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U-Boat U-42 - Champagn Dial - Pics and Review

Mirage

I'm Pretty Popular
24/1/12
1,184
5
0
Well, It just arrived today! First impression is: WHOOO! That is huge!

So before I talk to you about this chunk of heavy metal, here are some shot I took tonight.

RPT_MG_3722.jpg

RPT_MG_3730.jpg

RPT_MG_3737.jpg

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RPT_MG_3892.jpg

RPT_MG_3895.jpg



Now here is my small review after owning it for 4 hours ;)

-Case: Very well finished, although many dealers are advertising it as Titanium, it is not! This watch is made of steel and is very heavy. The back cover is comfortable.

-Dial: Color seems to be spot on if I compare to the OEM website. The markers are well aligned and well defined. No lume on this watch and no date.

-Hands: Nothing to complain other than No Lume.

-Crown: The shaft that deploys to act as a crown is very well made and feels good. It has a spring and a ball that will maintain it in straight position when adjusting the time. The retainer mechanism that holds the Shaft when not adjusting the watch is very cheap. Lots of side play and you can feel the spring rubbing the case when depressing it.

-Bezel: Big disappointment there. The locking lever feels nice and solid, but when released, the bezel is very loose and rattles on the watch and even has side play. Sounds cheap. I believe if I could put a seal between the bezel and the case that would resolve the issue.

-Movement: Another disappointment, this watch is advertised everywhere as being equipped with a manual wind movement and even some dealers will say it is equipped with a A6497. Well guess what, the watch was already running when I unpacked it. And I can easily ear the rotor spinning when shaking it. Must be a 21j @ 21,600bph. Ill open it later to take some shots.

-Bracelet: All Reps I have seen are equipped with leather imitation bracelets. This one is no exception. But even though it is very thick, it is also very flexible.

-Buckle: Very well made, big, heavy, solid... just like the rest of the watch.


Overall, This is the most accurate U-42 rep out there as per my research and I am very satisfied with my purchase. I will wear this watch more often than anticipated (I was a bit scared of its size).

Do you guys think it is too big for my 7.25 inch wrist?
 

Lelouch

I'm Pretty Popular
18/8/11
1,315
7
38
nice U-Boat rep! Which dealer sold you this? If it was one of our TDs don't forget to post a review on the TD's buyer review section!
 

levelmanroger

Mythical Poster
Certified
1/10/08
9,767
76
48
Texas
Looks quite good on your wrist!

As for the loose bezel, perhaps the old dental floss trick made popular on Rolex Sub reps would do the trick.

Thanks for sharing your review!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Mirage

I'm Pretty Popular
24/1/12
1,184
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I bought these two watches from Mary, she is not a trusted dealer on here anymore I believe.

Thank you for the tip levelmanroger, I will sure try that out!
 

wolfwood

Respected Member
4/2/11
5,117
289
83
They finally fixed the crooked U-42 face plate and added the serial number. There are 3 holes on the back without screws. Are they missing? So the rotor rotates pretty loud when you are wearing it then?

How much? I always want to get one but just couldn't get over the face plate thing but now there is hope.

Thanks for sharing.
 

Mirage

I'm Pretty Popular
24/1/12
1,184
5
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They finally fixed the crooked U-42 face plate and added the serial number. There are 3 holes on the back without screws. Are they missing? So the rotor rotates pretty loud when you are wearing it then?

How much? I always want to get one but just couldn't get over the face plate thing but now there is hope.

Thanks for sharing.
The three holes you are referring to are in fact an other type of screws on the Gen. On the Rep they act as location pins, and they are part of the casing. So no need to find that rare screw diver to open it ;)

The rotor is pretty quiet.

Price was just under 150$.
 

lx5

Active Member
16/2/12
214
0
16
The original u42 came in 2 models, for the 99 pieces its a mechanical handwind, and the 999 pieces is with a auto movement, so this watch is correct!
 

Mirage

I'm Pretty Popular
24/1/12
1,184
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-Movement: Another disappointment, this watch is advertised everywhere as being equipped with a manual wind movement and even some dealers will say it is equipped with a A6497. Well guess what, the watch was already running when I unpacked it. And I can easily ear the rotor spinning when shaking it. Must be a 21j @ 21,600bph. Ill open it later to take some shots.


Decided to open her up, here is what is inside. Anybody can confirm what is this movement? I believe it is a low beat A21J.

RPTU42Inside.jpg
 

TheBattler

Active Member
26/7/10
408
0
0
Decided to open her up, here is what is inside. Anybody can confirm what is this movement? I believe it is a low beat A21J.

RPTU42Inside.jpg

Yup. Looks like a little bit nicer quality than typical low beat, tipped off by that red colored gear.

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