Updates from (the) Real Simons

[Shanghai-Mayne]

Business trip at Japan

 

[CBI]

Jan - reasons for Real Simmons vs. a Bronson? in re B-15c????

 

[mulceber]

Full disclosure, I haven't handled Bronson's version, but just going from the pics, I think the mouton is nicer and it has an original contract label (Pritzker).

I gather @Shanghai-Mayne has more experience with both repros. Maybe he can share his thoughts.

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

Beside what Jan has mentioned.

Simons used better material, out shell , insulation liner (3M fiber) , and knits are full wool.

Compare Their cut/pattern, Simons is a bit better , on shoulder area.

Consider their price on TB , it is fair for Simons ask about 16 dollars more.

---

What not accurate on Simons is the zip.

Their explanation is, their Conmar/Ideal zip is authorized real deal, and it is good for universal chain of supply, as result, the jacket cost 140 dollars.

Other option is use un-authorized (fake ) zip (but correct) , or authorized japanese made zip.(very expensive)

 

[mulceber]

What not accurate on Simons is the zip.

Their explanation is, their Conmar/Ideal zip is authorized real deal, and it is good for universal chain of supply, as result, the jacket cost 140 dollars.

Other option is use un-authorized (fake ) zip (but correct) , or authorized japanese made zip.(very expensive)

And I'll add that Bronson doesn't get that right either. But Simons has the right zipper chain for the sleeve pocket zipper, so if you're a zipper nerd (guilty), it'll be a bit easier to upgrade the zippers on RS than Bronson.

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

Second,

Build right zip with un-authorized method is not cheap either.
Even for those Jacket gonna export to Japanese fake market, they don’t use right zip.

 

[coolhandluke]

And I'll add that Bronson doesn't get that right either. But Simons has the right zipper chain for the sleeve pocket zipper, so if you're a zipper nerd (guilty), it'll be a bit easier to upgrade the zippers on RS than Bronson.

Jan,

How do you swap out zipper pulls on a chain that is captured at the bottom, like on the sleeve zip? I'm only aware of how to do that on a zipper with separated halves. I'm assuming that you'd need fully zip the chain, remove the zipper pull, and somehow reinstall a new pull without allowing the chain to become separated. Sounds like a nightmare, if not impossible.

 

[mulceber]

Jan,

How do you swap out zipper pulls on a chain that is captured at the bottom, like on the sleeve zip? I'm only aware of how to do that on a zipper with separated halves. I'm assuming that you'd need fully zip the chain, remove the zipper pull, and somehow reinstall a new pull without allowing the chain to become separated. Sounds like a nightmare, if not impossible.

I’ll let you know after I do it. I imagine I’ll have to do exactly that. It getting separated isn’t irreparable though. Just annoying.

 

[coolhandluke]

I’ll let you know after I do it. I imagine I’ll have to do exactly that. It getting separated isn’t irreparable though. Just annoying.

You might try using a safety pin through the tape to hold the chain together, while you're feeing the pull onto the ends of the chain. Just a thought.

 

[mulceber]

You might try using a safety pin through the tape to hold the chain together, while you're feeing the pull onto the ends of the chain. Just a thought.

Well, the switch has been made. Would I recommend doing what I did? Nope! It was every bit as difficult as you predicted, Lucas, and the teeth got misaligned multiple times. Finally, after about a half hour’s work, plenty of graphite and removing a tooth from the top of the zipper chain, I got it working smoothly. It’s better left to a professional though. On the bright side, the slider is looking authentically worn after all that abuse!

 

[coolhandluke]

View attachment 179249

Well, the switch has been made. Would I recommend doing what I did? Nope! It was every bit as difficult as you predicted, Lucas, and the teeth got misaligned multiple times. Finally, after about a half hour’s work, plenty of graphite and removing a tooth from the top of the zipper chain, I got it working smoothly. It’s better left to a professional thought. On the bright side, the slider is looking authentically worn after all that abuse!
View attachment 179253

Looks great Jan! In the name of science, I sacrificed a pair of artic trousers to see if I could get a zipper pull back on both sides of the tape from the top side. No dice on my end, although I didn't try removing one of the teeth. I probably screwed with it for over two hours before throwing in the towel. I think I'll just avoid buying anything that requires upgrades to sleeve or handwarmer pockets or to side zips, like on a B-6.

Did you handstitch that pull tab back on? You did an A+ job if so.

 

[mulceber]

Did you handstitch that pull tab back on? You did an A+ job if so.

Right now it’s just attached with a dab of leather glue. Natalie has agreed to re-stitch it later.

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

DIY it Jan, all greatest suit tailors are man.

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

Order to made, sell point is, choose best HH , nearly no flaws on surface

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

Search and Study

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

Horween steer hide.

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

My B15C (Simons§) after machine wash

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

My B15C (Simons§) after machine wash

View attachment 185519

I would like to store it for a year, see what gonna happen.

 

[Shanghai-Mayne]

A customer special order jacket, HH imported from a Europe tanner.