Jumbie

Those were my exact two choices as well. I came into it wanting the Tag but liked the PO. In the end, I stuck with the Tag though and ordered one 2 days ago from Ruby.

Congrats on your new purchase. You seem really excited about it. *** I hate this *censored* website. I came across it during my search for a Tag replica; which I just ordered and am waiting for. Now I want to get: - Panerai 112h or 176h (plus savage strap) - Rolex DateJust with smooth bezel and/or Explorer 2 - this watch i.e. the VC Overseas in white - Omega Aqua Terra and possibly a UPO - Breitling SFSO or Chronomat Evolution Damn you all!! *sigh*

Can you PM me where you got the tweezers and the file from and how much they were? Great idea BTW.

Different watch my friend. There is a black in the model you're talking about but it's not the same as the one in this thread. Look at the bezel.

My one warning for eBay is to make sure and read the feedback as well. I often will see people with positive feedback and decent numbers of transactions, but then you look at the feedback and it's all recent (often minutes or seconds apart) from obviously fake accounts. This was the case when I was looking for a video camera last year. Some people just look at the seller, see that he has 50 feedbacks with 100% positive and think that it means everything's fine. I don't buy from anyone with less than 100 feedbacks and who doesn't have a history of selling a particular type of item e.g. buying a watch from someone who has 1000 feedbacks on selling candy. Might be legit but also might be a stolen account. I'm not a fan of gambling. I wouldn't consider buying a gen watch from Asia given that that's where the reps come from.

That was pretty random. I think MJ should put one of those eyes in instead of a nose and parade around as a triclops. That'd be sweet.

*checks wrists* Yup, both still there. Sorry for the horrible joke but, in my defense, it's 2:30 a.m. by me at present and I've been studying for most of the day. Also, I've just ordered my first rep and don't have anything to show off just yet. Well, except for the cheap quartz I'm wearing and I don't wanna get boo-ed.

Not a solution for this board specifically but, perhaps even better, Firefox browser and the TabMixPlus (TMP) extension can control exactly how your links open. You can have all open in a new tab/window or the same tab/window or have external links open in a new tab/window or...you get the picture. I love it cause I have it set up so that when I right-click, I can select the link to either open in the foreground i.e. be active, by default or in the background for when I want to open multiple links on the same page e.g. from a search, and then get to them when I'm ready.

Thanks cornerstone. As long as it works, I'll be happy. Needle? Like sewing needle? Interesting. Dumb question (yes, again) but pins just simply push out right? So using your needle and hammer, you could remove the links by putting the needle in the link hole (over the pin) and tap it until it come out the other side (of course, ensuring that the other side is free and clear for the link to slide out of) and then remove with the pliers. Well, my watch is ordered and on the way from Ruby so I guess I'll wait and see when it arrives if I need to get a smaller screwdriver. Thanks again to the both of you for answering my noob questions. Actually, By-Tor, seeing as how you have the Tag Link Chrono (great review once again) do you by any chance know the size of the screwdriver you used to take out the screws? Then again, I believe I read on here somewhere that you said you have pretty large wrists, so maybe you didn't remove any.

Thanks guys for the warning about the mall folks. And yes, cornerstone, I did find that guide. *** Okay, I admit that it doesn't look too bad to resize a bracelet and maybe it isn't a bad idea to invest in some tools for the future although the next watch I plan on buying is likely to have a leather strap. I've looked at the tool's on birdman's site and also on Ofrei. I have a small screwdriver set already that I bought from RadioShack (for working on my computer) but the smallest flathead screwdriver in there is 1.4mm. I'm guessing that that will be too big, at least for some watches. Should I buy a new jewller's set or will it be okay? Also, I don't quite understand how pin pushers work. Okay, it's not difficult to understand how they work. Rather, it seems that some of the more expensive ones on Ofrei come with several different sizes of pins whereas the cheaper ones just seem to have one size. Also, the blue "value pin pusher" on birdman's site has several bad reviews on Amazon.com where people said it broke after a couple uses. I'm thinking of getting the black link pin remover for $16 http://watchtools4u.com/mcart/index.cgi?code=3&cat=8 with the description of "Essential for removing pins from metal link bands. Made of Keltec II, glass-filled nylon, this unit includes two extra spacers to accommodate all bracelet sizes and two extra pins. The pusher pin is hardened steel." I know it sounds like I'm asking you guys to "baby me" through this but I honestly don't have a clue about what's the best way to do this and, while I want to spend as least as possible, I don't want to cheap out and get crappy stuff (no offense to birdman) only to need to replace it. Thanks.

Hi guys, sorry for asking this question. I did a search and the answer seems to be DIY or go to a watch repair person. Obviously not an AD. This is my first rep and my first "expensive watch" so I'd rather have someone experienced remove the links for me before I look into buying some of my own tools in the future. My "dumb question of the day" is how exactly would I find a watch repair person. I'm in the US by the way. Phonebook (yellow pages) or just a stall/booth at a mall? I always see stalls selling watches (digital or quartz) but I'm wondering if those people there would be qualified to remove links from something as complicated as the Tag Link bracelet. I figure they might not have experience with such watches although I guess a band is a band and once they have the tools on hand, it shouldn't be a problem. I've downloaded the PDF file so I do have that. Thanks for any advice.

I don't have a winder...yet...seeing as how I just ordered my first watch. But couldn't you stick a pad under the watch to take up the slack? Not ideal and I don't know how much slack there may be depending on your wrist size, but I'm thinking that might work. Or not...

He sells on RWI.

Forgive me for asking a really noob question, but why would someone get a 111 modded to a 112? Is it just to change to a "new" watch without actually buying one i.e. less money, or is it cause there aren't any good reps of a 112 available and this is a way to get one? Thanks.

Thanks ubiquitous. I'm sure I don't need to tell you how beautiful your "frankenwatches" are. I actually started to look for a Daytona until I read your thread and realized that it wasn't something you'd simply bought from a dealer. Then I was somewhat saddened. lol Anyway, quite like the DateJust as well (with the smooth bezel). Maybe I do like Rolexes after all. heh

Oooh, very nice. I'm not usually a Rolex fan but I think this watch is beautiful. Mind sharing (or PMing) the model/details with the uneducated i.e. me?

Thanks for the reply. That goes a long way towards convincing me. Awesome to know that you have a warranty as well. I think I will definitely go this route in the future if you'll consider accepting me as a client/customer. Unfortunately, while I'm doing my research at this moment, I won't even be purchasing the watch for at least a month cause I'm not currently at home (I'm out of the country) and will not be for a while. I guess I could order it and have it sent to my sister's in Florida but I also want to be there to receive it and make sure everything's working in case I need to contact the dealer regarding any problems. Then, shortly after that I will be moving to a different State and will need to wait until I get settled with a new address in order for you to have somewhere to return the watch to. So hopefully we'll be doing some business in the future but that will be all the way around late August. Hmmn, I guess I should consider making an appointment some time before that though. Would that be advisable? I don't know how busy your schedule is i.e. if people generally have to wait some time for you to have an available time slot. Thanks again.

Sounds good to me. The vibrations from the Harley must be a lot to go through. Still don't think I'm going to be going swimming though. heh, you're probably right. I just wanted to wear it for a while to make sure everything was okay and I indeed liked it. Plus, I guess I'd need to wait for The Zigmeister to have a spot available. Wouldn't want the watch to just be sitting in a box until that time. Finally, if there is dirt, etc. in the mechanism it doesn't seem like a good idea to me to run it for any length of time. I'd think they extra wear and tear on the parts would shorten the life of the watch as opposed to having it serviced earlier.

Thanks for this reply Edge. With the background I got in this thread i.e. that the watch is most likely not getting serviced, I spent some time reading various threads on the subject of the dealers. Knowing what drop shipping is, I now understand what you're saying about the servicing when the dealers don't even see the product before shipping. It was my initial impression that they had the stock on hand and therefore access to it. I've also read the threads on "little white lies" and "challenge to the dealers". I am not impressed by what I've read. I understand that replicas are an illegal business (truthfully, I didn't even know that until a few days ago) but that doesn't mean that customers should be lied to and mislead. With all the different movements, etc. out there, that could so easily happen. If I didn't take the time to read (and I'm sure there's still a ton I don't know), I'd have paid for the servicing or thought I was getting a decent ETA movement instead of the crappy clone. The "cartel dealers" have lost at least one potential client. That may not be a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but they will not be getting my money at least.

I guess I should learn to read better. You posted in this thread http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showto...230&hl=7750 So I guess that answers my question. Well sort of. Was that just with one initial service that your watch is running fine at 28 months or is it with multiple seeing that you "only" need to invest your time to service unlike the rest of us who have to pay $200+ and are therefore likely to have a less frequent servicing schedule? As well, I'm sure you're not wearing this watch all the time like I'm pretty much going to be. Therefore, it obviously sees less wear and tear since it gets to rest sometimes. So, at the risk of annoying the hell out of everyone with the repetition, do you think that I could reasonable expect to see (barring any other faults) around 3 years of life out of a properly oiled and cleaned Tag Link Chronograph with the Asian 7750 movement if I got it serviced right away? Also, what's your opinion of wearing it for, let's say a month, and then having it serviced? Would that shorten the life as compared with doing it immediately? Thank you for your time. I'm sure you're busy.

The Zigmeister, I appreciate that approach. From what I've read of your posts so far though, you seem like an honest individual rather than just someone out to push servicing because it makes you money. I've just spent a few minutes reading several posts with regards to the dealer's pre-servicing. Apparently not the best idea. Was this thread http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showto...019&hl=7750 the one you mentioned? Can I ask you a question? You can PM me a reply if you'd like. Based on your experience in taking apart so many watches, including the Asian 7750b1, what is your honest opinion of the longevity of this watch after getting properly serviced by someone like yourself? I'm not asking for any kind of guarantee, because I understand (if you read my posts above) that things can go wrong due to the mechanical components in the watch or simply due to poor construction. But let's say that there aren't any glaring faults (no more than could be expected from a non-replica watch from a reputable dealer e.g. my $130 Kenneth Cole watch that's been working fine for the last approx. 5 years) in the components of the watch and it's just the fact that the mechanisms haven't been oiled and/or cleaned properly. What can one reasonably expect to achieve in terms of lifetime if the watch is treated properly and not "abused"? Like just for daily wear like I said in my original post. Not wearing it to the gym or for sports, not showering/swimming with it, etc. However, worn every day. Again, based on your evaluation of the watch after having totally disassembled it. And yes, I am quite aware that even the most perfect gen watch could fail due to well...that being life. I'm not asking for a watch that I can give to my children. Just something that I can expect to last a few years. By that time, I'd be ready for a change in any event. I wouldn't have a problem getting a watch serviced in that case and have some kind of peace of mind that my watch isn't likely to fail within a year (yes, I know many people have non-serviced 7750s that have been fine for longer than that e.g. By-tor has posted that his Link replica is still going fine without it). But, at the same time, spending $200 to service + $20 return shipping + my cost of shipping to Canada on a watch that's going to cost me $250 from Wo-Mart (provided they have the blue) or $280 from Joshua/Andrew doesn't seem like the best idea if it will reasonably last me a year+. Hell, I could take a chance on that and buy a new one if it fails. If that one also fails in a year though, then I'm behind the game compared with getting it serviced in the first place and having it last 3 years. I, of course, understand that it's still up to me and no one can definitively tell me "get it serviced cause it will last 5 years" or "a non-serviced watch will last you for 3 years easy" but I'm trying to make a somewhat informed decision based on you guys' experience. You've all been in this "game" a hell of a lot longer than I have (which is around 4 days worth of reading now). Oh, and I've also read your recommendations to have an Asian 7750 serviced so I guess I know your official stance on that. However, I'd still appreciate an answer to what I've written above with regards to the actual quality of the components and not just the lack of oil and dirtiness if you don't mind. Finally, for what it's worth, thank you all for helping to educate me. I've now decided that I would surely be a fool to pay for the service from those dealers.

Thanks for the welcome b16a2. Thank you for that. It's helped immensely. Interestingly, I somehow managed to miss the Q&A section of this site; which I've since read through. However, your post gave me a good basis for understanding what on earth everyone was talking about. I'm not quite there yet but I think I now have a fair idea of what the different movements are all about.

Just wanted to quickly add that I typed my reply above to your initial short one which consisted of "If you think they will service your watch for only $120 then you are a fool." I understand what you're saying and I guess I was just hoping for too much. But again, without asking, one will never know. I've bought stuff in the past for prices that people would never have believed could be legit; yet they were.

Well maybe I am then. Given that these guys have a good reputation from what I've read so far (for delivering their product anyway), I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. However, that is why I thought I'd ask first. I readily admit that I don't have much knowledge of watches having never owned one that cost more than $150. I've always liked Tags and Omegas but I can't afford them so never did much more than glance at them in store windows. I was quite surprised to see The Zigmeister's quotes of what's the going rate for servicing (not his prices but the ones you can find online) cause I never imagined that it could run up to $750 for "just a watch". Even if that watch is an expensive Rolex. So I'm new to the game and am willing, and trying, to learn. If they are advertising the service to rip off "noobs" like myself, then that's in very poor taste and I will take my business elsewhere (rather than continuing to buy their product without the servicing). Even if I am buying a replica, I still want to deal with someone honest. I haven't read anything about their offered servicing but perhaps someone else on this forum has had experience with it and was willing to share. If it's bunk, then I'll consider sending it to The Zigmeister for work. But if it's legit, then I'd obviously prefer to spend less on it. To use The Zigmeister's car analogy - if I can buy from the dealer and he oils it up, checks the brakes, etc. for $120 or I could buy it and take it to an aftermarket guy for $200, provided it was the same service, guess which I'd choose. Of course, in real life, I'm sure we all know that the dealer would probably be the one charging more. Hmmn, something for me to consider...

I've been trying to research servicing for the last couple of hours before I purchase a TAG Link Chronograph with the 7750b1 movement. From what I've read, it breaks down into several camps - 1. I never service my watches and they run fine. 2. Servicing will give me peace of mind. 3. From The Zigmeister - none of the watches [replicas] he's serviced have been properly oiled and many are dirty. An analogy he's used several times is, roughly, "Do you wait for a car to break down before servicing or do preventive maintenance?" 4. The watches are so cheap that I'll run them into the ground and buy a new one. 5. If/when they break, I'll either deal with it then or replace the movement with a "better" non-Chinese one e.g. proper ETA 7750. For myself, I tend to agree with points 2 and 3. I hope that this watch will last me at least 2-3 years. I plan on wearing it every day, all day; exceptions being while showering/swimming. I lead a fairly active lifestyle which includes going to the gym. If that's going to be too much punishment for it due to being jarred/shaken while doing cardio (I jump rope) or simply tossing some weights around, I have no problem with removing it and wearing a cheap $30 Casio that I keep for going to the beach, hiking, etc. I like the look of the chronograph but I have no need for its function. I likely will not be using it. I don't have one on my current watch and have never wished that I did. I'm only mentioning that cause the functioning/durability of the chronograph has been questioned in many threads that I've read. This watch is going to cost me approximately US $288 shipped without the servicing. With it, I'm looking at around $400. I can handle that for the peace of mind as I am a worrier. It's stupid but when I'm using my laptop, for example, I'll constantly check the time to see how much battery I have left. So that's to tell you how I obsess over nothing and I don't want to worry about if my watch will stop working in a year or so because I didn't get it serviced. I know that's not a guarantee and other things e.g. springs, can go wrong, but I like knowing I did my best to prevent somewhat preventable errors. I've read The Zigmeister's description of what his servicing entails. Seems like a ton of work and well worth it. However, paying him $200 plus other associated costs vs paying less up-front by Josh/Andrew doesn't seem to be a smart decision to me if it's for the same service. I'd have no issues sending a watch to him to be serviced after a year though. My issue is that The Zigmeister charges around $200 for only a servicing whereas the afore-mentioned dealers charge around $120 for servicing and waterproofing and I am concerned about what that implies about the quality of said service. Perhaps it's as simple as the fact that they deal in bulk and therefore can offer a lesser rate but perhaps it's more than that and the service is not going to be nearly as thorough (actually, I'm sure this is the case to some extent) or even as poor as a swish and dip. The only other thread I can find on the topic is this one http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showto...mp;hl=servicing which doesn't even have any replies. Any advise as to the quality of servicing these dealers offer? I've seen reviews of their waterproofing but not of oiling, etc. Again, I'd gladly pay for the peace of mind even if the watch might be good for several years without it. Thank you.