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What a great post, and some great memories of the old days when we saw that transition from obvious replicas to bona fide replicas...some being indistinguishable from the real deal. And, it's great to see some familiar names of those decade old times Things have really changed for me over the last 5-6 years - for the better. I've left corporate and am working for a NFP in Australia. I do miss England, but mainly my friends and family rather than the place itself now. My collection is very basic now...Pam 111, IWC Portuguese, and a Tag Link Chrono Bourne version (gen) and a SMP 2541 (gen) that I had from the old days of being more frequent on here. Milestones to celebrate - in this crazy time just being alive and mostly sane is my recent milestone. I think similar to Andreww, I too drifted away due to some designs of watches just not resonating with me as much as they used to (particularly Breitling like Andreww eluded to). However, I'm finding a new taste for it now, and really like the smaller/thinner watches that actually fit my wrists....the Tudor BB58, the IWC's etc.. Anyway, great post and great to see some people from the "old times" still posting.

Nanuq...maybe use it as a desk clock, these Panerais are certainly large enough Kernow; I'm with you there, huge Omega fan myself. The Seamaster series has always been my favourite line. I respect the Speedmaster but just can't get myself to love it. Sent from my SM-N970F using Tapatalk

I imagine we've all had it...I remember when I first set my eyes on Panerai; they had such a loyal following, and I just didn't get it. I resisted, I wasn't interested, then I thought I'd try one...and then I "got it". I wouldn't go as far to say I'm a hard-core fan, but of all the watches I have, this is probably the one I will always keep. I really went from being uninterested, to really loving the design. I recently did this with the new design of the Trek Emonda..."they've done what to it!?" to..."ah wow, that's setting a different look to everything else". Is it flip-flopping, or just a change in taste, I don't know What brand or watch did you not like/get at first, but now can't get enough? PS - I can't even remember what this model is...a 111h maybe?! Sent from my SM-N970F using Tapatalk

Nanuq! Long time hey Hope you're (and everyone else) is well. I feel like I have a lot of reading to do to catch up on things. Sent from my SM-N970F using Tapatalk

Haven't been on the forums for a long while and want to get back into it, so what better thing to do than pull out my favourite Rolex rep; WM9 V2, a full 11 years old! Sent from my SM-N970F using Tapatalk

I think last time I spoke with Robbie was over 5 years ago now. I know at one point he took a break from reps to focus on life outside of the forums. Real great guy, it was Robbie that sparked my intrigue with Ulysse Nardin. So true, such an incredible eye for photography. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Haha Nanuq, sounds like PAMs for you are like Rolex for me. Then once I got myself a WM9 Submariner I suddenly 'got it'...I love most of the Rolex models now. Funny I got my off a dead man too, this watch collecting business is more dangerous than it seems! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Such a walk down memory lane, I used to love the SMP Chrono. I left my reps at home in the UK when I relocated to Aus so sadly miss them! The WM9 Sub really changed my views on Rolex as a brand! I remember the Breitling SOSF (or SFSO!?) as being the watch that really made me realise how good the rep quality was getting, and it was Bytors review that instigated that purchase Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I remember a while ago now wheni the first Asian clone movements came through. At the time they were some $120 cheaper than the put together 'Swiss' version. There was then an uproar when some people received Asian instead of Swiss...now a few years later I've popped back on and Asian clones are selling for higher prices than what the Swiss ones used to. I got out of this game a while ago, not through any real choice, mainly because I lost interest. It bece so focussed on precision, dealers service in terms of 100% perfection,and second hand resell values that were frankly ridiculous. For me the forum spirit is what has brought me back to have another look, but having done a bit of browsing, I've come to the conclusion that given the choice between a replica watch with a replica movement, the prices are so close to bottom end gens now, I'd go for the gen. Can't even pick up a bargain on SC anymore. Pricing as pretty bad back then, but I can't believe how expensive they are these days. It's taken that fun factor away from it for me; its no longer a thoughtless purchase. I'm having to make a conscious decision as if I were buying an entry level gen. Don't get me wrong, the quality looks good, but for the money, three reps could see a second hand purchase of a Tag/Omega.

Long time no post, hope everyone is well! A big improvement for me that really seems to change the look of the watch is the thinner bezel knurls...the old rep had such a thick/large distance between the inner edge and the outer edge. Looks a lot smoother like the real thing now. Still not 100% but much better.

Just on a side note, should this be reported to someone...I mean, somebody could walk in there and think this is an absolute bargain.

100% fake, the easiest tell is the datewheel...then you have the thick bezel which is also another quick tell.

Can you share some of the close up pics?

Assuming no box or papers have they forwarded the serial number to you or any pics? Always best to authenticate prior to purchase

I'm a Liverpool fan....which is frustrating. For the past two seasons we have played exactly the same kind of football in the Premiership games; keeping possession but lacking that critical edge when finishing. We just haven't had the quality of players to keep up with the like of the two Manchester clubs. Maybe one day we will challenege for a top four position again I love watching the Spanish league for the great skill, Barcelona and Real Madrid are a joy to watch.

Stunning watch you have there, the old Explorer 2 is one of the nicest Rolex's out there.

I buy reps because I cannot afford the gen of all the watches I like.....reps buy me variety. Gen owners dislike fakes/reps because they steal the design which is illegal and sell it at a lower price. We can convince ourselves that gens aren't worth the inflated price, in truth, this is irrelevant. They are luxury items and priced highly because they are exclusive and intended for people with enough disposable income to purchase them...reps destroy this exclusivity.

Think I'll join you on that one

Sgtguk - that really is a beautiful Tag, there is something about the new Tag Links, they really hit a home run with the design! I'll have to keep putting the pennies away to save up for one of those

Congrats on the purchase, the PO is one gen watch where you get an awful lot for your money. The build quality is incredible, and the 45mm has a real presence to it...would be great to see some more side by sides with the rep

If that's a rep I want in!! Flat case back, correct thickness on the bezel, flush datewheel suggesting gen movement, AR...list goes on

Congrats, and happy 5th! Although the rep game has changed somewhat over the years, the quality of membership on this board hasn't

Very nice, the PO is a great gen to have...it'll be a timeless classic much like the 2254 SMP!

For me the real step forward on the Noob version though is the crown guard. This has always been the flaw that I can't live with, but now it's been squared off it looks great. Both have flaws, so it depends on which ones you can live with. A discussion on RG pointed out that there was a transitionary period where the N series came with both Pre-V and Post-V hands...so I believe you can't lose whatever hands the rep comes with. I've just ordered the Noob 111n...will post pics when it's here.

Great post, for me its always the crown and CG that gives a rep Pam away. It's only out by fractions but It's the first thing I seem to notice