What you're saying is generally true in the replica world. You do get what you pay for. However my experience with the WBK and Mary SMP is the opposite.
Marys watch cost me $230 US. It has the loupe effect on the glass (which is inaccurately flat), a very shallow wave effect on the dial, and a fairly poor quality bracelet.
WBKs however, costs half that and has a great bracelet with good fit and finish, the best quality glass without fisheye effect I've seen, and a great dial with a pronounced wave pattern.
Of course, the quality of your Chrono rep is brilliant, but you ARE talking in the realm of $400 - $500.
With Seamasters, particularly the 2531.80, it doesn't make sense to spend that sort of money on a rep without seriously considering a used gen for $800-$900 on TZ.
Case in point, I wasn't expecting a replica of a lesser quality to WBKs for twice the price. I have no quelms about it, its the nature of the beast. I'm just sharing my thoughts.
EDIT- By all means do business with Mary, she's a fantastic seller (hopefully), but perhaps just avoid this particular watch, if WBKs is an option.