Scared noob questions

[ATLninerfan]

Hey Everyone,

I have some questions that I know I'm not the only noobie wishing to find out the answers to. I've been lurking the forum and even making a few purchases, but with little knowledge. I wanted to put together a list of questions that the experts could answer without getting flamed for it. It's not that I don't want to hear the "there's a search function, use it" answer, I just thought I can make it a one stop for noobs to find out how to get started in this hobby without having to read countless threads. I would even encourage others to ask questions on this thread that I don't ask... on to the questions.

1) Is the higher the quality movement in a watch indicate the overall quality of the whole piece. i.e. swiss movement, closest to rep? 21j low beat, beater?

2) Since most TD's get their watches from the same factories, is it all about who you feel comfortable buying from; or just personal preference?

3) Do TD's sell franken watches to make them closer to gen for a higher price? Follow up: Does "franken" mean a rep that is fitted with gen parts?

4) Where could one find out the different versions of a rep? I hear a lot of "It's just a V2 it shouldn't cost that much, V4 is way better".

5) What are the best shipping methods to use when shipping from HK to US? Are we limited to what method the TD uses?

I guess that's all for now, I want to make sure others can get their questions in too.

Please remember this is the flame-free zone

Thanks.

 

[trailboss99]

.

Hey Everyone,

I have some questions that I know I'm not the only noobie wishing to find out the answers to. I've been lurking the forum and even making a few purchases, but with little knowledge. I wanted to put together a list of questions that the experts could answer without getting flamed for it. It's not that I don't want to hear the "there's a search function, use it" answer, I just thought I can make it a one stop for noobs to find out how to get started in this hobby without having to read countless threads. I would even encourage others to ask questions on this thread that I don't ask... on to the questions.

1) Is the higher the quality movement in a watch indicate the overall quality of the whole piece. i.e. swiss movement, closest to rep? 21j low beat, beater? Sometimes but in a lot of cases, same watch

2) Since most TD's get their watches from the same factories, is it all about who you feel comfortable buying from; or just personal preference? Both

3) Do TD's sell franken watches to make them closer to gen for a higher price? Follow up: Does "franken" mean a rep that is fitted with gen parts?
No, that is a modders job. Yes it does.

4) Where could one find out the different versions of a rep? I hear a lot of "It's just a V2 it shouldn't cost that much, V4 is way better". Right here, you just need to read the threads and learn.

5) What are the best shipping methods to use when shipping from HK to US? Are we limited to what method the TD uses? EMS for speed, airmail for price. Yes, the dealers will tell what methods he has available.

I guess that's all for now, I want to make sure others can get their questions in too.

Please remember this is the flame-free zone

Thanks.

 

[Lelouch]

for question 1, it isnt entirely true that the quality movement determines the overall quality of the watch. Take for example the AP Diver V3, you can buy the rep with either swiss movement or asian ETA movement, but other than the movement, everything else is entirely the same.
(This usually only applies to high end reps)

 

[bluejay68]

First you should research the trusted dealers to find one that works best for you (reputation, shipping policies, payment options, selection, etc.). Then research the model of the watch you want; there are usually threads whenever a new model is released discussing the good and bad aspects (and can you live with the bad aspects, or have them modded later if they bother you?). Some models allow for options, such as different types of movements - you will find some members that happly pay a premium for "Swiss" movements, others are happy with Asian; that is another question you have to answer for yourself. Waterproofing is another option that some dealers offer; my advice is to be weary of any claims of waterproofing until you properly test it yourself.

So you have lots of key things to decide upon, but fortunately there are many threads discussing them, so after a lot of reading you should be in a good position to start ordering. Last bit of advice - be very, very patient. Things tend to happen slowly in this hobby, so if it takes a few days for someone to reply to an e-mail, don't sweat it. The anticipation is part of the fun.

 

[Fiddo]

Don't be scared. Lots of great information and helpful people here to dissuade your fears.

Have Fun!

 

[ATLninerfan]

I'm not scared, I know some noobies are hesitant to ask questions cause they don't want to be "that one guy". Honestly, this forum has been the less flame happy I've ever seen.

 

[jeffw69]

I'm not scared, I know some noobies are hesitant to ask questions cause they don't want to be "that one guy". Honestly, this forum has been the less flame happy I've ever seen.

Well, there you go, trailboss answered your questions in post #2.

 

[ATLninerfan]

Well, there you go, trailboss answered your questions in post #2.

I was just replying to Fiddo. I thought more noobs would chime in and start asking their own questions too.

 

[Rogerthat]

Instead of trying to solve all imaginable q and a which is an impossible goal
It really is better to read, do your research and then ask a specific question or two

Many of the questions on your short list have more than 1 correct answer and the industry is constantly changing so although your intentions are good a buying guide may not be as helpful as you envision

 

[ATLninerfan]

Instead of trying to solve all imaginable q and a which is an impossible goal
It really is better to read, do your research and then ask a specific question or two

Many of the questions on your short list have more than 1 correct answer and the industry is constantly changing so although your intentions are good a buying guide may not be as helpful as you envision

I thought that after I posted. Your exactly right, especially with the changing industry. If the Mods want to delete I'm cool with that.

 

[trailboss99]

Now why would I do that? The only dumb question is the one not asked.

 

[lumberger]

I have a newbie question, mind if I pile on?

I have learned from here that most reps come from the same "factories" in China. I am curious to know how the factories get the specs and make the individual pieces/parts of each watch. I have this crazy theory that the gen manufacturers actually make these parts out of sub-quality materials and sell them, much like major consumer products companies here in the states do with "private label" merchandise in an effort to keep the machines rolling and pad the bottom line. Am I way off base here? If so, how do these rep factories do it?

 

[Rogerthat]

Yes I think you are way off base
I don't think any of the parts are ever coming from Switzerland

The rep factories I believe reverse engineer the parts from a genuine watch in the case of many of the best reps
I am sure in other cases they use CAD programs to copy designs they only have pictures of
The Chinese are very good at copying this is true in many industries not just rep watches

There are different factories they use for the various aspects in most cases
Dials, crystals, cases, casebacks, movements, etc...
Some could even be legitimate like the crystal factories for example since there is zero branding
Movements are a little different they are usually just using currently available movements not copying gen movements so they buy movements from the same sources that supply legit factories in china as well
Many perfectly legal watches are made in china