Newbie Looking for Advice

[DoesntMatter]

I've always had some sort of watch since high school.
First a basic digital watch to time my runs ($20 Timex)
Then a smart watch to track runs and bikes (Garmin)
Then I thought I should get myself a decent dress watch for weddings (Hamilton Jazzmaster)
Then I saw a lot of really good looking hommages and picked up a few of those (San Martin, Watchdives, Seastern)

This all led to me to this beautiful place. I currently wear a Rolex Submariner Homage (San Martin SN017) as my daily driver but after browsing around this community I think I'm ready to make the jump to a replica.

I'm thinking of picking up the Sub 41mm VSF Youth in black since it seems to be the best bang for your buck and I already know I like wearing it. Another option I'm considering is to either get an Explorer I or Datejust to mix things up and not be as bulky. Opinions on TDs or options for these purchases would be greatly appreciated. I already reached out to two on the list that had posts about their stock.

One more thing I wanted this communities insight on is why isn't there a Rolex REP with a cheaper movement, I'm thinking the NH35 or even a sub nodate with a quartz VH31. This would drive the price down but hopefully keep the other details high quality. I know this diverges from making it a true 1:1 replica but does something like this exist out there?

 

[Feefo]

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[Reaps]

Some modded raffles reps and others use NH35/NH38 but like you've said it yourself, they fail at replication accuracy, that's the whole point of replicas.

If you want reliability go for the 2824/M9015/2892/A6947 reps, ETA clones, there are plenty of them out there,

VH31/NH35 may be reliable but the point of these replicas is to try and replicate genuine, VH31 beat rate is wacky at 2Hz and can't drive large handsets, NH35 has a deep dish pizza rehaut (that can be mitigated with some trickery but still).

All in all you already know homages - so just enjoy those with the reliable movements.

 

[Feefo]

Vsf now offers subs with basic ETA clones.

 

[Michaelh]

Vsf now offers subs with basic ETA clones.

As a noob, these look like an incredible value to a guy like me- vsf finishing for a cheaper way to dip my toe in the water

 

[Feefo]

As a noob, these look like an incredible value to a guy like me- vsf finishing for a cheaper way to dip my toe in the water

With the added value of a 1:1 swap with a gen ETA or sellita, which will last you a lifetime.

 

[Michaelh]

With the added value of a 1:1 swap with a gen ETA or sellita, which will last you a lifetime.

That’s my plan so far with all my reps- drive the movements into the ground and either scrap them for parts that I sell cheap to some builder here, or put in a forever movement- my hope is that my entire collection is running on Swiss clones someday.

 

[Michaelh]

Well more like ‘concepts of a plan’ lol I have lots to learn

 

[RepsAllDay]

Welcome!
The VSF Youth subs offer incredible value for money, this would have been my pick instead of Clean 126610LN if they'd been available when I bought mine!