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| | | 2017 WUS F71 Project watch, 'Emperor' |  |
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sixtysix
Consigliere
Posts : 7378
Join date : 2009-12-06
Age : 58
Location : North of Syracuse NY
|  Subject: 2017 WUS F71 Project watch, 'Emperor'  Sun Oct 21, 2018 2:08 pm | |
| Review of the ‘Emperor’, 2017 F71 Project watch. Blue Dial w/Date Version.
As I am not a professional watch reviewer, this write-up may lack some of the fancy words and the polished feel that the other wonderful reviewers have. I don’t expect this review will get any attention outside ofF71….so I am hoping that doesn’t matter much. ��. I wore the watch as I normally would my own, both at home and at work, I felt this was the best way to get to know this new watch.
Watch at home.
Watch at work.
Here are some links to other reviews:
https://forums.watchuseek.com/f899/fortunate-one-4775745.html
https://forums.watchuseek.com/f899/emperor-prototype-quick-hands-4767061.html
https://uhrforum.de/threads/vintage-dive-watch-prototype.364443/
https://forums.watchuseek.com/f74/hands-review-emperor-diver-prototype-2017-f71-project-watch-4771241.html
https://forums.watchuseek.com/f71/boatswain-reviews-f71-project-emperor-4798283.html
It’s amazing the dive watch project started back in August2017 is nearing its final stages and we have these beautiful prototypes to check out and evaluate. I feel like this project had a lot of great input fromthe group and we ended up with a very nicely done vintage style skin-diver. Iknow HKED and his crew did 99% of the work but all of us involved with the group voting should feel some pride in how it turned out.
First, I need to let you know how to get one. There will only be a maximum of 150 watches made. Available in Brown, Black and Blue (Blue version only has date). I actually have the blue and black dial on order for myself. Production has already started with delivery at the end of November, 2018. So,get your order in to ASAP reserve one. Go here to learn more https://forums.watchuseek.com/f899/14-f71-vintage-dive-watch-deposit-payment-4612309.htmlor send HKED an email at etse249@gmail.com .
Why Emperor? This penguin theme was another feature that the group came up with. The Emperor penguin is tough and the deepest diving of all the penguins, perfect for a diver’s watch. One person mentioned this and soon ideas for dials and case backs were presented. We had not seen another penguin themed diver, so this assured some uniqueness.
Specs, Case Diameter 40 mm, Crystal Diameter 31.3 mm, Lug to Lug Length 47 mm
Lug Width 20mm, Height 13.8mm, Screw Down Case Back, 20 ATM WR.
Movement, Seiko NH35A automatic, hacking, hand-winding. As F71 is the affordables forum, we picked the NH35 movement primarily for durability and cost. A quality automatic that doesn’t break the bank.
Sexy Domed crystal, A vintage style ‘Sexy’ domed sapphire crystal w/inner AR was used. The crystal looks great on the prototype and makes taking pictures easier because of the way the curve takes and reflects light.
Case, made of industry standard 316L Stainless. What's not standard is the design of case. HKED wanted it to be an original design from the beginning. Drilled lugs were suggested by the group and added to make strap changes a breeze. I had no issues with the case, smooth edges and comfortable whether on the bracelet or a NATO style strap. The case actually looks thinner on the wrist due to the curve of lugs and design of case, kind of a cool effect. As one of the other reviewers noted this will make it sit a bit high with two sections of NATO strap under case. I wore my NATO with only one strap slung under the case. It doesn’t look bad either way. Bezel turned nicely with no slop, the blue is the only one without a lumed bezel. Crown is nicely sized for watch; the production crown will be signed. Case back is fully etched with cool diving penguin and other needed info.
Let's try some NATOs
Dial, I love this dial! Bold markers with awesome superluminova! This is the kind of lume that glows in inside a lit room after a trip outside. I have a few Citizens like this and it’s great. The time can easily be read at an arm’s length away, as well as clear across the room! Hands are a wide, dagger style that suit the watch. The arrow on the seconds hands just adds to the vintage feel.
Bracelet, 20mm tapers to 18mm. The BOR (Beads of Rice) bracelet is a blast from the past and perfectly suited to this watch. I found it to be very comfortable and good looking. Flexible and smooth with short links and 3 adjustments on the clasp it was easy to get a perfect fit. Not a single hair pinched all week! The links are screwed together (not push pins) so you will need a good 1.0mm or 1.2mm screwdriver, a small bracelet block or watchmakers vise would help to hold the bracelet. I have both and didn’t use either one.  As with most multi-link bracelets the links will sometimes flip when you want them to flop…just take your time and it will come out great! The clasp is a very nice prototype but the production clasp will be even nicer with the Emperor Penguin logo on it.
Overall size, at 40mm (my personal lower size limit for a non-vintage watch) I had thought this may seem small, especially on my rather large (8+ inch) wrists. I generally gravitate to 42mm-44mm, but in wearing the watch for a week, I found that the size seemed just right for a vintage styled diver. I don’t remember thinking it seemed small, or wishing Ed had designed a larger case. Other watches I own with this size case: Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Compression, Rolex Explorer II, Hamilton Khaki Chrono, and Tag Heuer F1. When I wear these, I don’t feel they are ‘small’ either.
Final Verdict, As both a vintage fan and a modern watch fan, I find that a lot of my newer watches have ‘vintage’ styling cues. This one seems right up my alley. I actually hated to send this one to the next reviewer, I really liked the way it turned out! I thought some of this may be emotionally driven because I was part of the group from the beginning and feel like I helped bring it to life…. then I look at the other reviews and realize that it's actually a very nice watch. We were able to bring it in at price that puts it squarely in the affordable range. It’s a nice addition to the previous project watches F71 has made. I don't think I will cancel my order. :-!
____________________________________ Later, Gary Remember we are the caretakers of mechanical art.....
Member NAWCC, National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors | |
| | | | AtomicTom
Senior Consigliere
Posts : 19484
Join date : 2009-08-25
Age : 52
Location : New Jersey
| | Subject: Re: 2017 WUS F71 Project watch, 'Emperor' Mon Oct 22, 2018 1:14 pm | |
| Gary, honestly don't think a review can get any more professional !   Your pictures all by themselves leave you in awe, and speechless to tell the truth sir.  What an incredible job !!!  The way you describe the watch, as well as give us insight into everything that went into the watch behind the scenes is spectacular. ..It makes you appreciate the Emporer even more I think. ..By the way, can't believe there has never been a penguin based watch before. It's so cool that you guys could add in yet another unique element with this stunner like that, and be even more original !  Love the name, the phenomenal cases, and dials that feel vintage, but look different than any watch can think of. Not to mention the outstanding bezels, movements, crazy cool crystals, as well as case-backs, and of course bracelets ! ..Yowza, those are neat, and really bring that much more character to the watch. Even your NATO worked some amazing magic !  Think that is the key with this watch Gary ! ..Every detail just works great, and flows perfectly with the next sir.  It's so exciting to see, and has to make you guys beyond happy with how it all turned out. Can't imagine the Emporer being any nicer, or better. ..Seriously is another grand slam by you guys ! Thanks so much for the unbelievable review Gary, and all of the fantastic info about it too sir !!! ____________________________________  | |
| | | | sixtysix
Consigliere
Posts : 7378
Join date : 2009-12-06
Age : 58
Location : North of Syracuse NY
| | Subject: Re: 2017 WUS F71 Project watch, 'Emperor' Tue Oct 23, 2018 10:05 am | |
| Thanks Tom! ____________________________________ Later, GaryRemember we are the caretakers of mechanical art.....
Member NAWCC, National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors | |
| | | | AtomicTom
Senior Consigliere
Posts : 19484
Join date : 2009-08-25
Age : 52
Location : New Jersey
| | Subject: Re: 2017 WUS F71 Project watch, 'Emperor' Tue Oct 23, 2018 12:29 pm | |
| - sixtysix wrote:
- Thanks Tom!
You got it sir !  ..Thank YOU !  Such an outstanding watch, along with review to go along with it !!!  ____________________________________ | |
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