Honest question, is there REALLY a difference?

[Scrote]

Just said hello in the new member area, hi again!

So, I have had replicas for around two decades. They always have been fine and passed the in person test.

I bought in the city I lived. I bought on “the app” from Asia I probably can’t name here. All have been really fine, a few adjustments on one, and yeah most have kind of light bracelets that can jingle jangle sometimes.

Looking at the TD (the acronyms and vernacular have me lost so far) but that’s clearly trusted dealer … is there REALLY a difference or just a middleman making some coin?

Been pretty happy for about a hundred bucks. Glad to spend three, four, or maybe five hundred … but will they really have the right bracelet weight, maybe gold plating that looks amazing, and truly be better?

Thoughts?
Flame the new guy because the superiority? I dislike the internet for that reason so this no flame thread is maybe my zone.

Thanks, scrote.

 

[Scrote]

PS - I have an authorized dealer with a bluesy for me, but I kinda don’t care to the tune of the retail price and the subdial index crashing. Back in the day, I had an AD (authorized dealer) who was a friend in my social circle and never paid more than 40% off and could wear and sell for what I paid over and over every year. Those days are long gone sadly.

 

[eBoy]

You lost me. Difference of...What exactly?

 

[Dj3381]

Welcome to the wonderful world of premium reps.

First of all, it is incredible that you have been dealing with reps for 2 decades now but have only just stumbled upon the top global rep site?

Anyway, as a 15-year veteran in the rep game (that also owns some very expensive gens), I assure you that there are several layers of quality In reps. The cheap ass crap you may have previously bought have nothing on some of the reps that are around, especially for the popular brands which with some TLC or even with none, can pass the AD test with flying colours (of course this is highly discouraged and overall a dumb idea). Obvious examples are VSF submariners, ZF royal oaks, Noob Daytonas etc.

Yes, some of these reps are available widely and TDs can be seen as middlemen but they can ensure you do not get scammed and they can send you in advance QC pics. They can also assist with sourcing parts etc.

There is a wealth of knowledge here. Take your time and enjoy.

 

[Beartooth]

If a hundred dollar reps makes you happy, then wear them! I've got a few like that that I enjoy.

It seems to me that the reps go up in quality as the price increases, to a point. With the law of diminishing returns, chasing that last one percent can get expensive quick. I think my personal sweet spot on most reps is about $300

 

[Thatwatchguy]

Read on the forum is a polite response

And you are lazy, but you know that and just want answers without doing anything

Good luck

 

[MaximillianGT]

Just said hello in the new member area, hi again!

So, I have had replicas for around two decades. They always have been fine and passed the in person test.

I bought in the city I lived. I bought on “the app” from Asia I probably can’t name here. All have been really fine, a few adjustments on one, and yeah most have kind of light bracelets that can jingle jangle sometimes.

Looking at the TD (the acronyms and vernacular have me lost so far) but that’s clearly trusted dealer … is there REALLY a difference or just a middleman making some coin?

Been pretty happy for about a hundred bucks. Glad to spend three, four, or maybe five hundred … but will they really have the right bracelet weight, maybe gold plating that looks amazing, and truly be better?

Thoughts?
Flame the new guy because the superiority? I dislike the internet for that reason so this no flame thread is maybe my zone.

Thanks, scrote.

Hiding in the frame-free zone cowardly and pointing fingers at the members you don't even know is not an act of friendly either.

I don't know about others, but for me, if I frame you, it is not because of superiority. It is because you are lazy AF and don't even bother to read the least of this forum. If you dislike the internet, don't go online then.

 

[RDRoss]

Welcome to the forum.
I’m guessing your question is whether or not a TD is worth the effort? If so the short answer is “YES”. The TDs are vetted and provide assistance and assurances in terms of the quality and delivery of your purchases. They will work with you to resolve issues and even provide some sort of warranty. So yes, yes they are

In terms of the watches, they have come a long way. Some watches use clone movements that take all gen parts and can be used to build franken watches with gen dials, crystals, hands and etc. For example a $500 vsf brand submariner can pass as a solid Out Of The Box (OOTB) model that on the wrist people would never notice the difference from the gen. Heck they can even pass a close up investigation by folks who are even in the know as it were. They aren’t perfect, but for $500 vs $15k they are damn fine.

Good luck on your journey.

 

[Scrote]

Amazing! Flamed already for joking a bit in a no flame zone. I knew this place would be fun.

Of course I did a search. There is always someone who finds it necessary to post that. Bored? Well it’s boring!

Thank you for the genuine responses above. I would say I’m happy with what I buy but if I wanted ti push the envelope wit h something gold (plated), I would know it would have more scrutiny. $300 sounds like it could be the right balance.

Fun to be here!

Scrote!

 

[Scrote]

Amazing! Flamed already for joking a bit in a no flame zone. I knew this place would be fun.

Of course I did a search. There is always someone who finds it necessary to post that. Bored? Well it’s boring!

Thank you for the genuine responses above. I would say I’m happy with what I buy but if I wanted ti push the envelope wit h something gold (plated), I would know it would have more scrutiny. $300 sounds like it could be the right balance.

Fun to be here!

Scrote

Welcome to the wonderful world of premium reps.

First of all, it is incredible that you have been dealing with reps for 2 decades now but have only just stumbled upon the top global rep site?

Anyway, as a 15-year veteran in the rep game (that also owns some very expensive gens), I assure you that there are several layers of quality In reps. The cheap ass crap you may have previously bought have nothing on some of the reps that are around, especially for the popular brands which with some TLC or even with none, can pass the AD test with flying colours (of course this is highly discouraged and overall a dumb idea). Obvious examples are VSF submariners, ZF royal oaks, Noob Daytonas etc.

Yes, some of these reps are available widely and TDs can be seen as middlemen but they can ensure you do not get scammed and they can send you in advance QC pics. They can also assist with sourcing parts etc.

There is a wealth of knowledge here. Take your time and enjoy.

Thanks for the incredible compliment I worked in global trade and still finance manufacturing. Since I KNOW where many things are made, it would astonish you how many actual sources (the same places) all lead back to the same few places.

Good advice on the trusted dealers. I am a businessperson so can blame but I’m sure they pay to be here (and also must be vetted to remain via costumer experience).

I’m used to hiring professionals. So, I’m thinking I can just ask the trusted dealers for what I want and see what they have to offer in response. I would ask for the pros and cons and accurate highlights along with honest inaccuracies. Hoping great salespeople can pitch their items and explain a bit. I still will hang in the threads for a few days to lear a little … this sure seems like a slippery slope that could become an obsession! Gonna try to no get too overwhelmed.

Thanks again!
Scrote

 

[Thatwatchguy]

Honest question

When you go to Hooters is there a real difference?

 

[var554]

Amazing! Flamed already for joking a bit in a no flame zone. I knew this place would be fun.

Of course I did a search. There is always someone who finds it necessary to post that. Bored? Well it’s boring!

Thank you for the genuine responses above. I would say I’m happy with what I buy but if I wanted ti push the envelope wit h something gold (plated), I would know it would have more scrutiny. $300 sounds like it could be the right balance.

Fun to be here!

Scrote


Thanks for the incredible compliment I worked in global trade and still finance manufacturing. Since I KNOW where many things are made, it would astonish you how many actual sources (the same places) all lead back to the same few places.

Good advice on the trusted dealers. I am a businessperson so can blame but I’m sure they pay to be here (and also must be vetted to remain via costumer experience).

I’m used to hiring professionals. So, I’m thinking I can just ask the trusted dealers for what I want and see what they have to offer in response. I would ask for the pros and cons and accurate highlights along with honest inaccuracies. Hoping great salespeople can pitch their items and explain a bit. I still will hang in the threads for a few days to lear a little … this sure seems like a slippery slope that could become an obsession! Gonna try to no get too overwhelmed.

Thanks again!
Scrote

TD's do not pay to be here. Your idea of in depth convos with any of them regarding pros and cons is going to be very frustrating for you. You should bore yourself some more and keep reading.

 

[Rx4Time]

Honest question

When you go to Hooters is there a real difference?

Something tells me a true connoisseur like @g00n would be the best source for this information

 

[Scrote]

Honest question

When you go to Hooters is there a real difference?

Sounds like maybe I should just go to the AD who has one for me in two tone (they don’t like why you call a Rlx that actually, but anyway). Fun times! Greasy people!

 

[Scrote]

Something tells me a true connoisseur like @g00n would be the best source for this information

If I can touch them, then they are real.

 

[g00n]

Honest question

When you go to Hooters is there a real difference?

Something tells me a true connoisseur like @g00n would be the best source for this information

Let me just double check where we are before I respond

 

[TESLA760]

Welcome scrotum

 

[shinynewbling25]

Welcome Scrote.

I would caution to note that the TD's are not sales people I would advise for you to do the research on your own. They're more like order takers like the soup guy from Seinfeld. Some offer helpful tips and insight but they aren't experts on all models and most don't have the time to go back and forth like that. There are some that will go that extra mile but you would have to read on here to know which ones. Pros and cons you should probably know before ordering again by reading on here.

With that said, here's an enjoyable post to read about one member's journey after he came back to the rep world after a long absence and how he saw just how much the reps changed and got better. https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/connecting-the-past-to-the-present-my-collection-so-far….10963904/#post-11576758. Stick around and welcome to the fascinating world of high end reps.

 

[MaximillianGT]

Welcome scrotum

 

[Scrote]

Welcome scrotum

Finally. Simone got it. Google the scene from Idiocracy for the full intent. Lmao!

Have a great night
Scrote

(Notice no comma there. Meaning … lol!)