Planning on Ordering 1st IWC Rep

[glkatz81]

Hi everyone. 1st I want to say thanks - I have learned more about rep watches in the last 24 hours then I ever thought possible (stumbled upon this forum while looking for rep watches / trying not to get ripped off online). I have a few noob questions and hopefully I won't get flamed for asking (though I did show my "respect" for this site and its community by purchasing a 6 month membership so hopefully that will allow me some slack).

First I wanted to introduce myself to you guys and girls as I plan on being as productive a member of this community as someone just getting into things can be.

I've been in love w/the IWC 3717 for some time now. I know this is a watch I'll really enjoy having. My question centers around all I've learned here in the last 24 hours. At first I thought you buy a rep from a quality dealer and you're good to go. It didn't take me long to realize that to get the most possible out of a rep it makes sense to have it modded (apologies if incorrect term) by someone like concepta. My question is process - do I buy the watch from a 3rd party dealer such as Joshua, who has great reviews, or concepta himself? I will of course send a PM, however, I was just wondering how folks usually approach things. It seems like a lot of time mailing a watch back and forth if you know what you want - might as well just go out and get it right off.

I will also look at the various sales sections on the site, however, I like the idea of dealing w/someone who is known for their work w/IWC.

Well again thank you all for what is a great resource and looks to be a fun community - look forward to getting to know you all.

Thanks.

Gabe

[boneventura]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I guess the answer to your question depends on your goal: do you want an awesome, close to gen watch or are you looking for a hobby?

A lot of guys here take pride and joy in the process of getting the (gen) parts together, and modding the watches piece by piece. Some of them do it theirselfs, but others (like me) use the rep-friendly watchmakers on the forum. On you side of the Atlantic that would be Chieftang, The Zigmeister, Vaccuum for instance, but there are more.

[paneristi_man]

Hi everyone. 1st I want to say thanks - I have learned more about rep watches in the last 24 hours then I ever thought possible (stumbled upon this forum while looking for rep watches / trying not to get ripped off online). I have a few noob questions and hopefully I won't get flamed for asking (though I did show my "respect" for this site and its community by purchasing a 6 month membership so hopefully that will allow me some slack).

First I wanted to introduce myself to you guys and girls as I plan on being as productive a member of this community as someone just getting into things can be.

I've been in love w/the IWC 3717 for some time now. I know this is a watch I'll really enjoy having. My question centers around all I've learned here in the last 24 hours. At first I thought you buy a rep from a quality dealer and you're good to go. It didn't take me long to realize that to get the most possible out of a rep it makes sense to have it modded (apologies if incorrect term) by someone like concepta. My question is process - do I buy the watch from a 3rd party dealer such as Joshua, who has great reviews, or concepta himself? I will of course send a PM, however, I was just wondering how folks usually approach things. It seems like a lot of time mailing a watch back and forth if you know what you want - might as well just go out and get it right off.

I will also look at the various sales sections on the site, however, I like the idea of dealing w/someone who is known for their work w/IWC.

Well again thank you all for what is a great resource and looks to be a fun community - look forward to getting to know you all.

Thanks.

Gabe

Welcome! You didn't mention a budget or how much tolerance you have for tells in a rep. In anything you pay for what you get. Budget and your feelings about how close the watch should be plays a key part in whether you buy from a dealer like joshua or going to some modder. The modder path is usually more expensive given that they take the watch to the next level e.g swapping in gen movements, ar, luming,etc.

my take is if you are new to the game start with a moderately priced (e.g <$300) rep and go from there.a lot of the reps from dealers are already pretty damn good, so usually if you pick the well-repped reps you don't have to go the modding path.

Cheers

P M

[glkatz81]

Welcome! You didn't mention a budget or how much tolerance you have for tells in a rep. In anything you pay for what you get. Budget and your feelings about how close the watch should be plays a key part in whether you buy from a dealer like joshua or going to some modder. The modder path is usually more expensive given that they take the watch to the next level e.g swapping in gen movements, ar, luming,etc.

my take is if you are new to the game start with a moderately priced (e.g <$300) rep and go from there.a lot of the reps from dealers are already pretty damn good, so usually if you pick the well-repped reps you don't have to go the modding path.

Cheers

P M

Hey guys - thanks again for all the help. I pulled the trigger on the 3717 (http://www.1-pc8838.com/iw02009-spitfire-chrono-37172-ssle-a7750-chronos-28800bph-p-4167.html) w/brown strap. Pretty fired up. Joshua was a pleasure to deal with - quick reply to all emails. I'll post pics upon receipt.

Gabe

[FxrAndy]

Welcome Gabe

And Hey well done on the VIP

[glkatz81]

I just received the picture of what I most certainly feel will be the first of many purchases. She will always hold a special place in my heart as the 1st! Can't wait for her to arrive.

I can't say it enough - Joshua was great to deal with.

I'll be sure to post pics upon receipt.

[Jkay]

Most importantly ... don't go crazy while waiting .. don't email the dealer again and again asking for updates .. MANY people do this and it just makes everything move more slowly when dealers have to answer more and more mails.

Next ... ditch that rep strap and get a nice one .. it will make a 100% improvement.

[glkatz81]

Most importantly ... don't go crazy while waiting .. don't email the dealer again and again asking for updates .. MANY people do this and it just makes everything move more slowly when dealers have to answer more and more mails.

Next ... ditch that rep strap and get a nice one .. it will make a 100% improvement.

Agreed. What can be said other than "it's between other end of the world and NYC." It will be here soon enough.

Do you have any straps you'd suggest for this particular watch? I got dizzy enough narrowing down my choices to one watch, any help that could be provided re: strap suggestions would be appreciated. Something similar in appearance to what is currently in the pic would probably work well as I can wear it for work / going out.

Thanks.

[Jkay]

A genuine crocodile strap in black or brown would be perfect .. keep it thin ... I think a thick strap would ruin the look.

Too many people buy a "$30,000" replica and keep it on the original "2 cents" strap.

[boneventura]

These are populair on the forum and cheaper then the gen. Quality is very good:

The Watch Boys

[Toadtorrent]

A genuine crocodile strap in black or brown would be perfect .. keep it thin ... I think a thick strap would ruin the look.

Too many people buy a "$30,000" replica and keep it on the original "2 cents" strap.

You'd be surprised...a moderately thick strap is really nice with this one...gives it a bit more sporty "oomph" than a thin one. Great rep!! Big congrats, and keep us posted on it's arrival and your impression of it when it arrives.

I wear it a lot with a DiModell strap that can get wet.

[glkatz81]

Total Noob question as I wait patiently, but "anxiously" for the watch - what do you guys do re: the buckle? I don't see one w/the IWC per the rep I'm receiving, the gen, etc.

I assume the buckles are for sale, and I'll do some digging, but just wondering if you usually buy buckle w/the strap (i.e., already attached), piece it together or something else entirely.

Thanks for help as always.

Gabe

[ChipSlap]

Sometimes the buckles come up for sale here in the Tools & Parts section.

[ChipSlap]

I should have added this:

http://www.puretimewatch.com/product/iwc-deplyment-buckle/

[glkatz81]

The watch just arrived and looks great ! I will be sure to post pics shortly (though need to read the tutorial re: taking pics of watches so I don't upload some pics of awful quality).

I'm going to pick up a new strap on a deployment buckle as well - I like those much better.

Very happy w/the purchase - now I have to go hunt for my 2nd purchase !

I can't say enough good things about Joshua - 8 days from order to my door and watch as advertised.

Finally, are there user guides floating around on RWG / online for these watches? I'm trying to locate one as again I'm a TOTAL noob to this world. First watch I've worn in 15 years !

Gabe

[Hugo Alves]

The watch just arrived and looks great ! I will be sure to post pics shortly (though need to read the tutorial re: taking pics of watches so I don't upload some pics of awful quality).

I'm going to pick up a new strap on a deployment buckle as well - I like those much better.

Very happy w/the purchase - now I have to go hunt for my 2nd purchase !

I can't say enough good things about Joshua - 8 days from order to my door and watch as advertised.

Finally, are there user guides floating around on RWG / online for these watches? I'm trying to locate one as again I'm a TOTAL noob to this world. First watch I've worn in 15 years !

Gabe

check this thread out if you havent done so.. My link

many answers will be there... and if they are not, dont be afraid to ask, we all once were a total noob as well...

but most importantly enjoy your new watch.

[glkatz81]

These are populair on the forum and cheaper then the gen. Quality is very good:

The Watch Boys

Just wondering - are even the $40 straps a step up from the one that comes w/the rep or should I spring for the $110 strap to see a real difference? Have never seen either strap in person (obviously) so thoughts are appreciated.

Thank you.

Gabe

[Adz]

Good question, I'd be interested to know also!

[denverbass79]

I think you get what you pay for in straps. My favorite IWC strap maker is a guy named Peter, they're Thai, awesome quality. Tried the watch boys, sent it back. Not even close.

[glkatz81]

I think you get what you pay for in straps. My favorite IWC strap maker is a guy named Peter, they're Thai, awesome quality. Tried the watch boys, sent it back. Not even close.

Do you have a link to a website for Peter? Thank you.

[vlydog]

I think you get what you pay for in straps. My favorite IWC strap maker is a guy named Peter, they're Thai, awesome quality. Tried the watch boys, sent it back. Not even close.

would be interested in Peter's contact information also please.

[Hugo Alves]

best would be if you could give us some more details, like costs, contact and some pictures of those straps...

[loopy29]

Same here. Peter details please

[Klockis]

Here is Peters (Watchacc)contact info:

http://forums.watchnet.com/index.php?t=tree&goto=369773&rid=0

He make fantstic straps! I have one on my Concepta 3714 Portuguesse.

Expect about 4-6 week since all straps are custom made.