It is disappointing that Rolex reps are so sub-par compared to the latest Omega, TAG, etc reps. What's most frustrating is the lack of a reasonably priced 1:1 case and dial. Nearly everything else on the watch can be sourced without ridiculous effort and without obscene cost, but gen cases and dials are expensive.
I'm really excited about the 1665 I'm working on, but I'll easily have $2000 into it by the time it is all done. I'm sure most of the other heavy modders/franken builders (ubi, cough) are spending similar amounts.
Given the number of scam sellers that get $1000+ every day for $200 reps, I don't believe for a second that there isn't a market for a $1500 "perfect" rep (although, I think it could be done for much less than that).
I don't claim to know the business and political dynamics within this industry in China, but I do wonder what it would take to buy, for example, a gen 16600, take it to a small rep factory, and have them do a complete 1:1 copy with a guaranteed initial order of say, 100 pieces at $400. The dealers could sell them for $750, and I bet they'd sell out in a month.
Just rambling, I guess.