Victoria

Guys, I did hit the search button before posting this, which yielded so-so results. So I need your input.

Dad wants the Omega 007 Seamaster Pro. Best copy out there, if you can point it out.

The research said that the Asian movement is almost as good as the Swiss one, but I'm not convinced until I hear it from you guys.

Which of these are the most authentic, please?

- http://www.ttwristwatch.com/index.php?main...;products_id=27 ($238, Swiss ETA)

- http://www.ttwristwatch.com/index.php?main...products_id=169 ($108, 40mm, darker blue?)

- http://www.perfectclones88.com/omse10003-s...8242-p-891.html ($238, Swiss ETA, Josh's comparison pics for once I don't think look good; makes the rep look a bit blah)

- http://www.silix-prime.com/product.asp?id=1320 (Jay...but dead cheap $150, 2824 ETA, 40mm)

...or any others.

Thanks!

Also wrist size is small my 40 mm sub looks on her like the 217 destro 47mm pam on me ... even do she likes biger watches she cant really pull that off just looks to weird if u catch my drift .

Also she has some wishes ! the watch needs and i cant stress that enough needs to have MINUTE MARKERS . She is the most calculating person up to a minute sharp i have ever known so she woud never want a watch missin that .

Date window is also there but that one she can live without in the end of the day ...

So its not about the brand that much butr in my opinion rolex day date or omega constelation 35 mm kinda suite the bill here ... or there is more and i dont know where it is

regards laz

Okay, first thoughts is that traditional women's watches wouldn't suit her needs. They are not overly technical, though they fit her size requirements.

First thoughts, as I nod off to bed, still awaiting a Chinese rep dealer's email...

Chronoswiss Pathos Skeleton White

http://www.ttwristwatch.com/images/CHR0003_2.JPG

Drawbacks: 38mm (still too big maybe). Leather band. Not TOO bad in terms of gen-rep contrast, though.

Bvlgari Ergon Ladies Automatic SS White

http://www.perfectclones88.com/bv10004-erg...hite-p-708.html

Drawbacks: Don't much care for it, meself. But it's 29mm, it's got seconds hand, and the date.

Ladies Santos 100 Chrono SS White Quartz Working Chron

Drawbacks: Looks good to me, copy-wise; it's only 33mm, it's got chrono, and is only $118.

More later.

Ladies Santos 100 Chrono SS White Quartz Working Chron

Link...

http://www.ttwristwatch.com/index.php?main...roducts_id=1053

i feel sorry for Christiano Ronaldo if he is wearing that piece of crap!

Cristiano Ronaldo (God, thank you for not calling him "Ronaldo" like 99.9% of English-speakers...) is said not to be the brightest person in the world. In fact, I would bet you he and Wayne Rooney together have lower IQs than many dolphins have.

Having heard what was said above, it all makes sense now. He probably went into the Burlington Arcade watch shops, and chose "big, shiny, expensive, and MUITO FASHIONABLE, please", and that's it. What a dip.

[...] The main differences between the real and Andrew's rep is that my gen has GUCCI in muted grey, and his is in white, with somewhat larger font. Other than that, an ALMOST perfect rep)

Another difference is that the rep one has a crown with GG on it, whereas the real one has GUCCI in small script and a tiny R (trademarked).

I noticed that Andrew's site pictured it that way too, but when we actually got the watch, it had GG on the crown. Since he modded it specially for us, I didn't even mention it to him, but just so that you know.

Franck Mueller "Crazy Hour" I prefer the long island version

Good one! But it had the bling-factor, so I demurred.

How about the Casablanca?

http://www.ttwristwatch.com/index.php?main...roducts_id=1100

Also let me poit out that golden pieces and diamant bling bling pieces are not what she is in to .

Laz, it seems you targeted mostly men in your post, so I'm not sure if you actually want to take advice from a lady poster, as I am.

(That sounds touchy, I realise, but I mean it in the spirit of a "woman's eye" for watches, rather than the implied quantity of male posters here which is obviously higher)

My first thought was, he didn't give us enough info on the kind of woman his wife is -- yes, even if you mentioned she's not into golden pieces, or bling bling.

If I may ask, what kind of background are you? Blue-collar? White-collar? Is she the type that wants to impress her girlfriends with her new $$$ watch, or does she just want to have it on her wrist for the beauty of the piece? Is she knowledgeable at all about Swiss watches, or is she the kind of person who mostly knows "Rolex", and that's it, not "Patek Phillipe", "Vacheron Constantin", etc.? Would she balk at wearing what might be considered mostly a man's watch (PAMs)?

This all makes a difference in first choosing a watch to suit her, then seeing what is out there that is the closest possible to the gens.

Without knowing a single-thing about your wife, here are some basic links to one reputable dealer's watches. Show them to her, and see what she says:

Gucci Twirl

http://www.ttwristwatch.com/index.php?main...d5c1cbaba78274d

(From Andrew. Note, I just bought this from him -- awesome --, and I have two real Gucci Twirls, in brown dial, with and without diamonds, but in the wider cuff variety than the reps out there look like. The real Gucci Twirl doesn't come in black dial, but Andrew can mod it for your wife in the brown dial. Ask him. The main differences between the real and Andrew's rep is that my gen has GUCCI in muted grey, and his is in white, with somewhat larger font. Other than that, an ALMOST perfect rep)

Franck Mueller "Crazy Hour" (available in several colours)

http://www.ttwristwatch.com/index.php?main...;products_id=40

(I've found that people either LOVE this watch, and believe me, it's a very very hot watch at the moment in Ibiza, and the South of France...or they just hate it, and think it looks like it came from a gumball machine. I hover somewhere between both opinions. My mother wears a gen one with her LV Murakami bag -- which I loathe -- and it looks stunning on her)

"J12 White Ceramic Men Swiss Quartz"

http://www.ttwristwatch.com/index.php?main...roducts_id=1160

(Everyone and their grandmothers wants this watch. Other than Technomarines, this is the hot watch of the moment for women. Real ceramic in the rep, I believe. I include the Men's version because almost all women now who want to be in fashion, are wearing it large. The larger the better, but of course, it's up to your good lady wife)

I'll monitor this thread to see what others suggest, but I already know the replies will include:

1) Linking to a really "small-sized" watch, because that's what men think women like, exclusively. And the tiny, spaghetti-thin Gucci watches are so not in at the moment.

2) They'll say, don't show her the Panerai area!, more-or-less because of the reason I already mentioned. For the record, the PAM Purdey Lion looks awesome on a woman.

Good luck!

They're a total joke. I got one in a few weeks ago. Nicely done case, but inside are two $15 miyota quartz movements. The "health benefits "are some BS about blocking RF with a couple of magic pieces of tinfoil glued in the back.

Guys, thanks for the responses! Immediately, of course, I Googled. First hit:

"One of Oprah's favorite things

I bought 12 as a pirate copy on the streets. It was 2 dollars.......and a waste of 2 dollars and about 2 hours, lol.

I'm kinda excited about Ocean's 13....I think they got the picture that 12 was horrible (but then again, why would a bad movie stop Hollywood from cashing in the millions, lol).

Wow, I can't believe a lot of the people of this forum seem not to have watched Ocean's 13, yet!

THIS IS A WATCH LOVER'S DREAM OF A FILM, and that wasn't caps lock, believe me.

As we know, Brad Pitt is enamoured with Rolexes; he's got a solid gold Daytona that somehow looks good on him (but looks quite tacky on anyone else, save that one guy who posted it against his black V-neck sweater).

Clooney's watches ran the gamut from Audemar Piguets (2), a VC, to a PAM, and I do believe there was even a Bell & Ross thrown into the mix.

However, I did a little research on the one watch which stood out for me, which was Al Pacino's -- what seemed a magnificent gold Sky Moon tourbillon. According to a gen watch forum, it's a very special Tiffany's watch, possibly made for him as a promo for the film.

"The Tiffany Grand 8-day Jump Hour" (U$ 36,000)

http://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=tre...66698&rid=0

Though it's not 100% confirmed it is that watch, as Pacino's watch is made of rose gold, Tiffany's were end-credited (of course).

Off-Topic: The film itself was fun, for what it is -- a panoply of Big Name Stars having fun, as in Sinatra's day.

Not excellent, because it's not exactly a heist film, or a sting film, but rather a revenge-set-up film, which is quite different in tone to Ocean's 11. However, it was much better than 12 (could hardly be any worse...), and had no love story whatsoever, which this chick appreciated.

I know. I know. Gag me with a spoon, too. But I love his watch. Anyone have a clue what it might be?

Singapore will blow your mind too.. I went into a store with literally $50 million + in stock, probably much much more. Tourbillons by the dozen. Every top hand made brand, Patek, Lange, Vacheron, Mille, Breguet, Audemars, and the list goes on. I don't think they even stocked Rolex as it too common!!

I tried on a high end Lange & Sohne and asked about different dial colours, the sales guy opened up a drawer with perhaps 30 Lange's of just that one model in every possible combination of dial and straps. And that was in addition to the dozens in the displays. There were a whole lot of those drawers too for every different brand.

Question:

I know a very snobby guy from Singapore who is always talking about his Mario Paci straps, etc. for his Pannie. What are the chances in these Asian countries, that the Pannies are real, if the reps are plethoric in volume there?

I would love to be able to tell if his is real or not, but like me (if his is indeed not original), I'm sure he counts on your average person not knowing the diff.

I have 2 of those AP RP chronos, and because of the integrated endlinks the first bracelet links are somewhat inflexible,

EXACTLY.

I assume the watch was sent in the customary bubble wrap & padded envelope.

All it would take is some very heavy package dumped on the envelope to break the bracelet, I'm sure this happened in transit.

Anyway, ask for new bracelet.

Too bad, I could have sold you one of mine for a very special female members price, pre-sized for slim wrist

Aww. Well the way things stand, Jay has not replied yet. We'll see...thanks anyway!

May I add the philosophical thingie : "we're all ignorants, but we do not ignore the same thing..." :cc_chinese:

Heh, great quote.

Me, I'm just concerned that people are disrespected, or even bullied if they are not paying members. I recently mentioned that in the happily defunct SF Pride thread, where I was shocked to have the VIP status thrown in my face.

I said it was the equivalent of a rich guy going up to a homeless person, and telling them they are worthless in society, because you contribute, and they don't.

(Well, I said something about being smelly, but basically that's what I meant)

What with the upgrade system being down, this whole VIP status thingie is really annoying, elitist, and leaves a bad taste in my mouth if there are some here who think they are better than others. That's not cool IRL, and it shouldn't be cool here.

Anyway, off to enjoy me day. Ciao all.

Come on, stop suck*ng and start to contribute!

Wait, am I missing something, or has this situation changed (checked just this instant)?

"The upgrade system is currently anavailable while we are implementing a new payment provider.

Thanks for your patience"

At the moment our hands are tied, I thought.

If I had to choose, I would always go for getting a replacement part rather than a complete new watch, for obvious customs and costs reasons (you won't most probably get the shipping costs refunded).

Maybe a brand new bracelet would be the easiest. I understood that getting spare parts always lasts longer, that might influence your choice as far as the settlement of the problem is concerned.

I also admitt that TTime is easier and faster in bringing a solution : you very quickly/easily get a discount or new watch. But at the same time, this has a price.

That's a good suggestion about Customs, and also I seem to remember that sometimes no matter how right you get an address, packages are mishandled in China.

I care enough about my own reputation, not to want people to think I gypped the guy, as well, by not sending it back to him (though it wouldn't have been my fault). On the other hand, if he sends me the bracelet or links, etc. and THEN it turns out the watch is a dud, would he be duty-bound to replace the watch anyway?

The already defective part doesn't inspire much confidence in the soundness of the timepiece...

Sorry if these questions have been asked by other n00bs. I usually do hit search, but I'm off to bed (at last!).

Ok. So you have either to get a new 1st link + pin, or a whole new watch.

It never happened to me, but I heard that the collectors use to send you the new watch first, then when you receive it you send them back the first one.

If you don't want this, then I'm afraid your only option is getting the link+pin and have them mounted where you are.

Might go for this latter option, if he suggests it.

As usual, you are welcome.

BTW, you seem to have a lot of experience, and your posting skills look surprisingly good both on quoting and pics, for a female apprentice...

Also, don't you ever sleep?!?

When you have 5 orders coming in from Chinese guys who don't exactly share your timezone, and you're asking questions/buying stuff every night, the answer would be a resounding, "No".

Check the link on the watch side and look whether it has empty holes where the pin should stay (unable to tell from the pics).

I tried to make that part as visible as I could, but even with my nice digital camera, it might not show that it has no "hollow" end, where a pin might be screwed in.

It's a clean level break, leaving no hole in that end.

If yes, it's just a matter of a missing pin, you may ask Silix for one.

(I doubt that a pin from another link would fit, as the links close to the watch are of different sizes than those close to the clasp, and they have pins rather than screws).

Be aware that it will be a push-only pin: once placed, you cannot remove it.

If not, then it is a defective first link. You may ask Silix for it AND a pin, but I think you'd better ask for a whole watch replacement.

BTW, I may confirm that Silix is sometimes slow on replying, but he always comes through.

I rather suspected as much.

The only problem with that, is that recently, on this or another forum, I pointed out one chap who had been waiting for a reply about his defective watch, going on 2 months. He immediately logged on, and wrote to that person that he was away from his business for a while, but that he was "back" now.

Let's hope in my case, it won't be 2 months to reply, because I'd faint.

Thanks, as usual, sssurfer!

Hi,

good bargain if the buckle is replaced. BTW, isn't it just a screw missing, which you can get from one of the links you will probably remove to adjust the bracelet ?

I knew that question would be asked.

Unfortunately, and perhaps it can be seen in one of the photos, I think it that buckle link was not a screw type, but an ingrained pin type which resulted in a "clean" break. I have looked, and looked for any kind of fallen pin or screw in the packages, on the floor, inside the baggie -- nothing.

To me, this suggests that it was sent that way...which quality control failed to spot.

I could be and hope to be wrong, of course.

I purchased from Silix twice. First experience without any single problem (a PAM 112), excellent value for money. The second arrived today, a Chanel for my wife. The chrono did not reset correctly, but it was easy to fix (quartz) and the deployant clasp is not holding well : here too, easy to fix, but basically this shows that the watch was not controlled when shipped.

Well, what to say ? Silix has very sexy prices, and as long as he's insuring a kind of aftersale service in such cases as yours, I would live with that. He's a known dealer and, even if things go slower, I am sure that you can't be scammed.

I bought several times from TT and was happy so far, but here too, sometimes there were small issues, also always quickly fixed by the dealer.

On the other hand, and this is just a minor opinion, I notice a world of difference in customer service between say an Andrew and others. All very polite, helpful, and eager, Andrew for me at least, UNTIL NOW, has been a sheer dream to work with, going "above and beyond" in his trade.

I just mean, such things unfortunately happen, and you know you have a good dealer if he's reacting after you mentionned the flaw. I do not expect 100% perfect watches anymore in the rep world, whatever dealer we speak of.

For sure not! We all know that we are (1) dealing with a dodgy trade to begin with (2) it is out of the vendor's control what happens outside of his shop (3) and we should be patient in general, with anything coming from so distant away.

Having said that, this was to me, a disappointment that easily could've been rectified with a little closer inspection of said goods.

P.S.: Never told you this, but your "collection" photos of your watches were stunning, and cinched a few purchase decisions for me (the VC, e.g.). Thanks Pix!

That's absolutely correct!!

This may be an imposition on this thread, but what do you guys who are knowledgeable about it, think of this PAM strap from Bob:

BOB OSTRICH FOR PANERAI DEPLOYMENT - HONEY

...looks funky! But is funky necessarily good for a PAM 111h?

As mentioned in another thread, Jay and Angela have two sites. One, on which Jay's reputation was made, is silix-prime.com. But there is another one, which obviously is where he chucks his super-bargains, watchsilix.com.

Placed two very nicely-priced, but not terribly authentic timepiece orders at this latter site, which arrived almost two weeks later. Decent, I'd say, considering I'm still waiting on the much vaunted Josh's order, placed three days before Jay's order. Such is the rep business, and the vagaries of EMS.

Anyway, one was a Rolex Daytona in black; the other an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with working chronos.

I got the package, put it on a white towel, and opened it gingerly just like I read in forums to do, in case any pins fall off, etc. You can see them better that way.

Daytona was great from what I saw. Strap closed, nothing jiggled inside, and the time was easy to set. Sure, cheapo, but a good cheapo (so far).

And then I took out the AP Royal Oak from the plastic baggie...and it came apart like butter in my hands.

The buckle was broken. Jay asked me to wait two days for his quality control to vet these two watches, but man, wow.

It surely can't be a shipping prob, since the Daytona was unharmed whatsoever.

Here are some photos:

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/5347/si...brokenssyl5.jpg

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/9257/cl...pflawap1ke0.jpg

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/4641/sidebyside1cz4.jpg

Emailed him twice so far, and when I first contacted him, he was working late into Saturday night, China-time. No reply as yet, but I'm only hoping he'll send me a replacement of some kind, because for 61 EUR, it isn't worth sending back to China.

I will definitely work with Jay here, and have no wish to cast any aspersions on any reputable seller, but I am at a loss. Should I ask for another watch, or another bracelet, or what, given all that I've said above?

Okay, first semi-bad experience as a newbie rep collector. So far, awesome experiences from Andrew (who is a first-class gent!), and Paul (who is a super nice guy).

You are welcome.

(I simply couldn't resist a 32yrs lady whose name is Victoria and who loves watches... )

I hate my age being shown there, sssurfer! What on earth? A lady has her secrets, RWG Forum!

I might as well post my bra size too (don't go there!).

Good news, everyone. Paul this very moment confirmed that the fantasy mini-Fiddy is on its way to me. Just yesterday he intimated it might take weeks...that's the way of the Chinese rep trade, I guess. You ask around, sometimes you get the rep your customer wants, and sometimes not.

I'll post photos when I upgrade my account, as soon as that's back on line.

Thanks all!

Or the 190 (Radiomir 8 days SS, 45mm).

This is very similar to the mini fiddy you originally choosed, but no fantasy.

Wow, sssurfer, thanks for taking the time (pun intended) of checking out the watches available for that price!

I had a quick look at the 140, and I really like it, even though rose-gold isn't a big fave of mine in general. I'll check out the other one, and let Paul know either way, that I want a PAM now.

One more reason to wait for the mini fiddy. The fiddy case is very nice to wear, and the 47 might be too much for you. All panerai addicts, have to try sooner or later a fiddy. This is your chance/size. Even if you come across a paneristi you can sweet talk your way out of you wearing a rep, since panerai hasn't released a 44fiddy yet.. What is a girl supposed to do?

The arktos is too technical..the bezel is too round and tall.

Forget your first auto too. The auto open back can be quite embarrassing.

BTW: Sorry to interrupt the flow.. Have you paid for your watch? There is a chance that the mini fiddy is not available anywhere, and you are being dealt the old telephone marketing practice: get the lead by promising anything, and then we will figure out what they want from our inventory.. I am not saying that because it is Paul involved. I have only good transactions so far with him.. Just trying to get the whole picture..

Heh, about "what is a girl supposed to do?" line. I might just use it!

Yes, I have paid for my watch, and this is the second time by two respected dealers who offer something on their website, not available in real life.

I understand they deal with a hundred details every day, but if they don't have it in stock, and it's not easy to get (which is the case with both of these purchases), then for goodness' sakes, take it out of your site!

My frustration boileth over, but not enough to make me forget my manners -- your points are excellent, thanks!

I'm no expert here, but I do not think that submersible would fool anyone slightly in the know.. I guess the cheap ones never do. The crown is what I always look at first on a Panerai like that.

And the 086, not as nice as the Radiomir.. I think it's the shiny subdial @ 9 that's putting me off these watches. I'm no fan of cyclopses either, but once again this all comes down to personal preferance.

But of the 4, I'd say mini-fiddy first, 086 second.. And you're still not wanting the 111h?

You're right about that 086. It's growing on me. It's just that except I can't find it on the Panerai official site...but that means nothing, I'm sure.

As for the 111h, sure! But as I say, I'm at the $119 range right now, as its my first. Find me one at that price with Paul, and I'll snap it up. Until then, I'm saving.

Okay, off to work out, ciao guys, and thanks!

Nice to meet you victoria. 47 looks good on the right form at the right time.

Heya Andy.

I checked out and replied to Rima's Watch Collection thread, where she said she had a 6.5" wrist. I said then that I thought we were about the same, but actually, on measuring mine is closer to 5.7".

47mm can indeed be passed off by the right lady, if she has a beefier frame than I. But I think the 44mm might just be my ceiling though.

Oh, and allow me to pre-empt further replies about the gender. No, I'm happy with a 44mm, not a 40mm. Thanks.