ZF (current version) vs KW Pam 312 - Another comparision

[CybNoX]

I posted a while back, wanting to embark on a project to put together a PAM 312, KW case set & hands with ZF dial & date wheel.

Having 2 friends with Gen 312, I took the plunge to order ZF Pam 312 from Amanda (KW, yes - she helped to source) and even though I raised my concerns that the color of the inscriptions doesn't look too right during QC phase; I still proceed with good faith in Amanda.

the watch arrived but to my unpleasant surprise

1) ZF dial is now brownish, inscriptions are also now brownish like KW. KW on the left, ZF on the right



2) ZF prints are slightly raised; doesn't show up in photos well but obvious in person

ZF's



KW's



3) Glass, KW is slightly higher raised - maybe more round? Closer to Gen



4) Others

i) ZF: the hour markers of ZF more yellowish
ii) ZF: dates print on date wheel is greenish, quite a mismatch to the rest of the inscriptions
iii) ZF: Date wheel window - the white sandwich dial line is no long visible anymore (thumbs up for this)
iii) KW: L Swiss Made L is yellowish white, closer to Gen

overall, having order 3 KW Pam 312s, I must say KW quality is more consistent. Only thing is the CG lever is make or break, 1 pc came loose and only 1 has a snap like Gen. KW definitely has a better feel

1 last photo,

ZF (via KW-Amanda) insisted that this updated version is closer to the gen, which i disagree and so yes, I am trying to resolve this with Amanda.

I wouldn't go for another ZF after going through this ordeal.

hope this review helps in your purchase considerations.

 

[kilowattore]

Thanks for the comparison, very useful.
I think this is the first time I see a ZF and a KW side by side, and I would say KW wins hands down due to the wrong brownish color of ZF dial.

You say you have two friends who own a gen 312, would there be any chance you borrow.at least one of them for a.complete comparo?
At least I would like to hear your opinion about dial color and inscriptions.color compared to gen (if possible specify which series as well).

In any case thanks again for sharing!

 

[CybNoX]

Thanks for the comparison, very useful.
I think this is the first time I see a ZF and a KW side by side, and I would say KW wins hands down due to the wrong brownish color of ZF dial.

You say you have two friends who own a gen 312, would there be any chance you borrow.at least one of them for a.complete comparo?
At least I would like to hear your opinion about dial color and inscriptions.color compared to gen (if possible specify which series as well).

In any case thanks again for sharing!

sure, will try get some side by side shots.

 

[granvino]

It is a shame that KW hasn't corrected the font color. That's why I sold mine.

 

[pokeer27]

Thanks!!! for doing this helped me a lot

 

[CybNoX]

Side by Side Comparison between Gen- P series vs KW's O series

1) Dial - Gen on the left, KW on the right. Gen inscription is creamy white, slightly raised



2) Case Set -KW seems slightly thicker



3) Back case engravings; OP XXXX, BB XXXXXXX. Gen -2 rows, KW - 1 sequential row




4) Sapphire Glass - not captured in photo. KW's bevel edge is just a little wider, not really noticeable.

Conclusion: if KW ever fix the dial inscription colors, they will be really very very close to Gen.

 

[kilowattore]

Side by Side Comparison between Gen- P series vs KW's O series

1) Dial - Gen on the left, KW on the right. Gen inscription is creamy white, slightly raised



2) Case Set -KW seems slightly thicker



3) Back case engravings; OP XXXX, BB XXXXXXX. Gen -2 rows, KW - 1 sequential row




4) Sapphire Glass - not captured in photo. KW's bevel edge is just a little wider, not really noticeable.

Conclusion: if KW ever fix the dial inscription colors, they will be really very very close to Gen.

And maybe improvea little the DW font

Thank you very much for the pics, very clear and useful!

 

[Perry]

Little reason to buy the gen. So close!

 

[Isragg16]

Thanks for the comparo bud.

The KW is well worth the money.

 

[EkaSN]

Is KW replica is the best 312 now?
btw thank you for the great pic!

 

[Uberschall]

Great comparison - rep points added.

Just a comment about the caseback:

3) Back case engravings; OP XXXX, BB XXXXXXX. Gen -2 rows, KW - 1 sequential row

They must have changed the OP/BB engravings with the P series... The KW is an 'O' and is accurate. Here are pics of casebacks for series K,L,M,N,O,P (all gen of course):

312 K

312 L

312 M

312 N

312 O

312 P - The photo was overexposed but you can clearly see the 2 rows as mentioned. :wink:

 

[Uberschall]

Here's the dial of the same 'P' series watch in my last post; the KW 312 is very close to gen, IMHO:

 

[Thrasher]

On a KW 312 I know the Lug size is 24 Right? Is the buckle size 22 or 24 stock from TD.

 

[Uberschall]

On a KW 312 I know the Lug size is 24 Right? Is the buckle size 22 or 24 stock from TD.

It is 24/22 on gen and rep 'out of the box'.

 

[Thrasher]

Thank you, You are very wise and have calmed me with your simple solution!!!

 

[AGL]

Real close. I noticed was the DW numbers closer together and slightly thicker than the gen. If they use a thinner font and spaced the numbers out better they'd be good to go.

The font on the CG is also slightly thicker on the REP.

 

[Thrasher]

Is the seconds hand thinner on the Gen? Also this is mine from Amanda, On its way!

 

[Uberschall]

It looks great to me.

That second hand probably looks bigger to you because the lume/edges blend into each other in that picture.

They look pretty much identical to me.

Take a look at the follow two pics:

GEN

KW 312

 

[Thrasher]

KW crown needs to press into case further, of course only maniacs like us would ever notice!

 

[Thrasher]

Arrived.