1 hour ago, Revere said:

Anyone who knows enough about the watch to tell that it is too thick will also be able to tell the tapisserie pattern on the dial is non-gen. I would really not worry about the thickness. 

 

Unscrewing the screws and then tugging on the links slightly ought to do it. 

Fair enough.. I keep forgetting these are reps we are talking about Lol. 

The screws are pretty shallow... is there a tube they screw into? Or anything I need to do on the other side of the link? I've been pulling gently, and not so gently, and it won't disconnect. 

On 5/14/2017 at 1:28 PM, Revere said:

 

Nice! post pics when you get it, I'm not sure what the rules are on asking for QC pic verification on RWG but happy to help via PM if you would like it

Just got the AP! I'm still a little unsure about the thickness... I've never held the Gen, but from pictures gen seems to sit flush on the wrist. I'm just wondering if this is a big give away... I don't have a caliper to measure...

Big question: how do I remove links??? I removed the screws but nothing comes off. Is there a trick? 

I will post pics soon! 

8 hours ago, Revere said:

 

I just looked at mine; a little boxes are showing on the left side of mine. You really can't tell unless you hold it right up to your eyes. I am kind of anal about these sorts of "defects," so if I can't tell, I think you are safe!

 

I think the thickness is just fine. You caught me on a day where I wore mine, and I took a photo (attached). I am very happy with the thickness of the watch. 

 

 

The bracelet really is the best part ! What color dial do you have? 

See, I'm hoping it's just the upclose pic but that looks wayyy thicker than the gen, doesn't it ? I'm hoping the thickness is better in person 

4 hours ago, Revere said:

Change in pattern is definitely normal, it's not a "gen" tapisserie so the pattern can look a little funny. That's a macro shot, it'll look far better in person.

 

Anyways,

 

that dial looks pretty good. the rest of the watch is fine as well. The 12" indices are a little closer at the top than at the bottom, but that is extremely minute, and likely not worth rejecting QC for. Up to you.

Thanks for the analysis!   I think I found out whats going on with the 12 indices...it isn't the right not being straight, but its the alignment with the boxes of the grande tapisarie dial. The left indices covers the boxes pretty flush, the right indices shows some boxes on the right. Check out the pic. Do you think I could do better ? Or are they all like this you think? 

Also, I'm being told this is 10mm, only .2 away from the gen thickness...but it sure looks a lot thicker in the pics...hmm..thoughts?

On 5/14/2017 at 1:28 PM, Revere said:

 

Nice! post pics when you get it, I'm not sure what the rules are on asking for QC pic verification on RWG but happy to help via PM if you would like it

Hey Revere, I just got the QC pics! Would you mind reviewing and giving me your opinion? 

Here are some close ups on the dial...is the change in pattern normal ? or is that just a trick of the camera or an error you think? 

On 5/10/2017 at 10:36 PM, GWP123 said:

Thanks! Very Helpful info!

On 5/10/2017 at 4:12 PM, Revere said:

 

No problem, happy to help. It occasionally makes a small bit of noise but not to the point that I regularly notice it while on the wrist. 

 

The noise is mostly due to the fact that the 9015 rotor freewheels in one direction and winds in the other. There are "mods" that basically saturate the auto-wind mechanism in oil in order to keep them from being noisy. I really strongly recommend against that; that's a great way of ruining your movement, dial, and hands. 

Just ordered from Angus!  He said the thickness is now 10mm? so only .2mm off? So that should be pretty good. I asked that they ensure the logo and indices are straight and aligned, as you recommended. so looking forward to soon joining the AP fan club!

Just now, Revere said:

 

No problem, happy to help. It occasionally makes a small bit of noise but not to the point that I regularly notice it while on the wrist. 

 

The noise is mostly due to the fact that the 9015 rotor freewheels in one direction and winds in the other. There are "mods" that basically saturate the auto-wind mechanism in oil in order to keep them from being noisy. I really strongly recommend against that; that's a great way of ruining your movement, dial, and hands. 

Thanks! Very Helpful info!

9 hours ago, Revere said:

I can't really remember since it's been a few months since I ordered my 15400, but I think that is the AP 15400 JF V2. I think when I ordered mine that was the best one...

 

So I'm pretty sure that one is good. On the wrist the thickness doesn't really bother me. The watch definitely benefits from a 2xAR crystal, I would say that's the only required mod to it.

If you order, make sure you ask the dealer to get you one with straight indices, and don't hesitate to be stingy about it. I accepted one with a sliiiiightly crooked 6 o'clock marker and it bugs me a bit. Oh well. Crooked markers and logos are the biggest issues with these.

Thanks Revere, I appreciate your input. I will be sure to keep an eye out for the straightness of the indices and logo in the QA pics. 

Does the Miyota 9015 movement in your AP RO make a lot of noise ?  Or is it relatively quiet? 

So, I can remember joining the rep world and asking the same question everyone asks " What is the best Rolex Sub?" Well, It's been a while since those days and now I'm asking a similar question for a different watch and model, the AP 15400. The AP 15400 has me obsessed.  
I am considering this one: https://puretime03.com/royal-oak-41mm-15400-ss-jf-11-best-edition-black-dial-on-ss-bracelet-a3120.html#

Is this the best 15400 rep yet? any recommendations? Any major flaws? 

I've read a bunch on here and seen the comparisons but not much since April 2016 on this topic. I see JF is the best, but is this a newer JF?

I know that thickness has been an issue, and that kind of bothers me. It reads 10.5 but I'm being told its actually 10, which would be fantastic because the gen is 9.8. 

Let me know!

Hey all, 

I'm exploring a Big Crown build. This will be a first. I understand that not all movements fit into the case properly, and therefore you either need the right movement or the proper adapter. That said, when exploring Yuki's store, I saw that the dials said " 6538 Dial adapted for ETA "  I noticed this dial was 28mm vs 27 mm on the standard dial for the case.     

My question is....what does the dial have to do with the movement? Also, if the case is a certain size...how can a bigger dial work? 

Anyway, I'm sure this question shows my ignorance. Can anyone explain whether the dial matters vs movement? why?  Thank you all for your watch wisdom. 

Thank you Mike and Kernow.  I will look up  Misiekeped and Profsteve. Thanks for the help

1 hour ago, Mike on a bike said:

Hmm hard to tell on AR but most have that blueish tint at certain angles , you see any? (tough in pics but not looking like it ) As far as noisy that could be just a 7750 as Kernow said or worse: again hard to say don't take this wrong way but are you experienced w/ auto movements? One sound is is just a sort of normal the other is "Oh sh*t" there is a screw loose or missing on retainer or worse. If you were sitting across a table from most of the guys they could answer both .

Was it expensive? is it worth sending it out for a look? Do you have a link to it on the dealer you bought from?

I bought it from Trusty, this is the link to the watch: http://www.ttw8488.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=30_190&products_id=14579
I've purchased a few reps in the past, done a lot of research - but I wouldn't say I'm experienced with movements or that knowledgable in any way. 
The watch looks nice, minus the crystal - honestly, the crystal also feels really light and cheap....but maybe its just that I'm used to other watches? As far as dress watches - I have a Tissot le locle and the crystal feels thick and sturdy.  My TC Sub crystal is also pretty thick. This one feels fragile and light....but I'm not sure if I got a bad quality or whether this is just normal for the type of watch.  

When I "tap" on the crystal, I can feel the rest of the inside of the watch moving.     

I would say, I am completely ignorant whether this is normal or me overreacting.  I did message Andrew at Trusty and he responded that all QC was done and the watch should be fine...but I should manual wind it and take the back off and see if any screws are loose and tighten them. Not sue if I should do this? 

2 hours ago, kernow said:

Some of my A7750's are quite loud so maybe it's normal for the watch. If you're keeping it why not get it serviced and AR coated at the same time. It would make the world of difference and really make the dial pop. 

Any thoughts on where to service and get AR coating?  I'm also not sure whether I got a [censored] crystal. The whole watch just doesn't feel "solid" like all my other gen and rep watches.  

bump, help anyone?

I just received my IWC Portofino Chrono. Pictures are here. 

I am concerned about a couple things, and wondering if I am over reacting. 1. this is supposed to be AR coated... I may not understand the meaning but the crystal doesn't seem super clear. 2. this watch feels really hollow and the movement seems to shake and spin a great deal...Is this normal? Feels kinda hollow but, maybe thats because I'm used to wearing a submariner? When I tap on it, I can hear the watch shake inside. . .

Is this all normal? What do you all think? 

I doubt this rep exists. That said, even if it did, there is such careful detail that it would be so far from gen like and totally noticeable.   The simpler the rep, the closer to gen-like. The more complex - the further from true looks and easier to spot.

On 8/26/2014 at 5:49 PM, Luthier said:

Why don't you buy the watch? It's available.

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Luthier, is this a Gen or Rep...If Rep...Where did you purchase?

I'm considering Trusty's vintage Milgauss ref 1019. I've been researching by looking online at Gens. Its no easy task, however. For one, it seems like there are multiple dials. Same silver dial and colors but different font widths and sizes. In addition, Trusty's Quality shots seem to have different font sizes than the website posting. You all have more experience and a more trained eye. What are your thoughts on this rep vs the gen?

http://imgur.com/a/76e9a

http://www.ttw8488.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_103&products_id=623

http://bestreplica.sr/

This website has to be a huge rip off, right? $1,249 price points, claims that jewelers can't tell the difference. Perfectly interchangable parts. The website has a great deal of information.  This has to be a scam right? 

Just now, GWP123 said:

http://bestreplica.sr/

This website has to be a huge rip off, right? $1,249 price points, claims that jewelers can't tell the difference. Perfectly interchangable parts. The website has a great deal of information.  This has to be a scam right? 

OK, my sincerest apologies....I fumbled the search...it seems like this place has been discussed....that said, there website is a wonderful work of [censored]

On 4/10/2016 at 3:01 PM, panerai153 said:

I believe that will depend on how much you wear the watch. a "gold wrapped' is essentially a solid gold sheet that is wrapped around the stainless steel case. I have seen Rolex gold wrapped cases that are from the 70's that still look like new. If it is a daily wearer, it will eventually wear through and the stainless steel below will show through. like kernow said, the plating will probably out live the watch, and the gold wrapped certainly will. If It were me, the price and popularity of the watch would be the determining factor as to which I would get.

If you google "gold plating" and "gold wrapped" you will get a lot better idea as to the wear And longevity of these processes.

I went back and looked at the listing you put up. The  Calatrava is a dress watch, which I would suspect is not going to get much hard wear. Unless you wear a suit every day and intend to wear it as a daily wearer, the gold plated version would be fine. If you wore the gold wrapped version every day under a long sleeve shirt and coat, I bet it would outlast your interest in the watch. As Matt said, probably 20 years. So my advice would be simply this. If the watch is going to be a dress watch worn occasionally, get the cheaper plated version. If it's going to be used every day, go for the wrapped version.

I have a genuine IWC Calatrava that is solid 14K gold, it was 20 years old when I got it, I've had it for probably 15 years and I expect that it will outlive me as well as my son who will get it when I leave this big orb!! By the way, when I bought it, I paid less than what Trusty is asking for the PP Calatrava gold wrapped rep!!

 

That IWC Calatrava is a beauty!!!

For that matter, should I go for the cheaper 5 microns ($300) over the 25 microns($800)?

You mentioned gold plating will eventually wear off in high rub areas..you mentioned this is wrapped not plated, so is this the same for the wrapping or no?

Until now, I have focused my rep buys to Stainless Steel watches. Recently I've been eyeing gold cases, specifically the Patek Philippe 5227 Yellow Gold (  http://www.ttw8488.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=39_205&products_id=14180  ). The watch is a beauty. That said, I am completely oblivious to the worth, quality, and longevity of different plating. 

5 microns?  25 microns? What does it all mean and what does it matter.

My curiosity is, 1. Can you tell the difference between a solid and plated gold watch? 2. Is 25 microns enough to last and not rub off? (for that matter, is 5 microns?)  and lastly, is the price differential worth it? The 5 micron option is in the 300 range, while the 25 micron option is in the 800 range. 

This watch is a beauty!!! I'd love to know what you all think about the watch and the gold platting situation.

I asked Andrew at Trust Watch and he said the gold plating is 78% gold...

I'm curious about this too. I really want to buy the patek 5227 in champagne yellow gold, but I'm worried I am getting conned regarding the amount of gold and weight... 

It says its 78% gold....can we really trust this?? This watch looks beautiful and I've been considering it. At the price point, I really want to be sure.