Pix

Something tells me we'd better hurry before prices raise...

There's one thing I'd like to mention : the 21,6 K movement is NOT inferior. It's different. Look at my signature : there's a link where The Zigmeister explains the +/- of each. And the 21,6 k is basically not a bad movement, the HBB based on this movement being probably even better bases for a future gen Swiss 7750 transplant. As mentionned before, for the HBB, only the manufacturer's will (greed ?) will fix the price. The dealer's too, but with a much lower inpact IMO. That's why you won't see a "V1" for 500 USD I'm afraid. Even as a special action, as the purchasing price for the dealer is surely above. What I find interesting is that you can build your own projects already and have your HBB modded. Let me describe my modest example : 260 USD HBB lite + K22AR coating + PVD coated knurled bezel : 390 USD

BTW, did you notice that Watchmark is no more an apprentice, but a confirmed board dealer ? Congratulations ! Keep the good service to RWG members, that's my wish for all of us.

Hi, look at the link in my signature, it's pretty obvious : engraved. And true, it's one of my favorite. Look especially at the last letters. Original but not too bulky, nothing to say about the finish. A true keeper.

Sounds more than good : also means that 200+ dollars for the ceramic bezel alone is a scam from the manufacturer, as the RG with RG bezel costs 375 from Silix, i.e. you pay 30 dollars for the bezel, which is what the bezel alone should be invoiced. Let's say that 50-60 dollars would be a reasonable price. BTW, has anyone paid that much for the bezel ? I was lucky enough to pay 60 USD for the PVD one + tool from a board member. I find strange the fact that Mark is the only one offering this V2 HBB... Good point for him. But what do the other dealer do ? I hope noone has the bad idea to sell a V2 as a V1...

Sure, that is clear. But I was mentionning that actually the PVD bezel looks as good as the ceramic one. It's enough. No real need for ceramic if someone can adapt the Quartz bezel on his automatic HBB... I also think that the 405 USD version is not real ceramic but PVD. This will be checked when my new order arrives

This price from the factory is just insane, and again, the PVD coated one is just as good optically. There's one interesting experience to do : get the bezel from the Quartz version and check if it fits. That one costs 160 USD, including a brand new strap (which sells 70 USD alone)... One member has ordered the quartz, if any interest, I'm ready to send him the tool to test. Anyway, it seems the best bargain around is the "V2" HBB for 405 dollars. As Mickey page mentionned, all versions have anyway flaws to some extent, and surely the dial matter is not worse than stickers on the rotor. My RG order leaves today, I'll surely keep you updated for the week-end.

Wow ! Isn't that called monomania ? Fantastic collection !

Hi, you get such watches under 100 USD on ebay. Never tried and can't say how the quality is. Try a search on MARINA MILITARE or LUMINOR htxp://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=marina+militare&category0= You'll see the skelleton PAM from Silix pop up I'm not a PAM expert, but look at this one : 120249233927 Looks good to me, especially the canon pin. The movement looks different from the usual Unitas clones however. In the worst case, the parts are likely to be used to sterilize a rep.

Nice cork collection St

A chunky watch and rep ! It really looks different and the caseback is just so sexy ! I've seen this one with an aftermarket AR, and it really changes the thing. For those with a small wrist, there is a Chrono version with a "smaller" 44 mm diameter. Thx for sharing.

Hi, thx for the feedback. I have ordered the RG version and will post comparison shots with my lite version. I'm anyway pretty sure that all these things are comparable, probably compatible. If it's real ceramic, then you just confirm that the high pricing due to ceramic is nothing else but... a scam ?

Let's say a "no name" rep With the same possible issues as a rep equipped with the same Chinese movement. And the same distribution channel... I love it however.

Saturday 19th... A brand new gen for the price of a rep...

Don't forget there are other places to buy, and if indeed some reps prices have increased, you still have a bunch of honest reps with Asian movements far under 100 dollars. One of the problem is probably that most of the "very high end" reps come from the same factory, and that this factory (or maybe 2, or 3 ?) want more cash. For some reason. Look at what happens with the HBB, it's IMO the best example that the same watch can cost between 250 and 800 dollars : the only real difference being the metal used for plating, a movement that is different but still Asian in both cases, and recently the fact that a second manufacturer popped up. I vote for competition !! As far as Swiss movements are concerned, this is sure : they will never be cheap again. At least ETA ones... But personally I don't care (any more), as you never know how damaged the one that came in your Triple A Swiss grade replica is... Look at the Oris Carlos Coste replica : whereas all "super reps" cost now over 300, this one is sold for the "older usual price" : 265 USD.

Just to illustrate... Odd ! As cheap as it is, I like it. The other way is to find an other 80 dollar B&R and make sure it has lume. Not sure if dealers care about that.

Hi folks, I love the B&R design but they are just too big for my wrist. So I went for a 39mm reduced (unaccurate) version and dressed it with a made to measure Gasgasbone strap. Paid 80 dollars for the watch, so there are flaws I can accept. However... I have a lume problem : the markers and digits are (poorly) lumed. That's OK, I live with it. BUT the hands have no lume at all, figure that !! That annoys me more and more I must say. As you imagine, I won't spend 80 or 100 or more to have a real lume job done on this watch, all the more as I read that removing the hands on B&R reps was not that easy. Therefore my questions : - is a reluming... well, a LUMING possible on the hands only, without removing them ? - who should I contact for this job ? Thx for any advice.

I bet it won't

Hi, I doubt any scammer will say "this is a rep" or "I am reselling something I don't know". The usual habits are "it's a gift" or "my uncle's watch" etc... No way. 1000 EUR for this POS is a scam. On the other hand, those putting so much in a watch without remarking there's something wrong are also plain stupid... I have reported the thing and invite you to do the same, although Ebay really don't care about user reports, even if they pretend they fight against fakes.

Most often the dealer is being cheated himself. Dealers can't open every single rep. The lie come from the manufacturers. I have decided a while ago not to pay high bucks for an ETA which is either a second hand one or a fake. If I get an ETA under 200 USD (that happened), then why not. But why pay twice the price for a "Swiss" SFSO with a used ETA inside... Actually my only problematic watch is my VCO with an ETA 2836. I'd prefer to get some reliable Asian movements, and we know there are some. Provided that they are clearly identified (Miyota 8215)I don't care about ETA spare parts availability. I had my VCO with ETA fixed. Paid something like 50 EUR all together, and these were very small things (+ high carriage). And the faster we'll get Sellita movements or reliable Miyota or even clones of Seiko, the better it will be.

I love it on the mesh strap, but 46mm especially in this dial configuration wears too big for me. I've seen a kind of reduced version in an A.D., same look but seconds@6 instead of date. Has anyone seen a rep ? That would be ideal for small wrists. BTW, I saw my first Quartz Breitling Yes, Breitling tick too

Hi, I've seen the gen today at the Airport... Well, I don't know why but it looks bigger Is this possible ? Does anyone own a gen ?

That's an excellent thread, thx for the summary. @SSSurfer : why not use fingers to remove the crystal ? Is there a technical issue ? (I must say this is the way I'm doing now) For the ETA, I should better have learnt things properly before I did exactly what I should not have. I was happy to be able to remove the stem. And could never re-engage it That was fixed by a watchsmith friend. I found it easier for an Asian 21J.

Yes I was, and still am. My oldest models are 6 monthes, so I'm a bit more confident. The problem of course is that all the sexy reps come with the A7750. Still I refrain from buying it : if I find other movements (ETA 2824/2836, Asian 21J, ST-19 or Quartz), I go gor them in priority. I think I'm hooked and finally went to this conclusion : if a movement breaks, I'll have it replaced for a reasonnable price or just buy the rep again.