I suspect there are not many folks who know where to go for Cartier parts other than the dealers and increasingly the dealers are not being particularly helpful on parts unless you are a frequent flyer.
Great post and a must read for anyone who didn't already know how to change the strap. I have changed a bunch and picked up a new trick. Use a stationary screwdriver on one side. Thanks.
Reps are ultimately assembled by hand. Most lower end gens are by machine. In fact the lower end gens have mechanized QC. There are a dozen other reasons - potentially inferior parts, etc. What I am curious to know is whether folks who buy reps advertised as water resistant and don't open the case have had problems.
guess no one told the seller that better reps come from China rather than Taiwan other than an occasional TW best Rolex. My advice is to stay the f away.
There is at least one floating around somewhere. I really don't know who has it but as far as I know it has not been put to use. Put out a WTB on the forums.
Really nice piece. Great combo. What I like about the Hublot's is that there are so many variants you literally can mix and match anything and on the wrist even AD's (other than dedicated boutiques) have no idea.
The insert is the black ring surrounding the crystal which sits embedded in the actual bezel. A gen insert really upgrades a rep so it is a real boon to be able to use one.
I am not sure it is a glib response. Under his guidelines you approved the QC pics. By the way, how do you (or he) know they sent the one in the pic if they are so close? I would hope Angus would come to some accomodation with you although the problem with parts is that it probably doesn't make economic sense for you to ship it back to get another one.
I am speculating. There has obviously been a change in policy either at the dealer or factory level. If Factory original stocks were seized and they want to keep pumping out new models the old ones are going to suffer delays in restocking inventory. If the dealers aren't stocking because there is no money on it the whole thing can compound on itself. The fact that a dealer actually suggested that you pay the money in order to incent the Factory to make or deliver more is very revealing. Dealers have no power. My own conclusion is that you have to think long and hard (read as don't do it) before making an advanced payment for anything other than a new watch in the pre-order period.
I haven't seen one in the flesh but I suspect it will be fairly good. The gen boxes are, frankly, not that impressive. Just make sure you get the right one. It will depend on what series your caseback says.