Toadtorrent

>sniff<...that's beautiful...you had me at "Ok". I think part of the problem is, that with Subs...EVERYONE is still waiting for a really good one. Each has their flaws...and some, certain people can accept...while the same flaw to others some people can't. The ETA movements used, have currently been seen in some cases to be ETA, and in some cases to be clones of ETA that are lower in quality...meaning that you may ask and pay for ETA...and what you get is a rep movement that is of lower quality. Others have said, that given the choice...a Miyota DG2813 el-cheapo (not El Primero...hah hah) at $15 is more reliable and cheaper and more tinkerable than an ETA...so why go for the ETA? The Noob dial is considered the best...the strap alright and possibly really good with work. The rehaut on the Noobs is famous and recommended... Choose your poison.

I'm a private dancer...dancer for money...any old music will do... When I'm not doing that and welding...Sr. IT Consultant and freelance photographer

I just have to say, that I haven't been here on this forum for very long, but in that time I think I've accumulated a huge amount of knowledge due to generous folks spending time on this forum posting great informtion making RWG an exciting and useful place to be. I've started from having a cheap $20 Canal St type rep to having a few of the best reps ever made, and having the knowledge to spot rep flaws, and even do a little maintenance and tinkering around with the watches. I've learned about tools, parts, modding, etc. Recently, in my experimenting I screwed up a gasket on a watch and posted a question about gasket sizes. In typical RWG fashion, Offshore asks me for a few measurements, and then proceeds to pop a couple in the mail from Australia to Canada. No payment accepted...nothing. All he asked was I keep being a positive contributing member to the forum. If that's not class...nothing is. So, to Offshore, the other mods, admins and uber-members of all sorts...a big Thanks, Mahalo or whatever for making this place awesome...and helping turn this Newb into less of a Newb.

Hi Lani, The pic I had of the one marked "GEN" was from a Spitfire from the Joyful Collection. It looks like the GEN 3717-01/02/04/05 share the same caseback...while the 09 has the Limited Edition St. Exupery Caseback...and the Laureus the special back as well. If you got the one on the left initially with your St. Exupery...that would be incorrect for the 3717-09 from what I understand...but NOT for the 01/02/04/05. A quick surf through Angus and Andrew seems to show that the Classic Pilot's have the right caseback (3717-01/04), but for some reason the factories made a special caseback for the Spitfire (3717-02/05), which according to the Joyful Collection gen samples, should not be the case - the casebacks from what I can find should be the same for the 3717-01/02/04/5. That's funny that the CN factories would go about creating a new back...that is inaccurate. It would have been cheaper to keep the same back as the 3717-01/04 and keep production costs down by reducing inventory variance. SO...if you got a "happy kid drawing" caseback for your Laureus, and a spare one like the pic on the left marked GEN...pop me a PM and I'll buy it off you!! As to doing a hand mod yourself...I know you're smarter than that. You, like me...will leave such matters to the Master Up North.

That blue dial does look good...and I do like the caseback a lot on this one. You have to love that Spitfire dial design...slick! I know the white 3717-02/05 has a very nice satin sheen to it due to the guilloche etching...I can imagine the blue would have the same effect. Very nice. I did a review of the white one here: Toad's Review of the White Spitfire

I agree...I relied on Lady V to determine if I was a Gold Star or Funny. But...in the name of keeping performance sound and thus, costs down for the gang that is doing this as a service to all of us...do what you have to do.

Mmmmm...pistachio gelatto... Can you tell my inspiration for doing these? SD4K's SOH and Cousteau Divers reviews were inspiration for sure...and the pics inspiration from the usual...Stephane, By-Tor, Pix, et al...too many to mention. I also did a Crazy Hours review an the Cousteau Divers review while you were off on vacation.

Thanks again. I only have a couple more reviews planned down the road...then I have to figure out what other reps to get before I do anymore. I never really thought if IWCs very much until I went to the AD and held one in my hand...then...WHOAAH!!

Hah. I'm diggin' the watch...here's my review: Toad's Spitfire Review Inspired by Lanikai's Purchase

While much of the luxury watch market has focussed on the bigger names of horological design and history like Rolex, Patek, Vacheron Constantin the International Watch Company to the general public, has kept a much lower profile. Where those seeking recognition in their luxury pickings will likely pick names like Rolex, Omega and Breitling those in the horological "know" will at some time likely gravitate to IWC. Having a history dating back to 1868, IWC is arguably now considered the brand of choice for watch enthusiasts. Mention IWC in the watch world, and RWG especially, and you will easily find information on the Aquatimer series, and the black dialed 3717-01. The excitement generated by the 3717-01 Classic Pilot's Chrono in spite of its simplicity in design might well make it one of the most popular IWCs and possibly reps ever made. But is this all that IWC has to offer? Is the black dialed cockpit instrument styling all that IWC has to offer? Definitely not. So on that note, welcome to my review of the sleeper IWC hit - my Silix IWC 3717-02/05 Spitfire Chrono. IWC HISTORY While I wrote a summarized history of the IWC company in my post on the 2006 Cousteau Divers Aquatimer available here: - Toad's Review of the IWC Cousteau Divers It should be noted that under the direction of Richemont, the IWC product line has been split into their top of the line pieces like the Grande Complications and Da Vinci

Hi Lani, Mine just arrived today from Jay. Smokin'...that thing is beautiful It is now the classiest of my watches. I actually found the bracelet removal was not as bad as I was expecting. It took 2 tools, and a bent pusher pin...and wearing down 2 of the teeth on 2 of the small forks...but it came off alright (I couldn't find my toothpics). Here's my review: Toad's Review of the IWC Spitfire Chrono

The gen bracelet is close to $1000 CDN...crazy. I'm holding my rep one in my hands, and while I wasn't sold on the bracelet at the AD, holding the rep one in my hand is making me reconsider that it may in fact get some wrist time afterall. The rep bracelet is really nice...brushed face, and polished sides. The clasp is quite nice...secure...no sharp edges. The bracelet is also fully adjustable as ALL the links are removeable. It is a beautiful bracelet...one of the best I've seen...but given that most of my other watches have SS bracelets, I thought I would go tan-croco with this one. I'm posting a review in a few days assuming I can get the pics done in a reasonable timeframe. Stay tuned.

I find the rep chrono band very comfortable...but the screws are a tell if: a) you look for them you know that Omega uses pins not screws unlike the rest of the universe The chrono is a beautiful watch. There's something about the design with the orange hands that adds that subtle bit more interest I find than the Bond. As well, the polished silver lining of the subdial rings adds some class as well. My friends with gens, all have the SMP Pro, non-chrono and their bracelets are all different. The Chrono 9 part bracelet is quite nice.

Taking pics is always good boredom therapy

Must...show...restraint...have new reps to buy. You know what's funny? That, with the super double AR, it helps show the glare from the dial more...as I find the glossy dial and rehaut rings produce a fair bit reflection...NOTHING like the crystal of course.

Inflation will raise prices too remember...and ETA reducing supply. Not that this is quite accurate, but when you're feeling bad about how much reps are costing...just think back to your Newbie days when you were just about to order from somebody on Replica Center...then you will realize they are still cheap.

Back at you!! My 3717-05 should be coming in mid-week...I'll write something up for that one too. I've been accumulating a bunch of gen shots for that. You definitely need to get another one...the blue of the strap matches your ink so well...how can you say no?? Stop posting these pictures please...you're making me want to hurt the bank account sooner than planned...

That new strap looks great with the watch...very retro-retro!!

I can't say I'm a big fan of the design of this watch, but I always enjoy your pics and reviews. That thing does look big...great comparison shot with the subs and the PAMs for comparison. Thanks!!

Thanks!! A comment like this from the IWC Master is greatly appreciated!! Thank you for having a guide to be linked to! @Alant - I'm planning on getting Zig to do the re-lume and servicing...likely in the 9month time frame. I'm going to skip the ETA swap...and hope when ETA stops supplying the 7750 to the rest of the universe, there will be another movement that can be subbed in, in the 5 years AFTER The Zigmeister does the servicing.

I completely agree. Just like my Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch should only be worn by people like me who have been to the moon...and I'm holding off on buying my IWC Doppelchrono Top Gun until 2 weeks from now when I finish my training at the Top Gun school...I was so glad when the fine folks in the Red Light district finally agreed to be mine...so I could finally wear my ultra-Pimp piece:

Rob, is it possible for you to install a sticker as pictured below on any super-AR'd watch to avoid this problem?

If it's 1lb and way cheaper than the RC Tritec...it definitely will NOT be the same stuff. SuperLuminova is the good stuff...there is no equivalent, unfortunately. Once the SuperLuminova is put on...it never needs redoing. Done. But 1gm costs a tonne...so if you have a minimum 1lb order...that's definitely not the same stuff.

I'm not sure how long they will keep hosting the reference pics after the auction close...so I had posted a description of a cross section of watches here: Toad's Reference Guide to Vintage Rollies These pics are hosted offsite so they should last longer.

It sounds like you are really stumbling. There is so much information available on this board, and this question has been asked so many times, that many of the more seasoned veterans get tired of answering this same question over and over again. The usual response is to use the search button to look up vendor reviews, then to use the search button to look up user experiences with BCE's. This website is not here to help you find a quality vendor necessarily, but to allow members to share information about their experiences...and those experiences over many posts, will lead you to decide on what vendor is right for you. It's not as simple as "vendor A" is the best...as it depends on what you value most: communication, price, speediness of delivery, where you live, etc. To help you on your way: Breitling Area Community Guide to Best Breitling Reps Trade Reviews Read the above...read the experiences of different users from the different vendors...use the search function, and you should be in good shape. If you want your journey into rep watches to be a simple single best vendor recommendation and to be finished with that, this is likely not the best forum for you. We encourage you to grab a drink, give yourself a couple hours to research and read, and then have the excitement of placing your first order and having that watch arrive in your hand. When you learn how much amazing information is available on this board, we always encourage people to pay for a Supporter class membership as a way of contributing back to the community for all the free information that is available here for you. Remember...have fun with this...and don't spend more than you can afford to lose...as these are replica watches with a really clunky "warranty" service arrangement.