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Thanks! Also, any thoughts on this Avenger II BlackSteel? 42mm which i prefer to 44. https://player.vimeo.com/video/216104821

Any updates from anyone on the crown issue? If it is indeed fixed, which version do you ask a TD for? v2 GF?

1) What do people do with their "ultimate" reps that stop working. Do they just become paperweights or is there a market for them? I have a Cartier Ballon Bleu ETA rep that lasted 6 months before it stopped. 2) I'd love to get it "fixed" but have no idea how as I am unsure what repair shops in the Philly area would even repair it. Or is there a place I can mail it to (i.e. a reputable repair person on RWG that will service these reps?) 3) Any guesses on cost to repair an ETA rep (i.e. change out the ETA mechanism?) Thanks!

What does it cost to service these watches? I have a Cartier Ballon Bleu ETA rep. It has lasted for 7 months and suddenly just stopped running. Very upsetting. I'd like to get it repaired or replaced from the dealer- i'm happy to pays something. Has anyone been successful in getting a replacement or repair from the dealer when a "better" rep failed and how much have they charged if anything? Thanks!

Kidding?

I've given up on my search for a good Roadster - they just don't exist yet it seems. The Ballon Bleu is another story. I'm now leaning towards getting one except for one thing..... Is the large dial SS Ballon Bleu too much of a ladies style?

The "ultimate" version supposedly accorting to TrustyTime is no longer available. Although I see ETA Roadsters from Mary and others available. I am in the US, but customs hasn't been an issue in the past with Mary. I doubt the watch was serviced, so it sounds like it will start breaking down in a couple of years. How much does servicing an ETA rep cost? Do watch-repair shops get angry if you bring in a rep? Thanks!

I am a relative rep newbie. I am looking for a good quality Cartier Roadster or Tortue. These seem hard to find. A member of RWG is offering me a 3 year old Roadster rep (Ultimate- Swiss ETA supposedly) for $220. The member seems reputable based on prior posts, but a 3 year old watch for only $50 less than the "Trusted dealers" price (ie Joshua or Mary) seems steep. Advantages- the watch was owned by a real rep collector with 40 watches who I suppose took good care of it. Also, it is already sized for my wrist (i hear removing links on these is tough and I'd rather not hunt for some watchmaker that doesn't mind working on a replica watch- and who knows how much they'd charge to adjust) Disadvantages- light scratches. 3 years old- don't these reps have limited lifespan? No track record of sales. Is this a bad deal? Thanks!

It's been some time since this original post. So has anyone been able to find this watch?

I just want a 42mm Planet Ocean Black with rubber strap. Not because I am so concerned with the "ultimate" replica details, pearl quality, He valve, etc.... I just need a smaller watch than the 45 for my skinny wrist! I'd love a 28800 movement rather than a 21J asian, since smooth sweep is important to me. Is anything like this out there? My research shows me two choices- Narikaa has a 42mm 21J version that is sold out for now- but seems to be the best "cheap" version- but not smooth sweep. I found one ETA version on mary's site- but it says it has s Swiss ETA 2836-2 (this is the only PO 42mm i have found with this- is this correct?) That is selling for about $300 - too much! There has to be something else out there, no? If not, any other similar looking Omega's at 42mm with a date, besides Planet Ocean?

Thanks for the great advice and links. There is a big price difference between asian 21J movements and the 4th gen ETA 2824 movement (which is 3 times the cost). With 21J, I know there is a bigger issue when it comes time to service, or replace parts (don't even bother- may as well get a new watch) vs getting an ETA which is easier to service in the long run. But if I am interested in a watch that just chugs along and doesn't die in the first year or two, is there any difference in reliability between the two movements in your opinion? Something tells me I should just get the 2824, since the bph/sweep is smoother, but at three times the price, there has to be an asian 2824 middle ground! By-tor: thanks for your advice. But it is soooo hard to wait now that I am getting into these forums, for a new 42mm PO! You think we are talking many months before it is out?

Thanks for the quick response. Last night, I was up for hours reading your very thorough reviews. They are great! But sometimes you just need people to throw out suggestions. I trust you- do you have any recommendations for me to look at based on what I like? You probably know EVERY watch out there- your reviews are amazing. Is there such a thing as a smaller Seamaster planet ocean with a black rubber or leather strap?

I am looking hard for a watch that suits my needs. I know there are tons of experts here, so I am counting on you to lead me in the right direction! Here are some things I am looking for: 1) A not-too-large dial (40mm or so is fine)-I am not fond of the BIG watches. 2) A smooth sweep second hand (not in the subdial, but on the main dial) 28,800 bph preferably and automatic. 3) Easy to read date 4) Not Rolex and not quartz 5) Somewhat different looking than my omega seamaster chrono and tag link chrono. Black rubber strap/black case would be nice. 6) Clear caseback is desirable but not mandatory I don't mind chrono watches, but it is important that the sweeping second hand is on the MAIN dial- I don't know if this exists. So after extensive searching, these are the watches that sort of seem good, but none seems perfect: But maybe they will give you an idea of what I am looking for. 1) Tag Carrera Vintage Limited Edition (see photo below)- Cons: no date. Hand-wind. Will handwinding get old quickly? 2) IWC 3717 Black/black strap (see photo) Cons: Large? Second hand on subdial only. Can you run the chrono all the time to have the main dial second-hand running constantly or is this bad for the replica mechanism? 3) Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Cons- the replicas seem to be HUGE (45mm?) I know there used to be smaller ones (42mm?) Are these still avaialble? Do they come in a black face with a black rubber strap? This is what I think I'd get if I had an option. Is there a Tag equivalent to this one? Please help this newbie find a watch to buy!!!!