BlackFlash

I bought the Calibre de Cartier from TT after seeing a pic of it posted in the daily wrists thread. Awesome watch! It has a clean (not a very busy face), unique look that catches people's attention without being gaudy. I'm not an authority on rep builds, but it works perfectly, looks awesome and feels great. Go for it without hesitation. Flash

Chango - I've got 13 on and 7 to go. I'm grandfathered in for 20 and out. Watches have universal appeal. Plus, we (us fire fighters) everywhere! Flash

@Chango - Another fire fighter in the forum. Nice to meet you, brother. How long do you have on / have left the job? Flash

Thanks a million. I appreciate it! Flash

A while back, I know I saw a post about "fixing" the GMT hand on a Exp II and now I can't find it. I used the search function, scrolled through many pages of threads and just can't seem to place it. Just received one from a TD and love it - of course - but can't get the GMT hand to work. It adjusts, but doesn't run. It'd be great if someone could either post the link to the other thread or give me directions. My family lives in two different parts of the world and it'd be great to keep both times. So yes, I actually want to use the GMT hand. Plus, everyone likes their watch to work, rep or not. Thanks a mil. Flash **edited for grammar

Thanks for the info. I tried making a purchase on WatchEden and I'm having trouble with getting my payment approved. I even contacted my bank and had them walk me through the payment process on WatchEden's website. Should I be suspicious or is this a complication with making an internet purchase form a Chinese based merchant? What's the next best way to pay for the products I ordered? Thank you for your help. Flash

I'm wondering if there is link on this site (or perhaps a site(s) that another may be willing to share) of Trusted Dealers of other rep products. While I do recognize that this is site for watch appreciation, I also see it as a place where there are a number of members who appreciate more than watches, they also value owning a well made replicated brand without the price. I'm guessing that there must be sites for quality rep jewelry, electronics and the likes. Hopefully, you not only know them, but you're willing to share them with me. Thank you. Flash

I actually have a couple of Timex watches with straps. Nice conversions you've made here, Powell. The combo of strap and deployment buckle would actually dress up my cheap Timex watches and "sportify" my reps. So, I'm not a big fan of the color combo, but that's an easy fix. Plus, I doubt that was your focus of your post. Good job! Your New England Neighbor (in CT) Flash

Thanks guys! I feel like I truly belong here - at least if we're talking cars (Fiats, Rovers and the like) and watches. @Panerai153 - It would seem quite fitting to drive The Queen (Range Rover) while wearing a Steve McQueen. Perhaps it'd be a corny joke in my head (that has now escaped) but I'd think of it and smile. A vintage Rolex is beautiful, but perhaps I'll work my way up to it as a franken to get it right. Whereas, with a newer model I can make a few mods and have it looking sharp. @Freddy - As for my Fiat, you're right I've only had it for 4 years. And since I live in New England, it only comes out when it doesn't require the top up. Unfortunately, that means it's only a few months out of the year. It hasn't seen a flatbed yet, but from what I hear, it's inevitable. I'm not looking forward to that day, so I do my best to enjoy every mile that it runs as well as it does. @Nanuq - if you don't like washing your Land River, might I suggest that you get a boyfriend, like mine, who bathes it regularly It's just too bad that he has an obsession with the Lexus as he has two: the huge SUV and the baby hardtop convertible - yuck. Flash

Freddy, As for the Explorer II, I just sent an email to Andrew to see if he has it in stock. I've been advised to get the Asian clone ETA because so many of the "Swiss" ETA turn out to be not so 100% Swiss. Why pay for the doubt if the Asian ETA clone can be reliable. I'll also be on the look out for gen parts - crystal and crown/tube. BTW I've had better luck with my beautiful Fiat than with my rep Explorer! And if I do have a problem with my Fiat, I have one of the most reputable mechanics of Fiats in the country about 20 minutes away. Don't worry, while I may post a wristie with of me and my Fiat, I'll spare you by making sure that I'm not wearing my by boyfriend's dress shirt.

@DenimHead - WOW! Thanks for all that very useful info. Indeed, a rep is still a rep. Especially when you consider all the flaws. If I do go ahead with the 1655, I'd have a lot of work ahead of me. Much more so than the more modern white faced Explorer II that Freddy mentioned. @Freddy - The thing is that I did buy a Explorer II from a trusted Dealer and soon thereafter, the cyclops fell off. He offered to have me send it back to him, but it got "lost" somewhere along the way. It was a loss for me. Plus, it was my first rep. I decided to give it a try again with other pieces (with less to go wrong) and so far so good. The Explorer II is a great option and maybe I should go that route again and hope for less disappointment. Thanks for the reminder. Parenthetically, both aforementioned Cartier watches look good while I'm driving my 1981 Fiat Spider convertible too Flash

Actually, I'm a 37 year old woman. I've got the same height/weight/athletic build as Serena Williams. I pull off my Cartier Ballon Bleu (42mm) and the Calibre de Cartier (also 42mm, but wears much larger because of it other dimensions) very well - if I do say so myself. Flash

Actually, the direction (via the links) that you're pointing me towards is awesome! Thank you. Ultimately, I'm looking for pros, cons, maintenance, history. Thanks, again.

Hmmm....only a full size Range Rover. Perhaps it's unrealistic.

http://bit.ly/10ZVcvV I have a credit with Andrew because the first two watches that I attempted to purchase weren't in stock. After some thought, I'm considering a vintage Steve McQueen 1655 Explorer II. While I'm fairly new to reps, I'm VERY new to anything vintage. I read Toad's guide to the 1655, but I'm not sure that I have the eye that many of you have. Also noted are the several different movements available, but for now, my focus is on the cosmetics. I can always choose the movement once I feel confident (with your help) about the accuracy of Andrew's vintage "stock." At the top of the post is a link to his site where he offers a selection of the "Steve McQueens." Please chime in and let me know what you think. I'd rather you all tell me that I'm crazy for thinking about it than to look crazy wearing a lousy version of what has been touted as a "Top Grade Vintage Rep." Thanks! Flash

Oh man! I just saw the Abyss in yellow. Wowzah! What a good looking piece! Flash

I thought I bought a Colt, until Andrew informed me that it wasn't available. Then, I thought I'd buy the Steelfish. It looks like a really good rep and I love a white face. Now I see this review, the pics, the look - which would be a little different for me as I do favor white face watches more than black. Oh the madness! Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. I like the size, the unique look in my newly developing stash and I already have a credit with Andrew. I might as well pull t he trigger on this one as it's a beautiful piece. Thanks for the review. Flash

As it turns out, Andrew just emailed me to let me know that the Colt isn't available. Maybe it's time to get the Fish after all! Apparently, I'll have to go through him as I now have a credit. Hopefully, he can get his hands on a decent copy. Flash

As is the mesh band! Very nice combo! Helloooooo to you too! Who was the seller?

I do like the Fish. Toro seems to offer it with a white face and black rubber strap. That's the combo I was looking for. Though the Colt 44 is a "cleaner" face, the SteelFish is a close second. And with it being a closer-to-gen rep, it just might do the trick.

I just double checked and the link does work.

http://bit.ly/139B6jw Perhaps the link above is a better resource than me describing it. Again, it's the Colt 44 with a white face and black rubber strap. Fairly easy to navigate to on Andrew's website even if the link doesn't work (which it should). Hope this helps with the conversation. Flash

I'm looking forward to making a purchase of the Colt 44 from Trusty Time. I happen to like the white face with black rubber strap for a sporty look (though I do like the brown leather and link). Seems as if this model isn't exactly the most popular. Regardless, it's a fairly inexpensive piece ($98) that has a modest look and a quartz movement (per gen). Do you think it being so "modest" (read: not flashy at all) is why it's not spoken of too much, is it a not-so-great rep, or both? Chime in and let me know what you think of the watch and the rep. I've been reading a lot on this site, but still don't think I have a critical eye like many of the seasoned members on here. Thanks. Flash

Thank you for the info. I appreciate the time you took in replying. Flash

Is there a definitive guide on each of the movements? There's tons of threads on A-7750, but there's no one place (that I can see yet) for other movements. I just bought a Cartier de Calibre (Asian 2836) and a Ballon Bleu (Asian ETA 2824-2) from Toro and I want to make sure they run well and last a long well. I want to get money's worth and show off my great reps. If you've got some advice or can point me in the right direction (perhaps a thread I've missed) feel free to chime in. Thanks! Flash