marblegranite

Oh I forgot to mention that Andrew responded and said the size of the watch I've ordered is XL. It was a surprise based on the measurements in the Cartier website. But at least now I know what size of strap to order.

The lady actually gave me a quote $390 to $425 for croc strap. I didn't think it was that bad considering some of the quotes I've seen for high quality croc straps run from $200 to $250. Thanks! I didn't think of looking on ebay for a serial number. Brilliant!

Thanks. I called a Cartier boutique. I'll call a few authorized dealers tomorrow. The lady at the Cartier boutique asked me which size Santos it was for. I didn't know whether it is considered small, medium, or large (I'm sure it's not the XL). The TDs website states that the case diameter is 38.5mm X 38.5mm (located here http://www.yourtrustytime.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21_163&products_id=6517) Looking at the Cartier site, it states that the Medium Santos is 44.2mm X 35.6mm and the Large Santos is 51.1mm X 41.3mm I'll ask Andrew which size Cartier I need to purchase the strap for.

I was wondering if anyone else experienced this. I called my local Cartier store to order a genuine leather strap for my rep. I told them it was for my father's watch and it needed a new strap. They told me they needed the serial number or my father's name for me to place the order. Any suggestions (other than ebay) on where I can buy a gen Cartier strap? Thanks

I get an error message when I try to access this link stating [#103137] You do not have permission to view this topic.. If I upgrade to Gold will I be able to view the content?

You're welcome. Let me know if I can help.

+1 I have also run into several broken links reading the older guides. For instance, Edge's Guide to Replica Forums, which is a pinned post, is full of broken links. Admins - Is there a preferred way for members to report (or maybe even fix) broken links?

I'm interested. Sent you an e-mail as well over the weekend but we can communicate though here if you prefer.

We had our answer all along in Vac's section - http://www.rwg.cc/topic/143304-vac-wr-test-to-atm/ In addition to testing it he will replace seals if needed and apply silicone grease.

I'm also waiting for a response from Vac on that same question. I'm hoping so.

I've been told that Vac now provides this service. His e-mail address is vaclume@gmail.com

I only brought it up because it seemed that there was a real interest back then to compile this list. But if no one is interested we can let this thread be forgotten again.

Yes, I didn't really expect to hear from him until Monday. I was half expecting the answer to be that he didn't provide this service and wanted to get other input in the mean time. I should probably have waited for a response before posting in this thread. I'm just anxious to receive my Hublot diver and wanted to have everything lined up to get it ready for the water

How can I help get this project going? I'm very new to the forum and to the rep world in general. But would love to help. I don't have any experience with gens but have been reading and learning a lot in this forum. I'm so grateful that I found this place before getting scammed or buying a low quality rep. Placed my first (ever) rep order yesterday with one of our trusted dealers for the new version of the Hublot Diver and for the Cartier Santos 100 ultimate. Even though I'm as far from being an expert as you can be, I am a project manager by trade, so I could help coordinate and drive this at the very least. I don't mind lifting my sleeves and doing the research either. I'm just not sure the expert members would like to rely on my expertise to determine whether a rep deserves the label of super rep.

Thanks Jkay! I actually sent Vac and The Zigmeister a message earlier today asking this question but haven't heard back yet. I wasn't sure since it wasn't listed in the information I read about the services they offer.

Have there been any advancements in this in the past 2 years? I'm looking for someone to pressure test and make my watch water resistant (won't use the term waterproofing per fakemaster's comments above). I just purchased a Hublot Diver rep which is supposed to be water proof up to 100m, but per the recommendations from other members I would like to have it pressure tested before getting the watch near water. I would like to use this service on future reps that I purchase as well.

Thanks!

I'm looking for a recommended watchsmith that is US based that does pressure testing/waterproofing on replicas. Has anyone used these services and can make a recommendation? I was able to find Briciola's contact info but he is EU based. I've e-mailed Vac but haven't heard back yet. And I'm not sure if this is something he does. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks!

That's a very nice winder as well. One of the things I really liked about the Diplomat is the ability to lock it and the extra storage for 4 additional watches. The reviews on Amazon are iffy but I'm really hoping its a quality product (one of the reviews is negative, others are okay).

Can someone PM me HK Tan's contact info? I read in this thread that he has a section on repgeek and even though I created a username there over a week ago I still can't view any posts on that forum.

Thanks for the feedback! I'm in for a diplomat from Amazon. Couldn't find a better deal anywhere else.

It was a very hard decision. I heard the gen bracelet is hard to find, especially for a reasonable price. Let the hunt begin...

Thanks for the tip. I'll search for some pics and reviews of a strap Aaron has made for a Santos and get one ordered right away. I'll also figure out which tool I need to purchase to replace the strap.

I'm trying to decide which watch winder to purchase. I prefer the design of the diplomat from Amazon even though it is more expensive. But it only has 4 settings: - rotate clockwise for 2 minutes and rest for 6 minutes - rotate counter-clockwise for 2 minutes and rest for 6 minutes - rotate clockwise for 2 minutes, rest for 6 minutes then it will rotate counter-clockwise for 2 minutes, rest for 6 minutes - rotate clockwise for 5 minutes then counter-clockwise for 5 minutes. But the one from ace timer seems to have an additional setting, which I don't know if is really necessary. Are all of the options below really necessary in a watch winder? Or can I just pick between the two based on my design preferences? Mode 1: winder rotates 650 Turns Per Day with clockwise and counterclockwise Mode 2: winder rotates 850 Turns Per Day clockwise and counterclockwise Mode 3: winder rotates 1000 Turns Per Day clockwise and counterclockwise Mode 4: winder rotates 1000 Turns Per Day clockwise only Mode 5: winder rotates 1000 Turns Per Day counterclockwise only Diplomat from Amazon - http://www.amazon.co...755252&sr=1-321 Acetimer - http://www.acetimer....-5-Storage.html Thanks

Based on the reviews I've read the dial of the ultimate version is the closest to the gen. Unfortunately that version is not available in a stainless steel bracelet. I asked the dealer if I could purchase the ss bracelet separately, but that's not an option. Even though I could not notice any difference between the two I've changed my order for the Ultimate version with the leather strap. I'll join the ranks of other forum members on the lookout for a Cartier OEM strap.