Hi guys
I don't think this kind of guide has been made yet, and there is so many members here to who don't know what to look for when checking QC pics, therefore I will outline a few things I learnt after 3 purchases totaling about 10 watches in total in 3 months.
1. Check for crooked markers
If your watch has line markers or numerals check whether they line up straight, ask for different picture angles when unsure
2. Check for datewheel alignment
This one applies to any watch that has a date complication, sometimes the datewheel printing is slightly crooked/justified to a certain direction. Ask for pictures of different numbers to ensure most of them are aligned correctly. Also most reps will NOT have all 31 numbers perfectly aligned, if only 1 or 2 shows very slight misalignment it is generally accepted as ok.
3. Check for rehaut alignment(for Rolex)
Make sure the rehaut crown aligns properly with the 12 marker in the watch. In general the X in rolex should align with the 1 marker and the R should align with the 11 marker as well.
I made the mistake of not checking for this on my first purchase, it was off by almost 7 degrees or so, the rest of the watch was perfect though.
4. Check for crooked Cyclops
Any watch that has cyclops to zoom in the date, make sure it is aligned properly, again ask for more pictures if unsure
5. Check for Pearl alignment (rolex, omega etc)
The pearl should sit just in the middle of the triangle and aligned to the 12 marker. I made this mistake on the second rolex purchase, the pearl viewed from slightly to the right was perfect but from head on it was obviously sitting slightly to the left of the triangle.
6. Check for misprints on dial
Make sure all the printing is straight and no sloppy fonts, applies to almost any watch with printed dial.
7.Check for Lume spills(optional)
If you are really anal about this, ask the TD to get some lume shots, sometimes the factory lume spray is sloppy and may spill out of the markers. I personally don't think this is that important and seldom ask the TD for lume shots.
8. Check straps/bracelet for damage
Make sure there is no scratches on the bracelet, and the leather does not have any signs of obvious defect. Pretty self explanatory really.
9. Check case for improper machining
Make sure the case is smooth and has no scratches, also no obvious sharp edges as well.
10. Check for dusts on dial(Eschenpod)
Since the rep factories dont really assemble your watch in a clean room there will be dust sometimes on the dial. Ask the TD to clean any spots just in case the dust is inside the watch.
Example below
11. Check for correct version(adamweby)
The TDS will have stock of the same watch but in many different versions, for example AP Diver has noob, JF fact v7,v8, etc. Always do your research and make sure you are receiving the watch you are paying for.
12. Check for correct Bezel screw alignment
This mostly applies to watches that has screwed on bezel, such as AP Diver, 15400 Royal Oak , etc. The bezel screws will most likely get scratched if you attempt to align them yourself, so make sure you got 1 that has good alignment in the first place.
Finally, keep in mind the QC pics are macro shots and you will most likely not notice these flaws once the watch is on your wrist. Please do not complain to the TD if for example the markers are just 0.01mm off to the side, remember these are REPS, even GENS are susceptible to the same QC issues you will see here.
Please feel free to let me know if there is anything missing, Also if anybody has pics that shows these flaws let me know and I will add them in
I don't think this kind of guide has been made yet, and there is so many members here to who don't know what to look for when checking QC pics, therefore I will outline a few things I learnt after 3 purchases totaling about 10 watches in total in 3 months.
1. Check for crooked markers
If your watch has line markers or numerals check whether they line up straight, ask for different picture angles when unsure
2. Check for datewheel alignment
This one applies to any watch that has a date complication, sometimes the datewheel printing is slightly crooked/justified to a certain direction. Ask for pictures of different numbers to ensure most of them are aligned correctly. Also most reps will NOT have all 31 numbers perfectly aligned, if only 1 or 2 shows very slight misalignment it is generally accepted as ok.
3. Check for rehaut alignment(for Rolex)
Make sure the rehaut crown aligns properly with the 12 marker in the watch. In general the X in rolex should align with the 1 marker and the R should align with the 11 marker as well.
I made the mistake of not checking for this on my first purchase, it was off by almost 7 degrees or so, the rest of the watch was perfect though.
4. Check for crooked Cyclops
Any watch that has cyclops to zoom in the date, make sure it is aligned properly, again ask for more pictures if unsure
5. Check for Pearl alignment (rolex, omega etc)
The pearl should sit just in the middle of the triangle and aligned to the 12 marker. I made this mistake on the second rolex purchase, the pearl viewed from slightly to the right was perfect but from head on it was obviously sitting slightly to the left of the triangle.
6. Check for misprints on dial
Make sure all the printing is straight and no sloppy fonts, applies to almost any watch with printed dial.
7.Check for Lume spills(optional)
If you are really anal about this, ask the TD to get some lume shots, sometimes the factory lume spray is sloppy and may spill out of the markers. I personally don't think this is that important and seldom ask the TD for lume shots.
8. Check straps/bracelet for damage
Make sure there is no scratches on the bracelet, and the leather does not have any signs of obvious defect. Pretty self explanatory really.
9. Check case for improper machining
Make sure the case is smooth and has no scratches, also no obvious sharp edges as well.
10. Check for dusts on dial(Eschenpod)
Since the rep factories dont really assemble your watch in a clean room there will be dust sometimes on the dial. Ask the TD to clean any spots just in case the dust is inside the watch.
Example below
11. Check for correct version(adamweby)
The TDS will have stock of the same watch but in many different versions, for example AP Diver has noob, JF fact v7,v8, etc. Always do your research and make sure you are receiving the watch you are paying for.
12. Check for correct Bezel screw alignment
This mostly applies to watches that has screwed on bezel, such as AP Diver, 15400 Royal Oak , etc. The bezel screws will most likely get scratched if you attempt to align them yourself, so make sure you got 1 that has good alignment in the first place.
Finally, keep in mind the QC pics are macro shots and you will most likely not notice these flaws once the watch is on your wrist. Please do not complain to the TD if for example the markers are just 0.01mm off to the side, remember these are REPS, even GENS are susceptible to the same QC issues you will see here.
Please feel free to let me know if there is anything missing, Also if anybody has pics that shows these flaws let me know and I will add them in
