Steve G

PM replied to..unfortunatley it might be a 2 hour plus drive for you.

I in fact informed him about us here at RWG, not sure if he really got the whole forum thing. But was interested in seeing some of the reputable dealers, he probably is interested in getting some and selling out the back door.

I've been search for about a year since this hobby started to find someone nearby to service my watches should anything go wrong. Most times small jewelery stores would outsource or flat out refuse if I told them I had a replica. Other times the sight of a mechancial watch would cause deer in the headlights looks on the faces of the "change your battery only" guys. My search again was caused by my father's bentley reset pusher being broken. My dad said he really didn't mind and just figured he'd wear it like it was (but it bugged me to no end). So finally called a guy I saw advertised about 35 minutes from me...called explained my situation he told me to stop by. Today went to said watchmaker, a older asian man, soft spoken, but highly knowledgable. starred at my dad's brietling (I never mentioned rep yet) for over a minute he studied the watch while removing the case back. Then he asked "how much did you pay for this". I told him it isn't a real Breitling.. he, looking relived said "ok then". He found the rest of the pusher's pin floating inside the case, said he would need some time with it and it would cost $20 to repair. Sweet huh. We had a nice long conversation about the rep world, he was already somewhat familiar but was overwhelmed with the number of websites. He asked if I got the watch on the internet. I told him yes and asked if he would like the website of Josh and Andrew. To my surprise he knew of Andrew's site. He also told me how a few of his loyal customers would come in and ask if he could source them some rolex reps while on a visit to China Town in NYC. He never came back with anything because the quality wasn't any good, just by appearance alone. He said in his 35 years he has never seen the quality of replicas as the ones I brought in. He's even been to China many many times over the years and hasn't been able to come across the higher quality stuff. Guys this man was genuinly floored by our reps. I asked him to look at my IWC Jones as I thought it might be a lttle slow..he put it on his machine and told me only a slight adjustment if any was needed. He did the work didn't charge me. He couldn't get over how well the IWC was made, and totally surprised of it''s accuracy and movement quality. And I own the Asian 6497. I told him what I paid and he said he couldn't sell me a watch with that movement for less than $300. I could have spent hours talking to this man, but in the end I made a nice friend and contact for any future needs. Well that's my story...and I left feeling super good as we certainly have a good thing here. Great dealers giving us top shelf watches and wonderful members sharing knowledge and experiences which make this hobby a little easier. Peace

The Zigmeister is more than fair, I personally haven't had to use him yet, but he's always taken the time to answer all of my silly questions.

Great job and very unique...well done I say.

I believe that this would be the Explorer II with adjustable hour hand or correct stack that The Zigmeister is referring to...hold on let me check mine..... yes confirmed GMT hand closest to dial has adj. hour hand

Actually they've been $30 for some time now, last year I recall. edit: Sorry I am referring to US shipping costs, so if UK had recently still been $25 then you are right, I just thought it was $30 no matter where your from.

Nice topic guys..I think that the Planet Ocean is one of those watches, because of how well it is repped and it's just easy to wear. Great casual or dress and has a timeless look ala rolex sub. I too love the VC Overseas, dressy classy and with just the right amount of bling. And I think the BCE is one for the long haul. Now someone sell me their black dial VC Overseas so I can have a matching pair

As long as all the moisture is gone and no further fogging...and it still keeps accurate time. I'd do nothing and consider myself lucky and probably leave said watch on the dresser or sink counter while I showered next time. Seriously consider service if the fogging comes back as there still might be moisture in the watch which ultimately can damage it.

Good job Rob...glad to hear we might have an alternative

I have the Explorer II with adjustable hour hand (which I'm told is the correct hand stack) I haven't had any problems with it, but honestly it doesn't see much wrist time as I've been consumed lately with wearing my PAMs or Breitlings. I do love the watch I basically leave the GMT hand to 24 hour time and it's that hand which drives the date change, which makes knowing if your watch stopped am or pm much easier. As far as reliability I haven't heard too much negative, not like the daytona with running seconds at six. That's all I know Good Luck

That isn't the movement he's referring to. I belive the 2836-2 GMT is an actual ETA that's bastardized. This movement is an asian copy of an ETA movement.

This appears to be common unfortunately with this rep. I think pugwash had this happen, another member and myself. Luckily my came off while sitting at my desk. The glue used was either cheap or just not enough. I carefully applied some crazy glue, locktite, etc. with a toothpick and pressed it back on. Good as new and so far so good. Give it a shot, not hard really.

I'm thinking about getting a couple of Don's series R straps for my PAM 111 and 113 and maybe my 005. Sort of new to the strap thing as I have SS bracelets for these watches. I know there are better or more expensive straps out there..I'm just not ready to spend that much, but want something better than the crappy rep straps. I"ve been considering the series R in vintage brown and the sunburn looks nice also..his pictures could be better. I wanted to know what you guys think...anybody have any of these series R straps? Just looking for some feedback and what some members think compliment these watches.. thanks

Over 30 received in total..(I personally own 16 after re-selling). I only had one go back for a chrono problem, and one DOA. Someone else had one die after six months. So 3 for me.

16 for me..so 2888

Ill let you know when my 113 arrives next week.

Thank you...furniture was purchased through a dealer I met while visiting a company in Lousiana. He gave me a real good deal..however wife mostly picked it; cherry wood with marble inlays on the table.

Thanks for the compliments...The furniture was picked by my wife I'll pass that along to her. Yes the Breitling's offer quite the challenge in re-sizing...once you figure out the puzzle it's not so bad.

Ok so I've promised some pictures and these are the latest acquisitions, the wife was upstairs working and watchiing American Idol and I "borrowed" our dinning room table for some time with watches and camera. Pictures are so-so as I'm still messing around with the photography thing. First up: Chanel J12 Chronograph Ok so I know what you're probably thinking...why did I buy this watch. I suppose traditionally it's a girls watch, however the chronograph offers the largest size and is most masculine obviously in black. I have to admit the whole ceramic thing interested me, seemed unique plus it really doesn't look half bad and works in a casual way. Chronograph movement work via Japanese quartz movement (Battery and Quartz are foreign words here ) The sad thing is that this watch will probably out live all of my other reps..... So basically this was the $200 version that came complete with one very nice box set package.... Two booklets in multiple languages describing functions and how great the watch is blah blah blah. Also one warranty card for you to fll out and send in to Chanel I suppose The subdials offer "ticking" seconds at six with no fear of slippage. Running minutes at nine and tracked 24 hour time at three. The really neat thing is how the large second hand travels in reverse when resetting the chronographs...and guess what it resets perfectly all the time Ok enough sarcasm. Actually the gen obviously does not use quartz movement thus this being an obvious flaw. Now for what matters...the ceramic. First off I'll start by saying it's a bit of a fingerprint magnet, especially in black as you see by the above pic. But it's really really good compared to the gen. I actually tried on a gen Chrono in Chanel and overall weight and feel are dead on. The black sort of has an irredescent sheen to it in certain light, but subtle. The watch does have nice feel on the wrist and is quite comfortable and heavier than you think. Not Panerai heavy but heavier than you think. Overall I'm real happy with it. Not sure how much I'll wear it. Being quartz and all but maybe it can be passed down to my wife. Actually she prefers the white, which by the way my sister-in-law owns. Also nice and very true to the gen as compared in a Chanel Store. My advice to anyone interested...DO NOT buy the more expensive version. I really don't think the extra cost is justified as they come with the same flaws and the ceramic probably isn't visilbly better. The watch sort of slips under the radar of most people, it's well built and comes in an attractive box set that screams give me as a gift.... and for a reasonable price. Next.... Cartier Pasha Seatimer Another fashion house watch..but a nice one. The same day I went looking at Chanel I strolled into Cartier and tried this one on. The rep has the same feel and weight and crown for that matter. A crown that really sucks to try and use...too small and hurts your fingers if you attempt to wind it manually. So I just shake it violently....kidding of course. I see my picture shows the watch has lint all over it especialy the dial. Anyway..the dial is not 100% accurate as the "hook" of the 2,6,9 should curve upwards more...but I really don't care. Again just something different to wear. Next.... Breitling Chronomat Evolution "Ultimate" There is really nothing else to say about this one other than its freakin awesome. Might be the best rep I own next to the Planet Ocean Ultimate. Great AR, bracelet, etc. I choose the graphite dial, yes I know that the subdials shouldn't be black. But you know what the contrast looks great to me, isn't that noticable and the graphite dial is forever changing colors depending on the light...kind of like the bond seamaster. Great watch and works perfect in all it's 7750 glory. This one has been covered way too much lately...so let's move on. VC Overseas This is another favorite of mine..so much so I sold my older version to buy this one. Let's just look at for a while..seriously I had a tough time choosing white or black dial, but for my lack of white dials I went for it. Cross is too small and date window not right, but I've never seen a gen and suck at doing mods so this is as good as it gets. Lastly.... IWC FA Jones The only IWC I have and probably will. Just something timeless and classic about it...love the blue hands, which are perfect and as of now show no signs of scuffing. Notice the abysmal rep strap...it's going, a much better honey brown croc is on the way. Honestly the strap that comes with this watch is its biggest shortcomming. So there you have it...figured I'd put some of the latest up, practice with the camera a bit and provide some info on mainly the Chanel as many threads have popped up regarding it. Hope you enjoyed and weren't too bored with my ramblings. Peace

Dealers should begin shipping again Monday of next week or at worst March 1st. You should be fine.

Honestly I have no worries..still dealing with the same individuals. Last few transactions with Josh have been through moneygram with no problems, which is like sending cash in an envelope only quicker. I personally have no reservations.

Personally, I wouldn't go any higher than the $200 one. First off Pug is right...more expensive one goes through an extra finishing process...I believe Josh told me an extra firing process in the kiln, plus it is made from an imported ceramic, whereas the less expensive one is made from a local grade. That being said I have the black chrono version for myself (please no laughter the ceramic intrigued me )...my sister-in-law has the white ladies version, similar to what you are looking at in black. The more expensive grade in white has a more translucent appearance which closer resembles the genuine. The black looks dead on as far as the $200 version goes as we compared ours to actual watches in a Chanel store locally. In fact the salespeople assumed my sister-in-laws was genuine...I did not wear mine, as the chrono version is quartz, it should be an automatic. Lastly for $200 it comes in a very nice box set wth papers, manual, warranty card..quite the nice package and certainly will win her over for Mother's Day. So my advice get the $200 one and use the other $200 for yourself.

Sounds like customs has a lot of free time to file reports in that lenght. I'd call their bluff...pay nothing and deny everything. I'm sure Panerai would even bother following up any complaint...sound to me like they make 60 swissfrancs as a bonus and it's a way customs makes some extra money. That's the rebel in me talking

I'd have to agree..got mine from Josh, no issues whatsoever...perfect crown and good links all around.