Quality differences in the DD2000 module: LWO283 vs AP3126

[tosoboso]

Hey guys,

Working on a new and exciting project (BB frankened dial), I've decided to add to my set a 3126 calibre. That came in the post the other day and while I was enjoying it I came to the conclusion that there is indeed very little visual difference in the chrono module from the LWO283s I've seen. Now I remember someone saying somewhere on the forum that the DD2000 module that AP use is different from the much cheaper LWO283, but to be honest looking at the module itself that is hard to confirm. I can also remember that most Swiss movements come in different grades, so it may very well be that the DD2000s too come in different grades, or it may just be that they have different finished while the quality of the materials and the mechanics are still the same.

Does anyone with the technical skills and knowledge have any experience with this issue?

The 1mln question here really is: other than a nicer finish on the main movement and a correct DW what is the added benefit of having a cal 3120/3126/ and the like as opposed to using the trusted 283s????

And a couple of photos to supplement the discussion:

my newly acquired 3126:

and an LWO283 photo from my archive:

 

[HNTR]

I'd be very interested in this answer as well. The module looks exactly the same, just prettied up on the 3126


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[HNTR]

Quick google turned up this: https://omegaforums.net/threads/tinkering-with-a-dubois-depraz-module.38806/ very interesting read!


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[blackboxes]

Nice comparison there T, cosmetically there doesn't seem to have any huge difference from the front really, am pretty surprised. Can I ask if the date and time set works the same on both movements as well?

That font looks perfect though.

 

[tosoboso]

Quick google turned up this: https://omegaforums.net/threads/tinkering-with-a-dubois-depraz-module.38806/ very interesting read!


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Great read, very informative! Thanks for sharing

 

[Digital.]

Interesting read, I've never had the chance to have a look at the 3126.
[MENTION=96203]tosoboso[/MENTION] any chance of treating us to a few more pics?

 

[tinitonsi]

Thx for sharing, bud
In my humble opinion, I think both use the same DD module. Difference is the movt.
The LWO uses an ETA-2892 while AP uses an in house 3120

 

[Limpy]

Thx for sharing, bud
In my humble opinion, I think both use the same DD module. Difference is the movt.
The LWO uses an ETA-2892 while AP uses an in house 3120

So whats the actual pro for the inhouse movement in comparison to the 2892? Is it more stable to work the dd2000 chronomodule?
If someone has to chose between those two, which way to go? Is it a question of price and availability in the end?

 

[tinitonsi]

So whats the actual pro for the inhouse movement in comparison to the 2892? Is it more stable to work the dd2000 chronomodule?
If someone has to chose between those two, which way to go? Is it a question of price and availability in the end?

Pros/cons? Any watchmaker can service a 2892 as it's a common ETA after all; the AP 3120 can be 100% serviced only at Le Brassus (I don't think AP sells spare parts for their movts) and it costs something like 3 brands new LWO, lol

But if you ask me which one to choose, I go for the 3126 all the way

 

[Retina]

Turn it around.

 

[tyrantblade]

They do seem almost identical with very minor differences and different finishing

 

[Retina]

the AP 3120 can be 100% serviced only at Le Brassus

depends on your watch smith. A competent one would be able to do a similar job at a lower cost.

Although its true that a watch with damaged gen parts will be required to be sent back for replacements.

 

[tinitonsi]

depends on your watch smith. A competent one would be able to do a similar job at a lower cost.

Although its true that a watch with damaged gen parts will be required to be sent back for replacements.

I meant with original spare parts...

 

[tosoboso]

Interesting read, I've never had the chance to have a look at the 3126.
@tosoboso any chance of treating us to a few more pics?

I will take a few more photos over the weekend. I may get a stand alone DD2000 module very soon too so I'll add photos of that too if it arrives in time

 

[tosoboso]

I meant with original spare parts...

[MENTION=81082]tinitonsi[/MENTION] & [MENTION=93698]Retina[/MENTION], I've heard different things about servicing of AP cal by independent watch smiths - some are able to get the parts, some not. Now it probably too depends on the specific parts that are spent and need replacing - if you need ceramic ballbearing that would probably be a tough one - this was indeed a consideration when I was thinking about getting the 3126, but hey what can go wrong - if it dies, then I'll have a good desk AP collection for me to admire while wearing a good old Seiko

 

[Retina]

[MENTION=81082]tinitonsi[/MENTION] & [MENTION=93698]Retina[/MENTION], I've heard different things about servicing of AP cal by independent watch smiths - some are able to get the parts, some not. Now it probably too depends on the specific parts that are spent and need replacing - if you need ceramic ballbearing that would probably be a tough one - this was indeed a consideration when I was thinking about getting the 3126, but hey what can go wrong - if it dies, then I'll have a good desk AP collection for me to admire while wearing a good old Seiko

My local watchsmith is definitely able and capable to service an AP. A true professional would tell you if he can or cannot service it upfront to not waste time, but sometimes it will require some openwork before they can determine that.

To your question, I would'nt bother much about it, an LWO works just as fine and you can always send it for servicing or replace it much cheaper than a gen 3126

Any movement which are Swiss made is a mark of quality IMO, the differences on finishing is an exponential curve in the price line


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[pfdamion876]

If I remember correctly the gen movement changes the date by rotating the crown up, while the LWO rotates the crown down. Can someone confirm?

 

[Digital.]

I will take a few more photos over the weekend. I may get a stand alone DD2000 module very soon too so I'll add photos of that too if it arrives in time

Looking forward to it. I'm also waiting on a DD module to arrive. Was an absolute nightmare to find without the movement, i've been waiting a while!

 

[tosoboso]

Interesting read, I've never had the chance to have a look at the 3126.
@tosoboso any chance of treating us to a few more pics?

Not my photos, borrowed them from a C&R thread on RG