IWC 3717 from Hontwatch

[kid_charlemagne]

I need to get my confession out of the way first: I am a complete noob to the replica world...

My only previous experience had been the Tag Heuer Monza I bought from an extremely unreputable person I met in MacDonalds on Temple Street Night Market, Hong Kong a couple of years ago. Needless to say this good-looking but unreliable and flawed beast soon faded away. I wanted more!

This forum has been a godsend. I can't thank people enough for all the high-quality information posted here. It has been a great help in guiding my first purchase.

I have always loved IWC watches: my preference is not to have bling and razzmatazz on my wrist. I am after something classy and more understated, and after some considerable deliberation I decided on the IWC 3717.

The next choice, and perhaps the most difficult, was which dealer? Before finding RWI, I was overwhelmed by the number of scam sites and scam fora that exist. My homework on RWI lead me to believe that there were many trusted dealers who could supply my 3717, but in the end I went with Hont. This was mainly influenced Roosters fantastic dealer review, which can be found here:
http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/latest-rwi-dealers-ratings-and-43088?t=43088

Hont was very quick to reply to my initial email, providing six photos of the IWC 3717, and other replies to more specific questions I had about the watch. It has been said that Hont's English isn't that great, but he answered everything I wanted to know in a polite and courteous manner. My watch is being supplied with the Asia 7750 28800bph movement, which I am hoping will be reliable.

Payment (not price) has been a bit of an issue. Mastercard (through my UK bank) have refused payment twice. I have subsequently made payment through Western Union, although this has cost me around $20 USD more than the credit card price. A sacrifice worth making, I am sure.

Once payment was confirmed, Hont sent a further four photos of the watch he was shipping (including a photo of the lume). I thought I had spotted some damage to the minute-hand (although this was probably an optical illusion), and asked for another photo to be sent of the same watch prior to shipping.

Here it is:

I think it looks great (provided the winder actually goes back in), and I have asked Hont to ship it across to sunny England as soon as he can. More photos and feedback to follow!


Kid

 

[Meta4]

It will be fine if the one I bought from him is an indication.

btw .. a lot of dealers pull out the winder to stop the hands to make it easier to photograph.

 

[Panoris]

No worries. I just bought an Ingenieur off of Hont. Exceptional service all around. Just be patient and you will enjoy it.

 

[jad648]

I got the same watch from Hont a couple of months ago and it was delivered promptly. The watch is great looking and runs well. I do have an issue with a rattling noise that most members tell me should be a minor fix or adjustment and a common issue with the reps. Regardless of how good the QC from the selling dealer, I assume there are always going to be some issues with internal components. By the way, my credit card denied payment at first and I forced them to honor payment. I made it clear that they are not to pick and choose who I do business with.

 

[guru]

now allyou need is a crystal from Takashi and you have a nice looking 3717

http://forum.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/first-item-offer-double-ar-44639

 

[kid_charlemagne]

Thanks for the comments guys - Hont has sent me the EMS tracking number so it should only be a few more days of excited anticipation...!

Guru that's an interesting comparison of the standard cystal vs. Taka's AR crystal. His does look MUCH better. How easy is it to replace crystals, and what tools would I need? Would it be better to send my watch away to get this done?

 

[guru]

Thanks for the comments guys - Hont has sent me the EMS tracking number so it should only be a few more days of excited anticipation...!

Guru that's an interesting comparison of the standard cystal vs. Taka's AR crystal. His does look MUCH better. How easy is it to replace crystals, and what tools would I need? Would it be better to send my watch away to get this done?

normally it takes 5 min to replace the crystall. best is you find a watchmaker which will work on reps, bring him the watch and you can wait until he is done. Do not go to an AD, just search in your aerea for a nice watchmaker, normally 90% work on reps. Use a small store and you will be fine

 

[rooster133]

Great watch, and I agree about the AR. It makes a world of difference on this watch. Enjoy it!! )

 

[levelmanroger]

Beautiful! I truly love my 3717.
Can't wait to see pics of yours.

 

[Exploder]

Sweeeeet! Don't forget to post pics when it arrives!

Cheers, Xplodr

 

[aceman_1]

Beautiful watch - I looked at this one, but I was decided on the Top Gun which is essentially the same watch with a ceramic case and nylon band. I ordered one and approved shipment of one when Hont sent pictures to me yesterday.

I've ordered from Hont before. I don't think that any dealer's QC is flawless, so what matters is the character of the seller if/when things DO go wrong. Hont is a good guy.

 

[1_robbo]

I fancy one of these myself, very nice looking watch,i look forward to your feedback on receipt of the watch, then i think hont will be getting some more buisness !

 

[freemikk]

Very good choice...!!

I did the same but from Precious time...I ordered 2 weeks ago..I hope to receive it soon!!

 

[Spartacus V]

Hont is a great guy you are in good hands or wrist : }

 

[kid_charlemagne]

Nice to know I'm in safe 'wrists'! I expect my watch will be through in the next few days as it left China on Tuesday, so will post the photos ASAP.

Thanks for all your comments

 

[kid_charlemagne]

My watch arrived this morning (a bit of a miracle given the postal strike in the UK), and I'm very pleased with it!

To give you an idea of how long the processing, shipping and customs took:

07/10/09 - Western Union payment confirmed
09/10/09 - Photos of my watch sent from Hont
12/10/09 - Further photo sent from Hont to confirm no damage to the minute-hand
12/10/09 - EMS tracking number sent by Hont
14/10/09 - Package left Qingdao, China
19/10/09 - Package tracked at 'International Hub' Coventry, UK
21/10/09 - Package released by UK customs

Communication from Hont was absolutely fine, and he apologised for the delay in sending out the further photo, but really it was only 48 hours. He suggested following the package using the EMS website (http://www.ems.com.cn/english-main.jsp) but I found the Parcelforce Worldwide website more regularly updated and informative (http://www.parcelforce.com/portal/pw/track)

Anyway, enough of that. Here's the evidence:

Very pleased!

The weight is close to the gen (listed as 108g on the IWC website), and it certainly feels good. I was concerned that the watch would be a bit big for my 7.5" wrists, but I think the sizing is about spot-on.

My immediate modification is going to be a black alligator strap from TWB (http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/the_watchboys), thanks to Taka for his recommendation here. The strap supplied is 'okay', but I feel the watch deserves something a bit better. The buckle also has sharp edges and a cheap feel to it, so might see what is lurking on the Bay.

I'm surprised with the quality of the AR coating, but need to get it out in all light conditions to really test this. Again, Taka will be my next port of call if I'm looking for a new crystal.

I hope this review is useful to buyers of the IWC 3717 and potential buyers from Hont. And thanks again to everyone on RWI for their useful posts - now I can just enjoy my beautiful new rep!!

Kid

 

[Exploder]

Yummy! Looks very nice indeed - congrats!

Cheers, Xplodr

 

[tommy_boy]

Thanks. I have that watch from Hont on my list. I may start strap shopping now!

 

[mbjoer]

You have done well to go with Hont. He is very good.
However payment can be complicated. If you followed his instructions precisely as forwarded there should not have been any issues. I have just paid him via Mastercard, which seemed to work (but not received confirmation of receipt from Hont yet).
If you do have any issues, keep in mind that his English is limited. So keep communication simple and to the point. If you do, he will be OK.

 

[kid_charlemagne]

Hont is definitely a good dealer for a first-time purchase.

I found nothing complicated about his payment instructions, and the only 'problem' I had was with Mastercard's fraud department being overly-protective. Bear in mind that the site is non-secure.

And as I said, communication with him wasn't an issue for me, hence the end result