TeeJay

Congratulations indeed

yep, this is why I will never buy a Rolex rep. I don't want to look like a high roller because fact is I'm not, people just have to see my step out of my car to realize that. I just love watches, and I wear an ebay store never heard of name, infact I don't even own a rep at the moment (which Im hoping to change soon).

And I have had many compliments on my watches, and they are no name brands. Most people don't care whats written on the face so much, but more about how the watch looks.

I have to admit, when I first got my EuroFakes Sub, I was never fully comfortable wearing it, and I think that was down to the name, as I never felt uncomfortable wearing a new modern Omega. The one thing I found counters that feeling, is vintage Rolex. I've found that a vintage watch gets much less attention than modern ones

@TJ and Jkay

True, social situations should be accounted for in this hobby. Where I originally grew up, my Quartz powered Sub of Canal Street had the local yokals fooled back in 1986. Now, I live in a major metropolitan area where the NORM in my neighborhood is high end time pieces, -- mostly gen. At one dinner, at my local Sushi bar-- a glance down the bar revealed: (2 PAMs, 2 Breitlings, 1 Tag, 2 Rolex's). Also, many people are fashion conscious and are not totally ignorant and some even have a sort of sixth sense. My wife has an uncanny sense for spotting fakes just by the watches "presence" (sheen, crystal AR, etc). I also rub shoulders with "C" level executives on a regular basis. So, yes, I have somewhat of a slated perspective.

+1 to what By-Tor said. We are fortunate with some of the quality we have today. My original list of expectations still stands.

But are they definitely gens? I know people who could easily afford to be wearing gens, but they wear reps... Might you be assuming that they're all gens just because of the status of the owners? As before, I'm curious as to what repercussions there might actually be if someone was discovered wearing a rep in the circles you describe. I mean, at work, people know who you are, what you do, and to a degree, what you earn, so would it really be so bad? And at a neighbourhood barbeque, it's not like someone is going to accuse you of being too poor to buy the real thing when they live right next door

@ronin

you are projecting your own social slant on everyone here .. I've used this example before, but Bell & Ross reps are totally under the radar. When people ask me about it, they think it's a department store watch. You can't use the Rolex replica example to cover all bases. If I wore an IWC rep or a B&R or a Montblanc .. 90% of people I meet or deal with would have no idea what they were supposedly representing.

I just love a beautiful watch, and don't want to feel like I was completely taken advantage of cost-wise when I buy one.

Even my UPO has gotten some nice compliments but no one I deal with understands that it's "supposed to be" a multi-thousand dollar watch.

For some perspective, I own an A8 ... I'm not a burger flipper ... so people who are not teenagers, who make a good living, can still be completely ignorant of what the replica watch you wear is supposed to represent .. and thus you are under the radar.

If I strap on the DSSDv5 then all bets are off. A dog knows what Rolex is supposed to mean.

As for the "you should get an Invicta if you are serious about your stance" argument ... Invicta to me carries the stench of the Home Shopping Channel and Jersey Shore ... it just feels tainted to me.

+1

For a little bit of healthy debate on this one, I have to think you are the exception TJ. I don't think a replica, especially a bad one, "flys under the radar". ???

If more people thought like you do, or 'really' believed they are just in it for the basic design aesthetic, then the Debaufre's, Invicta's, and "Homage" watches would fill / satisfy the need. (There are a lot of Submariner clones out there from quality makers, even Seiko has a very close example)

I own close to a 50/50 ratio of gen to rep. In my circles, getting called out could have serious repercussions. That said, I know when to wear a gen, or 'Super'. At the same time, I like having my BK Black Face Explorer II to compliment my Gen White Face. Building my 1680, DRSD, gives me satisfaction from a hobby perspective, and these make great weekend / non-social day watches.

To be flat out honest, yeah, if I am wearing a rep, I am trying to present the illusion of gen.

I'd have to disagree about a replica being unable to fly under the radar. While the members of this community know a lot (to put it mildly ) about watches, it's such a small percentage of the overall general public, it's something like less than 1%. To the everyday folks, they just don't care what watches people are wearing. The only brand name they really recognize is Rolex, and, because of the history of replicas, in the minds of many (if not most) Rolex = Fake. As with FakeMaster's sig, people are more likely to think a gen is a rep, than to believe a rep is a gen. What I was referring to, is for a watch, such as a simple DateJust, to not attract attention or scrutiny. For example, if I saw someone wearing a highly polished DJ, I would be more likely to think it was a rep, than if I was to see someone wearing a DJ which had a few scuffs and dings. Obviously, a Polex Submarnor is not going to pass scrutiny, (assuming of course, that it even gets noticed out in the wild) but that was not what I was meaning, I was meaning reps which are either of a reasonable standard of build and construction, to start off with, or have been modified in some way (ie aging) but which are not ostentatious or overly showy. Those are the kind of watches which I was meaning can fly under the radar For example, I have very rarely had anyone make conversation specifically about the watch I'm wearing... One instance was my best friend, the second was someone trying to make polite conversation (both females refering to my 029a) and the other, was a fellow artist who asked if the watch I was wearing was the one I'd built myself (as he'd known about my projects) Other than that, people just don't comment on my wrist wear (if they even notice). However. If I was to wear a DSSD out, while I still wouldn't expect anyone to actually notice or comment on it, I would expect the DSSD to attract more attention than say my 6200 project, simply because of the differences in dimensions and finishes, even if it didn't illicit a comment. That's not to say that I would wear a DSSD to attract comments, I'm just illustrating that as watches go, it would be more noticeable than another watch of similar design and appearance

As for the second point, yes, presenting the illusion of gen is one thing, but actually claiming that a rep is a gen if the subject comes up (and the person is genuinely interested, and not just some douche trying to look big) is a very different kettle of fish...

[Edit to add]

To touch on the issue of a clone watch, such as an Alpha or Invicta, I doubt such a watch would attract any more (or any less) attention than a Sub or Planet Ocean, and while replicas are indeed forgeries, they at least (within reason) resemble the original article they are meant to be imitations of. Clone watches, on the other hand, come across as the offerings of companies so uncreative, they can only rip off a design, change enough details to not get sued, and then slap their own logo on the dial... Personally speaking, I think I would rather wear a sterile homage watch than a clone, but that's just me

[Edit to add]

You mention that being called out in your circles could have serious repercussions... I wonder, what kind of repercussions might be expected, and how likely is someone in one of your circles to actually comment on the watch someone else was wearing? Would they be commenting out of genuine interest in the subject, or just passive/aggressive attempts to get into a pissing contest? Would a 'newcomer' to the circle actually be questioned about their wrist wear, and, if it was openly admitted that they were wearing a rep/franken/whatever (rather than being actually called out) what might be the result of such a revelation? That's not meant as hostile at all, just a genuine curiosity as to what might happen, simply because no one in my circles ever pays attention to wrist wear (other than the aforementioned instances)

I might be wrong, but I've always felt that the people with the unrealistic expectations aren't so much 'True Watch Fans', but people who want to be able to flash a Rolex in the club, without paying the gen price, and because they're so paranoid about getting called out, they're desperate for the details to be perfect, which leads to the requirement for perfectionin a rep, which an 'entry level' rep simply will not have. Of course, that is a very different mindset to someone who wants to build a perfect watch because of a love of The Watch, and the challenge of obtaining all the parts. I remember someone on a gen forum complaining that the hands on their Rolex didn't line up perfectly with the minute markers, and people pointed out that they were acting like it was the first expensive thing they'd owned, but ultimately, I think it was just another example of unrealistic expectations...

Just to give another element to the discussion, I know people have sometimes accused folks of wanting to wear a rep to pass it off as genuine. I'd like to offer this flipside to that feeling: It's nice to wear a watch which flys under the radar. Something that simply doesn't attract attention or scrutiny. Such a watch would never be passed off as genuine if noticed, but the chance of such a watch being noticed, is just not going to happen because of the watch being a 'sleeper'. I wouldn't say that was the same as wanting a flawless rep to be able to pass it off as gen, but certainly a 'related topic'

I can't view photos at work, so I can't vote.

I think you should do a google search on "Keeley Hazel" and see what comes up

I'll see your Keeley Hazell, and raise you a Keeley Hawes

I started buying reps with exactly the same atitude as Lani had.

Having a piece with Panerai or ROlex writen on the dial was absolutaly it.

After browsing on this forum you start to learn to see the flaws and you start to invest more and more money it them.

But the closer you get to the real thing it still aint the real thing.

Sometimes a good Franken comes close to a used one , strange hobby we have.

When i put on one of my gen watches they just feel different and i think it's the emotional part of the gen watch that gives me the feeling.

Wearing a replica is still not the real thing.

What i expect from a rep ??? Maybe it's the thrill of wearing a look a like

There are so many nice watches which i can't possibly own all so i will keep wearing reps.

I agree that sometimes we expect to much from a out of the box rep.

I'm willing to pay a lot for a good rep as long as you get what you paid for.

Carpe Diem

Cats

That reminds me of something I read a while back which was the ultimate example of how it is the owner's perception of the watch which influences the way they feel about it. It was where a guy had had a Sub for about 10 years, but taking it in for service, was told it was a rep. During that time, he had thought it was gen, so probably never paid it any heed at all, was pleased as punch to wear it, and be able to say 'Yes', if someone asked if it was a 'real Rolex', but once he was told that it wasn't gen, it probably felt like a piece of worthless junk, simply because it had been emotionally de-valued. I didn't think my 6200 was anything special till I took it into the watchsmith. Sure, I liked it, and I was pleased that I'd built it myself, but I always knew deep down that this detail was wrong, that part was inaccurate, that dial print is a few mm too small, etc etc, but since seeing the look on the watchsmith's face when I handed it over, I've come to realize that I've actually built a nice watch which I really can wear with pride Certainly not something I would try and pass off as gen, but certainly something which would at least be appreciated as a 'nice watch' by others who might notice it

Some very good thoughts already posted here.

I expect any rep I buy to be free of obvious mechanical or cosmetic problems and to run +/- 15 secs a day once it's been serviced ... let me also throw in there that I expect orders to be turned around within a month unless it's CNY

In my opinion, people who expect the World from reps are a pox on the Community, driving good dealers to close shop and clogging the boards with ceaseless whining.

+1 Nothing more irritating than people with unrealistic expectations who don't seem to understand that they are not buying gens at discounted prices...

Intersting topic, bro As I've said before in reviews, my expectations are pretty low. As long as it's got hands and tells the time, chances are I'll be happy with it, heck, I've been known to wear a watch which doesn't tell the time just because I like it I think my 'bare minimum' is that I'd expect to see reasonable quality printing and accurate spellings. Beyond that, the details themselves can be pretty irrelevant. For example, in Thogaa's bad rep thread, there have been some really nice fantasy models, in particular, I really like the white-dialled Planet Ocean which had the same dial texture as on the QoS LE... The QoS LE was a monstrosity of a watch, and the dial looked horrible, but that variation, accurate or otherwise, resulted in a very nice watch, which I would have been happy to wear (mid-brown Breitling-style leather strap with off-white stitching would have made an awesome combination) I'm not someone who buys or builds for 1:1 perfection, and I think my 6200 project sums up my position on reps perfectly: custom/self-built to a recognizable theme (not so much brand recognition, but that the model/theme is loosely identifiable) and of apparently good enough quality that a professional watchsmith was impressed by it (maybe he was just humoring me) Ironically, whenever I compared the details of my EuroFakes 16110 to the 'how to spot a fake Rolex' page, it never had any of the flaws which were noted...

I think this one is going to be my favorite for a long time

Jihad Cat says 'Wheres da Fatwa...'

Giri kanji - well I never - there goes my exclusivity

Personally..dont mix the styles tribal/Hawaiian mixed with trad Jap naaaah

.

Thanks for the feedback By choice, I would stick to one theme, but as I alrady have the tribal on my shoulders and chest, it needs the tribal on the hips to keep a balance with the Japanese, but maybe the Hawaiian would be 'one style too many'... I figure giri is a complementary concept to jihad, one must take engage in jihad to uphold giri

Loving Jihad Cat

Hi all

Joined on recommendation from a friend now on his second watch from the site, Dad also has numerous replica's and a few genuines too so it's about time I caught up and got myself something half respectable. I've fallen in love with the Seamaster P/O Chrono with orange bezel and black rubber strap with orange stitching. Naturally my lust for one far outways my bank balance meaning a replica will have to suffice but, having done some reading I understand replicas are now of gerat quality with superb movements. The most frustrating thing is that despite searching through the trusted dealers websites I can't find one Is it a matter of scouring through fairly often or have I missed the boat and is this kind of watch no longer available? Any advice would be top!

Cheers

Mark

P.s Silly Q i expect but how do I downsize a picture to 120x120 to use as a profile pick?!

Do you mean this one? Given the dealer also sells this watch, I'm sure they would be able to do a strap switch for you

Welcome to the party

Hello again guys!

Sorry me about my bad english, but i have to report that after 2 openings and adjustments, now i have a watch that is loosing about 4 secs every week!!! when i leave the watch in the night with the dial up. Before regulation was loosing about 70 sec/week when i was leaving the watch with crown up.

Amazing result i think!

That's awesome results, my man

Couldn't have said it better

The term "Jihad" has been manipulated thoroughly by the media, and has been directly linked to terrorism and extremests by coming up with a word that doesnt exist in Arab nor Muslim vocabulary; "Jihadists"

It's funny (and really sad) how the majority of the people have been brainwashed by using technology, thats why we all should turn to the oldest forms of information, which is books

You're absolutely right there, brother, it's a shame how things can be so misinterepreted and twisted till people forget the true meaning behind the words... Although of course, all that distortion does allow us to enjoy Achmed the dead terrorist

Respect Tee Jay...beautiful work...you are making want to add more to mine now

cheers

mp

Thanks, it's a project which has about a decade of vague contemplation, and a lot of recent deep consideration as to what elements to include, and how best to include them (such as hiding the Starfleet arrowhead as negative space)

Do you have a bodysuit as well? Photos are a must

Just beautiful brother

And great interpretation of "Jihad"

Thanks, brother, just going by the words of Muhammad (PBUH), as the prophet is quoted as saying, when returning from battle, "we have returned from the lesser jihad (jihad al-asghar) to the greater jihad (jihad al-akbar).", and Muslim scholar Mahmoud Ayoub states that "The goal of true jihad is to attain a harmony between islam (submission), iman (faith), and ihsan (righteous living)." Greater jihad can be compared to the struggle that Christians refer to as "resisting sin", i.e. fighting temptation, doubt, disbelief, or distraction. The greater jihad is about holding fast against any ideas and practices that run contrary to the prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) revelations (Qur'an), sayings (Hadith) and the examples set by how he lived his life (Sunnah). This concept of jihad does not correspond to any military action.

Oooooooh

That was an awesome episode

Thanks, TJ! Doesn't get a lot of wrist time, but a Looker!

I'm guessing it's more of a formal wear only, rather than a daily beater Sure does look classy

agreed...

here's a pix of the case before i sanded it - the sanding does give its "depth" and dulls down the finish - which has a low luster sheen similar to the brushed ss cases...i'll need to do another sidebyside of a couple PAMs with it this weekend...this pix will give you an idea of how it looks next to ti and ss...more pix in the refinishing post...

R-

It's an awesome finish, I have to admit, I can see people following your example

@TeeJay...thanks!...what started out as a question to the Panerai forum on what the heck to do with these ugly painted pvd dealer cases turned into a nice project...the finish comes out pewter in color and look...draws attention to the black dial...took 90 minutes to do - with cape cod cloth and sanding pad...easy as a snap and creates a really unique look...

thread with details and pix of the process here: hackR's pvd case refinishing post

Any time I really like the finish, it's got a real 'depth' to it, almost liquid in appearance And, it's another option rather than just Ti, polished/brushed SS or PVD I'm wondering how it might look if you were to throw in blue hands Tantalium-style...

there's definitely more love for those you assemble...

Gotta include a Syracuse Orange wristie...#1 Team College Basketball............this week...

I really like how the PVD fading worked out, nice work indeed

As to be expected, no change in my watch (although it's still keeping good time after it's little hissyfit a while back) but here's a new shot to show what I've been working on recently....

Yes, on saturday, work will be commencing on my traditional Japanese bodysuit

The studio my friend/tattoo artist was at closed down, and, so as to not have to go back to working on pigskin, as well as trying different techniques, he said it would be more cost-effective for him to do my bodysuit rather than buying the flesh of swine As a result, I've been slaving away drawing up all the final stencils

is it time to share the cadbury secret yet?

+1

TJ Thyne wears a blue sub on Bones, which apart from the dial and insert, in every other way looks like a regular 16610. Always wondered if it was a gen or, as they would say in Hollywoodland, a 'costume prop'

PS If they ever re-make Jaws, he gets my vote for playing the role of Matt Hooper