tmark

I think it is a great looking watch. My only gripe is I wish it had a sapphire crystal. I always manage to scratch up everything else. If you don't know trusty's "synthetic sapphire" means mineral glass.

Welcome, as a newbie I can attest that there is a huge amount of useful information on these and other forums (see links). As stated all those $900-1000 sites are con games. The recommended dealers on this and other hobbist forums have stood the test of time. My suggestion is look over the knowledge base, browse Joshua's web site, and trusty times web site. You will find these sites by going to the dealer section and following their links. There are several other quality dealers but these two have a broad selection and prices are posted on their site. This will give you an idea of what is available. As far as grasding Swiss AAA+ etc that is a crock. Read this artical for the straight scoop. http://www.replicawatchreport.com/articles...ch-grading.html Finally, if you want quality movement (the guts of the watch) take a look at The ZigmeisterZone on this forum. He reviews many of the popular movements so you can get an idea of what works for you. There are no easy answers but with a little time spent researching you will be greatly rewarded with your first purchase. My first purchase was from EddieLee and I am thrilled. So much so I have ordered three more! Good Luck and Welcome mark

I'm clearly a newbie but I have done a lot of reading. I haven't dealt with Joe. But in my reading it seems clear to me that The Zigmeister has tremendous knowledge as well as the willingness and kindness to share it with others. I haven't seen any of this from Joe, maybe he is an expert, but certainly this posting is important. thank all of you, this is all education.

UGLY!!!! Thought this might be of interest. The OMEGA Seamaster Professional Diver has been worn by Pierce Brosnan in all four of his James Bond movies, including the 2002 film Die Another Day. He chooses the stainless steel full size with blue face, blue bezel on a stainless steel bracelet -- models 2531.80 (automatic) or 2541.80 (quartz). Sellers of OMEGA watches sometimes loosely apply the 'James Bond' nickname to any of the skeleton-hand OMEGA Seamaster models. But so far, only the 2531.80 and 2541.80 have ever appeared on Bond's wrist in a film, though it is reasonable to consider the mid-sized versions of both those watches (2551.80 and 2561.80) to also be 'James Bond' watches. In the earlier James Bond films starring Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, and Timothy Dalton, Bond is often seen wearing a Rolex Submariner. Thunderball featured various watches by Rolex, Breitling, and Breitling's "Top Time" line. On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) featured George Lazenby as Bond wearing his personal Rolex Submariner (bought while auditioning for the role) and a Rolex Chronograph. Several of the later Roger Moore films such as The Spy Who Loved Me (1978) and Octopussy (1983) featured Seiko watches -- most notably ones with high-tech digital or video displays. Other models of the Seamaster have been featured as movie tie-ins. The Edge (1997) features Alec Baldwin wearing an OMEGA Seamaster Professional Chronograph which becomes involved in an interesting plot complication.

Cat 5 your pictures are great. I too have and tt sub from EL. Love it, get compliments all the time. That we had to ask which pic is the gen proves the point that the two watches are essentially indistinguishable on an apparent quality standpoint. Yes there are slight differences, but without knowing what to look for I don't think anyone would easily tell which is which. Bottom line the gold looks as real as the original.

I thought we might want to start a list of which watches carry the new asian 7750 (28,800bph). The Zigmeister says he has seen them on IWC's and Daytonas with seconds at six. I think it would be helpful if you mention dealer and specific watch as I would assume all dealers may not be offering the same watch with the new movement.

Thanks all for your insite- It seems like a common thread is have a plan, think how and when you will use watch, take your time -- try not to impulse buy---. Finally, and perhaps most important-- go for quality. Which brings my next question and a plug for my link at The Zigmeister zone. How do you determine what movements are OK and what aren't. For example it sounds like if yo want a Daytona virtualy all the movements are problematic. And how do we define quality? Should I expect a watch to run continuosly for 5 years then service then another 5 years or what??? Take a look at my attempt to rank various movements here: http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showtopic=4312 I want to buy watches that I can use and enjoy, not ones that are sitting on The Zigmeisters table waiting to be fixed!! thanks mark

The Zigmeister, I like this letter grade format, I think it would be nice to pin it in your knowledge base and perhaps update as necessary. It seems to me that it is helpful to rank the movements and give people an idea of what to expect. Of course your knowledge base articles are extremely helpful, but I think a simple summary like you have done above is great. I see a lot of watchs for sale saying Asian 21J for a movement-- what movement is that referring to? Also perhaps in general a little information on complications.. For example, (I don't know am making this up) most movements except #### are delivered with hour, minute, second, date. If you move the second to a subdial that is usually ok. If you add one other complication (moon dial, day dial, year dial) that is ok. Anymore and you are asking for trouble. Or something else like that. For example I'm looking at a watch from Josh with 21J movement it has sub dials for day, month, date and moon. It would seem to me this is a risky movement-- probably wouldn't work long. But I really don't know what is involved and if a service could take care of potential problems. It would be nice if all our board experts would way in on this with there real world experience. thanks mark

thanks mr tracy. it's basically all The Zigmeisters fine work and I to read between the lines. But like I said I would really treasure some expert input.

Hi, I would like help figuring the relative rankings of quality and reliability of the various movements we are likely to find in rep watches. The Zigmeister says these are highly recommended, I interpret to mean trouble free, reliable. ETA 2892 series, XX92A2, XX93-2 etc Highly recommended, the best of the best, even better than an equivalent Rollie movement, thinner, cheaper, stronger rotor...kind of like the $6 Million movement... ETA 6497-1 Manual wind "Unitas" movement (Unitas doesn't exist anymore, it's an ETA movement) Highly recommend, after all pocket watches have been around for over 100 years, you'll be giving this one to the grandkids. ETA 7750, "Valjoux" "Swiss" model (Valjoux does not exist either, but it continues to be mislabled). Highly recommended, in it's basic form. With add-ons, there could be problems with the availibility of spare parts – for example the Daytona with running seconds at 6 models, the added parts are not ETA…and no spares available. Asian 7750 – NEW version Highly recommended. Only fault so far is that none of these are oiled as delivered, or oiled not well. The flaws on the old version have been corrected and the movement is very good. With additional caveat that some jewels are loose so may need servicing. Asian movements, Miyota, Seiko etc Highly recommended, best bang for the dollar. Overall these are excellent as delivered, if it's a real Miyota or the new Power Reserve Seiko, they are clean, well oiled, and just great movements. Some of the copy Miyota ones, are as good as the real ones, I say copy simply because they don't have "Miyota" on the rotor. No parts are available, but you can buy a new well oiled and clean Miyota for $40… My first question is what constitutes Asian movements/Miyota is this a 21j or what? Second it seems that the three ETA series above are excellent, with the new Asian 7750 a step below—is that correct? Then we come to the recommended movements Asian copy of the 6497-1 or –2 Recommended. These are excellent movements and good value for the money. Copy movement, Venus 175 , "Lemanina 1874 copy" - again incorrectly labeled. Recommended. Clean and ok oiled as delivered. Seems rugged enough, Asian 7750 – OLD version Recommend with the understanding that it may need to be serviced sooner rather than later. More questions many manual chrono’s have asian lemanina movement, I assume that is what The Zigmeister is referring to. As as I understand it the old asian 7750, which seems to be in the vast majority of 7750 movements in reps, probably will need service almost immediately but than should be pretty reliable. So if you were giving these movements letter grades I’m guessing A ETA 2892 series, XX92A2, XX93-2 etc--- ETA 6497-1------ ETA 7750,--- virtually no problems as delivered B+ Asian 7750 – NEW version, Asian movement--- some potential minor problems, may need service B Asian copy of the 6497-1 or –2 -- Venus 175 , "Lemanina 1874 copy --- generally good may have service problems (weak parts unavailable parts) C Asian 7750 – OLD version ---- best to figure $$ for servicing right away Am I anywhere close on these grades and evaluations? This would really help me in making decisions on purchases. Also I see movements with various sub dials, how does one evaluate the reliability of these?? I realize this is not a simple question, but I think many of us would like to hear from the experts as to what is reliable and what isn’t. I think The Zigmeister’s knowledge base is very good and I would just like to see a little more clarification and perhaps put an order on the knowledge base, best to worse or letter grades or something.

Oh one more what is a asian 7750b1? Still unreliable?? thanks

So let me see if I have this right? The old asian 7750 is unreliable and has sub dials at 3,6 and 9. With running seconds at nine. So if an asian 7750 has sub dials at 6,9,12 with running at 9, they have added extra gears to move subdials? therefore even more unreliable? It sounds like new 7750 has running seconds at 6 is that correct? mark

tech you are right it is an ADDICTION-- do they have and AARWG branch--- but tech your posts are so confusing can't take my eyes off your avatar!

Josh, Please know we all support you 100%. Even though most of us have never met in person it is clear who the honest guys seem to be. Of course a scammer can tell you what a great guy he is, but I agree with you, if he is not willing to talk about it, answer your emails and work to a solution than I can only believe he wants to screw you. If any of us had this situation happen to us, that is receiving an empty box, an honest person would email you an explain the situation. And continue working with you until it is resolved to everyones satisfaction. If you don't get satisfaction from the dealer than in my mind a complaint to pp or your credit card company is a last resort. If it was this guys first response I for one highly suspect he is a crook. Bill, great info. One other thought, could it be someone else in his house (son) using his pp account? Anyway, I feel like we should also send josh a couple of bucks for his unfortunate problem. mark

Out of my list of a gazillion I'm thinking about EL's PP 5053. Subfrog has a beauty.

I'm with Mhemm-- tell us all. The photos look very elegant, how does it look on your wrist? Oh and congratulations!

This is a serious question from a newbie. It seems there are at least 20 watches that appeal to me. How the hell do you experienced rep buyers decide what to buy? Do you have criteria that you think about, like compare to gen, when and where I would wear it, bling factor, chick magnet etc??? If I had unlimited fun money I would be sending some big bucks to Ed, Josh and Andrew. So seriously how do you narrow it down?

I would assume you are right-- but we all know what assume means. However, I have an old tag gen which I probably wore everyday for 10 years. It has a two tone bracelet and the gold is wearing off the outside, not the inside. So go figure?

Noticed this on Jays site. I assume total fantasy watch.

beautiful watch. who did you buy it from?

I just received my first rep watch, a TT from EL, beautiful as others have said and posted. EL was quick, paid on the 29th received on the 5th. Thanks EL. Now my question, I need to adjust links and would like to take back off to inspect watch. What tools do I need? I noticed Joshua (I think) had a tool kit, is that the way to go for a beginner. Do I need a special tool for the rolex back? Which is recommended?? thanks Mark

Thanks The Zigmeister, My question on complications, is there some typically acceptable amount, like day, date is usually ok beyond that your risking it? Also the dials that have numerous complications (day,date, month, year, moon) I assume that each complication probably has one or more gears to run it so something with 5 complications might have 10 more gears to run them-- Is that correct? I'll do some more reading on the 7750's, lots of information here and can't absorb it all on first read. thanks again mark

It seems from reading The Zigmeister articles and other memebers comments that various movments are more reliable than others. In relation to that I have a couple of questions. First, The Asian 21j movement appears on a lot of less expensive watches. What is the quality of this movement? What complications affect this movement reliablity? I see some with date, others with day, date, month, year, moon! It would seem to me that the more complications you add on the more gears you must have, and the inherent drag on the watch movement. Also what about watches that move the second hand to a subdial, is that a problem? Second, the 7750 movement-- I gather this has the chrono functions built into the main movement is that correct? If so where are the built in functions located? Again it would seem to me that if the functions were moved from one location to another this would create potential reliability issues-- is that correct? Please give me some advice on how to compare various watches with different complications and different movements. Or am I splitting hairs, and it is more the luck of the draw whether you get a reliable watch or not. Thanks mark

The Zigmeister highly recommends the new asian 7750. Is there a way to tell the new from the old? As I understand it the new will work well in a chrono where as the old may have been overtaxed?? I could of course be totally wrong---(quite likely) what do the experts say? thanks mark

The Zigmeister has a nice write up of various movements if you haven't found it yet. http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showtopic=2715