Some things to possibly keep in mind for newbs

[dailow5]

I'm still new to the whole rep. world, so I probably learn something new every day. Here are some observations I have made:

-If you're ok with the QC pics, the actual watch looks a lot cleaner in person
-Read, read, and read some more Ale's reference guide and other member's threads
-Pick a model you're going to be comfortable wearing, not what's closest to gen
-The more complicated the design and functions, the better chances for imperfections
-If the gen retails for way more than you can afford, assume people are going to ask you if it's real
-if they do ask, don't make up some crazy lie, because they probably already know the truth
-Be patient
-Don't wait for a 100% rep. otherwise it would be a gen, not a rep
-Read again

Being a newb myself, these are just my opinions. Feel free to add your own advice.
I have really enjoyed the wealth of knowledge I've received the last few months from you guys. Thanks!

 

[J.Prime]

Good points!! There is a lot to learn here for sure, welcome!

 

[SUMIKITO]

Every day is a wealth of knowledge pouring in here at RWI............... read on my friend !!

 

[mysterio]

-If the gen retails for way more than you can afford, assume people are going to ask you if it's real

This I would find highly improbable but maybe if you hobnob exclusively with people who are experts in the brand (in this case Risti) then there is a slight chance. Some of the PAM reps I own I could not afford as gen and yet the most common comment/question I get is not "Is it real?" but "Nice watch."

 

[JRM1214]

Same here myterio [emoji4]

 

[Flashbolt987]

This I would find highly improbable but maybe if you hobnob exclusively with people who are experts in the brand (in this case Risti) then there is a slight chance. Some of the PAM reps I own I could not afford as gen and yet the most common comment/question I get is not "Is it real?" but "Nice watch."

I think he means if you're not in the social class that normally would wear such a watch, expect people in that group to question you...and probably automatically think it's fake...(for example, what would you assume if you saw a local McDonalds cashier wearing an Panerai?)

Randomly off the street, sure, people will likely just say "nice watch" if they don't know anything else about you.

 

[dailow5]

That's correct Flash. Also, there are people that buy reps. that want the perception that they have an expensive watch. Otherwise, if they were just looking for a well-made or good looking watch they could just buy an Invicta or "regular" brand for a fraction of the price.

 

[retrospex]

Excellent!

You've managed to encompass a lot of what I think in much fewer words.

 

[Anelson86]

This is solid advice. I've been looking, reading and researching my first big Pam purchase. I don't want to get it and then realize I got the wrong one.

 

[mysterio]

I think he means if you're not in the social class that normally would wear such a watch, expect people in that group to question you...and probably automatically think it's fake...(for example, what would you assume if you saw a local McDonalds cashier wearing an Panerai?)

Randomly off the street, sure, people will likely just say "nice watch" if they don't know anything else about you.

I would take your advice about just saying nice watch if I knew nothing else about the cashier at the local McDonald's if I even want to comment on the watch aside from ordering a Big Mac with a side order of fries. For all I know, he could be the franchisee's son just being taught the virtues of working the line. Only snobs (which exist in all levels not only in high society) would even think of making a statement about the authenticity of a watch you're wearing.

Which brings me to advice for new members:
- Buy the watch for you, not for what anybody will think of or say to you. If you worry about getting into a situation where you might get called out, maybe an Invicta (horrible choice but hey it's your choice) or a Seiko would suit you.

 

[Retina]

funny thing about the general public?

i wear a vintage daytona, paulnewman 6241, no one seems to give a shit when the gen costs well over 120k

i wear a panerai 111, and everyone asks about it.

case in point, most wont know enough to tell the gens from reps. we are above average in terms of what to look out for in reps. dials, screws, crowns, pushers, fonts etc..

 

[wolfwood]

The only real scenerio which I can imagine people questioning your watch is if you wear a Rolex which everyone equals with being "expensive" and your close friends and family notice it and knows that you cannot afford it, they might ask you about it. All other brands the general public has no idea.

 

[ALE7575]

Thanks dailow for this interesting post
I think those are wise advices

Please don't keep the comments just about the gen-rep-affordable-calling out matter, because there are other interesting points in daylow's post

ALE

 

[mysterio]

Thanks dailow for this interesting post
I think those are wise advices

Please don't keep the comments just about the gen-rep-affordable-calling out matter, because there are other interesting points in daylow's post

ALE

ALE, these comments are actually related to each other.

-Pick a model you're going to be comfortable wearing, not what's closest to gen
-The more complicated the design and functions, the better chances for imperfections
-If the gen retails for way more than you can afford, assume people are going to ask you if it's real
-if they do ask, don't make up some crazy lie, because they probably already know the truth

If you will be worried about getting called out, then you would not be comfortable wearing it. It's contradictory. The more complicated (or correctly, with more complications) the PAM is, then higher chance of imperfection, hence higher chance of being called out, then the more uncomfortable you'd be. And since you are uncomfortable wearing the rep then you might lie about the watch's authenticity even though the people asking probably know the truth. It is a vicious cycle, and something you need to get out of quickly if you are to get any enjoyment out of your rep.

I would add another statement about QC pics.
- QC pictures are magnified to blow out small imperfections out of proportion. At arm's length, they aren't even noticeable by normal human vision.

 

[dailow5]

I agree with the point about the QC pics. I've been very impressed with the watches in person. For someone who hasn't made their first rep. purchase, it's really difficult to understand this point. I just want to assure them that the actual watch is going to look way sharper in person. I airways try to reduce the size of the qc pics to about the actual size of the watch. For me, it gives me a more realistic perspective.

 

[kampachi]

I agree with the point about the QC pics. I've been very impressed with the watches in person. For someone who hasn't made their first rep. purchase, it's really difficult to understand this point. I just want to assure them that the actual watch is going to look way sharper in person. I airways try to reduce the size of the qc pics to about the actual size of the watch. For me, it gives me a more realistic perspective.

Agreed. Thats what i did to with the pictures. Then i realised, shiet, this is so small in real life! PAM111 for example, i took one of my gen watches and tried to find the incabloc. Man, i have squint my eyesto properly look at the details. Then i realised, no one's gonna take my rep111 and study it at such distance. I'd only be worried if there are major differences on the big details like different fonts on the dials or lume colour

 

[DirtyDog-IRL]

As I get ready to pick my first rep this is all sound advice, the problem I am having is picking 1 to start with.....

Do people have a preference for dealer? or is there a voting post on who makes the better rep? I read a lot about Toro (which is down at the moment) and Asian7750 - any advice/guidance would be welcomed!

 

[mysterio]

As I get ready to pick my first rep this is all sound advice, the problem I am having is picking 1 to start with.....

Do people have a preference for dealer? or is there a voting post on who makes the better rep? I read a lot about Toro (which is down at the moment) and Asian7750 - any advice/guidance would be welcomed!

Some people swear by one dealer, some buy specific watches from specific dealers, some buy with no real preference. Read up on the reviews per dealer and you may find the dealer for you.

 

[DirtyDog-IRL]

Thanks Mysterio, I think I have narrowed it down - now need to narrow down the model...

Some people swear by one dealer, some buy specific watches from specific dealers, some buy with no real preference. Read up on the reviews per dealer and you may find the dealer for you.

 

[mysterio]

Thanks Mysterio, I think I have narrowed it down - now need to narrow down the model...

You are on the right path. We always recommend "pick your dealer, then pick your watch".