The Best Santos needed for SUPER FRANKEN build...

[nixmazda]

I've been doing lots of leg work and reading up and there are very little write ups for the santos considering the insane amount of variations the TD offer. So, I'm calling all the Santos gurus out there to lend me a hand.

Here's the game plan. I have sourced a brand new Gen Cartier 049 movement, gen leather strap, gen deployment buckle, and gen crystal. All of which will be used in this super franken. I am looking for the following...

Criteria:
- Cartier Santos 100 XL
- Non-chronograph
- Steel case w/polished steel bezel
- White roman dial

Here's where I need your help!
1) Who offers the best example of this without it being the 99% gen one from puretime for nearly $2k? What makes your suggestion the best base (keep in mind dial is very important)?
2) Will the dial feet sit correctly on the gen Cartier 049 movement in the piece you suggested as the best starting point?
3) Will the gen Cartier 049 movement accept the rep crown/tube combo?
4) Will the rep case accept a gen crystal?
5) Hows the lume on the rep hand set? Is this something that could use a relume by one of the forums best (pbdad, vac, etc)?

I'm looking forward to ordering up the base so I can start this build. Give me your input guys!

 

[jbarry123]

check out the posts by "txcollector"in this thread on RWG forums (his 1st post is #3 in the thread)

http://www.rwg.cc/topic/126876-calling-all-cartier-santos-experts/

I think he has done something similar, and recommends Perfect Clones (not trusted here though I don't think, so be wary)

Other dealers may have the same version, but I am just going by Txcollector and his knowledge

 

[nixmazda]

check out the posts by "txcollector"in this thread on RWG forums (his 1st post is #3 in the thread)

http://www.rwg.cc/topic/126876-calling-all-cartier-santos-experts/

I think he has done something similar, and recommends Perfect Clones (not trusted here though I don't think, so be wary)

Other dealers may have the same version, but I am just going by Txcollector and his knowledge

Thanks for the link! Like you said, I wouldnt buy from a non TD just as a mental comfort. I'm looking to see if any other members or one of the TDs will chime in and give some input on which direction to take!

 

[Craig88]

Perfect clones might not be a TD here but they are over at the other rep forums so don't stress about them not being trustworthy.

Will be interesting to see how your franken turns out. Good luck

 

[sawalke4]

The thing that is not repped correctly is the spinel cabachon crown. Its an instant tell. Why have a super franken with a poor crown? You should source a gen crown also.

 

[nixmazda]

The thing that is not repped correctly is the spinel cabachon crown. Its an instant tell. Why have a super franken with a poor crown? You should source a gen crown also.

I've sourced a gen crown as well but don't have it in hand yet so I don't want to count on it until I own it.

 

[murklemark]

Perfect Clones aren't trusted due to a history of underhand pricing tactics, they're trusted in other rep forums, if they supply the best version for this build I'm sure you can stray from the path this once Looking forward to this build.

 

[nixmazda]

Perfect Clones aren't trusted due to a history of underhand pricing tactics, they're trusted in other rep forums, if they supply the best version for this build I'm sure you can stray from the path this once Looking forward to this build.

Maybe I'm looking at the wrong site but perfect-clones.net isn't working. Is this the right site?

 

[nixmazda]

Thanks for the pm with the link for their correct site. I'm pretty damn confused to be honest. It seems like perfect clones is offering a similar watch to what pure time has. There are a few different measurements of the same watch and I'm not sure which is correct. There are examples at 38.5 x 38.5 x 11 and then there are those that are thicker at 38.5 x 38.5 x 13. Which is the correct size for this piece? I've sent a few messages to pure time via pm on here and their reply is about 3 words then a link to one of their watches. The communication is pretty slim pickings with trying to get some detailed info.

 

[nixmazda]

Anyone else have any insight for me? Any help is appreciated guys!

 

[JC7]

FWIW you're choosing to go through what sounds like a lot of work for one of the most perfect out of the box replicas available... super rep status.

...that being said everyone has should do what makes them happy.

 

[nixmazda]

Ok so I'm running into an endless amount of brick walls. Although the TD's have been good with answering my messages, I'm a tad confused. It seems as if only one of the options they offer can support the gen movement. I have been told that they don't have any pictures of this one and it is in the $600+ range. Not only that but this particular one apparently has a pretty shotty dial and hands, which sucks.

This seems a bit strange especially as the majority have "made from 1:1 gen and will accept gen parts" plastered on the ad page of their site. In my opinion, if the piece won't support the gen movement then it is far from being a 1:1 rep. So I'm still on the hunt for a 1:1 rep case set....

 

[jbarry123]

Here is my understanding (I am looking to buy a Santos myself soon, and just sourced a gen strap)

there are actually many rep versions of the Santos 100 non-chrono. Trevor has one for $88, some with asian clones for around $300, and then there are ones using gen-like movements for $1000 (for an example http://www.ttw168.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21_163&products_id=9508)

The one I know that people recommend is the swiss movement $410 or so one that can be found at many dealers.


Though the $1000 may be a better bet for you, because I think you are likely to easily get to that price point on your own if you are going super franken on this.

Heck if you are going to put a gen movement, you might consider a used gen Santos... maybe more money but less hassle and you can actually re-sell it anywhere, where as a franken you can only really resell on 3or 4 rep boards.

My understanding is that the cheaper ones (less than $400) are different specs (ie, not right case size, wrong dial color, don't have the unique crown).

As for that slight variation in case size, it may just be dealer error. English is not these guys first language, and getting exact specs right is not often a big concern for them.

Let me know how it turns out.