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Here's what happened to wm9

KBH

Mythical Poster
1/11/07
7,168
41
48
Thanks for the additional update. It seems like the whole story of WM9 George is coming together. It certainly is an interesting and unfortunate ending to one of the most interesting chapters in rep world history.
 

cybee

Legendary Member
Supporter
23/11/06
11,134
30
48
Very interesting story. Seems like we always discover more knowledge in death about our dealers than we do while they are living. But its pretty obvious why they need to live in secrecy. To most of us members the dealer's life is an enigma, but behind their unique lifestyles are real people with families and quite a story to tell.
 

arcadia

Respected Member
11/8/11
3,383
3
0
I just think that the bulk of the money had to be coming in from somewhere. I was about to make a comment about $.5M in deposits being rather dubious, but I guess that's only about 1,000 watches, give or take.

Since 2000's there are more Chinese millionaires being made than in any other countries. If you have the connection, blood ties, and enough capital, you can make it here, albeit, not always on the legal side.

Most of my friends and acquaintances have one or two more small side businesses aside from their main one, pretty much the norm. Many of them are not even properly declared as most would like to remain low profile and have cheap everyday living really. But that $.5M to any businessman here is just....
 

Member X

I'm Pretty Popular
21/4/09
1,289
11
0
Thanks for the additional update. It seems like the whole story of WM9 George is coming together. It certainly is an interesting and unfortunate ending to one of the most interesting chapters in rep world history.

Very interesting story. Seems like we always discover more knowledge in death about our dealers than we do while they are living. But its pretty obvious why they need to live in secrecy. To most of us members the dealer's life is an enigma, but behind their unique lifestyles are real people with families and quite a story to tell.

+1 to these comments.

A terrible shame that things ended this way, it does seem like they have a very unlucky family. At least now the truth is known and we all can have a bit of closure on this chapter of rep history.

RIP George and his Dad, and I hope his Cousin eventually gets better.
 

mydnytrydr

Mythical Poster
25/9/09
7,800
222
63
im not too familiar with wm9.....but are you saying this guy was driving around in a lambo earned from selling replica watches?

When your market is everywhere in the WORLD except Asia, chances are he had a Ferrari too .....:picard:
 

GlennRyuen

Active Member
16/7/11
407
1
18
Is there anyone taking over this biz? Can we chip in to buy over the molding machine or something :)
 

SOLEX

I'm Pretty Popular
Supporter
Certified
30/3/09
2,730
624
113
This is quite a story, and a sad ending to a great maker.

We have been waiting years to know what has happened, and now that I found out I wish I did not know.

BK thanks for your dedication to this hobby, it is always appreciated.
 

jcagara08

I'm Pretty Popular
9/1/11
1,158
105
63
yeah sure is quite a hiSTORY of watches,
RIP to that guy, but my thoughts is that pretty sure he passed on the blueprints for the WM9 subs, I remember there was one thread that interviewed a guy from taiwan making these TC sub cases, who was that? I forgot who he was
 

greg325i

Renowned Member
29/4/10
869
1
18
Everyone, go back and re-read (or read, as the case may be) BK's post. Then think about it. THEN ask your questions. Lotsa herp derp going on in these last few pages.

:picard::picard:
(because one isn't enough)
 

Christopher

Do not accept unsolicited offers
30/3/09
1
0
1
This makes total sense. I had bought several watches off of George (WM9) and had spoke to him several times by email and phone. He was extremely honest and went out of his way to make his customers happy.

Back in 2008-2009 I ordered a two-tone Submariner about a year prior to the project completion, during this time I sold one of my houses and moved elsewhere. I had informed George of the change of address, however he accidentally sent it to the old address. I never received the watch, I emailed George and included my cell phone number. He called me on the phone and told me that he had shipped it to the prior address and it was his fault. He had the shipment insured for ~$500 which was his costs including shipping (if memory serves I paid $550 or $650 for this watch, that later went up to $750 or $850 closer to launch) and that he wanted me to go to my old address and see if the new owner of my house had the watch. I went to the address and talked with the new owners who were an older Korean couple, they said that the never received the package in my name. So I called George with the contact info provided to me and he immediately shipped out a new watch to my new address which I received. Like four months after the first watch was supposed to arrive a middle-aged Korean man showed up at my work with a padded envelope that was received at his parents house (he knew where I worked after finding my LinkedIn profile). It was the original WM9 Submariner. I informed George by email about the watch that I received and he said keep it - lucky you. He said that he was already re-emburst for my lost watch and that he wanted me to continue ordering from him. I keep one of the two-tone WM9 replicas in my safe and have worn the other one I have worn on a daily basis and it's been perfect, except it gradually loses time (probably needs to be cleaned inside).

A friend of mine really liked my replica Submariners and wanted to order one as well. I directed him to George's site and he ordered a stainless Submariner WM9 replica, I believe it had a Green face. I told him that George was 100% reputable and that he'd definitely receive a great quality watch. He never received the watch. I believe this was in 2010. I made several attempts to contact George by email and cell phone with no success. It was like he dropped off the planet. I couldn't believe that such a helpful and honest guy would run away with people's money. I have been told that I am an outstanding judge of character and after talking to George on the phone there is nothing deceptive or dishonest about the guy. He is super busy and under lots of time constraints which may cause things to fall through the cracks, but he did not seem like he would ever intentionally rip anyone off. I could tell that he was doing extremely well and making lots of money.
 

Subjeff

Mythical Poster
26/12/12
7,104
55
48
Is the factory that made these parts for Geoge (WM9) the same manufacture that TC currently gets his parts from? So even though the brand WM9 may not exist maybe the legacy still lives on with TC and BK? Just wondering.
 

trailboss99

Head Honcho - Cat Herder
Staff member
Administrator
Certified
30/3/08
43,335
16,213
113
Is the factory that made these parts for Geoge (WM9) the same manufacture that TC currently gets his parts from? So even though the brand WM9 may not exist maybe the legacy still lives on with TC and BK? Just wondering.
Maybe . . . :whistle:
 

trailboss99

Head Honcho - Cat Herder
Staff member
Administrator
Certified
30/3/08
43,335
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If TC wants to answer that's up to him but I don't feel I should answer that on his behalf.