- 14/4/21
- 44
- 18
- 8
Hello vintage watch folks,
As I continue down my watch journey, it has become increasingly obvious to me that my tastes are squarely rooted in vintage Submariners and GMT Masters and no amount of homage watch purchasing gets the job done. Some of you can seriously relate, right?
Until I came across this website a few days ago, I had never even considered that people like the builders featured here would achieve what they do. The dials and aging process and case modifications are truly works of art. So awesome. Ok, with that out of the way, questions--
Before I get ahead of myself, is it possible to pay around $2,000 to $2,500 on a vintage Sub rep and have it be a practical watch for daily wear that could easily and affordably be maintained by run of the mill watch makers? I wouldn't do construction work in it, but it wouldn't be that practical for me if it couldn't survive a dunk in the ocean for a swim or the knocks of daily life. For those who have vintage reps, what has your experience been along these lines?
For this next part, I'd just like to hear from folks who are happy (or not happy?) with their vintage replicas they they purchased (not built themselves) on this site about what the process was like becoming a part of this community, and being trusted enough that the reputable builders trusted you as a buyer. I am not totally new to Internet forums where expensive goods pass hands between members and while I haven't done a lot of exchanges on other sites, I have done a few and know that some buyers can be a nightmare. For example, reasonable pics and descriptions are provided and the person buys, isn't happy and all sorts of drama ensues. I know credibility and feedback are built over a years in some cases. What did your pathway to trust look like for you? What has your experience been like? Any advice?
I've seen posts where it is made clear that the most skilled and senior builders often pick their buyers, which I get. No one wants to deal with the Larry David of the watch forum world, especially when so much work and money have gone into these pieces.
Ultimately, I'd love to work with a serious builder here and I'm ready to take some direction on what it looks like. To all those that waded through this, I really appreciate it. My head is kind of exploding from discovering this place and I want to get off on the right foot. Thanks again.
M.
As I continue down my watch journey, it has become increasingly obvious to me that my tastes are squarely rooted in vintage Submariners and GMT Masters and no amount of homage watch purchasing gets the job done. Some of you can seriously relate, right?
Until I came across this website a few days ago, I had never even considered that people like the builders featured here would achieve what they do. The dials and aging process and case modifications are truly works of art. So awesome. Ok, with that out of the way, questions--
Before I get ahead of myself, is it possible to pay around $2,000 to $2,500 on a vintage Sub rep and have it be a practical watch for daily wear that could easily and affordably be maintained by run of the mill watch makers? I wouldn't do construction work in it, but it wouldn't be that practical for me if it couldn't survive a dunk in the ocean for a swim or the knocks of daily life. For those who have vintage reps, what has your experience been along these lines?
For this next part, I'd just like to hear from folks who are happy (or not happy?) with their vintage replicas they they purchased (not built themselves) on this site about what the process was like becoming a part of this community, and being trusted enough that the reputable builders trusted you as a buyer. I am not totally new to Internet forums where expensive goods pass hands between members and while I haven't done a lot of exchanges on other sites, I have done a few and know that some buyers can be a nightmare. For example, reasonable pics and descriptions are provided and the person buys, isn't happy and all sorts of drama ensues. I know credibility and feedback are built over a years in some cases. What did your pathway to trust look like for you? What has your experience been like? Any advice?
I've seen posts where it is made clear that the most skilled and senior builders often pick their buyers, which I get. No one wants to deal with the Larry David of the watch forum world, especially when so much work and money have gone into these pieces.
Ultimately, I'd love to work with a serious builder here and I'm ready to take some direction on what it looks like. To all those that waded through this, I really appreciate it. My head is kind of exploding from discovering this place and I want to get off on the right foot. Thanks again.
M.