Question about Hillbilly, Modder

[daytonadude]

Has anyone dealt with Hillbilly before? He is a China based modder who comes recommended from Reddit by a reputable user, who himself got it from a RWI member.

Looks like a legit operation and presence, confirmed with name date and time pics, as well as plenty of work videos.

Thanks for the help!

 

[dogwood]

I follow him on WeChat, but I've never bought anything from him. WeChat is the wild west though.

 

[fireice2]

I recently got a VSF DJ36 from him for significantly less than the prices TD's charge.

I have dealt with several Chinese vendors on wechat, for other stuff as well, such as car parts and accessories. Many Chinese prefer to communicate via wechat. The transactions are rather straightforward as well.

However, for reps its not recommend for newbies or those who are risk averse to buy from wechat vendors. Just be aware that DH Gate and Aliexpress vendors have wechat accounts as well.

 

[dogwood]

However, for reps its not recommend for newbies or those who are risk averse to buy from wechat vendors.

This! Prices can be slightly lower from Wild West WeChat sellers. I’m guilty of dabbling in these waters for parts & movements that I struggled to get through TDs. But if something goes missing or gets seized by customs, you are shit-out-of-luck. TD prices are slightly higher because they offer a delivery guarantee. The higher price you pay at a TD is simply the cost of delivery self-insurance.

The TD price premium is a very good deal if you consider the cost of losing a $500 purchase to customs seizure abd having no recourse. Even if WeChat seller prices are $25-$50 lower, you’d need to order 10-20 watches and never have one seized by customs to come out ahead of simply paying the TD premium and getting guaranteed delivery.

 

[daytonadude]

Thanks for the replies! This is great to hear knowing that I’m looking to not only buy a rep, but a modded one. I’d much rather order one to the US and work with a local modder (preferably east coast but open to wherever in the country). Does anyone have recommendations for such a job, particularly an Aquanaut? I can work with a TD to source the parts in addition to the watch.

 

[fireice2]

Price savings in my recent purchase is about $170.

 

[rastaboy_2006]

i ordered couple of minutes back, let us see if it will go smooth or not. we ill give you update once i received or not received my order. fingers crossed.

 

[daytonadude]

i ordered couple of minutes back, let us see if it will go smooth or not. we ill give you update once i received or not received my order. fingers crossed.

Appreciate you taking the leap, best of luck.

 

[mmaggi]

Speaking of Hillbilly, his partner SRSB001 posted a pic of a Daytona 116509 Meteorite, solid gold case & bracelet. So I messaged Hillbilly about it. They were asking upwards of $18k. I'm sure someone will buy it but man... Purchasing a $500 watch from a WeChat seller can be a scary experience. Can't imagine $18k.

 

[SHAIQUL18]

I recently got a VSF DJ36 from him for significantly less than the prices TD's charge.

I have dealt with several Chinese vendors on wechat, for other stuff as well, such as car parts and accessories. Many Chinese prefer to communicate via wechat. The transactions are rather straightforward as well.

However, for reps its not recommend for newbies or those who are risk averse to buy from wechat vendors. Just be aware that DH Gate and Aliexpress vendors have wechat accounts as well.

How do I contact him? And do you by any chance have his WeChat ID? And in terms of the VSF Dj36 how much did you pay?

 

[Tzotzo]

Hi
Did you know how i can contact hillbilly to get a gold platted bezel for my dj 36 VSF ?
I want to buy one but i don't know where i can join him or another modder.

Sorry but i'm a french noob
Thanks guys

 

[daytonadude]

i ordered couple of minutes back, let us see if it will go smooth or not. we ill give you update once i received or not received my order. fingers crossed.

How did this go?

 

[rastaboy_2006]

How did this go?

It went well. price of the watches are generally lower compared to TD's price. however, the mods service and parts are quite expensive. Also, the QC part is hard for this guy. he needs you to trust him and not send qc photos which is a big disadvantage. you need to ask him multiple times just to send qc photos.

 

[rastaboy_2006]

guys, beware. this guy kinda shaddy. someone tried to purchase a VSF sub from this guy and he was trying to sell noob factory and insisting its a vsf watch. good thing the buyer knows the clasp code of noob. serial and clasp code does not match VSF. so if you're are newbie and does not know about reps, avoid this guy. he will sell you anything.

 

[Tzotzo]

hi,

I just want to order a datejust 36 already modded, with plated bezel simply
But any TD can do it before shipping.

So i text hollybilly and Nick to try to find a datejust already mod.

Not easy

 

[daytonadude]

I just want to order a datejust 36 already modded, with plated bezel simply
But any TD can do it before shipping.

So i text hollybilly and Nick to try to find a datejust already mod.

Not easy

I suggest you order the watch from a TD and get a plated bezel separately.

 

[Tzotzo]

This is what i want to do first.
But if you change the bezel, you have to replace gasket, reseat crystal and test water pressure.
If crystal crask also need to replace.

So if i can buy a watch already mod is easier for me.
I'm not hurry so i'll do my research before order, and maybe just order the watch for a TD and see it in real life before order some mods.
Thanks for your advice.

 

[daytonadude]

then source a good crystal from EBay from Clark’s and a gasket with it…. It’s not too expensive and will make the watch even better.

Order from a TD, and then order the parts and have a watchsmith install

 

[guanaco]

Guys, you know you can try emailing your favourite trusted dealer and asking if they can match that guy's price where you can agree to have the guarantee "waived" (as in, if it gets lost or seized then good luck), it's much better than dealing with some shady random dealer.

 

[Pure78]

I follow him on WeChat, but I've never bought anything from him. WeChat is the wild west though.

Have contact WeChat? Thank u