The Beast which factory to choose?

[legend]

I have been searching up and down, left and right, for a TD sourced Beast replica. The closest I have found is this one from JJF:

AP0817A - AP ROO Chronograph SS/SS Blue/Dot JJF A3126 Mod [AP0817A] - $698.00 : Trusty Time Watch, Your Trusty Watch Shop

Trusty Time Watch AP0817A - AP ROO Chronograph SS/SS Blue/Dot JJF A3126 Mod [AP0817A] - JJF Factory AP Royal Oak Offshore 26238ST.OO.2000ST.01 MOVEMENT: Asia 7750 Automatic with Secs @12, 28800bph with Decorated Rotor & Platinum Plated Bridges & Plates like Genuine Calibre AP 3126 CASE DIAMETER...

trustytime888.io

Despite the description, this is closer to a 26237 than a 26238 (closed case back, second placement @12, etc). The major issue is JJF put a white text on black background datewheel. JJF makes the correct color datewheel on some of their other watches. I have asked my TD about whether they have fixed the DW. @legend any additional thoughts on this one or any other currently-made Beast reps? I have read almost all of your posts on the topic about going m2m or doing a custom build.

Like you mentioned this is more like a 26237, and yes, the 26237ST and 26238ST are both supposed to have a white background datewheel.
The 26237 has a date font which has never been repped by the factories either so no matter which way you look at it, it will be flawed.
My advice is not to be too pedantic about the flaws. For rep ROOs there would be many, unless you go franken. This will reduce some of the flaws, but it still will never be perfect.
Just look past the flaws, this is as good as it will get unless a clone movement is adopted.

 

[critical_]

@legend I appreciate you always responding. Now I need to find someone to build me a franken Beast. This hobby is a bottomless pit of both fun and money. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

[legend]

@legend I appreciate you always responding. Now I need to find someone to build me a franken Beast. This hobby is a bottomless pit of both fun and money. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

When it is a valid question tagged to me I will always respond.