Reps have come a long way since I last played.
What can $128 buy you? Lets take a look (Green arrow for Gen, Red for Rep):
First Tell is the Pearl of the Bezel Insert. But to this day, it is the most common mistake on a rep:
I bought a Clarks Replacement Bezel insert :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/25097107804...X:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_1240wt_1396
But I do not know yet if I am only taking the pearl or replacing the bezel. Because the Bezel Font is spot on:
0-15 minutes:
20 minutes:
30 minutes:
40 and 50 minutes:
In fact, most of the watch face is spot on:
Slight angle to show the Hour Marker Surrounds are correct thickness:
Even the lume is accurate:
Bezel Teeth is correct:
Now on to the case:
The second biggest tell is the Escape Valve. The Gen is polished while the Rep is dull: [BLINK]CORRECTION:[/BLINK] I have been informed that later SDs have matte escape valves, so this is accurate per serial #M of the rep.
Crystal is just slightly taller:
Crown position is lower than gen:
Lugs are pretty close:
The Caseback is the closest/ best I have ever seen, correct font and Rolex Crowns:
On to the Bracelet:
This is where it fails, but no one will see it:
Clasp:
Weight and feel is EXACTLY the same:
Video of Movement sweep:
https://vimeo.com/42226379
Overall a GREAT OUT OF THE BOX BUY FOR $128.
With minor modding, oil the bracelet , Change the Pearl (or Pop it out) you have a great rep. I liked it so much, I ordered a 2nd one as a backup. I always have a backup to my favorites.
Others have swam in the pool with it and have no problems. I have not tested that, yet.
UPDATE: NEW PEARL ON FACTORY BEZEL
I just changed the Pearl. Took the pearl from an WSO (ebay) aftermarket bezel for my 14060:
CHANGING THE PEARL
I used an exacto knife to lift the old pearl out of the bezel. I chose to do this over taking the whole bezel out. I am really good at mauling inserts trying to insert them back. :lol1:
BEFORE:
After "lifting" the bad pearl out and comparing to Gen and the New Pearl
New Pearl sat too high, hand drilled with a drill bit, ONE TURN AT A TIME. Shave and test set the pearl, shave and test set.
Try to shave while forcing more pressure on the BASE of the upside down triangle so you can keep most of the TIP of the triangle.
Took me 2 turns only.
You want the friction of the bezel vs the cup of the pearl as the main source of holding it in. I added a dab of crazy glue around the cup for insurance.
AFTER:
5/29/12 UPDATE: POOL TEST
Whats Memorial Day without BBQ and Pool time! I swam with the SD shallow and Deep End, NO PROBLEMS whatsoever.
I just checked again (day after) and no condensation inside.
BUT ALWAYS RINSE your watch (gen or rep) after going into the pool to wash off the salt or chlorine from the O-rings.
What can $128 buy you? Lets take a look (Green arrow for Gen, Red for Rep):
First Tell is the Pearl of the Bezel Insert. But to this day, it is the most common mistake on a rep:
I bought a Clarks Replacement Bezel insert :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/25097107804...X:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_1240wt_1396
But I do not know yet if I am only taking the pearl or replacing the bezel. Because the Bezel Font is spot on:
0-15 minutes:
20 minutes:
30 minutes:
40 and 50 minutes:
In fact, most of the watch face is spot on:
Slight angle to show the Hour Marker Surrounds are correct thickness:
Even the lume is accurate:
Bezel Teeth is correct:
Now on to the case:
Crystal is just slightly taller:
Crown position is lower than gen:
Lugs are pretty close:
The Caseback is the closest/ best I have ever seen, correct font and Rolex Crowns:
On to the Bracelet:
This is where it fails, but no one will see it:
Clasp:
Weight and feel is EXACTLY the same:
Video of Movement sweep:
https://vimeo.com/42226379
Overall a GREAT OUT OF THE BOX BUY FOR $128.
With minor modding, oil the bracelet , Change the Pearl (or Pop it out) you have a great rep. I liked it so much, I ordered a 2nd one as a backup. I always have a backup to my favorites.
Others have swam in the pool with it and have no problems. I have not tested that, yet.
UPDATE: NEW PEARL ON FACTORY BEZEL
I just changed the Pearl. Took the pearl from an WSO (ebay) aftermarket bezel for my 14060:
CHANGING THE PEARL
I used an exacto knife to lift the old pearl out of the bezel. I chose to do this over taking the whole bezel out. I am really good at mauling inserts trying to insert them back. :lol1:
BEFORE:
After "lifting" the bad pearl out and comparing to Gen and the New Pearl
New Pearl sat too high, hand drilled with a drill bit, ONE TURN AT A TIME. Shave and test set the pearl, shave and test set.
Try to shave while forcing more pressure on the BASE of the upside down triangle so you can keep most of the TIP of the triangle.
Took me 2 turns only.
You want the friction of the bezel vs the cup of the pearl as the main source of holding it in. I added a dab of crazy glue around the cup for insurance.
AFTER:
5/29/12 UPDATE: POOL TEST
Whats Memorial Day without BBQ and Pool time! I swam with the SD shallow and Deep End, NO PROBLEMS whatsoever.
I just checked again (day after) and no condensation inside.
BUT ALWAYS RINSE your watch (gen or rep) after going into the pool to wash off the salt or chlorine from the O-rings.
