Which 104 to buy - DSN or Ultimate

[polaris]

Looking to buy a stick/arabic automatic pam.
How accurate are the 104s available, or is there another model I should look at.

I am not planning on doing many mods. Likely limited to AR, Lume if required and a nice crown if I find one, but only after I have had the watch for a while and feel like investing a little into it. So which one has the least flaws and a better buy?

DSN 104G ~$300
(stolen from Frogman RWI - a recent DSN example) DSN didn't send me any pictures when I enquired, even though I asked for some.



Ultimate 104L from dealers ~$400



I am thinking of going DSN as it's cheaper and lumed. I get confused with all the nuances with the plethora of PAM models. These models any good, or should I steer clear of the 104s and get something else? If 104s no good how about an DSN 88 with cartel hands?

 

[PecMan]

i was asking wich 104 is better to goin (he does mods) so he told me the ultimate or whatever is a lot better plus the one from dsn does not come with super lumer , the 428$ ultimate is from hublot factory and goin said that u dont even need to change the date wheel that the one ull get its perfect (thick) and the becouse of the nice cyclop
so he told me ultimate is better and im not sure but he told me about the movement that is better 2 i hope i did help u

 

[hooligan]

Yep, the "Ultimate" version is better, due in no small part to the date font and cyclops.

Both dials really need to be relumed by a quality modder, IMO.

 

[COLDI]

Ultimate. Then relume. Add a toro cg and a T48 and you have an amazing piece.

 

[goin6633]

Let me give you a nice reason , here're two pics from my I phone , the pics will tell you where the beef is .

1. Gen 024 movement .

2. Ultimate 104 movement from Pecman .

And another reason why I suggest ultimate version is I'm very sure it will be able to upgrade the CG very easy . But not sure about the DSN version .

 

[polaris]

Thanks everyone who replied.

Phew I was going to go DSN by default, but now that it has been pointed out; a new datewheel and crystal negates any savings by going DSN.

Might go the 220, can't afford a nice strap right now with the Ultimate's cost Going overseas for a month in 5 weeks, so will wear it unlumed.

Again, thanks everyone

 

[PecMan]

save some money and send it to GOIN !!
i cant belive that is my watch !! ill take it to the expendables movie , we have a date!!

 

[polaris]

Last question;
How is the high bezel on the Ultimate? Not noticeable in real life? I guess it's a fair compromise over the other improvements. Is the cartel crystal compatible with DSNs? If it is, maybe DSN, Taka DW, cartel crystal, fine or taka AR.

 

[polaris]

bah, I'll go the Ultimate..
both have wonky '6's, L Swiss L, but DSN cyclops is much more obvious than the too high bezel. I am also keen on that bracelet now.

TBH, before I asked this question and started comparing photos I would have been happy with either. The extra scrutinizing has just made the subtle flaws more obvious.

 

[PeteM]

Last question;
How is the high bezel on the Ultimate? Not noticeable in real life? I guess it's a fair compromise over the other improvements. Is the cartel crystal compatible with DSNs? If it is, maybe DSN, Taka DW, cartel crystal, fine or taka AR.

Remember your talking about an Auto so case ie bezel is different as with gen cases. Manual or Auto.

 

[polaris]

Arrived home after an extended trip and this had been waiting for me for the last month;



I made the right choice with the 220. The bracelet looks great and I like the brushed/polished case/bezel.

 

[BADWIN BING]

That's an excellent choice of watch my friend. My rep collection is growing at a rapid rate but the 104 is my all time fave.

 

[PolonusTM]

I am expecting my 220 in few days now Important question:

- the bracelet has A LOT of screws, do you (Polaris) suspect they are in need to be tightened?

I think it is a common problem with such bracelets, i.e. DSSD bracelet had to be tightened - I almost lost one screw few days after receiving...

When I get mine there will be "bracelet meet Locktite" action, I suppose

 

[polaris]

The bracelet has many pieces. Unlike a rolex submariner bracelet it seems that all the links can be removed. There are 4 links that use bolts. For a 6.5" wrist I removed all 4 of these. The remainder of the links use friction pins.

So my bracelet has only 2 bolts. I have not used loctite yet. Due to the construction of the bracelet, the loosening of the bolt is unlikely.

 

[PolonusTM]

Polaris: thank you for being informative about the bracelet and - for the photo.

Aren't these bracelet links two-pieces combined together? That's where I wanted to use locktite, too.

 

[tommy_boy]

Polaris: thank you for being informative about the bracelet and - for the photo.

Aren't these bracelet links two-pieces combined together? That's where I wanted to use locktite, too.

Oh man, use blue loctite on the screws. If you can get some on the pins, do that, too. The pins will work themselves out eventually. Regardless, look at them everytime you put it on and have a small screwdriver handy.

Just my $0.02 USD.

 

[polaris]

Aren't these bracelet links two-pieces combined together? That's where I wanted to use locktite, too.

The links are two pieces combined. They seem to be using internal spring-bars or something similar. I don't see a way to dismantle the link.