I joined RWI in 2010 after a trip to China, where I was introduced to the world of replica watches. Was big into Panerai back then. I was able to build up a decent collection and then priorities changed. Balancing growing professionally and having a growing family left little time. Looking back (and knowing what I know now), I should have kept a few Panerai classics instead of selling them off. Who knew that the 212, 288, 219, 253, 286 ( to name a few) would become cult classics.
fast forward to 2023. A friend of mine came back from China and showed me a VSF submariner and a genuine submariner and asked me ‘which one was the replica watch?’ I could not tell the difference. Started up my curiousity and signed into my dormant RWI account. Was happy to see it still existed.
the first thing I noticed was how factories had changed and became overwhelmed with information overload. Spent many nights reading threads and educating myself on all the changes/factories/new terminology etc.
Originally, my goal was to rebuild my Panerai collection however, could not resist the temptation of Rolex, given all the great reviews and high quality offerings that are available today.
Thought I would share my collection and update over time. Not as impressive as other members so be gentle. lol.
2010: my first rep. Panerai Power Reserve. Bought this from a member. Don’t know the factory. Just liked the look of it. At the time, I preferred (and still do to a certain extent) no date dials. no real rhyme or reason. Just a preference.
my obsession with Panerai Ferrari ran deep back then. Owned 4 different models and this is the only surviving one. May look to try to rebuild this over time. Just loved the story behind the collaboration and that the watches themselves were very unique, relative to other Panerai models. Unfortunately, I lost one of the pushers and had to accept that the replacement pusher would look different. This watch has literally been around the world with me so getting rid of it was not an option.
the last of the surviving Panerai watches was my 088. This was a super rep at the time. I bought if off of a fellow Canadian. Just loved how crisp and clean it looks. This was another watch I couldn’t part ways with. Unfortunately I lost the crown guard and snagged the crown, causing it to break off. Decided to replace with a bigger crown. I know, I know, it doesn’t look like an 088 now however, this watch is more sentimental to me and I still enjoy wearing it.
the last acqusition. Rolex submariner. This was when Rolex transitioned to ceramic bezels. Picked this up from another member (are you seeing a theme yet…
). This was from noob factory if memory serves me correctly. i love how the pearl has aged. Keeps excellent time despite its age and has never been serviced.
that wraps up my first foray into the replica watch world. Next up, 2023….
fast forward to 2023. A friend of mine came back from China and showed me a VSF submariner and a genuine submariner and asked me ‘which one was the replica watch?’ I could not tell the difference. Started up my curiousity and signed into my dormant RWI account. Was happy to see it still existed.
the first thing I noticed was how factories had changed and became overwhelmed with information overload. Spent many nights reading threads and educating myself on all the changes/factories/new terminology etc.
Originally, my goal was to rebuild my Panerai collection however, could not resist the temptation of Rolex, given all the great reviews and high quality offerings that are available today.
Thought I would share my collection and update over time. Not as impressive as other members so be gentle. lol.
2010: my first rep. Panerai Power Reserve. Bought this from a member. Don’t know the factory. Just liked the look of it. At the time, I preferred (and still do to a certain extent) no date dials. no real rhyme or reason. Just a preference.
my obsession with Panerai Ferrari ran deep back then. Owned 4 different models and this is the only surviving one. May look to try to rebuild this over time. Just loved the story behind the collaboration and that the watches themselves were very unique, relative to other Panerai models. Unfortunately, I lost one of the pushers and had to accept that the replacement pusher would look different. This watch has literally been around the world with me so getting rid of it was not an option.
the last of the surviving Panerai watches was my 088. This was a super rep at the time. I bought if off of a fellow Canadian. Just loved how crisp and clean it looks. This was another watch I couldn’t part ways with. Unfortunately I lost the crown guard and snagged the crown, causing it to break off. Decided to replace with a bigger crown. I know, I know, it doesn’t look like an 088 now however, this watch is more sentimental to me and I still enjoy wearing it.
the last acqusition. Rolex submariner. This was when Rolex transitioned to ceramic bezels. Picked this up from another member (are you seeing a theme yet…
). This was from noob factory if memory serves me correctly. i love how the pearl has aged. Keeps excellent time despite its age and has never been serviced.
that wraps up my first foray into the replica watch world. Next up, 2023….
. New factories. Quality significantly improved. So much to choose from. Where to begin.
