Noob Guide to RWI
As a newbie myself I thought I’d compile a thread which would be useful to other newbies and other users with all the valuable information I have found as I trawl through the site; a ‘Replica Watch 101’ so to speak!
Enjoy!
Kitersoze’s Noob Welcome
I wouldn’t class this as informative but it is a great post which signifies that there will always be issues with replicas and they will never be perfect so stop whining over the smallest of problems, you are still buying a rep at the end of the day…
https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...he-rep-culture
Why bother with the TDs? Why not just buy from the Internet?
Daytona for me has gone undercover and purchased $100+ worth of replica watches from DHGate to show the troubles from buying from a non-trusted dealer and how the descriptions and quality of those watches from sites like ioffer, aliexpress and DHGate can be
https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...nd-old-members
Confused at the numerous abbreviations contained within the forum?
Fakemaster has explained all the most common abbreviations in his wonderful thread:
https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...-abbreviations
This tool is probably best used alongside reading the forum if there are any abbreviations you do not understand!
Beginner’s Guide on how to find the Best Replica
Here we have ThinkBach’s excellent guide to finding the best replica for YOU – it involves how to research what watch you want, how to find the best replica, how to source the best dealer and so on…
It is a must read for all newbies who are buying!
https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/beginners-guide-on-how-to-find-the-best-replica-watch.109388/
Don Brizzel’s First Timer’s thread
This thread looks to have been a great first timer thread but the links are all out of date so it is not the best help anymore, in fact it isn’t a help at all, although AHW676’s post in the thread is valuable:
https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...before-posting
The post above has answers to a few questions such as: ‘I’ve not got a confirmation e-mail!’, ‘My tracking number says my watch is stuck somewhere’ and ‘My watch has arrived damaged, what do I do?!’.
The Top 10 Lies about Replica Watches
https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...eplica-watches
This is a great thread which cuts straight through the bullshit of the replica industry.
One example of such a lie which is debunked by AllergyDoc is that there are no grades of replica watches contrary to popular folklore.
There are merely models, factories and versions. Which watch is most like the genuine is a) a matter of opinion; and b) easily found out with abit of research in the individual sub-forums for each manufacturer.
How to purchase your first replica
https://forum.replica-watch.info/forum/replica-faq/233990-guide-how-to-purchase-your-first-rep
Pulp fiction’s handy guide provides a detailed breakdown upon the purchase process from choosing your watch to payment and arrival.
This is a must read before embarking upon the replica trail.
The purchasing process
https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/compete-noobs-guide-to-buying-you-first-rep.66103/
A handy guide walking you through the replica purchasing process step-by-step, made by Frigpig.
Some points are a little outdated e.g. ‘do not buy direct from the website’ (this was mainly regarding stock not being updated on the sites back in 2009 but the websites are a lot more advanced at present (e.g.
puretimewatch.io) but still the thread above is still a very good guide.
Time4Direct’s handy insight into the replica market
https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/little-insight-as-to-how-it-all-works.68532/
I wouldn’t class this as a must read BUT if you want to have some background as to what goes on behind the scenes then this is the thread for you, not a must read before you buy but certainly interesting.
How do you survive the long wait after ordering your replica and delivery?
Mitchbaria’s must read thread warns those newbies who are waiting for their first rep not to be impatient because it will arrive and yes, in rare occasions it may be broken, don’t go complaining in the forum as your first action, read this thread first!
https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/for-new-members-read-immediately-after-your-first-order.143928/
How to buy, how to sell and avoiding scams
N3tph4t has compiled a wonderful series of posts in the thread below which provide a how-to upon buying, selling and avoiding scams – a must read!
https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...d-safe-dealing
Do not post QC pictures to ask for the forum’s approval
These are your pictures for you to find issues/approve.
In order to satisfy yourself research the particular model and find out about known issues then look for the typical issues within your QC pictures and satisfy yourself that everything is acceptable.
Compare the QC photographs to either a) the TD’s photographs or b) a review from a satisfied buyer of their own purchase to check for any differences.
KingKatona set it out perfectly via PM:
‘If you check the QC pictures against the pictures on [TD’s] website and you see no discernible difference then I'd say send [TD] an "OK to post" email, don't forget the pictures that TDs send are high resolution so if you happy with the QC pictures then you'll be more than happy when it's on your wrist...’
https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...tle-on-qc-pics
Trailboss99 hits the nail on the head in the above thread. Do not post asking the forum to approve your QC pictures, only post QC pictures if you can see an issue/think you can see an issue and want a second opinion from the members.
As AHW676 says your QC pictures are to make sure that the TD has got the right watch and to make sure there is no major problems, glaring flaws or damage:
https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...of-qc-pictures
How to Read Timegrapher Results
Adeodatus has made a fantastic post over on RWG on how to read your timegrapher results once they have been received. Because i'm sure like me, you are clueless as to what to do when they arrive!
https://rwg.cc/topic/143934-how-to-r...rapher-results
What are the best replica models?
https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/best-replica-models-of-the-particular-factories.241177/
Chronomate has compiled a frequently updated list as to what the ‘best’ replicas are in the market at the moment. This list is not exhaustive and should be used to supplement your own research but it’s a bloody good starting point for that stereotypical ‘what is the best sub?’ question! The answer is most probably the TC sub or the Noobmaster V6S for those wondering…
Mod Edit: This is the new NWBIG list
https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...er-reps-nwbigs
In addition, another good place to start is the ‘Rep of the Year’ vote because that has a list of the forum’s favourite replicas of the calendar year and the best is voted upon – see here:
https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/rep-of-the-year-2015.243552/
However, the answer to what the best replicas are can be found using a) the search tool (there are hundreds of threads asking this very same question) and also b) the individual brand sub-forums. If you know what watch you want it is quite easy to gauge what the best replica is of that model.
What happens when you need the watch serviced or repaired?
If you like a service or repair you have four options (correct me if I am wrong):
a) Strike up a relationship with a Local Watchsmith:
b) Send the watch back to the TD to repair (if broken upon arrival)
c) Find a forum member who can service/repair the watch and contact them via RWI
d) Buy a new watch if it is irreparable
King Kantona posted a thread which provided information as to whether a service is needed upon arrival of a new watch and linked us to a detailed post by a reputable watch smith regarding the different movements and their repairability and quality:
https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/to-service-or-not-to-service-read-this.251812/
Rolex
Utilise the main sub-forum:
https://forum.replica-watch.info/forums/rolex-tudor-replicas.153/
Read around, read the stickies and the latest posts.
Typical Rolex Sub-C (Submariner Ceramic Bezel) QC Issues
Some of these may be wrong - I am a noob after all!
· Date alignment issues
· DWO (Date Window Overlay) issues (font smudging)
· Lume pip ‘uneven’ when viewed flat
· Not gen-like Cyclops (Date Window) (no ‘black-hole effect’)
· Mis-aligned ‘rehaut’ (The silver bit around the inside of the watch which says 'ROLEXROLEXROLEX'
· Rehaut polishing poor
· Mis-aligned SELs (Solid End Links)
· Date font issues (too bold)
Panerai
Again, utilise the main thread – read the stickies and the latest posts:
https://forum.replica-watch.info/forums/panerai/
The best Panerai post is Ale’s guide, this is fantastic and full of excellent information – must read for Panerai addicts:
https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/reference-pam-review-guide-replica-search-identification-evaluation-selection.106183/
Other Brands
I want to add to this guide so please point me in the direction of any other essential threads/posts and lets add to the subheadings regarding each brand.
Thanks for reading!
RWI is not a sales site it is an information site
(Note added by C Master)
https://forum.replica-watch.info/for...tch-sales-site
