Alextor

Thanks - Gracias! Antonio...I'll keep that in mind for my next Josh purchase! Cheers Alex

Nice looking fat bastards...! I want one, but for $400 (the ETA 2824-2 is a movement that sells for less than $100) But almost the price of a Rolex Submariner?...Thanks, but no thanks... cheers Alex

No problem Tor, to be honest some reviews and posts from knowledgeable guys are outstanding and is one of the main benefits of belonging to forums and communities like RWG...not only to find good dealers but great information also. And yes, I forgot to mention that the salesguy was talking about oyster's SS bracelets...I'll swing by an AD this weekend and check the watch...This info, as ubi was saying, is not readily available so I wanted to run it by the forum... Salud Alex

Hello guys, As I was shopping for a gen Rolex, a salesperson from an AD in LA (on the phone) advised me to get the "new 2006 - came in two weeks ago" Datejust for $4000 (the previous model sales for around $3500)...he said that the main difference is that the links on the oyster bracelet are now solid...not hollow, and that the watch weights considerably more. So I decided to open the Rolex Gospel according to Tor (read it every week) and he reviews the oyster bracelet: The hollow link Oyster bracelet is one of the best parts of this watch. After polishing, oiling and giving it a new brushed finish it's virtually indistinguishable from the genuine. In some reps you have to file the edges smoother, too. The "treated" bracelet feels silky, light, flimsy and cheap. i.e exactly like the real one. GMT band is even lighter than Submariner's because it has short clasp (ala Explorer) - and because GMT is designed to be a pilot watch it lacks the diver's extension clasp. So don't be surprised when you receive your first replica Rolex. Just remember that the genuine Oyster band is just as pathetic and light. A side note: Genuine Master II (with all links intact) weighs 127 grams. The rep weight is exact +/- 2 grams. I called a couple of AD's and they could not confirm the story...Or was it a really really stupid sales pitch? Thought you might like to know... Cheers to all of you! Alex

Or the Chanel J12...nice wristshots! Enjoy Alex

Nice watch! how much is Josh charging for the servicing? I think is an option to consider when buying a swiss ETA replica you want it to last... Cheers Alex Nice watch! how much is Josh charging for the servicing? I think is an option to consider when buying a swiss ETA replica you want it to last... Cheers Alex

Not in the water...but I try to dive as often as I humanly can! Thanks Pugs! Sub is my first option now...I found out that the LV green bezel retails over the suggested retail price! ($6150 --sugg price $4875). Good thing that all LV reps are priced equally! Cheers Alex

Sir TTK's idea sounds like the most innovative...assuming you don't shiver at the idea of putting all the little pieces together...but I'm sure you have at least 100 watchmakers per square km in Watchland. Find that one who lacks one scrupule. Cheers

PT is quite good and fast...Homer is active at http://www.mulberryoutlet.co.uk/ but I don't know anything about the quality of his watches and since he is not one of 'our' dealers, never ordered from him. Have to confess that I've been tempted...the site and the pieces look beautiful... and the music (Pachelbel's Canon) is quite soothing...though listening to my own music is as soothing and much cheaper so far... Is Homer a good option? Thanks! Alex

Thanks Shark and thanks Mike, Ubi, Cray, Jet and all of you! It's true, we all recommend what we feel is the best option if we were in that position. I do greatly appreciate input from people who know more about watches, and Rolexes in particular, than myself. After reading the replies I know what to look for, resale value, and details -like the case thickness- I was not fully aware. Also, the TZ tip was helpful, as I'd know where the market is at this point. I also ditched the datejust, and leave it for my 50th birthday or to celebrate a break-up...(haven't reached 40 yet) so I'll stay with either the Sub or the SD...I'll see what fits and feels better. Thank you to all of you for this life (or wrist) saver!!! Cheers and blessings to all ye watch lovers and love watchers Alex

Thanks Jet, the fog in my mind started to dissipate!

Hello guys and especially the Rolex experts in our community...(and there are plenty) Here's my dilemma...I'm trading in my 15000 1985 Rolex Date and buying a new, grown up Rolex...I got some credit for it so I'll be pulling the trigger soon. My options have been reduced to 2 or 3 models and I'd really appreciate any informed advice you can provide... even if you can direct me to the proper links...(my knowledge stops at the dial level)...All models are new... - Rolex Datejust 2006 model...(around $4000) - Rolex Sea Dweller (around $4400) - Rolex Submariner with date ($4400) Best regards to all of you and thank you in advance for your input! Virtual beers to everyone!!!

GREAT POST CWAI! You have just created a Frankenmega! I have one question that's been gnawing my liver...since the 4th and 5th gen Omega PO's are visually stunning and the only issue that was consistently raised was the light AR coating...DO you think the OEM AR saphire glass will fit on the XL PO 5th gen 45.5? Thank you!!! Alex

Touche!!! (well...more than a few months or a year...)

I will...that's a beautiful picture! as it has been said many times over...nothing beats the genuine! (short of that, will keep on waiting for new editions...) Blessings, watch lovers and love watchers!!! Alex

No kiddin'...check his line up...is the last one under Breitlings...black face Lemania movement...and is a Lemania (like the Lange movs) because....it has a clear back case with observation glass ...how about that? What do you think? Cheers Alex

Sorry DJ, it was 2005 not 2006 (one of my dyslexic days) http://www.trustytime.com/index.php?main_p...products_id=619 What do you think? Cheers Alex

True...the flip side however remains, since these watches are getting so close to the real thing visually, one would like to have a reliable movement...Case in point...my only genuine Rolex date SS jubilee (had it for 21 years) never, ever skipped a second...the seconds hand sweeps smooth as a baby's butt. But, put side by side with my rep Omega PO ETA 2836 (methinks) the movement appears to be quite similar...and the PO is very, very accurate (I check it against the official US time @ www.time.gov) Having said this, swiss ETA movements are produced in Asia...so swiss is as swiss as white fluffy rice and chinese as chinese as ementhal gets. Also, many reputable german and swiss manufacturers modify ETA movements to produce their own calibers and charge you hundreds more...i.e. Muhle Glashutte (an unsung hero) Replicas are replicas...nothing beats a genuine...the feel, the weight, the satisfaction... Regards Alex

Pug, You are a bottomless source of useful info! Thank you! Alex

Sherry...if you live in the UK you might want to consider a dealer who ships from...the UK. Check the reviews on Precious Time...fast delivery (usually a couple of days) and no customs headaches. I'd suggest quality over quantity (inverse ratio with women after the 4th beer...anything over nothing after the 8th)...so think about a swiss movement everytime you can...you'll end that with fewer specimens in your collection but not a bunch of dead watches... Gotta agree with the guys...the list was not good...research pays...By thor and Pugwash have excellent reviews and reading material on many great replicas. I'd candidlu suggest to skip the tourbillons...gens are TOO expensive and unless you are a CEO of a pharmaceutical company nobody would believe it. MY feel good list? IWC GST titanium, Patek 5053, Omega PO XL 5th gen or 42mm 4th generation, Arktos is apparently a good rep but I'm not a Panerai fan...maybe the Explorer II, IWC jones swiss mov. I own a genuine Rolex and found myself wearing my replicas more often. But this is only me...you gotta find your own style Luke. I've dealt with Josh, PT, Andy, Eddie and TTK...all EXCELLENT! But above all, your best finding was this forum itself! Cheers Alex

We are all still dreaming but...Andrew has a 2006 edition with a 1:1 case replica. Not an expert on Rollies but it may be a step in the right direction? Cheers Alex

We are all dreaming of one...The decorated IWC's are ALL Asian versions...I'd stick to a Swiss Unitas...just don't show the back case! Alex

Mike, Do you think the decoration might have hampered reliability or accuracy? I'd imagine that by bunching all those nice looking gears, needles and pieces something must have suffered...I think the Swiss movement is more reliable at the expense of the visual effect...but I'm no expert. Cheers Alex

Nope...don't know if it's supposed to have it in the original. I checked on the IWC page and couldn't find info on that... Alex

Just to add another variable...PT has a Navi black in a Lemania movement...is it something worthy to be considered? I dread Asian Valijoux movements...no specific reason, just a gut feeling... Who carries the best navi? or they are basically the same piece... Thanks and Cheers! Alex