SuperReps: an observation

[pugwash]

I was one of those who was rallying that the SuperReps were way too expensive and that the hobby couldn't support these over-priced watches. However, I think it's time for all of us who complain about the high prices to finally accept that the market easily accepts the pricing as proposed.

Who currently has Cousteaus in stock? I've paid for mine and it's on back-order. Dealers are selling as many as they can get.

How many people rave over the Steelfish? I never thought I'd pay that for a replica, but it's the best replica ever made.

We're willing to pay the prices they're asking and they're willing to keep releasing new models. Looks like we've turned a page and SuperReps are part of the scene. We lost, it's time to accept that.

I'm calling for a moratorium on over-complaining about the prices. Let's move on to a battle we can win.

 

[robmpulse]

can someone give me some examples (links) to super reps?


Are they THAT expensive?

 

[carnut]

If they can make watches that are virtually identical to watches costing thousands more I say they are still a good deal. How many of us would actually buy a gen CD?

 

[pugwash]

Are they THAT expensive?

Yes.

For example, pick a dealer and look at the prices of good versions of the following: Breitling Chronomat Evolution, Breitling Superocean Steelfish, IWC Cousteau Divers, Hublot Big Bang.

I'm not providing links as I'm not going to pick a dealer as when I do that I get called a shill for some stupid reason, especially when some of the dealers really don't like me.

 

[piratedzeus]

*Moving to a new battle*

What do you want from us? BTW, the SFSO and BCE are not overpriced IMO... They are 50-80$ more expensive then the "older" reps with the same movements... but we get much more here for the price... IE 1000m waterproofness on the SFSO... double AR on both.....

 

[kiki]

I agree with Pug... There is a strong demand for SuperReps... People complaing about price, but they are buying....

What is a new battle for?

For me, we can "fight" for better dealer service (QC and shipp)....

K.

P.S. With "white lies" treads, thank you Pug, the marketing things are better now than before

 

[seank]

@pirate. I think Pugs brings up a good point. When compared to an ETA sub that you can pick up for 200.00 or an "Ultimate" PO that you can get for 188.00 a 325.00 SFSO or an EVO for 358.00 is expensive and most people don't understand why. Thats until you finally plunk down the dough and get you hands on of these bad dogs. The factory that is bringing us these new reps is doing a fantastic job. Again no complaints here. They are worth every penny.




Sean K

 

[cybee]

Yes they are expensive but I have found that with a little patience and lacking a need to have the "flavor of the day" watch, and given time, the prices on some of the super-reps will drop a little (maybe). I noticed a nice Steelfish for sale in the rep section not too long ago, so some used are already showing up. Then again I wonder how many of the "over-complainers" are doing the pre-ordering. But I have to say that IMO the quality of some these watches are really amazing and as the quality goes up I suppose the price must follow so really no complaints here....What other battles did you have in mind.

 

[dylan]

All I can say is I have a swiss white dial SFSO coming in from TWP and will be here on Wed.
This is my first step into the 'super reps' and I can't wait to compare the build quality of my 'cheaper' reps...
Over the years we've been demanding higher build quality reps...and they are finally here! They are $100 + more
than the average ETA reps...are they worth it? Only time will tell.

 

[subzero1]

The new reps are finished to a higher standard that previous non-super-reps. That extra finishing adds to the cost, and thus adds to the end price. How much it adds to the cost is debatable, but the fact is that from a value standpoint it's still a good deal. IMO, one of the main differences between a gen and a rep is the "feel" of the watch, ie the fit and finish. The newer reps are more convincing in this intangible area, and thus have inherently more value. I for one don't mind the higher prices as long as the higher standards of finish are maintained. I only wish that more of the chrono reps had a swiss movement option.

 

[Importr]

Yeah as much as I ummed and ahhed about Super Rep prices, I have to say that for what you get, they are generally good value. Compare it with what you could get (for the same price) down at your local high street jeweller.

The only negative thing I would say about S'Reps is the lack of QC (on some), and possible reliability issues - it would be a perfect deal if there was a minimum of 3mth warranty on these.

It is also the S'Reps that I am most proud to wear, as they have the least flaws and most features/likeness to the Gen.

There is a ceiling price that I'd pay for a Srep though, otherwise I'd just save for the Gen. (bar the Cousteau - even if I had $10k to spend, they are rare as hens teeth)

Of my collection, the best 9 are:

IWC Cousteau, TAG Carrera (King)
PO 42 orange & SMP Chrono Diver (Joshua)
Ult PO 45 2006, IWC 3717 & TAG Link Chrono (Precious)
Chronomat Evo & SuperOcean (Angus)

5 of which I think fall into the high price S'Rep category. Looking back, I'm very glad I bought them when they were released, since the current supplies have run out.


Regards,
Mr Greedy

 

[By-Tor]

The best value for money Super rep is definitely UPO: Around $200 shipped. It's amazing rep by any standards. I'm not surprised it has sold thousands...

 

[Yannou]

Next battle should be the upgrade of the QC of the rep in general..and not only 3 or 4 super reps...Like PAM, it needs some improvements for sure...

 

[pugwash]

The best value for money Super rep is definitely UPO: Around $200 shipped. It's amazing rep by any standards. I'm not surprised it has sold thousands...

Sure, but it had QC issues, which is why we always buy from trusted dealers, right kids?

For SuperReps I use the well-known UK-based SuperRep dealer, because if there's a problem, it's Royal Mail back to his UK Hideout. I don't know how your US-based SuperRep dealer (You know who I mean) handles returns, but I imagine it's better than EMSing them through customs again. Good QC dealers is another great option, like dealers that actually check the stuff before sending it.

 

[sub4me]

I don't believe theres any such thing as a super rep. For example look at the post regarding the MBW Sub and its lack of quality control. No matter what the cost and what the claim is perfect, super, 1 to 1, whatever its all BS. Now I'm not sayiong some reps aren't better then others they are, but to be sure of what your gonna get cause you paid this much more then that one isn't reality. I've seen $99 Asian subs blow away the $200 ETA subs theres just no consistancy in the rep world, you can buy two of the exact same watch from the same dealer and many times more then not there diffrrent. Its all a matter of luck of the draw. I have limit on rep prices no matter what the claim is by the seller cause when it comes down it a rep and will never measure up to gen. Reps are fun yes but lets not overpay for an item just because its claimed to be a super watch.

 

[cdzsmith]

I have limit on rep prices no matter what the claim is by the seller cause when it comes down it a rep and will never measure up to gen. Reps are fun yes but lets not overpay for an item just because its claimed to be a super watch.

I AM willing to pay $275 for a BCE rep that looks and feels pretty close to the gen, and is of a design that I can't get for $300 (Invictas don't do it for me). The look and feel is high quality - granted, the bezel could be better, and when unscrewing the crown to set the date or time it immediately becomes evident that this is not a $5k watch - but it's not a $5k watch, it's a $275 watch.... come to think of it, the crown doesn't even feel as good as a $400 Invicta.....

But those new ceramic HBBs.... I don't think so. Over $400 for a "regular" HBB was a tough call, but for $600, I'll get a used Hamilton 44mm Aviation chrono with a genuine Swiss 7750 - and, I'll actually be able to use those little pushers above and below the crown :!: :!: :!:

As for gens that can be had for less than $1500 used (Breitling SFSO), and the rep costs over $300, it's a tougher call. If the SFSO rep wasn't made so darn well, and didn't have the double-sided AR, I might not buy it. BTW, why oh why don't they put double sided AR on all the Breitling reps???? I just cannot buy a Bentley with a 49mm crystal that's going to reflect light like a mirror...

 

[MICAVI]

I am all for "super reps", but if we are going to be paying upwards of $400 dollars for a replica than we should expect to recieve a watch with no QC issues. It should be a solid watch and our dealers should offer some sort of guarantee that the watch will perform as advertised. I have no problem paying a premium for a replica that can match the quality of some lower to mid priced non-replicas, but the attention to detail needs to be stepped up a bit before that becomes a reality.

 

[sub4me]

Thats my point QC, look if they want four to six hundred bucks fine but in return I want a watch the doesn't have a misaligned date, a bezel and peral that doesn't fall off, a rotor that doesn't comes loose, a wobbly crown that feels like its about to fall off, and a braclet with some heft and quality instead of the cheapest clasp they can find. Alot of these watches claim 316L SS, no way the clasps are 316L so of the Omega clasps I've had are the cheapest pieces of crap I've ever seen, flimsey, weak, fall apart. I know a rep is all about looking the part I get that, but if I'm dump a few hundred bucks on a rep I ain't doing so on this drop ship crap that you have to send back and forth or have reparied because this or that broke.

 

[Jumbie]

Thats my point QC, look if they want four to six hundred bucks fine but in return I want a watch the doesn't have a misaligned date, a bezel and peral that doesn't fall off, a rotor that doesn't comes loose, a wobbly crown that feels like its about to fall off, and a braclet with some heft and quality instead of the cheapest clasp they can find. Alot of these watches claim 316L SS, no way the clasps are 316L so of the Omega clasps I've had are the cheapest pieces of crap I've ever seen, flimsey, weak, fall apart. I know a rep is all about looking the part I get that, but if I'm dump a few hundred bucks on a rep I ain't doing so on this drop ship crap that you have to send back and forth or have reparied because this or that broke.

Agreed 100%.

My current cap on how much I'm willing to spend on a rep is around $250-300. On top of that, I will consider getting it serviced if it's something I want to keep and maybe lumed and have the AR done via chieftang; again if it's something I plan on keeping.

If there was more QC (particularly with movements and I'm not even talking about proper oiling here cause that can be done after even if I feel it shouldn't come dirty at least), I'd be a lot more willing to drop more money on reps because I'd feel a little bit better about my investment (in terms of length of time I can enjoy it rather than resale value - which is something I don't consider). I don't want to worry about if my crown is going to strip or screws or hour markers are going to come loose. Just not worth it to have an "expensive watch" on my wrist.

The thing is that as long as we all continue to pay for these reps, there is no incentive to fix problems or lower prices. The price limit will continue to be pushed and pushed and they will also see how many corners can be cut to save costs. If we are willing to buy a watch where the lume sucks, then why on earth should they bother to invest in putting better lume on there?

I'd really love to know how much business these guys actually get from members on sites like this and RWG or RWI. Willing to bet that we are by far the minority so, unfortunately, not a big voice to be heard...

 

[AllergyDoc]

...theres just no consistency in the rep world...

This lines gets to the core of the issue. And this is also why you want to buy from someone who has a track record of "taking care" of their customers.

Improve QC? Illegal watches manufactured in China? How's that going to happen?