Ready to pull the trigger.

[Camaro95]

Hi all

I've done a lot of reading, opinions, looking at examples... all the regular nonsense. I've changed my outlook and expectations accordingly. I'm now ready to pull the trigger and I've compiled a Bvlgari-light (Bvlgaris don't get repped at all really, and definitely not well), four watch shortlist. Please tell me what you think. I have added my own impressions, pros and cons and the pricing so you know the price range I'm looking at. I don't think I need any more suggestions unless you can find a great Bvlgari at a similar price.

The purpose of a watch: an accessory. Primarily just a little bit of flash to compliment a rather tame wardrobe without going all "bling bling". Secondly, to compliment my "flashy" car, my 98 Jaguar XK8. Thirdly, I used to dress like a bit of a slob; cargo pants, long sleeved tees, baggy sweatshirts, touques etc. I'm trying to clean up my looks, maybe look a little more mature, accomplished, professional.

Number 1 - $108- $20 (coupon code) = $88
Bvlgari Diagono Calibro 303
Pro: Most accurate (looking, non-quartz) rep I've found. I like it.
Con: Higher price point (relative to the others on my list), pictures are too poor to judge the shininess and accurately judge the colour of the bottom of the dial. Just how water resistant is this thing? Can I take it for a swim? Wear it in the shower?

Number 2 - $63
Bvlgari Aluminum
Pro: Looks really nice, relatively attractive price. Non-quartz
Con: Not an accurate replica of the original. How water resistant?

Number 3 - $35
Breitling Navitimer
Pro: Amazing price. Looks kind of fancy.
Con: Not sure of accuracy. How water resistant?

Number 4 - $59
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak "Time for the Trees"
Pro: Really neat looking. Decent price.
Con: Pure fantasy. Doesn't even look like a ROO. Not water resistant.

I can do number 1.
or if I want to get tricky...
Numbers 3 & 4
or
Numbers 2 & 3
but not
Numbers 2 & 4

Opinions for a beginner, non-serious, non-collector/hobbyist? Other ways I can look at my shortlist?

Thanks!

 

[jrodshibuya]

It looks like you've gone about things in an analytical way which is good. Based on what you've put in the 'cons' I think you can take #4 off your list. But you can never really trust the claims of water-resistance. That applies even to more expensive reps, it's just the way it is. Having said that, some people have taken the risk and found their watches to be water resistant (Franke took an unmodified Rolex GMT snorkelling/diving).

How about going for #2 and #3? Note that some people have had less than great experiences with WE, with them not having stock of the watch they want. So you may find this comprehensive research has been for nothing.

 

[guru]

I wouldn't buy any, they are all junk

 

[jrodshibuya]

One man's junk is another man's treasure

Obviously guru (admin and general guru) is right to an extent. There's a reason why most decent reps start at about $80.

 

[slimslim]

it's all cheap. who cares. buy one. have fun with it. really i'm sort of serious; have fun; especially in that price range. show love for the semicolon and the cheap watch!!!!! !!edit!! dude i just looked thru your selections. not good. my opinion. not law, not truth. but ugly stuff. your choices....

 

[Camaro95]

I understand I get what I pay for, but I have a habit of losing and breaking things, especially watches.

I want to make sure I can trust myself with a relative junker before I risk 200-300. Two watches for slightly less than $100, not a bad price for a trial and error test run. If I like it, I can always keep them or give them to the little one when I upgrade to a better Bvlgari... hopefully the Danial Roths will be out when I upgrade!

I think you're right about number 4. I do like it, not sure why, but I do.

 

[vpx]

Why not just buy a cheaper used watch from the member sales area?

 

[phillycheez]

I'd agree with gurus harsh words, but if that's what you want....

Buy all of them. I guarantee you the dealer will probably give you a deal too if you ask right.

 

[lourentgarnier]

Guru said it clear and right, they are crap, even if nice looking. And don't think you are going to have an idea about replicas buying one of these that by sure will disappoint you. As Vpx suggested, buy a used replica but don't go so cheap.

 

[Camaro95]

Guru said it clear and right, they are crap, even if nice looking. And don't think you are going to have an idea about replicas buying one of these that by sure will disappoint you. As Vpx suggested, buy a used replica but don't go so cheap.

I think the point has been missed a little bit. I don't want to lose a $300 replica. If I lose a $100 replica, it's bad enough, a $300 loss and I'll shoot myself.

I'm not looking to get a feel of replicas, looking to get a feel of watches. Without spending more than the cost of a new tire. I know what I don't want. I don't want a Bulova or Movado, a Seiko or a Citizen. I don't want a ROO or a Submariner

I would buy from a member if a) I had paypal, b) there was a watch I liked available and c) the price was right. I have not seen one Bvlgari listed there. Tried the search didn't see one.

I'm not looking for any old replica. I'm not looking for a replica just to say I have one. I'm not a hobbyist. I'm not a collector. So if I don't like the looks of the watch, I really couldn't care less how great of a replica it is (unless I can sell it for a hefty profit - still won't take that risk) and I certainly won't buy it.

Maybe later on in life I will be a collector or hobbyist, but right now I have cars that take 75-80% of my disposable income, 15% to concerts and the rest to whatever else it is I feel like spending it on or saving.

 

[phillycheez]

If you are looking to get a "feel for watches" buying a cheap rep will not fill that void.

I think that's what people are trying to tell you. When you get that cheap rep you will be mildly impressed to the point that you may either
a) never buy a rep again.
b) buy another but spend more for higher quality.

People who were in the same boat as you, did what you are thinking of doing, only to choose route b in the end.

In a sense... we are trying to save you money by not making the same mistake we did.

 

[Camaro95]

A) I can either waste a few dollars or a few hundred. There is a reason why I'm not wearing a watch at the moment.
B) That may very well be true but I won't buy my daughter a BMW when she turns 16 if she doesn't like driving or doesn't have her g1. That's what a Neon is for.

So hopefully I will buy a better replica. I just don't want to jump into the deep end of the big pool without trying the kiddie pool first.

So I have my three options (I removed the WatchEden option because of a current investigation by the admins).