Here is the real question: Why gens?
Six reasons not to buy gens:
- A rep may be a rep but more importantly a watch is a watch. A decent watch (rep or gen) can last a long time. Both need servicing. The rep needs it up front but not all gens are properly serviced as new
- Any moron can do it. All it takes is money.
- In effect, buy it, wear it, so what. That is wear modding comes in.
- Ultimately gens break just like all watches do. Repair is 5 times as much when they do.
- The gen will typically decline 20-40% (unless you pay big bucks or are close with a large dealer such that you can get truly limited edition watches)
- That 20-40% decline in price of the gen from new to used exceeds the cost of the rep in the first place. And you haven't tied up thousands in capital.
Three Reasons to Buy Gens:
- Because you can. It does feel good.
- You don't want any hassle after the fact - now where is the fun in that.
- You actually have the money to buy that $100,000 watch which features the Swiss guy (maybe not Swiss) lurking over his bench making your individual movement for a year such that you have a work of art as opposed to a mass produced branded watch. Go watch the Rolex videos. They are advertising their advancements in tooling not the skills of their watchsmith.
And this is coming from a person who has bought, given to significant others or been given gens from AP, Breguet, Breitling, Cartier, Panerai, RGM,etc.
Modding is a blast. If you enjoy the result, think of all the other ways you piss away that kind of money. And that is why I mod.