I've bought many reps over de past years and received so many DOA or in really bad condition I lost count. Last year I was one of the first to receive the ultimate BCE (pre-order from Angus) and got one with a dented clasp, gaping end-link and crown that didn't screw down.
I made a desicion. No more Azian based dealers for me. I NEVER bought another rep from them again. All my reps came directly from Precious Time after that... sure no guarantees but a big step forward. Now, I made my first purchase with Eurotimez whom I got to know very well. He is setting a new standard... a standard which should be applied by all dealers if you ask me. Nothing out of the extraordinary, just something we are all entitled to!
It makes me sick when I read all the ass kissing of some members. Like we should be gratefull they're selling us a rep. No f#cking way. I pay hard cash and you beter give me something in return. Sure I know all the stories; reps are reps and don't forget the line of hobby we are in crap. It doesn't give them the right to sell us crap. Customer is king and this also stands in our hobby IMO.
I Like this hobby for 1 reason:
-I get the same quality watch for a fraction of the retail price. To me reps wear and feel like gens. I've owned several gens and sold them all due to the fact reps gave me equal or even more joy than the gen.
So when I have to pay major bucks (e.g. HBB >$1000) for a rep which comes with several quality issues and a unreliable movement (A7750 or ETA clone) there's no reason for me anymore to buy rep. I will start buying gens again instead. As most of the people here we all can afford the gen counterpart......