac in order to enhance the differenes. Total thickness is larger in Zfac. Caseback edge is thicker in Zfac. KW mid-case is clearly thinner and with more “slim” cushion shape, whereas bezel is almost the same (just a little bit thicker Zfac)
FIGURE 4.G– DIMENSIONAL COMPARISON KW – ZFac CASE-SETS
Differences with gen case-set are not only dimensional, because edges and corners of cushion shape are more rounded and smooth in gen. It seems that Radiomir cases made of composite have more rounded and less sharp corners than metallic cases, maybe in order to provide, for eventual hits, more protection to the edges and corners since composite is hard in the surface but soft inside.
Reps, either KW or Zfac, but mainly KW, have sharper edges and corners and knowing this flaw is very noticeable in the cushion shape.
In FIGURE 4.H are showed rounded edges and corners of gen Composite PAM505 in comparison with sharper ones of the reps.
FIGURE 4.H– SHARPNESS OF EDGES AND CORNERS OF THE CUSHION SHAPE - COMPARISON GEN - KW – ZFac
Caseback inscriptions
We have already seen that KW caseback is more accurate in dimensions than Zfac which has a thicker external edge. We will analyze now the accuracy of fonts and placement of caseback inscriptions.
We will need to compare first KW V1 and KW V2 version because KW changes Series caseback inscriptions and wrong placements in V2 version and maybe in some batches of V1.
Below FIGURES 4.I show the comparison of gen caseback with KW V1, KW V2 and ZFac.
FIGURE 4.I- CASEBACK INSCRIPTIONS – DIRECT COMPARISON GEN – KW V1 - KW V2 - ZFac
“OFFICINE PANERAI” inscriptions are accurate enough in font and placement but the engraving is less deep in reps than gen. KW engraving is closer to gen depth and the bottom part of the engraving is cleaner than ZFac, because ZFac has a rough bottom. We can realize above mentioned in FIGURE 4.J
FIGURE 4.J- “OFFICINE PANERAI” CASEBACK INSCRIPTION – COMPARISON KW - ZFac
Series number engravings are less deep in all reps, depth closer to gen is KW V2. Fonts are wrong in KW V1 and ZFac, whereas KW V2 version is much better and shows an appearance closer to gen watch. KW has done a good job in this change. See this accuracy and lack of depth in below FIGURE 4.K.
FIGURE 4.K- SERIES NUMBER CASEBACK INSCRIPTION – COMPARISON GEN - KW - ZFac
Other smaller inscriptions are less noticeable due to the small size, but in general are less deep but have accurate fonts, although ZFac fonts are closer to gen. See an example with “COMPOSITE” inscription. See FIGURE 4.L
FIGURE 4.L- “COMPOSITE” CASEBACK INSCRIPTION – COMPARISON GEN - KW - ZFac
Regarding placement of inscriptions there are many differences, the most accurate is the placement of ZFac inscriptions, then KW V2 and the worse placement with great difference are the inaccurate placement of KW V1.
In FIGURE 4.M we can see the differences and displacements in relation to the gen placements.
Red arrow aligned with the first stroke of “P” in PANERAI inscription will be the reference of positions. Yellow arrows are indicating the positions of the start and the end of each inscription in the gen caseback.
Red lines are indicating the start and the end of inscriptions in rep casebacks. In each rep caseback we have placed the reference gen yellow arrows. The differences between red lines and yellow arrows indicate the displacement of rep inscriptions in relation to the gen. KW V2 shows few displacements and Zfac is very close to gen. KW V1 caseback has very inaccurate positions mainly talking about Series number very far from the end of PANERAI.
FIGURE 4.M- PLACEMENT ACCURACY OF ALL CASEBACK INSCRIPTIONS – COMPARISON GEN - KW V1 - KW V2 - ZFac
Therefore little inscriptions and placements are better in ZFac, but Series number depth and quality of engraving are better in KW V2. KW V1 is the worst with a great difference.
Caseback display crystals
As you know PAM 505 caseback is fitted with a display darkened crystal. This dark crystal is lighter in gen than in reps.
Caseback crystal in KW versions is more brown than ZFac one. ZFac display crystal has more grey colour than KW crystal which is clearly more brown. See FIGURE 4.N
where are showed both caseback crystals over a white background in order to see the colour of both crystals. Gen crystal is lighter and with a colour between both reps.
FIGURE 4.N- DISPLAY CASEBACK CRYSTAL COLOUR – COMPARISON KW - ZFac
In respect to darkness the colour of Zfac is darker than KW one. Since the gen is lighter KW is more accurate in darkness. See FIGURE 4.O
FIGURE 4.O- DISPLAY CASEBACK CRYSTAL DARKNESS – COMPARISON KW - ZFac
Therefore KW caseback crystal is closer to gen in darkness whereas in colour gen is between both replicas.
Colours of case-set
This is a controversial matter due to several reasons:
-The differences of colour in Brown DLC coatings depend on light conditions. Warm and strong indoor light give to the colours more brown tone and enhances differences. Under sunlight conditions the differences are smaller, almost unnoticeable.
-The DLC coating in reps is hit and miss and there is neither continuous nor rigorous QC in rep processes. We should expect some variations between batches.
-Colour varies a lot with the shape, texture and position of the coloured surfaces in relation to the lighting.
-Human eye has different appreciations of brown tones depending on persons
-It is almost impossible to take conclusions from pics
Due above mentioned reasons it is no easy to establish which rep has more accurate colour.
The samples I got (KW V1 and ZFac) are almost the same in colour under sunlight but under indoor lighting KW becomes more brown and warm. You can see this difference in some previous comparison pics (they are taken in exactly the same light conditions and positions)
I have compared KW V1 with the gen under halogen indoor lighting and it seems gen was a little bit less brown, but only noticeable in a careful side by side comparison and in some positions.
Maybe gen is closer to ZFac sample I got.
Anyway, you would need a calm environment very good lighting and some time with the samples in your hand to see some differences.
What I can assure is that both reps have neither reddish nor greenish nor purplish tone. Rep case colour it is just brown.
We can conclude that reps are accurate enough regarding colours without red, green or purple hue.
Besides finish and texture are as important as the colour and in this regard both reps are awesomely accurate.
Weight
With respect to weight there are obvious differences since the gen is made of Composite , KW versions are made of SS DLC coated and ZFac version is made of Titanium DLC coated.
Obviously gen is the lighter watch with about 60 gr. without strap, whereas KW weights 107 gr. and ZFac 92 gr. (both without strap).
Therefore both reps are far to gen weight, but ZFac is more accurate in this regard.
Maybe if you are not very concerned about the weight this rep difference goes unnoticed without a side by side comparison. But when you know the difference you are easily able to tell the lighter ZFac without doubts.
Titanium material is an advantage of ZFac regarding this matter. But no decisive in my opinion, since it continues being very different from the gen.
Finish and appearance
People know perfectly the quality of KW PAM 505 in this point.
Well, the best I can say about ZFac version is that you will not be able to see differences.
We know KW case-set is beadblasted before DLC coating in order to get a similar finish like Composite has. This quality finish is achieved with great success in KW rep and I’m sure ZFac applies the same process to its cases, since the result is exactly the same.
Both reps are really awesome on this point with impressive gen-like appearance which makes you forget the little flaws of accuracy.
These rep watches are really nice
5- LUG BARS, LUG SCREWS AND FIXATION DEVICES
Removing Lug bars on Panerai Radiomir watches to change the strap is always a bit
annoying job, even in gen Radiomirs.
In some reps many times is a true nightmare. Some times it is impossible either to remove fixation screws or tightening appropriately the lug bars with the screws.
PAM 505 KW V1 was specially annoying in this regard. A lot of screws remained into the case, being almost impossible to remove them from the case or tightening in a sure way the lug bars. These were some of the improvements in KW V2 version
In order to avoid above mentioned issues when we want to remove and assembling again lug bars, rep makers are using some devices, like sleeves in the tip of lugs and rubber O-rings in the screws.
KW V1 didn’t come with sleeves or O-rings. KW V2 comes with metallic sleeves and seemingly works appropriately. ZFac comes with rubber sleeves and screws have a rubber O-ring. FIGURE 5.A shows the lug bars, screws and fixation devices used in three versions.
FIGURE 5.A- LUG BARS, SCREWS AND FIXATION DEVICES
In Below FIGURE 5.B you can see enlarged the metallic sleeve used by KW V2 and the rubber sleeve used by ZFac.
FIGURE 5.B- LUG BAR TIP SLEEVES – COMPARISON KW V1 – KW V2 - ZFac
Regarding working I have not had problems removing and assembling again my PAM 505 KW V1, but I have some experience and always use a high quality 1,6mm screwdriver filled in the tip to get a less sharp point and fitting better the notch of the screws. But it is well known many people had serious problems with KW V1 version
PAM 505 ZFac also works appropriately, but rubber sleeves are ugly and delicate, they get damaged easily. In my sample I was not able to remove two rubber sleeves and they remained into the case. Anyway, you can always make the removing of lug bars and assembling again with the sleeves into the case. Rubber sleeve are a bit annoying but the screws tighten strongly the lug bars and the O-rings assure well the screws.
PAM KW V2 seems working appropriately too, metallic sleeves are nicer than rubber ones but they are also delicate and coating gets damaged easily. Metallic sleeves are working well and lug bars keep tightened. Screws can be removed and assembled again. It seems KW has improved this issue in V2 version
I personally prefer metallic sleeves because rubber ones get damaged easily, some times keep into the case and are a bit ugly. But I have to admit that rubber sleeves are working perfectly
Anyway I recommend using some Loctite medium force (Loctite 222 or 243) in order to keep the screws in its place. I also recommend, as above commented, using a good quality screwdriver with a filled tip to get it less sharp and having better fitting with screw notches.
6- CROWN – CROWN TUBE
Crown shape accuracy
In respect to Crown shape accuracy everything is showed in below FIGURES 6.A and 6.B
FIGURE 6.A- CROWN SHAPE ACCURACY – COMPARISON GEN - KW
FIGURE 6.B- CROWN SHAPE ACCURACY – COMPARISON GEN - ZFac
As you can see in above FIGURES KW Crown shape is almost exact to the gen whereas ZFac Crown shape is a bit different, because it is longer than gen and therefore protrudes a bit more than gen.
Regarding crown shape KW is more accurate and very close to the gen
Crown logo accuracy
In FIGURE 6.C we can see the comparison of logos OP in the head of the crown.
FIGURE 6.C- CROWN OP LOGO ACCURACY – COMPARISON GEN – KW - ZFac
Gen OP logo is sharper and deeper. Both reps have inaccurate logo but ZFac is clearly closer to gen logo
Regarding crown logo Zfac is more accurate
Crown Tube accuracy
PAM 505 crown tube has two parts: the own threaded tube and a socket-base in the case to shelter the tube.
As we can see in below FIGURES 6.D and 6.E threaded tube is the same in the three watches, but gen is clearly silver, Zfac is dark silver and KW is dark brown like the case.
FIGURE 6.D- CROWN TUBE – COMPARISON GEN – KW
FIGURE 6.E- CROWN TUBE – COMPARISON GEN – ZFac
As showed in the FIGURES 6.D, 6.E and 6.F there are some differences regarding socket-base. Gen is most likely made directly in the body of the case, because they seem the same piece, but the transition edge between case and base is very sharp.
ZFac is made in the same way. It is a very risky, expensive and good attempt but the transition edge between case and base is very rounded and the shape of the socket is clearly conical, you can realize the differences with the gen. This issue is more evident in below FIGURE 6.F
FIGURE 6.F- CROWN SOCKET-BASE – COMPARISON GEN – KW - ZFac
KW is made in two pieces, it actually is less accurate, but this system gets a transition edge sharp and well defined, more similar to gen. The process of manufacture is completely different but the result is more accurate. It is a manufacture trick but very useful.
It is a pity that ZFac using the same structure as gen doesn’t get the same accuracy as KW
I really like more KW solution, because ZFac rounded transition edge and the conical shape is noticeable in comparison to the gen. See above FIGURE 6.F.
Anyway, this is a taste matter and some people could prefer the construction system accuracy of ZFac solution.
Crown – Crown tube Finish and appearance
Although rep crowns have no perfect crisp finish and uniformity of knurling, have more shiny colour and have worse logo, their appearance in practice and at real size is very good and accurate enough. No worries with regard to this matter.
7- MOVEMENT
Rep movements are based in two types of movements, all them decorated like a PAM P.9000
-KW V1 is based in Seagull 2555 (balance wheel @6)
-KW V2 is based in A7750 (balance wheel @11)
-ZFac is based in A7750 (balance wheel @11)
Gen movement is a Panerai Manifattura P.9000 with balance wheel @7
All rep movements have different position of balance wheel, besides they have inverted layout in relation to the gen, and it is impossible to get total accuracy even with the best decoration. Anyway if you are not an expert in movements or you don’t know perfectly gen P.9000 is very difficult to see the differences without a careful inspection and side by side comparison, even the rotor in movement and the darkened display crystal make more difficult the checking. With a bit of patience and in side by side comparison, even without special knowledge, you will tell the differences in some minutes.
Three rep movements are fitted with a plastic false escapement wheel placed in the same position as gen but over the balance wheel instead of under it. This is a controversial matter, because being gen escapement under the balance wheel it is not clearly visible, whereas rep false escapement wheel being placed over the balance wheel is clearly visible and very noticeable. Besides gen escapement is obviously in movement and false rep is completely stopped. Some owners have removed this false escapement wheel to get more accuracy in their opinion. See more clearly this matter in below FIGURES 7.B, 7.C, 7.D
If you observe all movements in the same position of the case you will see that KW V1 Seagull base with balance wheel @6 is more accurate. See below FIGURE 7.A
FIGURE 7.A- COMPARISON OF MOVEMENTS IN THE SAME CASE POSITION GEN – KW V1 – KW V2 - ZFac
Below we will analyze more detailed comparison pics in the same position of the case (see the crown position) with the rotor turned a bit to see more details.
FIGURE 7.B- COMPARISON OF MOVEMENTS IN THE SAME CASE POSITION GEN – KW V1
In KW V1 Seagull base the center of the rotor and the bearing are wider than gen, but this inaccuracy is corrected in KW V2 version as you can see in below FIGURE 7.C
FIGURE 7.C- COMPARISON OF MOVEMENTS IN THE SAME CASE POSITION GEN – KW V2
FIGURE 7.D- COMPARISON OF MOVEMENTS IN THE SAME CASE POSITION GEN – ZFac
From above FIGURES it is evident in three rep movements the accuracy matter about escapement wheels, this wheel is almost invisible in gen but very evident in reps.
Now we will analyze the accuracy of three rep movements turning the case to match the position of balance wheels.
FIGURE 7.E- COMPARISON OF MOVEMENTS MATCHING BALANCE WHEEL POSITIONS - GEN – KW V1
FIGURE 7.F- COMPARISON OF MOVEMENTS MATCHING BALANCE WHEEL POSITIONS - GEN – KW V2
FIGURE 7.G- COMPARISON OF MOVEMENTS MATCHING BALANCE WHEEL POSITIONS - GEN – ZFac
In above FIGURES can be clearly seen the inverted layout of rep decorations in relation to the gen.
Inscriptions are in general thicker than gen and less sharp, usually blue colour is a bit lighter in reps. In this regard rep are hit and miss and with equivalent quality. No evident differences between inscription of both reps.
In relation to CAL P.9000 inscription there are some discussions about inaccuracy of KW versions because the inscription is placed to be read from external side. This placement is not worse than ZFac it is just a different approach to the gen
Since rep movements have inverted layout, the inscriptions can never be the same as gen.
In Gen CAL P.9000 inscription is placed to be read from the center and inscription finished with P.9000 near the balance wheel.
With an inverted rep layout you cannot get two above mentioned conditions. Threfore, if you have inscription placed to be read from the center the inscription will start with CAL close to the balance wheel (inaccurate). If you want the inscription finishes with P.9000 close to balance wheel you will need to place the inscription to be read from external side. You cannot keep both conditions
ZFac has just adopted first solution with inaccurate CAL close to the balance wheel
KW has just adopted second solution with inaccurate placement to be read from external side
Both have some kind of inaccuracy.
Rotors and rotor bearings are very similar in finish and appearance and accurate enough. Below you can see this point in FIGURE 7.H. Bear in mind that the KW is a V1 with wider rotor center and bearing, these flaws are already corrected in KW V2 version
FIGURE 7.H- ROTOR COMPARISON KW V1 - ZFac
Below we will talk about the main differences in rep decorated movements: the Balance Cock and the decoration Jewels.
Balance cock, is the bridge over the balance wheel which supports the Incabloc absorber system with the upper jewel of the balance wheel. It has a matt silver tail, where it is fixed to the movement, and a shiny chromed tip fixed by two little blue screws with a hole to shelter the Incabloc system. In the reps the real Balance Cock is under the decoration bridge which has the appearance of the gen Balance Cock.
In FIGURE 7.I we see the comparison between gen Balance Cock and rep decorations.
FIGURE 7.I- BALANCE COCK COMPARISON GEN – KW V1 – KW V2 - ZFac
In above FIGURE 7.1 is very clearly showed the inverted layout, because the Balance Cock is placed in inverted position in the reps
This decoration is more accurate in KW V2 than KW V1 and Zfac. Therefore balance Cock decoration, that is an important part, is more accurate in KW V2 version
Reps have the real Jewels in different position from gen movement. Therefore rep decorations are fitted with false Jewels to be closer to gen movement. But the systems used are different in each rep maker. KW V1 and V2 are fitted with false items with appearance of real Jewels whereas ZFac decoration have no real items, because Jewels are imitated by a hole filled with a paint or plastic material with a strong red colour completely wrong. Then ZFac “jewels” have no the correct shape and appearance, they are just a red material filling holes on the bridge surface.
In below FIGURE 7.J we can see the appearance and good finish of the bridges and polished edges, very similar in both rep makers. Besides we will see the differences of Jewels.
FIGURE 7.J- BRIDGES AND JEWELS COMPARISON KW - ZFac
Below FIGURE 7.K illustrates perfectly the differences between KW and Zfac decoration Jewels. It is showed the “real” KW Jewels and the holes in ZFac bridges filled with the red material
FIGURE 7.K- JEWELS COMPARISON KW - ZFac
KW V1 is in my opinion the most accurate overall of the rep movements. But it is not yet available
Rep movement has not, by far, the finish and beauty of gen movements, maybe KW is a bit nicer and more consistent, but anyway rep decorations are very variable. Under the darkened display crystal and with the rotor in movement, differences are much less noticeable and reps movement appearance is good enough
Between two movements available nowadays, both have the same movement base A7750 and have the same position of balance wheel, both have similar quality and accuracy regarding inscriptions and finish (maybe a bit better and consistent KW decorations), the main differences are Balance cock and decoration Jewels, in these points KW is superior to Zfac. Therefore we can conclude that KW decorated movement is more gen-like than Zfac.
8- LUME
Lume is not the stronger quality of these reps of PAM 505.
This is usual in reps with vintage coloured lume.
Gen lume uncharged is vintage creamy.
As previously commented KW lume is accurate and are matching hands and markers with inscriptions. Whereas ZFac rep has hands lume wither than markers and inscriptions are creamier than markers.
Lume after appropriate charge is greenish and quite good, and almost with the same intensity in both replicas (just a bit stronger in Zfac) but not at the level of last Sandwich greenish lume from H maker or Noob
But lume lasts few minutes, in 7 min is about 40% and in 15 min. almost disappears. Zfac lasts a bit more but just some minutes.
See below FIGURE 8.A with the lume comparison of KW and ZFac, just after charge, after 7 min. and after 15 min.
FIGURE 8.A- LUME COMPARISON INMEDIATELY AFTER CHARGE, AFTER 7 MIN. AND AFTER 15 MIN.
To summarize, lume is greenish and uniform, matching markers and hands, and starts at the same level in both watches, but decreases quickly and almost disappears after 15 min in KW, lasting a few minutes more in Zfac rep.
Therefore ZFac has a little better lume than KW rep.
9- STRAP AND BUCKLE
Strap
Gen PAM 505 and both replicas are fitted with brown Asso strap with dark brown buckle like the case.
Of course gen strap is superior in quality of material finish and stitching and is more flexible.
The best rep strap is clearly in my opinion ZFac, with a better appearance and material. Seemingly, by the pics, both reps straps seem similar, but there is something special about finish, material and colour which makes ZFc strap superior. A better sharp and defined groove aligned with stitching helps a lot to get this better appearance.
Colour of gen strap is less brown than reps and the tone is a bit more sand instead of brown. Between rep strap ZFac is darker and closer to gen, whereas ZFac stitching is lighter than KW and more shiny a little more than gen, but more accurate than KW
FIGURE 8.A- COMPLETE STRAP COMPARISON KW - ZFac
Stitching quality is very similar in both reps but ZFac thread is nicer and closer to gen. The little groove parallel to the stitching is sharper and better defined in ZFac
FIGURE 8.B- LUG END OF STRAP COMPARISON KW - ZFac
FIGURE 8.C- TIP OF STRAP COMPARISON KW - ZFac
Smoothness is very similar in both reps but they are worse than gen in this regard. Rep strap become smoother with the use. KW strap is thicker and the profile is more protruded in the center of the strap.
FIGURE 8.D- THICKNESS AND PROFILE COMPARISON KW – Zfac
Back of the rep straps are similar in finish and quality, but engravings are sharper, deeper and much better defined in ZFac strap
FIGURE 8.E- BACK STRAPS COMPARISON KW - ZFac
To summarize: ZFac has better material, colour, stitching, contour groove and appearance. In my opinion is clearly superior and nicer.
Buckle
Gen buckle is made of Composite whereas rep buckle are metallic DLC coated like the cases.
Regarding colour we need to make the same considerations as we have made about case colour. Besides the variations expected in rep buckles are greater than in cases. Indeed, talking about the reps I have in my hands, ZFac buckle is more brown than KW one, just unlike the cases.
Anyway it is completely impossible to tell colour differences in practice and without a careful side by side comparison with good lighting. We can consider that colour is accurate enough and the same about finish and appearance, although gen buckle have finer and nicer finish, better screw and better fitting between the tip of the central hanger and the hollow of the buckle.
As we can see in FIGURE 8.F, the shape is accurate in both reps but KW is more accurate in general.
FIGURE 8.F- BUCKLE SHAPE COMPARISON GEN - KW - ZFac
Anyway corners A and B indicated in the FIGURE are different.
Corner A is slightly rounded in gen, whereas is completely sharp in KW and strongly rounded in ZFac. ZFac is nicer but more inaccurate. Sharp KW corner is closer to gen but very noticeable, since you can tell the sharpness just touching the corner and visually is very evident. ZFac is dimensionally more inaccurate but visually is closer to gen.
Corner B is rounded in gen, whereas is completely sharp in KW and again strongly rounded in ZFac. We can make the same considerations as in corner A.
To summarize, KW is dimensionally more accurate but with very evident sharp edges, ZFac is nicer and visually seems closer to gen.
FIGURE 8.G shows the side view of both reps which are almost identical and close to gen. Central hanger of KW has better side finish but it is not engraved like gen and ZFac (see the engraving in the base of ZFac hanger). There are some differences in the hole of the screw, but few noticeable, and some differences in hanger shape, being KW closer to gen, but completely no noticeable in practice.
FIGURE 8.G- BUCKLE SIDE VIEW COMPARISON KW - ZFac
Pam 505 buckle has three inscriptions:
-In the front: PANERAI
-In the back: a code with some letters
-In the side of the central hang
PANERAI inscription comparison is showed in FIGURE 8.H. Although in the pics, most likely due to lighting conditions, it seems that rep are similar to gen, the truth is that in person gen is cleaner, deeper, sharper and nicer. Rep PANERAI inscriptions are good enough, fonts are accurate (just a bit different R), size is correct and are deep and sharp enough.
ZFac seems a bit cleaner and defined but KW has better placement, because ZFac is placed a bit lower, as you can see in FIGURE 8.H.
FIGURE 8.H- BUCKLE “PANERAI” INSCRIPTION COMPARISON GEN - KW - ZFac
Inscriptions in back side are good in ZFac, with inscriptions placed like gen and with accurate engraving (laser type) and fonts. KW back inscription is almost invisible and inaccurate. See FIGURE 8.I
FIGURE 8.I- BUCKLE BACK INSCRIPTION COMPARISON KW - ZFac
Inscription in the side of the central hanger is only in ZFac version. KW has no inscription as we can see in previous FIGURE 8.G
FIGURE 8.J- BUCKLE COMPARISON GEN – KW - ZFac
Therefore ZFac has a more accurate and nicer strap-buckle combination. ZFac strap is in my opinion clearly better and KW buckle would be perfect with a little job of filling in the corners.
CONCLUSIONS
These watches, either KW or ZFac, are among the best replicas available on the market. Reading this review, you can think that there are a lot of flaws to say that. But few replicas can bear a scrutiny like this thorough and analytical review.
The gen-like appearance is awesome in both versions and leaving aside the movement you will not be able to tell the rep even from a little distance and less in the wrist. Despite the fact that the reps are not made of Composite.
Due to an obviously nice but inaccurate decorated movement and the difference of material, these replicas cannot be evaluated as Super reps (following our current criteria) but the rest of these replicas are Super rep quality.
We will confirm the current PAM GUIDE evaluation of First Class rep high level.
Which is the best version: KW or Zfac?
Above you can get all data to take a decision, because, as many times, that will depend on personal taste and the issues you can or cannot live with.
As a guide, below I will show the main reasons for preferring or no preferring both versions:
Regarding finish and gen-like appearance, dial layout, markers accuracy, hands, lume… they are almost the same.
Main reasons for preferring ZFac version:
-Better Mid-case shape accuracy
-Weight of case-set closer to gen
-More accurate Date wheel fonts and placement of numbers
-Better crown OP Logo
-Better Strap
Main reasons for NOT preferring ZFac version
-Whitish halo in crystal contour with marker reflections
-Inaccurate Cannon Pinion
-Worse quality and thickness of main inscriptions on dial
-Little colour differences between markers and hands lume and inscriptions
-Inaccurate Crown shape
-Worse movement decoration
Main reasons for preferring KW version:
-Cleaner contour of crystal without marker reflections or whitish halo
-More accurate main inscriptions on dial and dial surface texture
-More accurate Cannon Pinion
-Matching of colours almost perfect
-More accurate Crown
-Better Movement decoration
Main reasons for NOT preferring KW version
-Shorter L SWISS MADE L inscription
-Worse Mid-case shape
-Case-set weight less close to gen
-Less accurate Date wheel fonts and placement of numbers
-More inaccurate crown Logo
-Worse strap
Maybe if you are the happy owner of a KW it would not be worth to do a change to ZFac, but vice versa is also correct in my opinion. Maybe it would be worth to swap KW strap with a ZFac.
What is my choice? To be coherent with previously said, since I own a KW, I will keep this watch. But I will also buy the Zfac strap to do the swapping in my KW watch
If you like a more involved judgement I would say that, leaving aside the strap, I prefer KW version, since the whitish halo in crystal contour produces an overall less clean dial and KW dial inscriptions and CP are nicer (despite LSML and date wheel are worse than ZFac). Movement, although KW is better, is not decisive because the darkened display crystal and the rotor make difficult to notice the differences. The differences in mid-case shape, without direct side by side comparison and without knowing the flaws, are merely noticeable.
Anyway, two great reps and two great watches to be enjoyed for many time. They really are good choices for your next watch.
Thanks for reading
ALE
