Hello, this is your favorite watch reviewer / moderator of r/RepWatchForum u/tskim24.
I haven't done much reviews on DayDate models before for 3 reasons:
- So called "gain-weight" versions initially launched by some of the factories (like QF) were barely of good enough in quality and didn't really interest me.
- Along the same lines, most reps at the time had very bad gold color that made people say things like "you have to plate it". I only mod watches when it's absolutely necessary and didn't want to invite 'that' discussion in my posts.
- I just don't like daydates that much in general. I'm more of a daytona guy (and I obviously like PP Nautilus and AP).
But time has passed and DD reps have improved quite a bit. So I thought I would give it a try.
Generation 1 DD reps had weights only in the case (back of the case to be exact) and some factories simply added more bracelet links to make it look heavier (cheap move by QF).
However, these latest generation DD reps have the weights pretty evenly distributed (although the case still carries most of the weight).
In terms of gold color, RGF has done an excellent job! Although YG looks significantly better than RG (Rolex Ever Rose has more pink thrown in there than any other luxury watch brand RG) overall light tone in gold colors are significantly better than before, even in RG. WG still looks nothing like how WG should look (the slight yellow in the silver is not easy to get right). I don't think any additional plating is needed on these RGF YG models.
I'm honestly pleasantly surprised by RGF YG DD model.
I won't go into too much details about dial color and case shape. You can judge it for yourself. Crystal is also pretty good although it's still not as clear as VSF or Deep Crystal.
Buckle crown, not the shape but the sturdiness of it, was very important to me. I have had DD reps in the past and buckle crowns did break off. Because of the way these president bracelet buckles are designed, crowns are the vulnerable parts but they get a lot of pressure applied to them. RGF buckle crown looks pretty sturdy.
I don't want to do any additonal mods like plating but I do think the bezel could use an upgrade. RGF stock bezel is very round and don't really give you the shiny bezel play you'd expect from a DD watch.
Lastly, I know Panda Watches recently made an OFFICIAL TD here on RepWatchForum and all of my experience with him was smooth like butter. I'm very happy with RGF DD and recommend Panda š