Hi
I was just wondering how many different makers of the HH watches are their ?
I mean are there hundreds of factories or do the dealers get them from one or two
How can you tell the different grades ?
Thanks
There are probably so many that it's not possible to count. However, a better question is: How many makers are there of reps that are worth considering?
Even that is a tricky question. The short list:
V1 - The original and considered by many to be the best. All case parts allegedly 1:1 with the gen. Uses best hi beat A7750 movement. Great double AR on crystal.
V2 - Well made rep, but not 1:1. H-screws and other parts are not interchangeable with gen (or the V1 reps). Uses less reliable low beat A7750 movement. Great double AR on crystal.
V3 - Usually sold on a beautiful bracelet. Again, not 1:1, but still very nice. Low beat A7750. Nice datewheel, but no AR on crystal.
V4 - Produced only the Senna model. Very nice rep, in some ways better than V1. Probably 1:1 like the V1 as well. Hi beat A7750 and great double AR.
V5 - Probably from the same maker as the V4 above. Specs as above. Latest models. This maker is not producing any of the same models made by the V1 maker.
V1.5 (aka V1 Lite) - Just released after Christmas 2010. Full ceramic models only. Same as V1 at less than half the price, but supposedly based on different (inferior) inner case core that uses different size H-screws, bezel and strap covers. Information unconfirmed because no one has actually received one yet.
Most other versions will either use quartz movements or A21 jewel movements, and they really aren't worth your time.