CybrPunk

My hairy, large wrists thank you all for the compliments. So while I was visiting with a jeweler that I've known for some time he happened to show me a few reps he had behind the counter. I never knew he sold them and I've been a customer of his for a few years now, mostly custom cast pieces... I fear I'm sick. I couldn't resist... Images to follow once I'm home from Vegas after the weekend.

A little over a year ago I took a trip to New York and had my first experience with owning a replica, a Rolex YachtMaster that I bought from one of those shady suitcase vendors. It wasn't a horrible rep but it sure wasn't anything close to perfect. It was this very watch that spawned the interest of a good friend who became a member of these forums long before I did and has started to amass quite a collection of timepieces. For a long time I was satisfied with my poor excuse for a YachtMaster replica. I couldn't understand the bug he was bit with. One day last month I got the bug. I don't know how or why but I just started to take an interest. It wasn't long before he introduced me to this community where I've lurked for a few weeks now... Until today. Just this past week I received my first replica from Joshua, a Breitling for Bentley Motors chronograph. When I first received the package I was a bit concerned when I opened it up. As I got it to a point where I could see the watch itself it was apparent that the case back was not attached. I had thought that maybe it came loose during shipping or some other reason. This wasn't the case at all. The watch had another case back attached. The wrong one.... The correct case back was included in the package seperately and it appears I'll have to get them switched. It's a good thing I have a friend that can take care of that for me... at least until I can get a tool kit that will enable me to do it myself in the future. I don't expect everything to be flawless every time because the reality is those experiences are very rare, even in the realm of corporate America (or should I say especially?). Despite issues that I've read about here let me say that overall my experience with Joshua was a good one and I would do business with him again. He provided what I ordered in a timely manner and was communicative throughout. I'm a little bit disappointed about the case back but it's at least some form of redemption that he sent me the right one. The craftsmanship of the watch itself is top notch and the inaccuracies in it, other than the current (wrong) case back, appear to be very minimal. I'm aware that the date depth, dial positions and dial markings on the 9:00 subdial are wrong. Other than that I've not been able to spot anything else. Not that I'm looking all that closely... I prefer to admire the piece for the quality that it IS rather than what it may or may not be lacking. I'm aware of the issues with the Asian 7750 movement and was already told that I'll more than likely want to send it to The Zigmeister one day for servicing. I don't see any huge issue with that, especially with what I've read about The Zigmeister and his apparent talent with timepieces. While walking through the mall today doing some clothes shopping I had three people, including one watch dealer, stop me and ask to see my "Breitling" That was fun. Here are a few shots of the watch itself, which is a really incredible piece. Here you can see the wrong case back is attached. And here's an obligatory wristshot. It really does have a commanding presence!