wraithride

Actually, these aren't my first reps. I have 9 or so (i think - I'm not at home and I keep miscounting in my head), so these would just be an addition to my collection. Since I know i'm getting the 3717, either the steelfish or the AT would make it so I now have 2 watches of the same brand. I already have a navitimer, and now I'll have a spitfire. WR

That's a good idea, it'll give me a good idea of how they feel. The downside is that I can't seem to find an AD that carries the AT. Thanks for the idea! WR

Yes, the steelfish. I just edited my OP to restate that. I think you're right, i'll probably pull the trigger on the SO. Unless anyone has any other thoughts? I will definitely own the AT eventually. Going once! WR

*sigh* yeah, that thing is just awesome. I'm being lazy, and I'll hit the search button in a second, but does anyone have any handy pics of the SO on a leather strap? Preferably black? WR

I need help making a decision on which watch to get. I've narrowed it down to three watches, and i'll be buying 2 out of the three. Thanks to the outstanding review of the IWC 3717 Spitfire by Toadtorrent, that's one I'm definitely going to pick up. The race for second place is between the Breitling superocean steelfish with the blue face, and the IWC Aquatimer. Here are some thoughts. 1. I do like the simplicity of a watch that is a non-chronograph. A nice clean look with the time and date on a nice looking face. That puts 1 point towards the superocean. 2. The fact that the superocean is "waterproof" is a nice feature. The idea of having a rep that can actually survive getting wet, is a great luxury. I know, I know, test it first and all that, but still.... . Yet another point for the superocean. 3. The aquatimer just looks friggin cool! I love the size and design. If I pick that one up, I'm sure it'll be in line for a super lume job by the ziggmeister. By all accounts and adding up the points, i know it seems like the SO should just win out. Of course in the world of reps, it's never that simple! HELP! WR P.S. - Toadtorrent - Please keep your reviews to a minimum. My bank account would very much appreciate it!

TAG Link chrono i'm wearing now: CJF2114.YD0538 Great idea! WR

I've bought 5 straps from them of varying styles. I've been VERY impressed with their quality and pricing. The only downside i've seen, is that by default they use very slow shipping. It's taken me up to 3 weeks to get my straps, and we are both in the US. The next time i order, i'll ask about expedited shipping. You can't order from the web, but you can shoot them an email to find out if they have what you need is in stock. WR

Ok, so I have a proposition to any strap collectors out there. I recently got into straps, especially since I just got my new PAM. I wanted to get an aftermarket strap, since I've heard that the straps that come with the watch, pretty much suck. I didn't want to spend a ton on a strap, since I wasn't sure if if the watch was going to get a lot of wrist time. In my searching, I found that www.internationalwatchman.com seems to have a decent selection, and the prices are extremely low. The first strap I bought was for my Navitimer, black croc, breitling style. I was instantly hooked on the strap. I threw the bracelet in a drawer, and never put it back on. Since then, i bought a croc for my VC Jubilee, a second strap for my navitimer, and I just got two straps for my 111. There was a comment by someone here, who had doubts on their quality, and said I should spend more on a decent quality strap. I really don't want to start spending $100 per strap, unless there is a huge difference in quality. So here is my proposition: Is there a strap fanatic here in the US, that would be willing to do a comparison between their straps that they have paid a higher amount for, and on of my pam straps I just recently purchased? That may give us all an idea of the quality on the straps from IW. The two I got, are both buffalo, one tobacco, and one peanut. I'd be willing to ship them one of my straps, in return they do a review and comparison. Anyone interested? WR

I've bought 5 straps from them of varying styles. I've been VERY impressed with their quality and pricing. The only downside i've seen, is that by default they use very slow shipping. It's taken me up to 3 weeks to get my straps, and we are both in the US. The next time i order, i'll ask about expedited shipping. You can't order from the web, but you can shoot them an email to find out if they have what you need is in stock. WR

AR is simply a coating on the crystals that causes a blueish hue at certain angles. The anti-reflective coating does just that, it decreases the glare when looking at the watch face. Some pictures on watches with the AR coating, almost make it seem as if the crystal isn't even there. WR

If you ever watch Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, Guy is always sporting a different watch on each episode. I've seen everything from Breitlings, Omegas, several Rolex models etc. He seems to have thing for watches with a little more bling, no shocker there. also, Alton Brown from Good Eats and many other shows, is an avid watch collector. I looked him up after seeing much eye candy on his wrists. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Alton_Brown "Brown is an avid watch collector, sporting different pieces from Rolex (Sub Date), to IWC and Panerai." WR

A lot of your questions are not answered simply. Most of these are subject to debate, long hours of discussion, or just plain ol personal preference. Which movement? An ETA? A 7750? An Asian or a Swiss version? - Once you pick the style and model of watch, you can decide on asian or swiss. Some people feel that even getting a "swiss movement" is over rated, as there is no guarantee that's what you'll get. As most of us never crack open the caseback, or even if we did we wouldn't know what the hell we're looking at, no way to be sure. The biggest "ah-HA" moment for me, was when i finally figured out that 7750 movements were referring to watches that had chronograph complications. Took me a bit when i first started to understand what this meant, and why swiss 7750s were so damned expensive. Is the movement reliable? How long before it might break? Is it fixable? - The thing to realize here, is that with any mechanical watches, regardless of asain, or swiss movement, will need servicing. The movements need to be lubricated, and cleaned at regular intervals. Some people on here buy a watch, and send it off for immediate servicing. New watches have been know to be dirty, un-lubricated or even damaged. This isn't to say that all new watches are this way. I for one have only serviced one watch, and that was after it failed to function completely - damaged gear. The movements are as reliable as a mechanical movement can be, with little to no quality control, and questionable build control. Don't let this scare you off. A great majority of our watches arrive perfectly safe, functioning normally, and work perfectly for years until they need service. Remember, like any customer experience, we tend only to hear about the bad and horrific experiences. Which dealer should I buy from? People use first names to refer to them but what are their forum or website names? and what sites do they sell from? This is very true, and frustrating at first. When I first joined, I had no idea who this Josh person was. On the dealers page in the links section, there are the site names, with the individuals who operate the sites. That is a great place to start. Some of them list their prices on the website, while others require contact to discuss pricing. While it's tempting when you find your watch on a dealer's site to just hop in and buy it, slow down and compare a bit. There may not be a lot of difference in the price, but it's worth a shot. Will it get seized by customs if I order from outside the EU, where I am based? - Most of the dealers here will work with you in the case of customs problems. I'm in the US, so I can't speak for the EU customs issues. I believe there are also some dealers that are in EU, and that may help reduce the risk of any issues. How much is it? - How much do you wanna spend? Is it a good price for the specification? - That's a subject for debate on almost any watch. Some people have a limit on what they are willing to spend on a rep, regardless of the complications, or how beautiful it is. Others get caught up in whatever the latest must-have trend is. If you're ever wondering, just post on here. IF you're considering a watch and you want to know people's thoughts, believe me, they will tell you. Some people would advise you to stay away from certain reps, because they are a poor replication of the original. Others may be put off by the overall price, super-rep or not. You'll get a feel over time. Is the specification good enough to look genuine to all but avid watch collectors/fans? - This is an interesting one. My personal belief, is that rep collectors are a lot more knowledgeable and critical than any gen collector. These are luxury items typically bought from a retail establishment by people who like the look, or just have money to spend on the latest trend. I've met very few gen watch owners that knew anything more than how to set the time on their watch. Because we are into the hobby of reps, we are far more crucial about the closeness to the genuine article than any joe schmoe off the street. At first you're going to be convinced that everyone is starring at your wrist, and you'll be called out any second. Eventually you'll come to realize that hardly anyone cares what you're wearing. Unless you walk around waving your arm around trying to get attention, no one will really care. Most of the flaws people talk about are something that would require intimate knowledge on the timepiece, AND a jewelers loop to see it. Will it need a service straight away? - As i mentioned earlier, this totally depends on the watch. Most? no. Some? yes. How will you know? you won't. Will my local watch shops touch it if I take it in? - That depends on the shop. Stay away from ADs - also known as authorized Dealers. These are the higher end shops that typically sell the genuine watches. Too much potential for trouble and uncomfortable situations, Stick with your small independent shops. Try going in personally, not calling. It's too easy for a shop to hear "replica" over the phone, and blow you off. Take it in, tell them what you're looking for, and you need. Will it need to be sent away for modification to make it truer to the original / look nicer? (Anti-Reflective'd? / re-lumed?) - "need" is defined by you at this point. Do yu care about AR? If you get a PAM and the canon pin is wrong, does it matter to you? I think the question is more about how in depth you want to get into this hobby. You can just keep collecting watches and have them all be stock, and you may be happy as a clam. You may get a single watch, with the sole intent of making it the most super rep on the planet. It's really up to you in what you're looking for. Would I be able to do anything to it myself or would that just be asking for trouble? - The blunt answer, you're asking for trouble . The fact is that we all have to start somewhere when it comes to getting into watch upgrades or servicing. When it comes to tearing into watches and performing any tasks, most things require specialized tools. You can easily start with the small steps, like sizing your own bracelets, and changing straps. This saves you a little money, and the frustration of getting a new watch, and having to wait until you make it to the mall to get the bracelet resized. There are lots of tutorials on here for doing different tasks, but just remember your limitations. And remember, you can always ask! What on earth do all the acronyms used on the forum mean?? - There are so many! I guess you would just need to ask what they mean when you see them. I don't think anyone has put together an acronym list yet HINT HINT, but it would sure be helpful. Heh, i just learned this week what WIS means... Just take a deep breath and have patience. Remember, after all is said and done, this is supposed to be fun! WR

Yeah, me neither. This is my 9th purchase i believe, and never a single problem. It's always funny thought when you see posts that pop up, when people make their first purchases and they see "handed to customs" for the first time. Alas, i think it's yet another day before mine comes in. It's in my city, but I don't think they will deliver it today. SO CLOSE! WR

awesome! Congrats!

I'll try and get some measurements today or tomorrow. I guess this is a good excuse to pick up some digital calipers... WR

Thanks for the reply freddy! Would a booth in a mall have a tool that would create a bend in a springbar, or do I need to seek out an actual watchmaker? Thanks again! WR

I have a watch that I got recently, not a rep, just a cheap little automatic. I got it with the specific purpose of replacing the bracelet with a strap, but I seem to be having difficulties. There doesn't appear to be enough room between the bring bat holes, and the case. Is there any trick i can use to fit a strap in there, i.e. find a REALLY thin strap, or is there suck a thing as a curved springbar? Thanks! WR

I just ordered my first ever PAM, the 111H. I never used to like them much when I first got in to watches, but after looking at them for so long on here, I finally caught the virus. I already bought 2 straps to go with it, they are sitting here waiting for the watch WR

Oh man, I hope it gets through. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. I just looked at mine, and it's all good, hopefully out for delivery tomorrow or Friday. Something about "Colombian customs" makes me afraid...very afraid.... WR

"Your last lap time was 2:12:35....ish....maybe"

Very true. I've noticed that the more I go through it, the less it's an issue. I'd say I'm far more excited when I see it, since it's finally in my country.

We sit here, reading watch reviews, scrutinizing every detail. Try to decide which dealer we're going to use, which watch, what options - if any, do I get? Finally the decision is made and click the submit button. Then the wait begins. It's a bitter-sweet wait, as some of us have found out, makes the whole process exciting. You can't seem to stop visiting your email inbox, clicking refresh several times an hour, hoping the tracking number appears. Then, alas, it's here!.....but still in china... Days pass, and you're pretty sure Yahoo is going to send you an email to stop checking your friggin inbox already, you're eating up all their bandwidth! After a few(hundred) visits to the EMS website, you see that it's finally on it's way. You're positive that they are sending it with a little man in a rowboat, because it can't possibly take THAT long to get to the US from China, can it? 5 days and no updates? seriously? One morning you hop back on the EMS site, and you see it... UNITED STATES OF AMERICA USSFOA Handed over to Customs Your brain registers two distinct feelings. 1. Elation - IT'S ALMOST HERE!!!! 2. A pang of fear in seeing the phrase "handed over to customs" - "what if...." It's amazing how that one little sentence strikes fear into the very soul of a collector waiting for their new prize. I'm going through this now, thought I'd share some of the thoughts that run around when going through the process. Somehow I don't think i'm alone WR

Just an FYI... I purchased a watch from him in the dead middle of CNY (not the best idea ever...) and I finally got an email on 2/2 saying is would be shipping soon. I finally got an updated email this morning on 2/12 saying that it finally shipped. I guess he got a bit backlogged, but the wait is finally over, well, the first part of the wait that is. Good luck! WR

Just my $.02 US - I got the watch for christmas, and I'm very happy with it. It keeps great time, and it has a really nice feel to it. Not sure about the accuracy, since I didn't pick it out WR

AWESOME AWESOME reference, and gods, so true. I have to concur with my fellow members above, IWC would be the way to go. It's understated, yet recognizable.