john7830

jnkay, great to hear your observations as yes - there is quite a few of us RWG'ers with a Gen GMT IIc now indeed..

For me, I wanted a Rolex with something extra, an extra complication that couldnt really be replicated in the same way. I think as a replica collector the appeal to have a gen with an extra 'edge' is definately more prominent as you know which gens are 'close' and which arent. I know that apart from the solid Rolex movement, the differences between a WM9v2 sub and a gen are minimal, really. Apart from of course, a gen is a gen.. (and those annoying SEL gaps)

The movement in the GMT IIc is really awesome, I love the fact that it is so well built that you can cycle not only forwards through dates but also the date change mechanism engages to flip the date backwards as you cycle through also.

The 'real' ceramic bezel with the platinum numerals is really something you appreciate with alot of observation, at times it looks white/off white and in the sun you can see an almost silver shine from the bezel numbers. Lets be honest, the rep of the ceramic bezel is just something thats not gonna come close in appearance with the difference of materials. For something like a sub, its a metal insert on the gen, and a metal insert on the rep.. same concept.

Maybe these things seem like small details but in essense our whole hobby is about detail.

By-Tor tries to tell people that theres no 'real' zen or 'superior' feeling about the gens when people hype the genuine article as if they are universes apart and I'm not about to turn into a 'Gens only for me guys!' person, I recognise very clearly the similarities and differences between gens and reps, and essentially they are both stainless steel watches, less accurate than a Casio.

I did a couple of things that added to my experience for the GMT2 & first gen, and that was to not buy or have any experience with the rep.

I think sometimes owning a close rep could ruin the 'new watch' feeling and I didn't want to ruin that experience, it'd be like how I imagine it'd feel if i bought a gen yellow seawolf, the rep is so close I doubt it'd feel that new and novel to me. That would be like buying the gen for the sake of it..

The other thing was I don't own any watches that have been superlumed by modders etc, yet I happen to consider lume one of the most fascinating and one of my favourite aspects of watches. I purposely saved this 'superlume' experience for my gen, as I knew it'd add to the experience also.

As you can tell, I'd thought this all through alot in advance! I do think the way I did things really paid off in the end, I really, honestly, couldn't be more satisfied with my first gen.

Excellent post. Congratulations on getting your Gen AND Grail watch. Wear it well and long and in good health.

As far as there not being much difference between gens and reps. I have owned gens which have been sold due to financial troubles, and I own reps even now. There IS a big difference between a rep and a gen. That is build quality, and inherent value. NO rep, no matter how well its made, will even compare to a gen of the same. You simply cant produce the same quality for THAT much less money. Second Rolex more than others has an inherent and REAL value out in the world. A rep will always be a rep and worth nothing outside of our rep circles and forums. As much as I love some of them, that is just a cold hard fact.

A gen has the biggest difference where it counts, in our minds, while wearing it out and about. We will always KNOW its a rep and not a gen, and others might too.

I was never made with any rep. I dont go out of my way to show off what watch Im wearing. I wore a gen Pan for a while and not ONE person EVER noticed it, EVER. This is Florida im in short sleeves 90% of my time no less. The Rolex, well everyone notices them it seems. I love Pan's just as much as Rolex's mind you.

When I needed money badly and was out of work, I sold my gens in a day or less. For fair prices and fast. Yes you can sell a rep on here in a day, but it will never be the same. As someone once said. I view my gen watch on my wrist as my last "insurance" policy in life. Things can and WILL happen, if all else fails I can get a few grand for the watch on my wrist. To me the pride of ownership and inherent value in a gen make it worth one million times more than a rep to ME.

Im looking for a good Daydate myself right now. The weight will never be the same as a gen. Gold and Platinum are very dense and heavy metals. Weight doesnt matter too much unless others will be handling your watch. I wouldnt take my watch off anyway for someone to hold. Be it a Timex or a Rolex, rep or gen, I just wouldnt. Unless its my brother or something, I know he wont do anything stupid with it.

But some of the DD and DJ models look real good. There have been so many dials and variations its nearly impossible to be called out in that regard.

Hope this helps, but Im new to all this myself.

You want to see the King of DD reps... well check out this one from Richard Lawton.

Good stuff.

THAT is incredible. Just WOW...

Im starting a new job here soon and have sold off a lot of things, hopefully in a year or two I can afford a used Gen DD. Hopefully.

But in the meantime some of the reps are beautiful in their own right too.

Thanks for all the info and pics guys!

I have reviewed the rep Day-Date here.

If it's a modern Rolex and you have questions, go to my forum. Almost all models have been reviewed.

The biggest problem with the DD rep is that gen is always full gold (white gold or yellow gold) and the weight is completely off on the rep.

Yes I know, I have handled the gens and even worn a few they are like bricks. It sure feels nice.

I absolutely LOVE the look of the Day Date. The bracelet sets it off and the day and date face are pure classics.

I will continue my hunt..

Hi all, I really like the Rolex Day Dates, I was interested in seeing some real world shots of the reps of these watches as opposed to the dealer site pics.

Overall how are these reps as far as accuracy to the gen? It seems the Submariner is THE rep with Rolex's and the Day Date and Datejust seem to get very little mention or attention. I would say the sport model Rolex's are by far the most popular and hence all the reps of those models.

Thanks in advance.

I have been on the fence about ordering one of these. Please post up pics when you receive it !!!

What a beautiful and timeless looking watch. IWC have some timeless and understated yet sophisticated designs.

This rep in incredible too! $108USD? I AM reading that correctly right?

Where are you guys getting these?

Well I just got into reps myself and I enjoy it very much. I wear my 1680 rep everywhere and I had one woman notice it. Thats it. ONE person.

Most people wouldnt know a Rolex from a Timex or and Omega from a Seiko. The ones that DO notice are the ones that MIGHT spot a rep as a rep. But its not likely on the wrist. The fact is WE notice things, for the simple fact we KNOW they are there and we are LOOKING for them. 99.9% of people are simply not or just dont care in the first place.

I love all watches, and reps have their place. I want to get some gens, but the price point is not going to work out for me for a while. BUT the gens are not going anywhere, and when Im ready they will be there waiting. Until then Ill enjoy my reps.

Im a HUGE Omega fan, those are beautiful pieces for sure. If only I had the funds....

One tell that I know of with Speedmasters is the spacing of the chrono dials. On the Gen Omega they are nearly touching each other, but as far as I know, no rep has ever managed to duplicate the dial spacing correctly. I could be wrong cause its been a while.

Thats pretty nuts for sure. Some people... I mean reps have gotten so good these days unless your a watch nut and KNOW what your looking for, most people would never spot them anyway.

Its funny cause I know people who have the money to buy 10 Rolex's and wont do so, their first reaction is "everyone will think its a fake anyway, whats the point?" Maybe so, but I dont care. MOST people dont even notice your watch to begin with. I have worn my old and battered looking 1680 sub, and it LOOKS old too. Its a rep with a bit of nice little work done to it. But I wear other watches too. I have had TWO people actually notice it was a sub on my wrist. Thats it.

Im saving up for a Gen sub no date, or a Sea Dweller. I want it for ME. MOST people that know me would think its real cause I love watches, I mean my watches are worth more than my car at this point. I have a sickness it seems.

At any rate, I wear my watches for ME. If I am asked directly I will say it is a rep. Cause why lie? But as a general rule, no one really notices anyway.

Its a beautiful piece. I have really gone over for the Deep SeaDweller myself as of late. I have a real need for a Sub no date, or a SeaDweller rep, BUT that DSSD is growing on my by the day. Hmmm choices choices....

That is a nice piece for sure, for the price its beautiful in fact. Im a HUGE Omega fan myself.

Where did you get that again? I cant find any Watchden, I google searched too.

Its a beautiful piece. I love old stuff in general and old watches even more!

You have very fine taste. Boston, brings back memories, I moved 10 years ago, but still miss it now and again. Born and raised there.

Pats and Red Sox, no one can ever say the fans didnt pay their dues with losing seasons to make up for all the wins the last few years.

Beautiful Rolex, wear it in good health.

Just get a Seiko.

http://www.caranfil.org/review_skx781_orange_monster.html

http://watches.zsebehazy.com/skx009.htm

THIS those Monsters are incredibly well built and solid watches. I had one and I beat the crap out of it, had it in the ocean and pool every day here in Florida and NEVER had one issue with it. I even wore it in the sauna and jacuzzi and still it was fine. I finally sold it for something else, and I miss it dearly.

The cartel dealers (Pure, Josh and TT) have a deep sea with the correct case construction.. ie it has the pressure ring separate from the rest of the case, etc. Its looks pretty good and is definitly a step up in accuracy compared to these others which all have a simplified case.

I don't know of anyone here has reviewed this model though. It seems to have gone under the radar a bit.

I was looking at that model at TT and it does look pretty good. Im not familiar enough with the Gen to pick out its flaws. Here is the link for the experts here though.

http://www.tt88time.com/index.php?main_pag...181ae127b13c42d

The stainless bracelet is impressive, but the leather gives it a refined elegance to me. Beautiful watch!

Wear it well!

I see nothing LOL!

Absolutely beautiful !! What an incredible piece that is. I tried one at the AD and they are very heavy. Made me smile just wearing it in the shop.

Wear it very well, in good health for many years.

What beautiful pics you guys take.

Where are you getting these Explorer II's and GMT's from? They look like Gens in many pics. Its crazy how good they look !!!!

What an incredible piece. I agree that the NATO sets is off very nicely. Looks like a Gen to me too!

Wear it well and in good health.

Congratulations on getting there. I'll tell you, reading your post nearly brought a tear to my eyes. Im serious. The fact of you having gone through all that, to persevere and rise again, is truly inspiring.

I myself, know whats its like. I have lost a home to foreclosure, my car, and had to sell everything that I owned and valued more than once in my life and Im only 30 sitting here. BUT as you have shown, you GET THROUGH IT. You move forward and you move on, and you NEVER give up. Material objects can always be replaced. Family and loved ones are what matters most, and I have done, and will do everything I can for them, as you have done.

I think its so important for people to remember that fact in life.

Reading that was truly inspiring to me. As life would have it, I start school again in January to earn my degree. I know that I will get where I should be, and where I CAN be. If I work at it enough I simply can't fail.

On a side note, that is MY grail too. Not with all the diamonds, just an 18K Day-Date with a champagne dial someday..

The line about wearing the Seadweller as incentive for people to dive in and save you had me laughing very hard here.

Congrats once again and good on you for making in life, you really sound as though you have earned every bit of it.

Congrats John..

is the purple colour on the markers due to the camera image..?

enjoy your first rep.. I'm sure there will be many more..

A~C

Lani

Yeah its black in person. Between my crummy point and shoot camera and my lack of skills it looks purple.

There is no cyclops LOL... just this cool domed crystal. I think its nice, its different at least.

Well I just received this yesterday from a member here. Thanks to Neckyzips !!!

Anyway it is just beautiful. Pics really dont do it proper justice and Im a horrid photographer as it is. So here are some obligatory pics!

To ME it looks very close to a gen of its era. I believe it is a "1680" Sub. Anyway, I love the thing and Im already looking for my next purchase now. This IS an addicting hobby. Im looking for a Tropic style strap or a good leather strap right now for it.

Excellent story. It would seem reps have gotten so good, that these days, maybe 1-2% of people who REALLY know their stuff could spot one and thats impressive in its own right. It used to be you could spot a fake 10ft away. Not anymore.