First Post, Timesshop tag carrera?

[airn890]

Hey guys,

This is my first post here and i am so glad i found this site. I am overwhelmed with all of the information here. I am in the market for a good quality replica Tag carrera with a rubber strap. Im looking to spend under $200 and ill use your judgment to point me in the right direction. It is very important that the watch is automatic and waterproof because i live in south florida and pools and boats are a regular thing even in the winter!

Please dont flame me for asking this, i have been using the search function and cant find people opinions on sites to get this watch.

Here are a few that ive been looking at, and yes i know they are two different models.

http://timesshop.net/product.php?id_product=2604

http://asian7750.com/cn/product_show.asp?big_pid=&ps_id=92&P_id=309&ti=

 

[TexasFright]

Timeshop is one of the trusted dealers, I was referred to them by alot of people. They have a subforum on this site. Just ask for quality control photos before sending.

 

[aratron]

Generally, in term of waterproof on most reps. You really should have them tested before consider submerging them underwater. Typically, there are three places that water can get in.

1. Case back.
2. Case front / crystal
3. Crown / pushers.

Regardless if it is a rep or gen. A good watch should have gasket / gaskets at the crown and case back to seal off water. Some crystal might also contain gasket but this is rarer. I am unable to open your second link so not able to comment on the the second watch you picked. But looking at the first carrera from timeshop. I can see if waterproofing is what you are seeking, this might not be a good watch for you.

The display case back and chronograph pushers might present issues when it come to waterproofing. Since these parts are often but QC as well. Water can come in from these two spots rather easily.

But paying more in reps might not necessarily make it more water tight. So my suggestion is either prepare for the possibility that the watch will be ruin or pick one that is less likely to be drowned. There are many tags that are pusher free and have standard solid stainless back. They are quite affordable either way so you can decide what you want.

Gen Tag Heuers are actually not at all expensive. And from what I have seen, the $100+ tag rep quality are generally very good. Seems like most makers have got them copied rather well. But I have seen a few rubber strap rep models that uses some crappy material that attracts dust like hell. Something for you to consider as well.

Timeshop are good people to work with.

Best of luck

 

[airn890]

Thank you for the quick responses. Can you tell me where to find a waterproof carrera that you know is a good buy?

 

[wiscrna]

I have a Carrera 17 and a Carrera 36 you can have for 200.

 

[airn890]

Details on where you got them and pics would be appreciated

 

[aratron]

Some trusted dealers here might offer waterproofing service for a charge. Probably $20~$30. Ask for a picture to proof that they actually performed this task.

Personally, I would actually find a local watchmaker for this service. They can remove the movement out of the case and do the same test. And add gaskets or otherwise make adjustments. You can inquire about pricing locally. But I will assume it is more expensive. It is a good thing to know your local watch guys because they will be the person to turn to in the future for any service.

However, keep in mind that the whole point of a rep is about the way it looks. Not how it actually functions. You need to be realistic about your expectations. Some models are going to fail waterproofing simply because they are not made to perform ... only made to look good.

If I may suggest a gen for under $100. I would highly recommend the Orient Mako. It is a hell of a watch in terms of quality and you will not have to worry about all the things I just mentioned. Buy a Mako for the wet occasions... and have a rep Tag for good looks for other occasions...

 

[airn890]

Hey thanks for the suggestion on the mako but I already have alot of other watches so I'm really only interested in the carrera. I emailed timesshop about the watch but haven't received a response back yet. Ill email him again and ask about waterproofing. Thanks again

 

[tflgee]

I have the $98 watch but in blue. It looks pretty good. The chronos do not function per the gen. The bottom sub-dial is a 24 hour clock so it moves 1/2 as fast as the hour hand. The other two subdials can be moved by pushing the chrono pushers but they do not actually have any function. The markings on the subdials are totally wrong though. It's a decent looking rep for the price and I actually do wear it a fair amount. The crown is not a screw down type so I am skeptical as to how water resistant it is. I will not be swimming with this watch. The crown is very hard to pull out so it may indeed have a rubber o-ring gasket on it. I have not opened it up to check. I'm sure it will handle rain and humidity just fine but I'm not going to swim test this one. The 7750 rep has more accurate subdials and they probably actually function.

One thing regarding email responses for our dealers, They are often not as "accurate" as you would hope. That's as politically correct as I can put it. We have a lot of sensitive types here.

 

[airn890]

Thanks tflgee. you turned me away from the 98$ one from timesshop. They replied to me and said they couldnt send pics until i ordered which makes absolutely no sense so i guess i have to keep looking. They do have one with the 7750 movement for 250 that could be interesting though.

 

[wiscrna]

Airn, I was gently pulling your chain. I do have the two tags as I indicated, but they are quartz versions, and you don't want them. Keep your eyes open for a nice 21J asian clone movement, check that watch out, ask everybodys opinion, and then go for it.

Life is too short to be nibbled. Take big bites.

 

[tflgee]

A 21j is going to have the non functional sub dials (that's what I have). If the OP wants the subdials to function per the gen then he's gonna need to go for a 7750 version.

I think you will find that most dealers will not send pics until you order. Most of the dealers are middle men between the factory and us. They don't stock much.

 

[WatchnScotch]

A 21j is going to have the non functional sub dials (that's what I have). If the OP wants the subdials to function per the gen then he's gonna need to go for a 7750 version.

I think you will find that most dealers will not send pics until you order. Most of the dealers are middle men between the factory and us. They don't stock much.

Exactly, when you purchase a watch, the dealers order it from the factory. When they receive it, they take QC pictures and send it your way. Most dealers don't keep stock.