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My Journey with RWI: A Passionate and Expensive Hobby

gdh1r

Known Member
Certified
28/12/18
125
104
43
London
As 2025 begins, I find myself reflecting on my journey in the world of horology and the incredible role Replica Watch Info (RWI) has played in it. I became a member of this fantastic community back in 2018, and over the years, it has been a cornerstone of my learning, exploration, and appreciation for watches. From day one, the wealth of knowledge shared by fellow members and moderators has been nothing short of invaluable.

When I first joined RWI, I had no idea just how deep the rabbit hole of watch collecting could go. Like many, I started with a casual curiosity—wanting to understand the ins and outs of replica vs. genuine timepieces, how movements work, and how to spot quality craftsmanship. But as time passed, that curiosity turned into a full-blown passion.

The guides, reviews, and hands-on experiences shared by seasoned collectors on RWI have been instrumental in shaping my understanding. From trusted dealers (TDs) to modding advice, and even the infamous franken builds, the forum has been an endless source of education and entertainment.

Over the last two years, I’ve taken my watch obsession to a whole new level. What started as a harmless interest quickly escalated into a serious hobby—one that has seen me invest (and spend!) more than I ever expected. But as any true enthusiast knows, collecting watches isn’t just about the money—it’s about the thrill of the hunt, the craftsmanship, and the stories each timepiece holds.

From my first rep to my most recent modded piece, every watch in my collection tells a unique story. I’ve learned to appreciate the artistry that goes into making super reps, the nuances of different factories, and the skill required to create near-perfect replicas of iconic timepieces.

As I embark on another year in this incredible hobby, I can’t help but feel excited for what’s ahead. The world of watches is constantly evolving, with new releases, better movements, and more accurate reps being produced. Will I finally pull the trigger on that dream franken build? Will I discover a hidden gem from an underrated factory? Only time will tell.

To my fellow RWI members, moderators, and contributors—thank you for everything. This forum isn’t just a place to discuss watches; it’s a community built on passion, shared knowledge, and an appreciation for horology. Here’s to another year of collecting, learning, and, of course, spending way too much on watches!

Bring on 2025!
 

Jackster

I'm Pretty Popular
Supporter
Certified
8/1/17
1,737
1,491
113
Paradise! (SE Qld)
Nice recognition of this incredible forum... I've been here since 2017, I was on our neighbours forums for a while but just found it basically easier to stick with RWI... I dunno, I just like it here. I found RWI just after I had purchased an Omega Speedy Rep from some random internet site, before it had been delivered and was gutted that I was going to probably receive some POS from some third rate factory.

As it turned out it wasn't too bad a piece... I was very very lucky! Since then it is TD's or M2M and I've owned some great pieces over the years.

Throughout my journey I have bought and sold many reps, I have bought and still have a Gen 5 Digit Sub, I have dabbled in watchmaking, I have bought and sold numerous gen homages some of which I regret selling now immensely, namely a Ginault OR1 and a Nassau MKll (the standouts).

This hobby does become an addiction and yes it does get expensive, sometimes I think I should walk away and maybe get into something else less obsessive, I question wether it is healthy to be so all consumed about watches. Sometimes I have a break from it...but... I ALWAYS return. I AM an addict, I try and keep everything on an even keel, One watch in - One watch out, mainly to keep my understanding wife to try to keep understanding!

She's pretty much given up hope on me now... the toughest moment was the Gen Sub purchase! But we made it through! 🤣

Good luck.... it doesn't get any easier!
 

CutePinkKitty

Miauwww... MIAUWWW!
7/11/22
2,561
2,606
113
Under my blankie
ok ok, good to hear.... good for all of you, now on to the important part,
go here and vote for me, the cutest kitten in the forum. I need help beating a fucking bumble bee.

 

Jackster

I'm Pretty Popular
Supporter
Certified
8/1/17
1,737
1,491
113
Paradise! (SE Qld)
ok ok, good to hear.... good for all of you, now on to the important part,
go here and vote for me, the cutest kitten in the forum. I need help beating a fucking bumble bee.

Why am I thinking @TESLA760 🤣 Said to me once... 'are you a slow adult"!!! 🤣🤣
 
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Reactions: Dave2302

gdh1r

Known Member
Certified
28/12/18
125
104
43
London
ok ok, good to hear.... good for all of you, now on to the important part,
go here and vote for me, the cutest kitten in the forum. I need help beating a fucking bumble bee.

Voted! Haha
 

zinduna

I'm Pretty Popular
Supporter
Certified
4/7/09
1,132
667
113
@gdh1r I'm curious to know the twists and turns of your journey. Where do you find yourself at the moment?
 

gdh1r

Known Member
Certified
28/12/18
125
104
43
London
@zinduna
Thanks, mate! Honestly, the biggest high for me has been the sheer wealth of knowledge I’ve gained from this incredible community. Any time I have a question about the wonderful (and sometimes wallet-draining) world of reps, RWI is my first and only stop. I’ve dabbled in RG and Reddit, but let’s be real—they don’t even come close to what we have here!

The absolute top highlight of my journey? Without a doubt, acquiring my super franken meteorite Pepsi—an absolute grail piece with a dial from a certain modder whose name shall no longer be spoken... 😆 But regardless of its mysterious origins, it’s a true gem in my collection and something I’ll treasure for years to come.

As for the lows... well, let’s just say my bank balance has taken a beating since diving headfirst into this hobby! But hey, who needs financial stability when you can have killer wrist presence, right? 😂

How about you, mate? What’s been your biggest high (or financial regret) in this wild hobby?
 
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Mkempes

No parachute? Wow! This is just like real life!
Gold Patron
Certified
As 2025 begins, I find myself reflecting on my journey in the world of horology and the incredible role Replica Watch Info (RWI) has played in it. I became a member of this fantastic community back in 2018, and over the years, it has been a cornerstone of my learning, exploration, and appreciation for watches. From day one, the wealth of knowledge shared by fellow members and moderators has been nothing short of invaluable.

When I first joined RWI, I had no idea just how deep the rabbit hole of watch collecting could go. Like many, I started with a casual curiosity—wanting to understand the ins and outs of replica vs. genuine timepieces, how movements work, and how to spot quality craftsmanship. But as time passed, that curiosity turned into a full-blown passion.

The guides, reviews, and hands-on experiences shared by seasoned collectors on RWI have been instrumental in shaping my understanding. From trusted dealers (TDs) to modding advice, and even the infamous franken builds, the forum has been an endless source of education and entertainment.

Over the last two years, I’ve taken my watch obsession to a whole new level. What started as a harmless interest quickly escalated into a serious hobby—one that has seen me invest (and spend!) more than I ever expected. But as any true enthusiast knows, collecting watches isn’t just about the money—it’s about the thrill of the hunt, the craftsmanship, and the stories each timepiece holds.

From my first rep to my most recent modded piece, every watch in my collection tells a unique story. I’ve learned to appreciate the artistry that goes into making super reps, the nuances of different factories, and the skill required to create near-perfect replicas of iconic timepieces.

As I embark on another year in this incredible hobby, I can’t help but feel excited for what’s ahead. The world of watches is constantly evolving, with new releases, better movements, and more accurate reps being produced. Will I finally pull the trigger on that dream franken build? Will I discover a hidden gem from an underrated factory? Only time will tell.

To my fellow RWI members, moderators, and contributors—thank you for everything. This forum isn’t just a place to discuss watches; it’s a community built on passion, shared knowledge, and an appreciation for horology. Here’s to another year of collecting, learning, and, of course, spending way too much on watches!

Bring on 2025!
Now you made me curious about your collection. Show us some pics with the story about each watch.
 
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zinduna

I'm Pretty Popular
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Certified
4/7/09
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113
I'd love to see your meteorite pepsi.

Similar to you, I've learned an enormous amount from RWI and clearly still have a long way to go. When I started, I was all over the map in my collecting. I played around with the different brands, buying and trying pieces, and then reselling them here on the forum. Eventually, I found a style and niche that appealed to me and began collecting more and better pieces in that area. I found I was drawn to thinner, more elegant watches and about 10 years ago the factories started making decent reps of Patek sports watches. Back then they were nothing like they are today, and up to that point they mainly made calatravas. So I went down the Patek rabbit hole :).

My favourite pieces are those that I've modded or frankened. I have a franken 5168g, 5296g and various other modded pieces. I bought a gold plating kit to white gold plate the cases to my liking, learned how to decase and recase the watches and do basic self help repairs. When I have more time, I'll invest in a microscope and learn how to service movements properly but that's aspirational.

I've been lucky and haven't stubbed my toe too badly on a bum watch or made any obviously bad financial moves, but I do have a hearty collection of tools and drawers full of watch related bits and bobs :ROFLMAO:. My wife is supportive of the hobby (she's the recipient of plenty of pieces herself) and it's been a fun diversion!

In the rep patek world we're waiting for the factories to release a new clone movement that will open up a ton of grand complication movement models. That will be exciting but no doubt expensive.

Cheers
 
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