Hello guys,
Although little late, I wanted to share my experience with my first buy in the replica world. Can’t emphasize how much searching in the RWI forum helped me on my decision, to buy a VSF126610LV on late June, when these ladies were really hot, but also how I got great info here on the TDs-purchasing-delivery aspects. I was a total noob that didn’t know what a QC is and after a month of some parallel reddit reptime use I was able to do a proper basic QC only by daily silent self practicing on others QCs just by scrolling in my phone.
This post also is a shoutout for Li from jtime
jtimewatch and watchsmith Interaktiv
interaktiv because I believe we should give some feedback after the purchase and servicing is done.
I ordered this beauty, a VSF 126610LV from Jtime. Li was very helpful as I had some problems with the payment but he was very patient and helped with my transaction and provided me many different ways to pay until we found a good solution together. QC pics were sent to me by Lana about 8 days after my order since at that time (end of July) there was a very high workload on Jtime and on VSFs. I was advised about the delays in QC upfront by Li. Lana was very helpful to provide additional info on my delivery. Watch arrived here around 10 days after my QC GL approval and no customs issues, which was really fast I think. Watch arrived as shown on QC pics Lana send and on excellent condition, very properly packaged. The QC pics on the timegrapher were very good (-2s/d, 296, 0,1be) however on only 2 days use I saw strange numbers varying from -2s/d to -20s/d and it was very variable. (NOTE: This was recorded on timegrapher app on my mobile and maybe it’s not that accurate, so not really sure if it was like that) I assume this can happen from time to time (during package transfer etc) but that scared me out of my sh*t (LOL) and confirmed my initial thought to service it immediately after receiving. Of course replica movements and parts are not even close to their gen quality-built but with proper servicing we can not only achieve better timekeeping but also extend the movements life when properly assembled and oiled.
Below one photo from my QC.
Here when arrived.
Here after removal of the all the plastic protections.
Also worthy to mention was the removal of 2 links of my bracelet. The first link was really easy to remove. The second one was almost impossible to remove and I tried warm water, hairdryers, lighters, to unscrew it. Only one solution worked for me and that was, proper grip. I used a small clamp that I had and things were sorted quickly.
Nevertheless, I wanted to service her ASAP so I would keep her on the long term but also be sure that the lubrication and regulation is correct by a pro. Li told me about a very good watchmaker he knew in my country (Greece) and he gave me the contact of Interaktiv which I contacted immediately.
I reached Interaktiv by email and he replied very quickly. We talked by phone, he was very helpful, friendly and kind to me from the first moment to answer all my questions about replicas. Since this was my first buy I wanted to get educated by a pro in many aspects: Servicing, life expectancy, VS3235 movement, replacement options, genuine parts replacements etc. He is very knowledgeable and he is willing to help a lot on the replica world. I sent him the watch after 2 days. He serviced my watch after 20 days (he is very very busy) and he also sent me some pics that I asked him to take during the VS3235 disassembly! Also I had the time to go and reach him to meet him in person in his repair shop during a visit in his town. He loves watches too of course but the most important part is that he is very polite and human. By the way my timegrapher (by mobile app) numbers got very very good (1-2 sec/d) after the servicing and regulation by Interaktiv, but in the below photos you can see his timegrapher is at 0s/d, I assume he did his magic!
5 Photos below taken by Interaktiv, thanks a lot again my man.
I am really enjoying the watch and until the movement breaks or deregulates will keep it as it is. Maybe at some time will swap for gen balance bridge and balance wheel for better time keeping but let’s see! Interaktiv told me that the VS3235 is a movement that shouldn't have any problem when serviced.
If i can give 2 advises to the newer people here would be:
1) Buy from a TD
2) Service it before the shitshow escalates!
Thanks everyone here!