I'd been looking for a gold dress watch, and when I saw this Fiftysix at the VC AD, I fell in love. I wanted to have a bit of a test-run before committing to a rather high-value purchase, so I decided to pick up a Rep first. According to my dealer (Non-TD), ZF is no longer making this model, and he recommended MKS as the best available now.
MKS markets bold claims, among which a long movement and a 'close to original Italian calfskin leather strap'. Although it was clear from the QC that neither of the claims was true, I GL'ed it anyway and just received the watch. So since I could hardly find any mention of this model in the forum, one hour in, I thought I'd share my impressions and some pics off the old phone.
Price: $321 USD, I currently live in China and paid 2350rmb
Dealer: Non-TD
Factory: MKS
Model: VC Fiftysix Self-winding 4600E/000R-B441 40 MM PINK GOLD
Overall, I had a good first impression. The watch looks good and wears the same on my wrist as the Gen. The colour of the RG is a little muted compared to the Gen, but that could be down to the favourable store lighting. The hacking mechanism and date setting appear to work the same as on the Gen. The rotor noise was a concern as I believe the movement is some sort of Miyota, but it's actually almost completely quiet.
Case: As I mentioned, the RG seems a little pale compared to Gen but dimensions are spot on, the watch is a little light but doesn't feel cheap.
Dial: At arms length, it looks very similar. However, up close and under certain lighting, it's missing some of the texture and lustre of the Gen, but it still looks beautiful. The numbers and markers stand out beautifully, and the colour perfectly matches the case. I'm surprised by the quality of the VC emblem, which is very sharp and not at all bevelled as I believe was a discrepancy on ZF models. The Date wheel also looks great, font is point on and the alignment is perfect.
I'd say the weak point, for me is the printing on the dial which is completely flat and slightly cheapens the otherwise very pretty dial.
The caseback: Reveals a very nicely decorated movement. The finishes are lovely and the rotor is RG colour same as on Gen which I believe was a problem on the ZF. Besides the superficial properties which are very satisfactory, it's clear that the movement isn't a clone but rather an off the shelf movement with a decorated plate applied. Look's great to me!
The clasp: Meh... a little flimsy but it works fine and I actually didn't have the chance to try gen as the clasp was wrapped up in the AD.
The strap: Probably the weak link; objectively not very nice to feel or look at. But I already have a replacement ready, as it's to be expected with leather strap reps.
Based on the photo's I've seen, I think it's roughly on par if not slightly better than the ZF version. Personally, I'm satisfied with the purchase and I am looking forward to running it in (on a new strap)!
I that's useful to someone!
MKS markets bold claims, among which a long movement and a 'close to original Italian calfskin leather strap'. Although it was clear from the QC that neither of the claims was true, I GL'ed it anyway and just received the watch. So since I could hardly find any mention of this model in the forum, one hour in, I thought I'd share my impressions and some pics off the old phone.
Price: $321 USD, I currently live in China and paid 2350rmb
Dealer: Non-TD
Factory: MKS
Model: VC Fiftysix Self-winding 4600E/000R-B441 40 MM PINK GOLD
Overall, I had a good first impression. The watch looks good and wears the same on my wrist as the Gen. The colour of the RG is a little muted compared to the Gen, but that could be down to the favourable store lighting. The hacking mechanism and date setting appear to work the same as on the Gen. The rotor noise was a concern as I believe the movement is some sort of Miyota, but it's actually almost completely quiet.
Case: As I mentioned, the RG seems a little pale compared to Gen but dimensions are spot on, the watch is a little light but doesn't feel cheap.
Dial: At arms length, it looks very similar. However, up close and under certain lighting, it's missing some of the texture and lustre of the Gen, but it still looks beautiful. The numbers and markers stand out beautifully, and the colour perfectly matches the case. I'm surprised by the quality of the VC emblem, which is very sharp and not at all bevelled as I believe was a discrepancy on ZF models. The Date wheel also looks great, font is point on and the alignment is perfect.
I'd say the weak point, for me is the printing on the dial which is completely flat and slightly cheapens the otherwise very pretty dial.
The caseback: Reveals a very nicely decorated movement. The finishes are lovely and the rotor is RG colour same as on Gen which I believe was a problem on the ZF. Besides the superficial properties which are very satisfactory, it's clear that the movement isn't a clone but rather an off the shelf movement with a decorated plate applied. Look's great to me!
The clasp: Meh... a little flimsy but it works fine and I actually didn't have the chance to try gen as the clasp was wrapped up in the AD.
The strap: Probably the weak link; objectively not very nice to feel or look at. But I already have a replacement ready, as it's to be expected with leather strap reps.
Based on the photo's I've seen, I think it's roughly on par if not slightly better than the ZF version. Personally, I'm satisfied with the purchase and I am looking forward to running it in (on a new strap)!
I that's useful to someone!
