hogan1

1 day. Bought from a member who wouldn't take any responsibility...

The absolute correct tool for that watch is -

http://cgi.ebay.com/Watch-Case-Opener-Tool...0#ht_1332wt_960

But then you would need a Horotec press, which will also run big $$

All the "multi" tools- like this-

http://cgi.ebay.com/Watch-Case-Opener-Tool...0#ht_1332wt_960

Have round pin style fittings, which will fit in to the case back.

It then becomes a matter of how good you want the tool to be.

Offshore

I was looking for something much cheaper.... thanks. will get one.

What tool would one need to open the case of a Seamaster 41 mm (apart from a sticky ball).

(http://www.jpc8118.com/omse10001-seamaster-professional-black-swiss-28242-p-3418.html)

A link to Ebay would be very much apprecaited. thanks in advance.

I eventually went for http://stores.ebay.com/Hobby-Uhrmacher-Shop. Haven't got the stuff yet - but there is no rush really. A little slow in communication - otherwise OK.

Hey is it true that 1 out of 2 replicas sent to Sweden get confiscated by customs?

I so want to buy one but would not want to risk it if that is the case...

Can anyone shed some light on the issue?

I tried to investigate this a couple of months ago. You can read about my findings in the below link (scroll down almost to the bottom).

http://www.rwg.cc/members/Legality-Replica...0&start=100

Also - there are sellers who offer a service to deliver via another EU country (e.g. the UK). That's how I got my watches. Eurotimez and Precious Time are two: www.eurotimez.com and www.ptswiss.com. No customs risk at all.

I recently had one watch arrive directly from Thailand though - padded envelope and bubble wrapped inside. Not checked by customs. This was an exception to my own rule - but the watch wasn't one of the expensive ones - so I went for it anyway.

But - buy from the ones that offer delivery via another EU country - alternatively check which sellers offer refund/replacement if confiscated by customs and you sleep better at night.

Thanks offshore and freddy for suggestions. Will certainly take a look at those.

Hey The Zigmeister, mind sharing who the supplier is?

Second that.... I'm sitting here in Europe looking to buy tools and stuff for + $200.- - and have already over $ 150 in my basket at ofrei... after having read this, I need to look for another supplier.

Allow me one quick story... I ordered a watchwinder today for 8 watches. I bought it on Ebay in Germany, got the mail, went to checkout and paid. One hour and two minutes later, I have a mail saying it has been shipped with DHL.

I've been buying stuff on Ebay for the past 6 years - and this was the fastest reaction from a seller ever. (I sent two mails to a US seller a couple of days ago - still no response at all)....

Well - I have to add my newest baby - but I have such a hard time choosing between this and my Explorer II..

Pick the WHS/IHS version and never look back. It's got a reliable movement and there's no way in hell people are going to notice the handstack unless they're looking directly at it with a loupe or know just what to look for...and if they're that close/experienced they'll know it's a rep long before they see the handstack...

Thanks for your advice - exactly what I was looking for. (I don't give a rat's as* if someone notices it - I will wear the watch for me - not for someone else)

Excepting the updated bezel insert (I prefer the original insert), it looks like the IHS version that has been around since late last summer (it appeared a few weeks after the original CHS version appeared). A very accurate rep, indeed, but by no means would I take terms like 'Full ceramic' or 'Exact Replication' or 'waterproof' literally. This is 1 of the few reps that get just about everything (except the handstack & GMT hand function) correct, but by no means not exact.

I'd like to expand the topic not only to cover Josh - but all suppliers of both CHS and WHS. I too am sitting with my finger on the "buy it now" button but then I read the reviews..

My question is whether to stay away from the CHS and choose the WHS instead? (I don't care that much about having to set the GMT hand manually or if it doesn't work as it shoud) I'm interested in getting this watch and that it works (not stops due to one of the hands getting stuck).

Second question is whether the CHS version will work even if the GMT hand should malfunction - or will the GMT hand ruin the entire function of the watch?

Fool an 'expert'? It depends on the level of expertise. Some people here are truly experts in their field and even they disagree sometimes as to weather a watch is gen or not. Why would you want to fool people anyway?

I don't want to fool anyone - on the contrary rather. I just think that's an interesting question. Are the reps so good nowadays that there is so little telling them apart from a gen that even a "Rolex expert" can't tell?

My first rep ever was sometime 1990 (Gold Rolex) and everyone in the world could tell it was a fake.

I am not a sub expert, and I agree with every word said by the respected members about doing some reading and research. But to be practical, I think that according to the specifications you mentioned the "Noobmariner" can serve you for a long time with a look close enough to the gen. Of course, it is a great price. Just don't try to fool rolex experts.

On this subject - something I perhaps have thought about but never dared to ask.... Are there any reps out there which would fool a Rolex expert (if not allowed to open it up and not placing it next to a gen)?

Religious Wise Guys

Retarded Watch Geeks

Repulsive Withering G®eeks

Really Wonderful Gasbags?

And - yes - welcome from me also.

Wearing my first ever rep.....

(sorry about the crappy photo)

I'm not even affected - h*ll - I even haven't recieved my first rep yet - but I have read parts of this thread - and I'm willing to contribute with a couple of bucks if that helps in finding this person. I really feel bad hearing about a thing like this. Put me down for $ 10 if any action is decided upon. No one should get away with this - and it might also serve as a warning to others - Scammers will be found.

Now, THAT was a good answer. See, it wasn't so difficult. Your reply didn't just say "use the search function" you took the time to explain why certain questions asked simply don't have a straight answer. That's really good and sounds much more friendly.

We're trying to answer your question, which when you start doing your research, you will learn is probably the worst question to ask on a watch forum. People are being friendly...which is more than these types of queries usually get.

The short answer: You get the best reps from the Internet

The long answer:

• Where you should buy depends on a number of factors
  
• Where are you located? Certain countries have shipping restrictions so you need to choose your dealer appropriately
  
• What do you mean by best rep? Best out of the box? Best potential to take genuine parts?
  
• All have flaws. What are your priorities to avoid flaws? Datewheels? Movement reliability? Dial fonts? Crown guard shape?
  
• Are you interested in best value...or the best rep? The best rep will be 99% genuine and cost you thousands...the best value will cost $100 with shipping.
  
• There are many more questions to consider
  

Your question is a loaded question with not enough details which is why nobody is giving you an answer. We don't know your experience with watches other than that you bought what appears to be a high priced, low quality rep and don't want to spend the same if you don't have to...but we don't know how much a stickler you are for detailed accuracy...what you consider priorities in a rep...your ability to maintain them/upgrade them...whether or not your rep was an automatic or quartz...your experience with automatic watches...chronographs...etc.

Read my Noob Guide linked in my signature, and you'll get a much better understanding of the questions to ask and what to look for...including links to the dealers and reviews of them. People are extremely helpful here...but they don't spoon feed.

Swedish Customs and thereby the authorities at the same time say that they are working within the EU for a uniform legislation - and also an increase of the maximum prison term from today 2 years - to 4 years.

It is my firm opinion that any prioson time or even a high fine, will not be the case for the odd watch brought home. The chance of getting caught is greater if it arrives via mail than on your person. A slap on the wrist (mind the watch though) and a token fine perhaps - but nothing more.

As long as the watches aren't brought in to be sold, the only real risk I see is the watch being confiscated.

I have now checked with Swedish Customs (web) and it works like this:

Buying over the Internet from outside the EU - or bringing it with you when you arrive from outside the EU

Customs have the right to seize counterfeit watches and other products. They will at their own discretion decide to contact the brand name owner - or they may let it pass. It is then up to the brand name owner to initiate legal proceedings or just have the goods destroyed. Once having crossed the Swedish border, I can't find anything that gives any authority or other party the right to confiscate, destroy or otherwise do anything to e.g. your replica watch.

Internet purchase within the EU - or bringing it with you from an EU country

Nothing will happen - customs will not touch your package. (This is what must be assumed since Customs don't mention anything regarding goods from the EU).

Footnote:

Quoting from Swedish Customs' web - rough translation:

Presently, Swedish Customs will not take any action, if you as a traveller bring with you a few (1-3 would be my translation) counterfeit products in your personal luggage under the condition the goods isn't for commercial use - and the value is below SEK 3-4300 depending on mode of transportation (approximately USD 375 to 540).

What under all circumstances is prohibited is the sale and trade of counterfeit products. You can therefore not legally put your replica watch up for sale on any Swedish (or other) Internet auction or commercial site.

http://www.tullverket.se

http://www.tullverket.se/download/18.4ab15...pa+tv101.92.pdf

A very good reason for me to stay with sellers who bring the watch in to the EU and ship it from there.

Sweden

Illegal to import counterfeits, but legal to bring a few t-shirts and watches when returning on holiday.

Illegal to sell counterfeits.

Note: It WAS legal to import a replica as long it wasn't meant for resale, but nomore.

I live in Sweden. Where can you read about this? (link/source)?

According to two Chinese ladies at my office, it starts on the eve of the 26th and lasts until the next Saturday. So officially, it lasts a week. Unofficially it can apparantely drag on...

If you service and treat it right the Daytona can be a good watch.

I'm sure that's correct but why take the risk with my first ever rep? I want to be happy with my first purchase and after what I've read so far, there are these "problems" with the Daytona. I do want one - but it'll have to wait a while. I'm sure the very crafty (so it seems) manufacturers will eventually come up with a solution to the present problem - or I will simply have to buy a gen (when I win the lottery)

I finally decided on an Explorer II black instead - ordered today from Eurotimez. I sure hope it's going to look as good as the pictures show..

But if the ever solve the seconds@6 thing, I'll hit the "buy now" button in a heartbeat.

Dont go through that House of whatever-iners. Only go through trusted dealers such as those on this forum. Anyways, the differences are that with PC, you know what you're getting and, hes a trusted seller.

H

Thanks for input. I'm going to be careful when I purchase my first rep, that's for sure. There are two "advantages" with the houseofsouvenirs in my book.

1) Paypal.

2) I have a friend who has bought from him several times and is pleased with his purchases.

But the questions was - the difference between the watches.

Perfect clones say "29J version", the other one says nothing about that. Is that an important feature - and will it make the running seconds @6 work better - or has it got nothing to do with that? What does that do for a watch?

The reason for asking is that I've heard there are problems with the seconds @6 and if there is anything out there which will make it better? Should one rather stay away from the Daytonas perhaps?

hit the search button, check the offerings of our collectors, check the reviews of our collectors, decide what you want, buy one.. or just be really smart.. donate and keep an eye on the sales section. And get one from one of the members here..

Thanks - I've done a lot of searching - but when you're new, you don't really know what to look for. In this case I was trying to learn something as I can't find what I'm looking for and I just don't understand the differencies between the two.

Hi, I'm completely new to this - so I apologize for any stupid questions asked...

I'm looking for a Daytona but heard and read there are issues with them. I'm comparing the below links: http://www.jpc8118.com/rlds10005-white-dia...del-p-2990.html - and the other here: http://houseofsouvenirs.com/rolex/rolexdaytonaswiss_001.htm

I wonder - is any of the above better than the other - and if so, how?

I'd really appreciate any comments.

thanks in advance