This article focuses on the 5711A blue dial—covering the evolution of the GEN versions, differences among mainstream replica dials, and practical upgrade strategies.
By the end, you should be able to judge whether you need a dial replacement and how to choose the most suitable option.
Purpose of This Article
1. To provide beginners with a complete understanding of the 5711A blue dial
When I first entered the world of the 5711A, I spent a long time reading articles, consulting with sellers, and comparing various versions.
I hope this guide helps you quickly understand the characteristics of each dial version and reduces the information gap.
2. 帮助玩家确定他们是否真的需要更换拨盘
并非所有人都需要更换旋钮——毕竟，旋钮加上安装费用可能要几百美元。
本文将帮助您确定：
- 真的有必要更换吗？
- 您当前的表盘是否与特定的 GEN 代数相匹配？
- 尽管存在一些明显的缺陷，但 DDF（目前最好的“基本拨号盘”）是否能满足您的需求。
3. Replica 5711A buyers typically fall into three categories
(1) Budget-conscious buyers who feel the DDF is sufficient
Since the release of the DDF version, it has essentially become the default option for the basic 5711.
(2) Buyers with limited budget who only want to upgrade front-facing components
(dial, hands, date window, etc.)
(3) Higher-budget users planning to replace all top-tier components
—the “ultimate modification” approach.
I. Evolution of the Three GEN Versions of the 5711A Blue Dial
To discuss whether a replica is “correct,” we must first understand the three main GEN versions.
The GEN dial generations are:
- MK1 (2006–2018)
- MK2 (2008–2009, short-lived, nicknamed the LED Dial)
- MK3 (2018–2021, final version before discontinuation)
1. MK1 (2006–2018)
The longest production run and the most common version.
Key Features:
- Font Position:“Patek Philippe / Geneve” printed on the raised horizontal bars
- Color:Blue-gray tone with fine gradients under different angles
- Overall Appearance:Warm, translucent, and highly layered
MK1 Example
2. MK2 (2008–2009 | LED Dial)
Extremely short production period and the rarest GEN version.
Key Features:
- Wider and fewer horizontal bars, creating a more open visual appearance
- Fonts still printed on the bars
- The most reliable way to identify MK2: count the horizontal stripes
MK2 Example
3. MK3 (2018–2021 | Discontinued Version)
The final version before the 5711A was discontinued.
Key Features:
- Font is no longer printed on the raised horizontal bars(major differentiator)
- Color:Dark blue / blue-black, especially noticeable under low light
MK3 Example
II. Mainstream Replica Dials: Version Mapping & Common Issues
The current replica market is dominated by four factories: SW, BUFF, DDF, BBF.
Below is an analysis of which GEN version they follow and their typical issues.
1. SW (Closest to GEN MK3)
- Corresponding GEN Version:MK3
- Font Alignment:Separate lines, matching MK3
Advantages:
- Attractive blue-black tone
- Good print quality and lume
Issues:
- Center-to-edge gradient is relatively weak
(not obvious to casual users, but a flaw for “restoration purists”)
SW Official Latest Version Image
SW Corresponding GEN MK3 Image
2. BUFF (Corresponds to GEN MK1 | My personal top recommendation)
- Corresponding Version:MK1 (highly accurate)
Advantages:
- Color, depth, and blue-gray tone are extremely close to GEN MK1
- Real-life appearance is very similar to the genuine dial
Common Misunderstanding:
- Players only familiar with MK3 may think BUFF MK1 is “not blue enough”
- In reality, MK1 is supposed to be blue-gray, not deep blue
Additional Note:
BUFF produces two different base plates: MK1 and MK3
—MK1 is clearly the stronger version.
BUFF MK1 (my photo)
BUFF MK3 (official photo)
3. DDF (Corresponds to GEN MK1 | The most common “base option”)
- Corresponding Version:MK1
Advantages:
A solid overall dial, widely accepted as the best “entry-level base plate.”
Issues:
- Blue tone is slightly inaccurate
- Horizontal texture lacks the refinement of GEN
- Font weight differs from genuine
DDF Disassembled Dial
4. BBF (Similar to MK2, but inconsistent colors/fonts | Not recommended)
- Corresponding version:Horizontal bar layout resembles MK2
Problems:
- Fonts look more like MK1
- Color resembles MK3
→ Resulting in a hybrid styleinconsistent with any GEN generation
BBF Dial
Quick Version Matching Guide (Replica → GEN)
| GEN Version You Want | Recommended Replica |
| MK3 | SW |
| MK1 | BUFF (highly recommended) |
| MK2 | No accurate replica available; proceed with caution |
III. My Modification Logic & Practical Recommendations
1. Real-life visual performance is always more important than photos
The 5711 blue dial is extremely sensitive to light and viewing angles.
The real-world look differs greatly from what photos show.
Before choosing a dial, ask yourself:
Are you trying to replicate MK1, MK3, or the rare MK2?
Once you know the target version, evaluating replica accuracy becomes much easier.
2. My “One-Time Complete Solution”
Detailed in my previous post:
👉 https://forum.replica-watch.info/th…ce-and-modification-recommendations.11019523/
I recommend selecting a complete upgrade set based on your expectations to avoid repeated replacement costs.
3. Future Trends of Replica Development & Buying Strategy
- SW / BUFF:
Confirmed no further updates planned - DDF / BBF:
Possible future iterations, but timelines are unknown
Therefore:
→ Buy the version that meets your needs right now.
Avoid accumulating “sunk costs” from repeated upgrading.
See your image placeholders
Conclusion
Once you understand the three GEN versions of the 5711A blue dial, all questions about “accuracy,” “which replica is best,” and “how to modify your watch” become much easier to answer.
I hope this guide helps anyone preparing for a 5711 modification journey.
You are welcome to share real-life photos, insights, and discussions.
Thank you for reading.