TeeJay

I appreciate the point you are making, but my point was why are those details actually important to you? Who is going to notice? Is it for yourself, or is it so others will think it is genuine? If it's the second option, seriously, save your money and don't bother. VCs are obscure enough that people wouldn't know a real one if it was slapped round their face, so they certainly won't question a rep of one, as it simply wouldn't occur to them that it would be a watch worthy of replication. In terms of 'the best watch around', as pointed out in the discussions below my review, the only difference between the watch I have, and the watches others have bought from recommended dealers, is their watches have ETA movements, mine has an Asian movement. Other than that, the other elements of the watch are identical. The water-drop test (which I'd never heard of) confirms that my watch has a sapphire crystal... Is an ETA really worth $130? In terms of modification, I am sure that there would be someone (possibly different people) who could perform the various modifications you require (such as brushing the markers) Indeed, I wish you the best of luck in your search, but don't forget, that for 100% perfection, you are going to have to have a watch modified in some manner to bring it into line with the gen, and, for the rather limited awareness about the VC amongst the general public, I personally feel that extreme mods like those would be a waste of time and money, as no-one would notice them, or even realize what they are looking at... Best of luck

Just because people buy them, why should the price increase? I highly doubt the quality of the watches has improved, and, the fluctuations of the dollar do not necessitate this kind of price increase to maintain a 'home currency price', so this is nothing more than people getting greedy and 'shooting fish in the barrel...' That's so true...

In terms of accuracy to gen, then sure, I guess if it's supposed to have it, then it's something a decent rep should have. That said, I've read people not liking the double AR on watches like the Planet Ocean, because the outer coating gets scuffed, and then detracts incredibly from the appearance. Looking at it from that perspective, I'd say double AR is an unnecessary complication, when a single interior coating would be sufficient.

Re: Story 1, was it possible that the person was asking if it was a rep because they'd experienced the nickel rubbing off reps before, and didn't want to risk doing the same thing to yours (ie potentially damage the watch beyond repair) incase it was a rep? I can't say I've ever really been complimented on my watches in public, but in private, my mother in law has often said how nice they are (she knows they're reps, but likes the look) In public, I have found in a few places that wearing a nice watch (combined with nice clothes) has gotten me favorable treatment, but how much of that was down to a watch, I wouldn't like to say

I ordered one of the vintage Subs from Silix, but, only because it was an easier (and cheaper) alternative than me trying to modify a contemporary Submariner case into something available circa 1953 (which is still my ultimate goal) If it wasn't for the fact that the case is without crown guards, I wouldn't've bought one. I'll definitely be replacing the bezel insert, and most likely replacing the dial as well, but, I don't mind paying that price for a case which is what I want 'out of the box', and saves me the hassle of grinding one down... Indeed, I be interested to know how many orders there were as well.

Such as other ones than here. Recently, Andrew made an offer on RepGeeks of a "Member's Special" on a Chopard. Nice enough watch, but it's hardly what I'd consider something likely to grab people's (as in the everyday collectors) attention. Had it been an offer on a Sub, SMP or something equally popular, then I'd've said "Yes, great gesture!" as it was though, it smacked of someone trying to offload less popular stock under the guise of doing someone a favor. When was the last time Andrew or Joshua actually posted here in regular discussion as part of the community? Absolutely, but even so, type Replica Watches into google, and you'll get EuroFakes up on page two or three. The Cartel (and even other recommended collectors) sites are way down in terms of positioning, so where are these millions of hits coming from? These forums? I doubt these forums get millions of hits every day... Have to admit, I'm no fan of the HBB's, but I do like the look of the Black Magic (wouldn't ever buy one though, as I'd never wear it)

Ahh, I see your point. Given my recent experiences with the VC Overseas, I'd suggest looking in the 'less well known places' and seeing what you can find. My VCO is exactly the same as the watches sold by Joshua, but has an Asian movement instead of an ETA... Other than that, the other parts are identical (likely from the same source) How important is having the ETA movement to you? Would that be a reason you would buy a higher-priced watch? Personally, I've had better time keeping results from Asian movements (None above +10 seconds a day, and my 2220.80 SMP is constant at +4 seconds a day 'out of the box') than I have with an ETA movement (at least +30 seconds a day...) I do know what you mean about price, but then again, depending on the price of the gen, sometimes working it out as a % isn't the best way to go... Personally, I have a limit of about

But the point which I believe was being made, is that there is not a rep which currently features those aspects, so the next logical route is either modifications, or buying the gen item... To be honest, why do those features matter to you? Are you likely to encounter anyone who's even heard of the VC Overseas, let alone handled one enough to know the flaws on the available replicas?

By all means look for an accurate rep, but expecting to actually find one is another matter... If you want a watch that looks 100% like the genuine watch, either a ) buy the genuine watch, or b ) find the closest rep, and budget to have it modified. Expecting a rep to be 100% flawless 'out of the box', is a little unrealistic...

That's true, but then again, in terms of 'advertising', their sites are hardly the top results on a google search, and that's why I think they may be 'focussing' more on other forums compared to this one.

Are folks thinking my suggestion was 'dramatic'? Look at it this way, Andrew and Joshua have not (to my knowledge) really posted on this forum in quite some time, although Andrew posted on RepGeek to advertise his "member's special" quite recently. I don't think it's a coincidence that their reduced posting has come since Edge's thread, but then again, that's just my opinion and I could be seeing things that aren't there...

Rather than thinking of it as jumping on the bandwagon, consider, would you wear the watch? Would it be a 'regular wear' or 'special occasions only'? Personally, I really like how the SFSO looks, but I know I'd never actually wear one...

That's an awesome bike, and whoever knocked it over and never even left a note of apology is the worst kind of coward, as any damages would have been covered by their insurances. They probably just didn't want to risk 'some biker' kicking their ass

I'd hazard a guess, that following this thread, 'collectors' such as Andrew and Joshua are focussing on other forums. The last watch the Cartel tried to showcase here wasn't very well received...

Damn, that's a Foosification just waiting to happen Interesting that there's an Orb near the front wheel, did the car belong to anyone who's died? And before anyone says "That's dust...", no, it's not... Check out the 'golf-ball' texture... That is definitely an Orb, indicating a spiritual presense...

I forgot to say, Courtney and AJ also help make it more enjoyable

This is why I admire him so much as an artist, he's not at all arrogant or big headed about his talent, he is truly humble, and does what he does simply for other's pleasure. While I like the cars that get built in American Hot Rod, I don't like how Boyd treats his employees, and in all honesty, he doesn't even deserve to be called a designer... Foose designed the Boydster and the Boydster II... The other series which makes it a 'Big Three', is Wrecks to Riches, and, while I'll watch it, it doesn't hold my attention as much as the other shows as it's the same old task each time... Build a Super Muscle Car... Sure, they do it well, but a variety in the projects would be nice, and also, although Barry doesn't come across as an egotistical jerk like Boyd has a tendency to, at the end of the day, he builds the cars for profit, so IMHO, Foose is the most selfless of them all, and also the most talented artist, as he actually does the concept sketches and builds, Barry and Boyd don't really do that...

Personally, I find American HotRod more interesting and entertaining, but, I really admire Chip Foose as an artist, and much prefer the ethos of Overhaulin (namely restoring the car of someone who really deserves it). Oh, I love Biker Build-Off as well.

Update... Omega Seamaster Professional 2220.80 - Extended submersion in hot baths, no hint of fogging or leaking... Might have it pressure tested before swimming though...

Indeed, 100% fantasy. The look nice (I love the blue SMPs) but total fantasy model Best say to get caught out wearing a rep... Wearing one which was never made by the manufacturer

I'm ambi-dextrous but habitually use my right hand for things like drawing/writing, and using tools (which are all designed for right-handed people to use) I always wear my watch on my right wrist and always have done.

Hee hee, just waiting for the Magic Upgrade to happen, but, I've emptied out some messages... Seen and posted to the thread Hee hee, just waiting for the Magic Upgrade to happen, but, I've emptied out some messages... Seen and posted to the thread

Sorry to be a total philistine, but this is my prefered writing implement of choice: As an artist, I find that it is the most versatile pen available, giving the widest variation of quality and boldness of line. For any naysayers, I just found this pic online, done entirely in biro... Now, there are indeed times when a really bold smooth black line is required, and in those circumstances, I tend to opt for these: And, I am quite happy to also use marker pens like Sharpie and Berol (love those fumes ) Other kinds of pens, I simply do not like. I find fountain pens and Parker rollerballs as too 'scratchy' on the paper, and hate the 'feedback' I get through the pen. I was bought a Rotring artist's pen while at college and never used it as it was too heavy... I did this entirely with biro and markers for someone recently... So chances of me buying any of the more 'sophisticate' writing instroments, are highly unlikely

I've got to disagree there... Even before I shipped my 111 back for having virtually no power reserve, I just couldn't get to grips with it. I'd certainly come to appreciate the Panerai line more than I used to, and that was why I thought I'd get one for myself. However, like with the VC Overseas, it didn't really 'touch me'. I think ultimately, the kind of watches I most like the look of, and most enjoy wearing, are Diver's Style watches, and am just too much a creature of habit to go with something too different... Still awesome watches, just not my cup of tea...

No Fresh wrist shot, but I've got the 2220.80 on, with no plans to taking it off till my other Omegas get back from the watchsmiths. I had my sordid 'encounter' with the VC Overseas, but saw the error of my ways, and went back to the Old Faithfull :happy: