austintexas

New here. Thanks for a great forum. I love reps and own one gen, but it's a completely different thing. Around 1985 the Rolex Submariner caught my eye. It retailed for around $600, if I remember correctly. Classic design, quality craftsmanship, all that. I decided I wanted one. It was my holy grail. Finally was able to finance one in 1991, when the retail was $2500. Payed $175 a month forever on that watch, which I still wear today, 21 years later. It's my only gen, besides a few Swatches, a Mondaine, Seiko Monster, etc. Today, I think the Sub retails for around $6500. I own some reps and love them, but it's a different thing to own a gen. About 8 years ago, I sent the Sub to Rolex for basic cleaning. Cost $500 and the watch returned good as new. Better maybe, with the time-worn, but good as new look. The original materials that went into the watch allow you to own it for a lifetime, then pass it on to your children. It wasn't about status for me, it was about owning a classic piece of design and history that I would have forever. The sub seemed overpriced in 1985 for $600, same in 1991 when I paid $2500 and out of reach now at $6500+. But I have forever been thankful that I took a foolish chance and bought it when I did. it has given me 20 years of pleasure and I expect another 20 years with my watch. Reps, on the other hand, allow me to enjoy some of the classic designs that I could never afford. It's a pleasure to own some classic designs, see them in action on my wrist and enjoy the variety that is available. They fulfill an important roll in my watch collection, but they also play a different roll..they are temporary enjoyments, not meant to last a lifetime. Sorry for the ramble, just trying to explain the difference for me between rep and gen and how each is important to me in different ways and for different reasons.

First rep, first post.