By-Tor

Good thread. I could probably afford a few nice gens, but I'm cheap. Reps are more fascinating... and I guess I have bit of a "criminal mind". I love breaking the rules (kinda). I used to own lots of gens, and was participating the gen watch forums... but nothing ever came even close of the friendships and excitement that reps (and this community) have offered. And all this talk about reps being low quality... it's all bs. They don't have qc, but at least the better ETA-based reps are just as good as any $500 - $800 automatics. Just make sure the screws have been tightened properly and you're ok. And who doesn't love the idea of getting 10 great reps for the price of one gen? What if I owned one genuine $10K AP for example? I could post pics of it from different angles every day with the other pretentious wankers at "The Purists". Where's the fun in that? I'd rather be here with my "partners in crime"... getting great new watches all the time.

I don't know much about AP, but that still looks like genuine AP to me... and it's awesome. Quite impressive Neil! So... does this mean the Breguet had to go?

I clicked this on for today. Amazing how cool the standard Bond Seamaster always feels... after a little break. As usual I'm too lazy to shoot a new wristshot...so I have to recycle the old ones.

Maybe the factories think that the pre-owned gens aren't expensive enough... or that they wouldn't interest the masses? Vintage Omegas are rapidly getting more expensive though (mainly the bigger Seamasters and Speedmasters). But hey, there aren't many reps of ANY watch models that aren't in production anymore... even Rolex. Only MBK offers vintage sports Rollies. The Chinese factories don't seem to be interested in building quality ones. I've always thought it was quite weird.

Always a pleasure to see watches from your awesome collection Richard! You should post more often!

These watches are apparently targeted mainly to the Asian markets... small people... that's why they have such small bracelets. Gents' Navitimer is another classic example. I think all Navi reps are unwearable for anyone having bigger than 7'5 wrists. I've heard IWC GST has similar problem. I hope Silix can source a link for your gf. Good luck man!

Nice. My gf has almost similar watch, and it has been in daily use for over a year. It's well built ladies' watch. I mentioned about the small & short bracelet in my review. My gf is very small and the bracelet fits great, but the it won't fit to any normal sized Caucasian lady.

I love Explorer II's... and the vintage one really has certain charm.

If I were you I'd send it to Z and install a Swiss. There are a few watches that I couldn't be without... and SMP chrono is definitely one of them.

Sad to hear that Dangerman. I think this particular rep is awesome... and I think it deserves a repair treatment.

Armin, you should be able to spot the difference with the sweep. Also, the 21J Asian basic movement feels completely different when winding. ETA feels substantial and solid, Asian 21J is much more "toy like". Perhaps you have some of those new "Asian ETAs" with a 28.800bph movement? How's the date font? Can you post any pics?

Hi Gran, I still love my old Speedy... and the movement is bullet proof Seagull ST-19.

Hmm, the vintages aren't really my thing. Not that I haven't tried, I owned 2 MBW's. For some reason I like the modern Dweller more... and for me getting something good "out of box" is always preferred over the expensive mods. Not to say the MBW white Dweller isn't a great rep (after mods), it certainly is. I love yours.

Well... let me put it this way: After the Dweller I consider it finished... UNTIL something really irresistable comes out.

The Sea Dweller is the only one I'm interested in. I hope it'll be great. What a great watch to finish my collection with!

Just give it up already. Pretty please.... you've got all information required from our senior members... what do you still need? Comfirmation from the Pope?

Great pictures, really professionally done. You can't be serious of buying this one... puh-leeze!

Ubi's watch has El Primero movement, i.e seconds at '9 with appropriate subdial spacing. Your rep Daytona tries to mimic the Rolex 4130 inhouse movement. (seconds at '6)... if it's the same rep as on your avatar. It's explained HERE. PS: The Ebay link you pm'd me is invalid. Instead of pm'ing me again post the correct link to the forum, please... so others can comment as well.

Yes, basically I did just that.

If the price is really "unbelieveable" I doubt the dial and movement are genuine.

SLRDude's pics are all heavily Photoshopped. It doesn't change the fact that they're great pics. Changing the contrast/color balance settings on Photoshop can make the lume color appear different. Keep in mind that most of the decent quality and noiseless lume shots are a bit "fake"... and don't come "straight out of the camera"... like my Nooby lumeshot (done with 2 layers):

I can't get over your vintage GMT, it's fantastic. I know the Jubilee is the original bracelet for the Master... but man, it'd look even better on a Oyster.

I've been trying to get some photos of this watch for the upcoming GMT Guide... and naturally I've been wearing it a bit.

Here's a wristshot. I'll review this watch individually as soon as I have more time (been busy with my editorial work (day job) lately, and that sux).

Latex? No, rubber for me. On my PO. Seriously, I don't like leather straps at all. They suit well on thin & dressy watches, but not that well with the sports watches (just imho). I'm a steel man... and besides, I love the special bracelets on these watches. Omega SMP bracelet is fantastic... and so is the Link.