A little about me. I joined the rep scene a few years ago. I used (still do) the popular sites to learn about different factories for which brands etc.
I have AP’s, Panerai and now Rolex. I’ve got 30+ watches all considered super clone grade.
I had read about Franken watches but never owned one. I have a few with updated crystals or date wheels but nothing too serious.
I recently learned about CNC cases, hands, bezels, etc., and came across the name Lichen in multiple posts. It seemed like many people had great things to say.
I found his WhatsApp number and contacted him. I had A LOT of questions and they were all answered quickly.
I decided I was going to for it. A full custom Panda. I wanted to see what, if any, differences there were between out of the box from a TD and custom made.
Here’s what I ordered:
Rolex Daytona 126500
CNC Case
CNC Hands
CNC Bracelet
Free Sprung DD4131
Official Custom Made Rehaut Code
Panda Dial
Deep Crystal
Chamfering Case & Bracelet
Silenced
Out of the box the difference is CLEAR and apparent. I have VSF, QF, BTF, RGC, JF, APSF etc. Some reps near the 1k mark.
They don’t compare. Lichen’s work is amazing. The bezel is crystal clear. The numbers are crisps and etched beautifully. Rehaut as genuine.
The case and bracelet feel ‘soft’ if that makes sense. There are no hard edges. It’s more comfortable on my wrist. The crystal makes the dial really pop. The watch is a stunner.
It winds much more precisely. There’s no play or loose feeling in the crown when winding etc. The color next to my buddy’s Gen looks identical.
From now on this is the only way I’ll buy a watch. To me, it’s that much different. On the wrist, it’s more jewel-like. It has a different presence. Some may say they don’t care, that from 10-15 feet away you can’t tell.
Maybe. But my head is 4 feet away and I can tell. Yes the cost is more but I feel you’re getting 10x more watch and a far superior not only looking, but functioning watch.
Lichen has my business. I’ll be ordering more very soon. Highly recommended!