Made in China - Monarch A-2 repros

[thor]

Thanks Jack! Appreciate your opinion.

 

[HackerF15E]

Earlier you mentioned that you normally wear a 44L suit jacket. What size did you order the Monarch in?

 

[thor]

I ordered the size 46. I checked the measurements, emailed Barry (the sales rep on eBay) and rolled the dice. Sleeve length is always my greatest concern. But the jacket fits perfect. The leather sleeve is 24 inches and there is a 3 inch cuff. The cuffs are a wool blend and pretty sustantial (tighter knit then the 2.5 inch all wool original cuffs). All in all, I am very satisfied.

 

[subject101]

I looks nice to me! If you have time, some close ups of the leather and stiches would be great

 

[thor]

I will get some close-ups as soon as possible, probably have some real free time this weekend. Stay tuned....

 

[too much coffee]

Hello thor!

Your new jacket fits you well and I like the looks of the jacket itself. You're a brave man for being the first on the Forum to order Chinese Monarch and I tip my hat to you Sir. Perhaps the grain will start to pop once you wear it in the wet; salt water and rain. Good luck with the jacket.

Best regards, coffee

 

[thor]

Thank you coffee! And you are right...already in the high flex areas (shoulders, elbows, underarms) where there is alot of creasing action, the grain is definitely coming out! I'm actually looking forward to some more rain!

And this jacket has a lighter tan/khaki thread stitching so the contrast once it's well broken in (graining, creasing, top coat wearing off revealing the reddish-tan undercoat and the khaki-tan stitching) should be quite appealing.

 

[thor]

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...t=a.10150107552371469.316404.556901468&ref=nf
Here is a link to some details of the Made-in-China A-2 leather...

 

[thor]

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150109352701469&set=a.10150107552371469.316404.556901468
Another pic...

 

[thor]

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150109353526469&set=a.10150107552371469.316404.556901468
The grain starting to show...

 

[jon z]

thor - I'm sure those links are very much appreciated by those who subscribe to facebook but for those of us that don't I for one find it frustrating that I can't view the images of your jacket. Any chance you could post here directly? Cheers

 

[thor]

Sorry jon z (and any other folks who can't access the links). I need to find a way to post the pic from my digital camera memory card directly to FL. I am using a new laptop and still figuring the darn thing out!
Posting to a public site like facebook was the quickest (temporary) solution to getting the pics out.

As soon as I get more free time I will post directly to FL.

 

[deanglen]

Interesting. Very interesting. Great pics! Give the Chinese some time and they'll probably fix the flaws...then, watch out!






dean

 

[HackerF15E]

Interesting. Very interesting. Great pics! Give the Chinese some time and they'll probably fix the flaws...then, watch out!

At some point, though, the Chinese-made jackets will lose their price advantage.

I just yesterday read an article that was talking about how some Chinese manufacturing businesses are resorting to imports from Bangladesh because the labor in China (given recent increases in regulation) just isn't as cheap as it has been.

 

[Justhandguns]

At some point, though, the Chinese-made jackets will lose their price advantage.

I just yesterday read an article that was talking about how some Chinese manufacturing businesses are resorting to imports from Bangladesh because the labor in China (given recent increases in regulation) just isn't as cheap as it has been.

This is true, Nike, have in fact moved a lot of their lines to Vietnam as the cost of labour increases in China. The remain lines are the newer lines or premium lines over there. I am currently having my holiday in HK, the amount of 'rich' PRC tourists is beyond believe. 9 out of 10 carry a huge bag or stuffs from Gucci, LV, Prada, etc etc.

 

[thor]

I would rate the Made-in-China A-2 as better then The Cockpit and on par with Gibson & Barnes, though heavier duty horsehide in the Chinese A-2 but more authentic pocket dimensions in a G&B (the Chinese A-2 does have a pocket that is about half and inch taller then normal). The G&B horsehide A-2 jackets don't have much grain to them and the hide seems a bit thin, IMHO.
The Made-in-China A-2 is well worth the price (and cheaper then either The Cockpit or G&B).

I like how the jacket is weathering and the grain is starting to show. The thick hide is really conforming to my shape as I continue to wear it. I may even order another one (probably a light seal brown or seal brown A-2 without a stand collar).

Thank you all for the many positive replies re. the Made-in-China A-2.

 

[deanglen]

Wearing the collar snapped-down, eh? Good, for you! There aren't many of us who do.







dean

 

[Bonneville]

I looked into tanning in China a while ago. I'm not saying that all are as bad as the ones I've seen images and text on, but I'll not be buying Chinese leather goods until there's a way I can ascertain that there's some checkable element of animal welfare in the Chinese leather industry.

I so agree on this point! Sorry. Esthetically I see very little difference between it and so many other mid price A2s. I find pictures aren't very good at transmitting leather quality, one way or the other.

 

[thor]

Yessir, deanglen, I wear the ol' collar snapped down. After a while it gives a stand collar that nice well-worn roll.

I respect everyone's opinion on the subject, but as far as ascertaining animal welfare in the Chinese leather industry, well, that's above my paygrade, as they say

I am very happy with the jacket and the leather is thick yet flexible, a gorgeous caramel brown, and is breaking in wonderfully! I get many compliments on the jacket and it fits me like it was custom made for me.

 

[PADDY]

Eastman=piracy

That type of public statement is not acceptable in this particular forum.
PM (use the Private Message function) me please 'within' the next 24 hours- ASAP, Okay? just to sort guidelines out that are beneficial to be aware of.

Thankyou for your cooperation.

PADDY M - (Bartender / TFL Admin Team).