Something in my head; Is it worth we do it?

[stutzer]

It's a hobby.............cars, boats, stamps, coins, photography, audio, video, woodworking, matchbooks, barbed wire, cowboy hats, or whatever of the gajillion interests in this world. It captures your imagination, interests, passion. I've loved watches since I was a boy and will never forget my dad (rest his soul) promising me my first waltham when I could prove I could tell time. (Not an easy task at 5 or 6 years old) It really dosen't matter what your pursuit, it's what makes you happy. If your success is buying a 5K watch and mine is 500...............so be it.............................

 

[uspopo]

It's an interesting hobby. You will never be satisfied with the 'Ultimate' rep until you actually own a Gen because you will always have the mentality to scrutinize every part of rep until you cannot find a flaw. Apart from holding both (gen/rep) side by side or being a knowledgable expert or actual owner of a gen, can you really tell from from 3 feet away? About 99% of us can't tell the difference and with Davidsen/Vaccum/Flav/Thumb Pams I would say they are indistinguishable (maybe with the AR at an angle). I have saved and scraped for a couple of years to purchase my gen D series SeaDweller and I felt a personal accomplishment has been achieved and the search for the perfect rep SD over. Now I have purchased a TW Best SD and will purchase a Perfect ETA SD for everyday wear as my gen will sit in the safe and will occasionally come out. Those who are close to me know that I own a gen SD so even if I wear the rep, only I will know the rep is on my wrist. I've reached a point where I don't care about the flaws anymores ie. crown, rehaut, solid middle links, datewheel font, and the dreaded horrible HE valve becauseI own the real thing. Even though I don't own a gen YM, GMT, or Sub. I will purchase a ETA rep of each one but the personal mission to own the perfect rep version isn't in the back of my mind anymore. Just my personal experience and .02..Stan

 

[Hambone]

I enjoy collecting reps and find it to be very stimulating hobby. Pugwash eloquently expressed a number of the same points I also feel. I would not say I am a rich person by any means, but I do well and could afford a collection of gens if it was something I wanted to do. Sure there arer flaws in the watches we buy, but hey, everthing in life has flaws, big deal. This hobby of ours is most enjoyable and rewarding to me on many levels. The comaraderie here and with my fellow rep collectors who I have introduced to this play a large part of the allure.

Life is short and if there is something in it that you want that is reasonable to attain, then by all means pursue it and don't look back with regret. It's only money. :lol:

 

[WatchDude13]

Now I have purchased a TW Best SD and will purchase a Perfect ETA SD for everyday wear as my gen will sit in the safe and will occasionally come out.

Again, I respectfully don't understand/disagree with this. Why in the world would someone spend $5k+ on a watch, one of the toughest dive watches on the planet, one that can withstand pressures of the deep, that can take knocks and bumps with the best of them and hide it away? Watches are meant to be WORN, not stuck in a dark deep safe.

Enlighten me.....

 

[Jurgenk]

Not to mention that "safeing" your watch is bad for keeping its movement going.

But I do understand the sentiment-- I have destroyed some of my favorite reps just by wearing them so much, and shudder at how I'd feel if my gen daydate took the same beating-- I have never been able to baby my watches, so the daydate gets worn 1x a week for going out.

@Watchdude-- I think that you're a couple stages down the road from where I am in terms of reps... Seriously, there ought to be a forum here for repcollectors anonymous, repaholics in recovery, something like that. Getting a new rep in a seedy little EMS drop ship box gives some people a thrill that is probably like a cocaine / heroin speedball- excitement of the forbidden and risk, the thrill of "getting away with it" and then basking in the glory of getting it onto your wrist, looking at it, snapping some fotos... This is a BAD DRUG!!!

 

[andreww]

If I were rich, I would not be partaking in this hobby.

I on the other hand would still be buying reps, likely at a faster rate. I have yet to have a major problem with any of my reps, and they perform exactly as they should, or to be frank, exactly as the gen does. If I were rich, I would not let the swiss stick it to me. After all that is what they are doing. I have never had the desire to buy a gen, with the exception of a seiko monster, and money has nothing to do with it. I just don't see the point, or the added value of buying a gen. Flame me if you like, but $7000 for what essentially a 7750 watch (Navitimer) is just ludicrous.

 

[WatchDude13]

If I were rich, I would not be partaking in this hobby.

I on the other hand would still be buying reps, likely at a faster rate. I have yet to have a major problem with any of my reps, and they perform exactly as they should, or to be frank, exactly as the gen does. If I were rich, I would not let the swiss stick it to me. After all that is what they are doing. I have never had the desire to buy a gen, with the exception of a seiko monster, and money has nothing to do with it. I just don't see the point, or the added value of buying a gen. Flame me if you like, but $7000 for what essentially a 7750 watch (Navitimer) is just ludicrous.

To each his/her own. Good for you!

They may do some thinks like the gen (like tell time), but in most cases not all. I'd like to see you take a Maria's Best SD down to 4000 ft LMAO!

 

[uspopo]

Again, I respectfully don't understand/disagree with this. Why in the world would someone spend $5k+ on a watch, one of the toughest dive watches on the planet, one that can withstand pressures of the deep, that can take knocks and bumps with the best of them and hide it away? Watches are meant to be WORN, not stuck in a dark deep safe.
Enlighten me.....

WD, if you are ready here is my personal story. Back in 1980s when I was in my teens, I had a teacher who owned a SD and told me a little history about the watch and Comex. From that day on I promised myself that I would one day own a SD. The Sub didn't appeal to me because the SD was the Tool watch to own. A few years later I had gotten my first fulltime job and began to save up for one. Being fortunate enough to live at home with my parents and not having to pay rent I was able to purchase my SD from Ben Bridge Jewelers in 1994 for 3100.00. I was so stoked about it that I almost never took it off and it went everywhere that I went, even to work. I was very proud of myself and of my accomplishment that it I never left the house without it on my wrist. In 2000, I moved out on my own to pursue a new career and in the process, had to sell my SD to a friend to help finance my fresh start. But I did promise myself that I would one day buy back my SD or replace it with another. So after fulfilling my career goal and living on my own for 6 years I was able to buy another one in 2006. I am now 37 and a little older, mature and hopefully a little wiser. I don't feel the need to wear my SD as much and I am well aware of the capabilities and the ruggedness of the watch. Being in my current line of work I don't feel the need to wear it and my Casio Gshock will do the job. I will sport my SD when I am not getting dirty and on special occasions and I do take it out at least once a month and wear it for a few days to keep the movement lubricated. Now I hope you can understand why I don't take out the SD out of the safe that often anymore as the watch has a lot of personal, symbolic and sentimental value. Stan

 

[subzero1]

If you look at the "function" that a watch provides, ie accurate time, mechanical watches generally suck compared to a quartz watch or even a cell phone. So clearly we don't buy them for functional accuracy. We buy them as jewelry or as fashion. In this sense reps make more sense than gens, because fashions change over time, and reps can be replaced with whatever is the latest and greatest without too much financial loss. But a rep will always have small flaws and/or QC issues, just the nature of them. As long as you understand that your reps are disposable goods, to be replaced in a year or 2, these small flaws and issues become relatively unimportant.

 

[rckh]

As with so many things, it is the pursuit that gets me going. Getting there, or in this case, getting the watch can be a bit anti-climatic. Kind of like women, once you have the one you want, you always want another. I think guys are just hard wired that way - always the hunters. I will say though, in the case of watches, I do enjoy wearing them after I have attained them, it isn't quite the rush of the pursuit, but there is a sense of satisfaction and a good deal of admiration for a handsome and well designed watch on my wrist.

I remember in argument with my wife about collecting watch; she almost ask the same question each time : "How many watches u would like to buy? Are u enough?" I try to explain to her in my point of view: It's a different buyer behaviour in woman & man. Most of the women enjoy their "impulse-Purchase", they don't think, don't research. They made their decision just a few second... That why my wife ALWAYS regret or found that she's not really like it after purchased.
Man always the Hunter; hunter not rush into forest & then open fire to get some kill....We do alot of preparation before we act, we think, we research, we study, we plan. Our satisfaction came from the process rather than the result.

 

[rckh]

reply reposted from RWG:

If I were rich, I would not be partaking in this hobby.

As it is, I'm not rich, and this hobby enthuses me and I love the learninating and studinating aspects as much as the photoage-takinating and reviewinataging.

However, motivation is waning a little as the community is getting used to the stuff we, the hardcore article posters, are posting. We're getting less reinforcement from the community than before and that's leading to a decline in enthusiasm and motivation.

How can you stop this? Find a post you read and liked that made you think or made you smile and reply to it. A simple "nice post" or "nice pictures" or "that's funny" will do. Give Ziggy a hug, comment on one of By-Tor's reviews, tell Ubiquitous you love his Daytonas, remind TTK he takes good pictures, discover future stars Stephane or Seadweller4000's posts and tell them what you think, ask Justasgood how he does those mods, Enquire after V's strap collection, laugh at Nanuq's antics and cry at his collection, roll your eyes at Slay's latest, tell Dutchy he looks like a chick, thank the Moderators here for the stalwart work they're doing ... find someone on this list I've not mentioned and remind me to not forget them next time. Heck, even post in the shortest thread!

Just take part, keep the hobby alive, help the community by being part of it.

If you don't keep us happy, we may all find hobbies that do and I for one would not be happy with that result.

Damn, this post seems to have been brewing in me for a while. Looks like it's escaped.

Pugwash:

Thx so much for your replied! I love this community, I learn so much from this place. Here become my home & I surfing around everyday. I'm so happy to be one of this community; we have the same hobby; we have the same interest. Everytime I buy a new rep; I always feel I'm not the only "Decision Maker"; the purchase is not a personal matter. Just like we buy it together!
Ziggy, TTK, Stepane, By-Tor.......etc. We never met but we see each other right here everyday just like a family!

Best Regards,
Raymond

 

[rckh]

If I were rich, I would not be partaking in this hobby.

I on the other hand would still be buying reps, likely at a faster rate. I have yet to have a major problem with any of my reps, and they perform exactly as they should, or to be frank, exactly as the gen does. If I were rich, I would not let the swiss stick it to me. After all that is what they are doing. I have never had the desire to buy a gen, with the exception of a seiko monster, and money has nothing to do with it. I just don't see the point, or the added value of buying a gen. Flame me if you like, but $7000 for what essentially a 7750 watch (Navitimer) is just ludicrous.

Dear Andreww:

Agree! As I learn more about watch, I found most of the brand are overpriced.... I can't found a good reason for myself to purchase a gen watch. If I goto buy a gen future; I'll buy something REP can't be done or something special ! Eg.) Double-Chrono Split-second; Tourbillion.... There's no point to buy something rep can do.

Raymond

 

[seraphe]

The same question was thrown at me several times...

"How many more are you going to get?"

... and the same answer...

"Many more... precisely why I buy reps instead of gens now..."

... and then the ultimate question came...

"Why do you need so many when you have only two hands?"




... my answer:

"The same reason why you need so many handbags when you have only two shoulder..."

But really, my wife doesn't take notice of each watch I got, so I'd always tell her "I got this last winter, remember" everytime I wear one she hasn't seen before.

 

[pugwash]

Not to mention that "safeing" your watch is bad for keeping its movement going.

Huh? :shock:

Where did you hear that bollocks? :shock:

 

[WatchDude13]

WD, if you are ready here is my personal story. Back in 1980s when I was in my teens, I had a teacher who owned a SD and told me a little history about the watch and Comex. From that day on I promised myself that I would one day own a SD. The Sub didn't appeal to me because the SD was the Tool watch to own. A few years later I had gotten my first fulltime job and began to save up for one. Being fortunate enough to live at home with my parents and not having to pay rent I was able to purchase my SD from Ben Bridge Jewelers in 1994 for 3100.00. I was so stoked about it that I almost never took it off and it went everywhere that I went, even to work. I was very proud of myself and of my accomplishment that it I never left the house without it on my wrist. In 2000, I moved out on my own to pursue a new career and in the process, had to sell my SD to a friend to help finance my fresh start. But I did promise myself that I would one day buy back my SD or replace it with another. So after fulfilling my career goal and living on my own for 6 years I was able to buy another one in 2006. I am now 37 and a little older, mature and hopefully a little wiser. I don't feel the need to wear my SD as much and I am well aware of the capabilities and the ruggedness of the watch. Being in my current line of work I don't feel the need to wear it and my Casio Gshock will do the job. I will sport my SD when I am not getting dirty and on special occasions and I do take it out at least once a month and wear it for a few days to keep the movement lubricated. Now I hope you can understand why I don't take out the SD out of the safe that often anymore as the watch has a lot of personal, symbolic and sentimental value. Stan

I'm not knocking you, I just don't always understand. That story helps explain a lot. Just make sure to pull that sucker out from time to time and ENJOY it! Insure it against theft and loss. Wear it as Rolex will make it look brand new after a service. It's a lot of money, but it is also just a watch!

It always reminds me of the love and enjoyment this guy got out of his sub......

hxxp://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t= ... 9928&rid=0

 

[TheTokyoKid]

If you look at the "function" that a watch provides, ie accurate time, mechanical watches generally suck compared to a quartz watch or even a cell phone. So clearly we don't buy them for functional accuracy. We buy them as jewelry or as fashion. In this sense reps make more sense than gens, because fashions change over time, and reps can be replaced with whatever is the latest and greatest without too much financial loss. But a rep will always have small flaws and/or QC issues, just the nature of them. As long as you understand that your reps are disposable goods, to be replaced in a year or 2, these small flaws and issues become relatively unimportant.

Yep. The reason I like mechanical watches is that there is a special "Romance" attached to a watch that has been put together by hand and is a machine that is working on my wrist to keep me informed of the time. I have a quartz watch that I bought for $10.00 that receives a radio wave from the Japan Meteorological Society. I use that one to set my mechanicals every morning when I leave the house. By the end of the day, any one of my mechs, regardless of price, might be off by a minute or two. My current champion is a Chinese 6497 Movt. watch that keeps impeccable time. I absolutely love the fact that I have to wind it every day! That is part of the romance!

I also believe that if you care for your reps, they will last. My Pam 210 that I bought in Thailand 8 years ago is still running well and keeping great time. I paid a whopping $80.00 for that one.

 

[shadowplay]

"Why do you need so many when you have only two hands?"


You could always rock multiple watches like the late Byan Gregory, original second guitar in The Cramps; the hair and voracious appetite for smack might be a step too far tho! My cousin was promoting them in 1980 and 12 year old me asked the very scary man why four watches? Cuz I can son, cuz I can!

 

[seraphe]

"Why do you need so many when you have only two hands?"


You could always rock multiple watches like the late Byan Gregory, original second guitar in The Cramps; the hair and voracious appetite for smack might be a step too far tho! My cousin was promoting them in 1980 and 12 year old me asked the very scary man why four watches? Cuz I can son, cuz I can!

If only he knew about PAMs back then. I would love to see how he can rock his guitar with a marina on bracelet, a submersible, a daylight and a fiddy all at once.

 

[rckh]

I like this ----> "The same reason why you need so many handbags when you have only two shoulder..."
Great! Seraphe: We should know each other a little be bit earlier; And I'll have your really good "Model-Answer" to my wife!

Raymond

 

[dave123]

Hmm,i do notice this constant 'i cant buy a gen so i buy reps" thing going,i own a company that does 3 million a year,low overhead,i do well,own a gen rolex (pics posted here) and really feel stupid for wasting my money on it,i have bought 10 reps in the last month and have 4 on the way as we speak,thats about a few grand in the last month or so,to me its a hobby,fun...i enjoy it,i could afford gens of all reps i have bought,but i am not that stupid with money,thats why i have it...

So no i don't wonder why am i doing this,its just watches (as my 7 year old keeps telling me),but this is a hobby to me,the novelty will wear off and i'll move on to the next hobby,i don't think that all rep buyers are people that can't afford gens,i am not the only one i'm sure....