DemonSlayer

At first I found it difficult to tell them apart, but now I can tell and I've been correct every time so far. Theres two ways; 1)Look at the side of the crystal, the mineral has a green/blue tint, whereas the sapphire is 'white' or clear. 2)The other common method I use is to just tap the crystal with my finger nail. The mineral crystal always gives a distinct 'tink' sound which is higher pitched than the sound given off the sapphire, as btocamelo mentioned.

I have fitted several rep UPO straps to the case using gen-sized spring bars, and I have experienced the same problem. I recall spending a couple of hours on my first attempt at doing this It can be done, but the spring bars have to be curved in at the ends, I used pliers to do this. It all depends on the case, some of these are drilled well, others are sh!t and unfortunately I have mostly ended up with the crap ones, the holes are not in the optimum location.

I had an appointment this afternoon with a ENT consultant at a hospital in London. While I'm in the waiting room, I notice a guy, probably in his late 60's wearing what was either a really bad Black Daytona rep or a homage. He was a few seats away from me so I couldn't get a really good look at the dial, but the crownguards were nothing like the genuine, they were curved in and looked totally off. After about half an hour, I get called into the consultants room. He was very sharply dressed, looked like a banker/city trader. I notice his watch, he's wearing a nice Montblanc Timewalker Chrono silver dial on a nice chocolate brown strap. This had to be gen I thought, guy is reasonably well paid, he looked like he was in his mid to late 50's, he could most certainly afford the real thing. Luckily this time I had a chance to get a real good look at the watch face, and I noticed the large center seconds hand was sweeping smoothly, so I assumed he must have his chronograph running. However upon observing closely at the subdials, none of them were ticking! I was going to comment "nice watch, thats a Montblanc Timewalker I see, I am into watches too," (I was wearing my rep Skyland) but then upon seeing it was definitely a rep, I decided no to I'm regretting it now actually as he might have been an open rep collector and we could have had a short discussion about reps. He then gives me a letter to give back to the receptionist, so I'm now waiting in the queue. Theres a guy standing next to me, a couple of feet away. He looked to be in his late 20's, was dressed like a "gangsta", "bad boy" "badman" (you get the picture )I then noticed he was wearing a nice looking watch, I noticed the Rolex coronet on the clasp! He turns his wrist, I then got a chance to look at the dial, and lo and behold, it was a white gold Rolex Daytona 'Black Widow': Now I didn't get a really good look at the dial, and even if I did I don't think I would have had the knowledge to spot it as a rep (if it was one). However I realise this is quite controversial, but it really didn't seem like he could afford the genuine watch (the gen retails for $20K plus?). This was based on a number of things, his age, how he was dressed and just his general demeanour. However I assumed the rep MB Timewalker was a gen as worn by the consultant, due to his salary and the way he was dressed. All in all, this is a record for me. I have never before spotted what I believe to be 3 reps (4 if you include mine) , in the same building, in the same room and at practically the same time! It was either total coincidence or reps are becoming common.

Cougaree and others, brilliant post! I very much needed to read that as I was going off the rails in terms of rep purchases not that long ago. I'll definitely take on board what you and others have said here, its really good advice for someone like me

Amazing work, looks very gen-like to my eyes. I need to get my Skyland done one day.. hmmm

Thanks for the tutorial Francisco. I was really hoping that the new tube would be a straight swap, how unfortunate. Importantly however it does allow for a second option instead of being stuck with 'gen tube + crown'.

Reported,

Fantastic review bro I can't remember the last time I read a review by you!

Yes a V3, very nice watch (I have one). If you paid a premium for the V2 (they cost quite a bit more) I would contact the dealer and ask to refund the difference.

If you can handle a 45mm, or if you prefer a 45mm I would go with the UPO. If you prefer the 42mm size, theres a new one in the works scheduled to be released in June/July, its touted to be the "ultimate" 42mm version. If you're on a really tight budget, go with Reg's A21J version.

+1 Sometimes its quicker, easier and cheaper to just order a replacement watch, in this case I would go with FxrAndy's recommendation.

As long as you have no problem de-casing the movement, it shouldn't be too difficult. However I have read that occasionally the tube is so tightly fixed to the case that you have to drill it out. Also, you have to be careful when removing the stem from the rep crown, if you're not careful you can break the stem.

In the men's version the movement would certainly be a DG2813, this is the case with the majority of asian auto 21J reps mens reps. I am not sure if reps of women's watches use the same movement, try searching on the forum if this is the case, or post a new topic, you might get a faster response.

The movement you will need is most likely a DG2813. In fact I'm certain this is it, as this is the preferred movement used by the rep manufacturers of the "asian automatic" watches. Did you pay $100 or under for the watch? If you did then its the DG2813 you want.

Yes it's quite strange, I have a Skyland which is a beast of a watch, but IT looks more balanced and fits better on my wrist than the UPO. I believe he has a gen insert only, not the complete bezel assembly as Ubiquitous has on his v4 42mm PO. But then its really the insert that makes the biggest difference, the UPO bezel feels and looks gen-like. In any case, thats a fine watch you have I too hope to franken my UPO one day when finances are better.

You can purchase watch movements from most watch materials house's. Depending on your location, if your're in the EU try Cousins or if you're in USA try Ofrei. E-bay is another option and quite often there are sellers from asia selling watch movements and parts. Good luck

It sounds like quite a serious problem with the movement, and probably won't be an easy fix unless you have skill on working with movements. A replacement movement can be purchased for around $10 (ask the dealer(s) if they can source you one). Thereafter you can either install it yourself (not recommended unless you have experience) or have a watchmaker install the movement.

Which makes it possible for the 4th gen 42mm PO to be that little bit closer to the gen as compared to the 45mm UPO. As much as I like my UPO, I really hope the new 42mm PO in the works is going to be in the same leauge as the 'super-reps'. I think it would fit better on my wrist over the UPO.

This sounds very interesting Francisco. It would be great to be able to fix the tube issue for a fraction of the cost of going to the gen crown & tube route.

This is unbelievable, he even posts a pic of the movement to reveal its a cheap A21J movement, and people still feel they're getting an authentic product Cheap SMP rep on bay

Most dealers sell the version known as "V3", but occasionally the V2 does pop up. This one has a higher quality AR coating, but has more inaccuracies than the V3. Some members prefer the ETA 7750 over the A7750 because they believe its more robust and reliable. While this is generally true, according to RWG watchmaker TheZigmeister, the A7750 once serviced is as good as the ETA 7750. Additionally, the ETA 7750, like all movements, works at its best when it has been serviced. Theres no guarantee that the ETA 7750 our dealers supply are new, so they may well require a servicing, that is if you don't want to wear and tear the movement down

Today was the first time I've logged in here for over a month, I've had so much on my mind and I had to take a break from a few things, RWG being one of them. I've really missed this place and the friends I have here. Guys, thank you so much for your kind words and support I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate it. Mtv2009, I'm glad you like the watch

What a wicked collection b16! Most of them are pretty much what I would wear. Collection looks a lot different since we talked last Hope you enjoy them

I would try Hont for sourcing dials, he's a dealer on RWI.

Narikaa or e-bay