cpaman

I think if you do some research you will find that dial size of Explorer I is a tad smaller than a Submariner and a tad bigger than a SeaDweller. The cases of these watches may be bigger, but the actual watch face on all of them are about the same size, around 30mm. It is a great understated look. I have an Explorer I and love it and would not be without it. I generally prefer watches 40mm and under.

I have a rep Explorer I and most reps vs gen, the big difference I can see is that the bracelet end links do NOT match flush with the sides of the watch lugs. Most reps have a little or a lot of gap. The gen version has NO gap between lugs and bracelet end link (at least on the solid end link version). Older gens with hollow end links sometimes had some gap. It is a little hard to tell this from the picture posted. You could also ask seller for serial # prior to bidding to verify with your local Rolex dealer. You can also ask for refund when you have it checked out by your local Rolex dealer. I would assume both would scare off any potential scam sellers.

Chcek out this new TAG Monaco!

I currently have the Mark XV Spitfire on SS bracelet. I would like to get the chrono version, but too many horrer stories about Asian 7750.

Any chance we will see one of these from our dealers???

Still on my wrist, IWC Mark XV Spitfire on SS:

New IWC on SS:

Here are the pics of my new Spitfire Mark XV on SS bracelet from Andrew (Trusty Time). As usual, fast service, smooth shipping, no problems. 6 days from order to arrival. This is a great rep! Issues: - UTC on the back - but the back is well engraved - Date font is wrong, but is correctly aligned in the date window. - The bracelet end links stick above the lugs a bit - Mounted a little high in the lugs (I'm being picky now) - See last pic. - Watch runs +15 seconds fast (needs service). I think the bracelet is very well made (considering the orginal braclet would cost $1000). Link removal is like the orginal and very easy to do. The bracelt is very comfortable to wear. Engraving of "IWC" is depp and well done. Only a experienced IWC person would catch the date font issue or UTC on the back. Just tell your friends that UTC is watch in German My issues are being picky and it will be my daily wear. I am very happy with my purchase considering that the orginal retails for $4600. Enjoy the pics! Dan

BUMP

Looking for a place/person who can clean & service my reps in South Central PA. Please PM me if you have a name and/or number. Thanks!

My daily wear until my new Spitfire on SS arrives from Andrew.

I like this watch so much, I just purchased a second one from Andrew (trustytime.com) with the SS bracelet. I know there is NO AR coating, but besides that, the dial seem near perfect. Ok, the case back says "UTC", just don't take it off in the IWC store. I'll update when the SS version gets here.

No AR coating that I can see.

I agree. I just received a black face version from Andrew. See below link: RWG Link

Here are some pics of my new watch (really about 2 weeks old) from Andrew. Fast service, smooth shipping, no problems. This is a great rep (except for the UTC on the back - but the back is well engraved). The buckle is also very well done. I think the dial is just about spot on. I think you would have to rep and gen side by side to tell the difference. This is the first rep were the date was well centered in the date window It is now my everyday watch and I just purchased a OEM like brown buffalo strap. Enjoy! Dan

I just received a black face Spitfire from Trusty - Andrew today. The date is actually centered in the date window This is a first for me (all other reps had bad date centering). This is a GREAT rep and you would have to put side by side with a gen to really know which is which, but you will have to ignore the "UTC" on the case back. The only real problem is that when you unscrew the crown to wind the movement, it does not stay engaged so winding it manually is a samll problem (I guess I will have to shake my wrist a lot ) I will post some pics in a new thread later this week.

I just ordered a black face Spitfire from Trusty - Andrew. Except for some minor font issue on wording and date the front looks pretty good. You will have to ignore the "UTC" on the case back. Will their EVER be a perfect rep???? (I think they do that on purpose).

If I paid 6k for a Patek and the date was not aligned, they would have it back in 5 seconds.

My EL Explorer I is the daily wear (for now).

I'm sure any good watch person can fix cyclops and date wheel, something like this should be correct coming from the factory. My second pet pieve, needing to send my new rep for adjustments as soon as I get it.

Here is the link to a FM Conquistador on a UK jewellers website that is dead-on exact looking watch as Joshua sells down to the second hand having red past the arrow head. Did this jeweller get taken or is this best dead-on rep out there??? You be the judge. FM Conquistador Gen

Well said KENERICH. I can live with a lot of rep mistakes, because most people (and including me sometimes) can not tell. A bad date alignment is just too much for and should be a easy thing to correct at the factory.

:yucky: :yucky: :yucky: The last couple of watches I purchased had the date too high or too low in the date window. Again, what do I expect for a couple hundred bucks is not the main issue. I would be happy to pay an extra $10 to make sure the date is centered in the date window. The problem is compounded on Rulexes because the cyclops makes the bad date look bigger and usually the cyclops is also misaligned. Nothing spells FAKE more than a bad looking date on a watch. Even an idiot knows that a $4000 Rulex should have a centered date. It's to the point now that I'm afraid to buy a Rulex with a date. This is my biggest pet pieve with reps. :yucky: :yucky: :yucky: My rant is over!!! Anyone else been having this issues? Seems to be happening more and more lately.

I sent an email to Joshua to see if he can get rep Franck Muller buckles (since they sell strap versions of rep Muller's).

A 16mm buckles has about .10 worth of stainless steel and I understand that there is some cost to mold it and sell it, but give me a break. I purchased a OEM 18mm Breitling buckle and it was only $25, I figured the FM can't be more than $50 (was I ever surprised).