Why I love reps - from a gen owner

[Thatwatchguy]

It’s pure business, they know it (I assume) and just make one version and then another

It is kind of unrealistic to expect a perfect rep, and I know a Rolex is the go to for the majority, but for Breitling, Tag Heuer, Omega it is the golden age.

 

[Lev]

It’s pure business, they know it (I assume) and just make one version and then another

It is kind of unrealistic to expect a perfect rep, and I know a Rolex is the go to for the majority, but for Breitling, Tag Heuer, Omega it is the golden

By Golden Age do you mean that it is the golden age of these specific reps or that the gen demand for Breitling and Omega has gone up. Breitling has certainly changed their line-up and I quite like what theyve done since Georges Kern became CEO of Breitling.

 

[Grapeshot]

Another point about rep owners is that often they know more about gens than traditional gen owners, and sometimes the AD. When a new rep version arrives on the market, the rep enthusiast not only compares it to the previous version but also to the gen. To be able to do this accurately they have to know a great deal about the genuine article and that takes research and good knowledge.

I’d be willing to bet that the casual buyers of a genuine Rolex from an AD have very little idea what they are looking at. They trust the AD completely that he/she is getting the genuine article and probably does not know or care that there is a correct way that the hands should stack or if the crown on the rehaut should be set in precisely the right position. I’m not suggesting that a watch from an AD is not likely to be genuine but my point is that most gen buyers don’t even think about such things.

 

[DurbanPoison]

Another point about rep owners is that often they know more about gens than traditional gen owners, and sometimes the AD. When a new rep version arrives on the market, the rep enthusiast not only compares it to the previous version but also to the gen. To be able to do this accurately they have to know a great deal about the genuine article and that takes research and good knowledge.

I’d be willing to bet that the casual buyers of a genuine Rolex from an AD have very little idea what they are looking at. They trust the AD completely that he/she is getting the genuine article and probably does not know or care that there is a correct way that the hands should stack or if the crown on the rehaut should be set in precisely the right position. I’m not suggesting that a watch from an AD is not likely to be genuine but my point is that most gen buyers don’t even think about such things.

I’ve actually heard of Hong Kong ADs selling reps to customers as gens. Not sure if this is still going on now.

 

[Replicated]

Great post, well said!

 

[suited]

Really great insight and I share a lot of the similar thoughts. The community behind this hobby is truly nothing I ever thought would be possible. My experience of replica watches up until a year ago was dodgy car boot sales or flea markets in developing countries that I like to visit. Then on the plane home you realise that the crown of the Rolex logo has fallen off and is just bouncing around inside of your dial!

Another one for me is reps actually allow me to wear them. Yes of course, you can wear gens however due to my job (military), I'm often in situations that are not healthy for a watch. For example, I'm constantly on the range, and shooting would inevitably degrade the watch due to the shock and vibrations. Also, when I'm out in the field it's pretty common for me to ding a watch against the equipment I'm using/operating. Now, when wearing a gen I'd be losing my hair over all of these dings and wear and tear - due to the value lost if I was to resell. However with a rep, I'm easier to stomach the wear and tear a lot easier and I actually take the stance that it adds character to my watch. Rather than seeing it degrade in value, it increases in value as each ding has a memory of that watch being with me and being built for a purpose.

Just my two cents, but I am truly glad for this industry.

 

[suited]

Another point about rep owners is that often they know more about gens than traditional gen owners, and sometimes the AD. When a new rep version arrives on the market, the rep enthusiast not only compares it to the previous version but also to the gen. To be able to do this accurately they have to know a great deal about the genuine article and that takes research and good knowledge.

I’d be willing to bet that the casual buyers of a genuine Rolex from an AD have very little idea what they are looking at. They trust the AD completely that he/she is getting the genuine article and probably does not know or care that there is a correct way that the hands should stack or if the crown on the rehaut should be set in precisely the right position. I’m not suggesting that a watch from an AD is not likely to be genuine but my point is that most gen buyers don’t even think about such things.

Yes this is something I have noticed as well! It is fascinating seeing some of the knowledge that some of the guys hold on here. Absolutely remarkable seeing people here talk about factories and different models/variations of a gen piece.

 

[Lev]

Yes this is something I have noticed as well! It is fascinating seeing some of the knowledge that some of the guys hold on here. Absolutely remarkable seeing people here talk about factories and different models/variations of a gen piece.

Not even just factories but sometimes that absolutely insane precision that some members are able to point out differences between both factories and gen models a la "that crown is 1 mm too far to the left, they didnt do this until 2019 and only with reference...". Its hyperbole but also not because its remarkable.

 

[restandrelaxation]

Another point about rep owners is that often they know more about gens than traditional gen owners, and sometimes the AD. When a new rep version arrives on the market, the rep enthusiast not only compares it to the previous version but also to the gen. To be able to do this accurately they have to know a great deal about the genuine article and that takes research and good knowledge.

I’d be willing to bet that the casual buyers of a genuine Rolex from an AD have very little idea what they are looking at. They trust the AD completely that he/she is getting the genuine article and probably does not know or care that there is a correct way that the hands should stack or if the crown on the rehaut should be set in precisely the right position. I’m not suggesting that a watch from an AD is not likely to be genuine but my point is that most gen buyers don’t even think about such things.

It's funny you say this. I went into my local AD recently, where they had a used tudor bb on sale. I just didn't like the feel of it... I'm going to go back for another look on Tuesday because in my head I'm sure it didn't feel right. I asked myself is it possible that someone bought one then traded in a rep? I suppose it is.... We shall see.

 

[suited]

It's funny you say this. I went into my local AD recently, where they had a used tudor bb on sale. I just didn't like the feel of it... I'm going to go back for another look on Tuesday because in my head I'm sure it didn't feel right. I asked myself is it possible that someone bought one then traded in a rep? I suppose it is.... We shall see.

I don't think so. When I traded in my watch at a jewellery store they gave me a quote and then took it in the back for around half an hour where I assume they took it apart and properly assessed that it was in good working order - and authentic of course. I don't think it's down to AD's to just look at a watch and accept it.

 

[hendric]

The cost-effectiveness factor is also important. When you talk to people who doubt the value of buying super replicas, you get a different perspective when you ask them:

if there are 2 almost identical houses for sale next to each other. One is $500,000 and the other is $20,000. Which house would you buy? The same goes for a $100,000 Porsche and a nearly the same new Porsche for just $4,000.

Then you see their face brighten up and they get the logic behind it. And they will buy the cheap house and the cheap Porsche every time.

 

[pam63C]

The cost-effectiveness factor is also important. When you talk to people who doubt the value of buying super replicas, you get a different perspective when you ask them:

if there are 2 almost identical houses for sale next to each other. One is $500,000 and the other is $20,000. Which house would you buy? The same goes for a $100,000 Porsche and a nearly the same new Porsche for just $4,000.

Then you see their face brighten up and they get the logic behind it. And they will buy the cheap house and the cheap Porsche every time.

I don't think the car and Porsche are good illustrations.

The two houses may be identical but the $20k house may not have the title to the land and will always be regarded as squatter property.

Similarly, the two Porsche may look alike but the $4k one does not Carrera engine but a Geely engine decorated like a Carrera.

There are always differences between rep and gen but if you can accept these, then yes, they are similar as far as you are concern,

Certainly not to me and I am sure, many others.

 

[hendric]

Carrera engine but a Geely engine decorated like a Carrera.

Haha, a Geely engine, funny and true!

Also no warranty on the Geely engine so you could be dealing with $4000 repairs. So then it's $8000 versus $100,000. But in 2 years you can sell your 'Porsche' for about $4000 and buy a brand new one again. And enough money left over to buy your wife a Range Rover and a few extra Ferraris and Lambos just for fun.

 

[restandrelaxation]

The cost-effectiveness factor is also important. When you talk to people who doubt the value of buying super replicas, you get a different perspective when you ask them:

if there are 2 almost identical houses for sale next to each other. One is $500,000 and the other is $20,000. Which house would you buy? The same goes for a $100,000 Porsche and a nearly the same new Porsche for just $4,000.

Then you see their face brighten up and they get the logic behind it. And they will buy the cheap house and the cheap Porsche every time.

Hmmmm..... I call your $4000 Porsche and raise you an £11,000 Ferrari...... (Please note, for the purpose of clarity, this Ferrari rep is NOT NWBIG)

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[hendric]

‘My watch comes from the same factory as your Apple Watch. but from a secret part of the factory.’