Going to buy a Seamaster 300m SS/RG VSF from Trusty

[Japie89]

Hey everyone!

I have only been sucked into the rep world for some days now and I'm already seriously thinking about buying a Seamaster 300m SS/RG VSF from Trusty.

Specifically one of these (not 100% sure yet, but leaning towards the first one):
https://trustytime888.io/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35_66&products_id=20495
https://trustytime888.io/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35_66&products_id=20496

At first I was looking into buying a Rolex Hulk or Starbucks, but I figured that was a little bit to flashy for my first rep...
Once I stumbled upon the fact that VSF is basically producing 1:1 true clone movements for Omega Seamaster, I knew that was going to be my first step into the rep world.

However, before actually pulling the trigger I figured I'd post something here and ask all the experts for some input about my choice.
(I'll also use this thread to post updates once I buy the rep.)

Trusty looks like one of the better reviewed TD's and also seems to be responding well on the forum, so I feel good about him.
I've also looked around with other TD's, but the price seems to be the same everywhere (except for TheOneWatches where they are significantly higher priced).

Puretime could also be an option, but will probably buy with them another time to get a more allround working knowledge of the rep TD world.
Also contacted Sead because of the UK/IT stock, but he kept pushing to buy from China so kinda felt weird about it...
(I'm from Belgium.)

What do you think? Would you pull the trigger?
What about my choice in TD and/or rep?
Should I be cautious about buying from China? (Not really looking forward to this, because of bad experiences in the past.)

Any input would definitely be greatly appreciated, seeing as I'm a scared and excited to buy my first rep!

Thank you very much in advance!

 

[Route66]

I'm already seriously thinking about buying a Seamaster 300m SS/RG VSF from Trusty

As an SMP lover myself, I think that you have a great taste and therefore you have done an excellent choice

The biggest question mark with "plated" reps is: how long will the plating last?
Nobody here has a final answer. It just depends, on a lot of factors.
A couple of weeks ago, @BMW760 posted a very informative thread about this topic, take your time to read it:

Rep Gold Plating

I've seen a lot of conversations and questions about rep plating on watches. I've had quite a few throughout the years, but here is a good example. This is the ARF bracelet that I purchased some years back. I wore this regularly . I have personally polished this three times and the gold has...

forum.replica-watch.info

Btw, welcome on board.. and take the chance to document yourself in the Omega section, plenty of valuable info down there!

 

[Japie89]

@Route66
Just placed my order for the Seamaster 300m 2019 RG/SS Blue VSF Asia 8800!

Also, thanks for the warm welcome!
The linked post from @BMW760 helped a lot as well!

Seeing as I always take care of my belongings, the plating should hopefully not be an issue for me.
(Even now, I clean my laptop/smartphone/... daily.)

I will also definitely check out the Omega section, so see you there!

Unfortunately, something did went wrong during the ordering process...
My card kept getting declined, so I tried a few times.
Now I have gotten 3 separate order confirmations in my inbox.

I have mailed Trusty after seeing this and hope to get an answer very soon regarding this matter.
@trustytime Should you see this, can you please get back to me? Thanks!

To everyone else following this thread, I will keep you guys updated as everything unfolds!

 

[Japie89]

Update: already heard back from @trustytime.
No problem regarding the multiple orders and checking availability now.

Can't wait, hoping for the best!

 

[Japie89]

Update:
Trusty first had to check if the watch was available in the factory.
Just over 4 hours later, I already got confirmation that it was available for sale.

He also send along a link to pay.
Unfortunately, still experiencing troubles paying so I asked to switch to crypto.

I'll keep you guys updated!

 

[Route66]

so I asked to switch to crypto.

If you are familiar with crypto (and I'm definitely not...), then it might be the be a good payment method, and IIRC you also get a small discount?
Just be sure to pay with the same crypto you have been asked: some time ago a (clumsy) user sent a payment with another kind of crypto (other than the one required by the TD: TD asked for BTC and the user sent BTC Cash IIRC) and ....

Congratulations for your purchase, post some pictures when you will have received it!

 

[Route66]

* then it might be a good payment method.

Oh my dear, how do I miss the edit button..

 

[Japie89]

If you are familiar with crypto (and I'm definitely not...), then it might be the be a good payment method, and IIRC you also get a small discount?
Just be sure to pay with the same crypto you have been asked: some time ago a (clumsy) user sent a payment with another kind of crypto (other than the one required by the TD: TD asked for BTC and the user sent BTC Cash IIRC) and ....

Congratulations for your purchase, post some pictures when you will have received it!

Ouch, really sucks when that happens...
Luckily I know my way around crypto, so that wasn't a problem.

Payment has now been accepted and I'm waiting to receive QC in 4 - 12 days.

Only unfortunate thing is that I accidentally converted the amount from EUR instead of USD, so I sent around 30 USD to much...
Still, I contacted Trusty about it and he seems willing to give the surplus back.
Only weird thing is while I did pay in BTC, he now wants to pay back in a much less used crypto for which I'm struggling to create a wallet for myself.
So I mailed back asking for another way (or even proposing I look for something to add to my order around an equivalent value).

And yeah, I have also been looking for an edit button...

 

[Route66]

My card kept getting declined, so I tried a few times.
Now I have gotten 3 separate order confirmations in my inbox.

Only unfortunate thing is that I accidentally converted the amount from EUR instead of USD, so I sent around 30 USD to much...
[cut]
Only weird thing is while I did pay in BTC, he now wants to pay back in a much less used crypto for which I'm struggling to create a wallet for myself.

At the end of the day, this purchase is even more insidious than climbing the Pikes Peak in the middle of a snowstorm
I still haven't understood if you have ordered the version with the steel/RG bracelet, or the other one with the rubber strap?

 

[Japie89]

At the end of the day, this purchase is even more insidious than climbing the Pikes Peak in the middle of a snowstorm
I still haven't understood if you have ordered the version with the steel/RG bracelet, or the other one with the rubber strap?

Haha! And it's all on my side that it goes wrong!
I'm just glad that Trusty/Andrew is professional about it!
Next time, I'll just go for crypto from the start and make sure that I convert correctly.

About my order: I went for the steel/RG bracelet.
https://trustytime888.io/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35_66&products_id=20496
My girlfriend said that one would suit me best...

 

[Route66]

About my order: I went for the steel/RG bracelet.
https://trustytime888.io/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35_66&products_id=20496
My girlfriend said that one would suit me best...

She actually gave you a very brilliant advice
Buying watches on their steel bracelet is always the best (and also cheap, at the end of the day) way, even on gen's.
In case you change your mind, rep rubber strap are widely available on AliX at about 20 €, so you might wear it on rubber during the summer at a very reasonable cost.
Vice-versa, quite not.

Just get the proper screwdriver to resize the bracelet, a lot of patience and maybe WD40 & an hair-dryer handy, because screws might have Loctite on them.

 

[Japie89]

She actually gave you a very brilliant advice
Buying watches on their steel bracelet is always the best (and also cheap, at the end of the day) way, even on gen's.
In case you change your mind, rep rubber strap are widely available on AliX at about 20 €, so you might wear it on rubber during the summer at a very reasonable cost.
Vice-versa, quite not.

Just get the proper screwdriver to resize the bracelet, a lot of patience and maybe WD40 & an hair-dryer handy, because screws might have Loctite on them.

Thanks for the tip!
Also learning a bit about maintaining automatic watches and realised I should probably order a set with watch maintenance tools...

About the bracelet: that's also the thing I realised. It was only 10 USD more.

I passed along the praise to my girlfriend. She told me to thank you!

 

[Japie89]

Forgot about an update in last post.

Trusty sent me back the surplus amount via USDT (crypto).
Was a real professional about it!

To be honest, I am stunned about the level of service and responsiveness I'm receiving.
Best professional attitude I came across in years!

Of course, I still waiting for QC and actually receiving the watch.
But for now, notting but praise!

 

[Route66]

Also learning a bit about maintaining automatic watches and realised I should probably order a set with watch maintenance tools...

For the time being, my suggestion is just sourcing a suitable screwdriver for links removal.
Best fit for gen's is a 1.8x0.3 flat head blade one.
If you're lucky enough, you may find it at a local hardware store, maybe even at Leroy Merlin's.
In this thread I have found some valuable information (while other are definitely not, such as butane torch and acetone?? WTF It sounds like killing ants with an AK-47...)

Bracelet Link Removal

Hello, forum Just a small enquiry regarding the bracelet links removal: are the little links by the clasp removable? And also, anywhere I can buy a...

omegaforums.net

Keep in mind that you have 2 (extremely tiny) screws at each side of the bracelet and a pin behind them, so they are just "caps".
As already said, un-tightening process might be a challenging one.
If you have a friendly local independent watchmaker in the neighborhood who is willing to work on rep's, it could be an alternative.

A very basic spring bar removal tool it's usually included when buying straps on AliX.
It worked for me when I swapped to rubber strap and I have two left hands, so I assume it might work for you as well?
On the other side, I wouldn't even try using it to fit the steel bracelet back on. I'm afraid a compass-style tool might be required, in order to push the two spring bar ends at the same time.

She told me to thank you!

It's a pleasure

 

[Japie89]

@Route66 Again, thank you very much for the information!
The article definitely helped to get a better context about the straps.
Actually didn't realise it was going to be so difficult (well, let's hope it's not), but at least I'm prepared for it now...

I did laugh out loud when people wrote they tried with blow torches and acetone!
Personally, I think just using a screwdriver with the correct fit should be enough (if the manufacturer used the correct kind of Loctite).

This is what I find online about the different types of Loctite:

• Low strength (e.g. Loctite 222, “purple”): apply extra torque using hand tools. Low strength thread lockers are generally used for small sized bolts. This grade allows for periodical adjustment.
• Medium strength (e.g. Loctite 243, “blue”): apply extra torque using hand tools. If the bolt does not budge, heat the assembly and try again. This is a general purpose thread locker. It is used for medium-sized fasteners.
• High strength (e.g. Loctite 270, “red”): you will need to apply heat (about 250° C). Then loosen the bolt with hand tools. This grade is used for permanent assemblies. It is very hard to remove.

Presumably, they should only use the low strength variety right?
Still, I'll keep the hair dryer and WD-40 close by just in case...

I also found the screwdriver you suggested in a toolkit I use for opening up electronics, so I should be covered.
Still ordered the following set with watch tools, just in case and to make my life a little easier:
Link to local online store (only in Dutch or French though)

I also have an old fashion watch (Emporio Armani AR-1440) which needs a new battery anyway, so killed 2 birds with one stone by buying the toolkit.

 

[Route66]

Presumably, they should only use the low strength variety right?

Allegedly yes, but guessing is like gambling...
Not counting that screw steel might be even slightly softer than (hardened?) screwdriver head steel.. and you unconsciously risk ending up damaging the screw slot

Pic courtesy of @Oilime

 

[Oilime]

I was told the best screwdrivers are those from Horotec or Bergeon. Quite expensive but shouldn’t give problems even with those bloody annoying chinese screws

 

[rolex4me]

Angeblich ja, aber raten ist wie Glücksspiel...
Ganz zu schweigen davon, dass Schraubenstahl vielleicht sogar etwas weicher ist als (gehärteter?) Schraubendreherkopfstahl. und Sie riskieren unbewusst, den Schraubschlitz zu beschädigen

Bild mit freundlicher Genehmigung von @Oilime

 

[Japie89]

Allegedly yes, but guessing is like gambling...
Not counting that screw steel might be even slightly softer than (hardened?) screwdriver head steel.. and you unconsciously risk ending up damaging the screw slot

Pic courtesy of @Oilime

I actually had more positive outcomes with gambling than guessing...

@Oilime Ouch! I would not be happy! Still, thanks for posting your story so others know what not to do!
It does look like most (if not all) of the damage is on the screws themselves...
Did you look into just replacing the screws?

 

[Oilime]

Tbh, I can’t even remember that bracelet or where does the pic come from. But I can say that this problems with screws from factory happens quite often. On that side of the bracelet, it’s hard to say them apart if you zoom x•X. But on a case of a 15500, to which happened the same, I had to sent it to a watchmaker and get a replacement one because yes, that was annoying!