Ronin

My thoughts mirror what Freddy333 said above. I walk that fine line from time to time. If I were wearing my Ronin-1680 that is ALL GEN except the Yuki mid-case, I would never confess it to be less than genuine (just like I would never say a car is less genuine because it had some aftermarket body panels, after an accident). I tend to lead the conversation with, "actually, I restored this watch, it is a hobby of mine", and see where it goes. Usually nowhere. On the other hand, if I were wearing my DW/Spin/Ronin Daytona or PAM 029 (as good as it is), I would come clean about their replica origin-- if the vibe and person were right. People who immediately jump up and confess their Rep actually freak me out sometimes. It is as if they are so conscience and thus self-conscience about it they try and take the-- "I'm frugal, ha ha ha, don't judge me, I'm the class clown" approach. Finally, on the RARE occasion these situations actually come up, I try and drop subtle hints. "Are you into watches, are you on ANY watch forums, Have you heard of the H/Noob/WM9-Factory?". To date, nobody has responded to those hints, and instead got the deer in the headlight expression. If they don't respond/know, I am not going to confess, and instead change the subject. YMMV

This hits every 2 years or so. They generally hit the "low hanging fruit". The people producing the Canal Street Junk. Our guys have weathered this storm at least twice since I have been around.

Time to convert this post into a Gallery/Blog entry.

Nice. Now he needs to do a GMT one, only that one might be even more involved.

That is great for a non-COSC movement. My "Professional" runs about +12.

Dial | Insert | Insert Just from a quick glance...

Very Cool. Thanks for the great write up.

Nice. I think I just found my new 'working from home' speaker box/phone.

Going from memory, but yes they are the same except for the color of the parachrom hair-spring and a few other minor details. They are interchangeable.

Looking good. Wear it well my friend. Your photos are excellent. Here is an old -vs- new comparison:

Gen for reference.

If I had to guess the target market is NOT North America or Europe...

I would be curious to know how the Speakerphone quality is.

Having a Ball, shot in Cannes...

The Gaytona returns.

at least it does not talk about "Gas Escape" on the front of the watch.

Word of caution, using the terms "Gen" and "Rep(lica)" are pretty unique to our little group of deviants. A non-forum, simple watch owner, would probably be more inclined to speak the words: Real, Genuine Article, Real Thing -vs- Gen (slang). And in the real world Replica often is simply Fake or Counterfeit. If someone tried to bluff using Gen or Rep, I would be suspect.

Even if you double it, or factor every person who visits China were to buy a Rolex Rep, I still would say 1 in 4 or 25% would be a REP. That may skew by location and within age groups. Just like "Medical Student Syndrome", lets not get "It must be a rep/fake syndrome".

Great responses so far. Context, age, and where you are located are all key. In my geographic location: Gen's are everywhere. My Age is greater than 35: By this stage in life, most anyone could afford/own/buy a Gen So, nope. I think I am passed being asked the question. Although,many friends I have handed GEN Rolex's to, that knew they were Gen, all responded with "I thought it would have been heavier and going by feel would have thought it to be fake!" (Gen Stainless, Hollow Mid's) Finally, the "It's a Rolex, it must be fake" is so statistically inaccurate that comment just shows ignorance IMHO. Rolex produces around 700,000 watches a year, and there are roughly 40,000 members of the Rep Community. About 1 in 6 Rolex's in the wild is probably fake. A betting man would bet on Gen.

I am seeing that. I also read about the issue you had with the calendar ring not being the same. Sigh.... This will most likely be a 1yr 'minimum' to amass the parts needed. I may do an interim DG3804 power or Zodiac, if I get desperate. I can only seem to find your Phase I, Phase 1.2, Executive Cabin, posts. Any keyword I should search for for Phase II?

Nice pair.

Great job. Removing the rehaut engraving really did the trick. You sure went all out on this.

Awesome! Safe Travels. Do blog like TT when you can.