Just saying my hellos. Joined the forums recently and have been trying to read as much as I can on here and on Replica Watches Guide to educate myself about what to expect from a replica, how to best go about purchasing one and, perhaps most importantly, where I should make that purchase.
So thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences and "givin' me some learnin'".
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Bit of history. I'd never, ever thought about buying a replica. Not that I have anything against the idea; it simply never crossed my mind. However, I've always liked Tag Heuers and Omegas.
My mother's 50th birthday was approaching and my sister and I decided to share the price of a gift and get her something nicer than either of us could afford individually. After agonizing for some time over what on earth the woman would like, we finally settled on a watch. And so, the hunt began. Without a specific brand in mind, we eventually settled on a Tag Link
http://www.tagheuer.com/the-collection/lin...w=WJ1319.BA0572
Priced the watch and then decided to shop around. Found it online for a much better price but, I was going to be traveling so I thought I'd see how much it would be through duty free. Was still higher than I could get it for online (grey market w/ 2 year store warranty) even after getting the guy to knock off a few hundred dollars. *sigh*
Before making the final purchase, I spent some time researching the store to make sure I wasn't going to regret the decision or get ripped off. During that search, I came across the idea of a replica. And so, while my darling mother deserves the genuine article, I definitely wouldn't mind one for myself.
Currently in my third year of professional school and I know my father's going to get me a nice gift when I graduate. Was planning on asking for a watch but, in the mean time, my US $127 Kenneth Cole watch that's served me oh so faithfully over the last approximately 5 years (and taken quite a beating cause I lead a fairly active life including wearing it the gym) is on its way out and I'm going to need to replace it.
So I've spent the last few days on here and the other forums looking into a watch for myself. Right now, I'm leaning towards either a Tag Link Chronograph (blue face) or the Omega PO 4th gen (or 5th gen from Wo-Mart). I know everyone raves about the newer 45mm Ultimate PO but it's probably a bit too much watch for me even though I'm a fairly big guy - 6'2" w/ a 7" wrist. Want to go with something slightly more discreet.
Quite frankly, I don't care if the watch isn't a perfect replica. If anyone asks, I'll gladly tell them. I can't afford a $3k watch in any case. Not with the amount of loans I have (heh, maybe I should ask my dad to just give me the $ instead of a watch and use it towards them). I honestly just like the look/style and I'm hoping that the watch will work (and keep time) for a couple of years.
Dealers I'm looking at are Paul (Wo-Mart), Andrew (TT), Joshua (PerfectClones) and Silix-Prime. Paul seems to have the best prices (cause of free shipping) although, from what I've read, Joshua and Andrew have better customer service.
So there you have it. More than you probably care to know.
Thanks again to all for what you've shared with those of us new to this game.
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PS I've posted pretty much the same thing on Replica Watches Guide cause it really doesn't make any sense to me to write out basically the same thing. I hope that doesn't offend anyone for some reason because what I've posted about being grateful to all of you for your advice, pictures, etc. is true; both on this forum and over there.