Bark3rd Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Its just such a cool watch, I know it has its inaccuracies but who wouldnt want a gen of one of these! My question is how do you wear it? It is a lot of watch to wear around Rolex hounds (my business brings me around these types). Although I carry the reps well (always in suit and tie) not sure about this one ($98 Josh Asia). If anyone ever asks if I have a rep on I just say "maybe, maybe not-you tell me" as I own many gens as well. Ive only been called out once, on purpose really-wanted to see if the GMT would fool my boss who is a big time collector. Came close, he's so good he figured it out when messing with the crown/movement. We had a good laugh and he was very impressed with it. Anyway, my only other reps are pretty good ones like the Retro GMT, UPO, and GMT2C. But, the DRSD is a different story, not at all like pulling off a GMT or Sub. So, how do you rock one of these? Will I be called out all the time? Should I beat it up and make it look old? Honestly, I dont get off on being called out, I'd rather avoid it. Not sure if the DRSD is for me, seems like Id be explaining it too often. Few other reps, in my opinion, present this particular problem of rarity (not counting very poor reps-thats a different deal). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 If you want a vintage that you can wear around gen rolex people then you are gunna be out of luck unless you want to spend a grand or so. The new Exp2 1655 from Josh is OK, but its still not going to fool anyone who knows vintage Rolex. The only out of the box DRSD you could wear and maybe get away with would be a MBW but i would go for the much more comon white dial and not the double red. Double reds are $25,000 in the real world and pretty freekin rare. Keep your eyes on the sales section for a nice modded 1665. You can pick one up for about $400 and up depending on parts and quality etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alligoat Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Andrew Shear was selling a MK4 gen, 5.25mill SN for $22,500 over at VRM yesterday. I keep thinking I've seen lesser examples for sale in the $15K range. Of course, no one has ever really questioned me about any of my reps (or gens for that matter), but like Dizzy, I stay away from the DRSD because they are so expensive these days. I opted for the GWSD rep and have enjoyed it, and I consider it a little less conspicuous. But if someone asked about one of my reps like the GWSD, I'd admit that it's like a late 70's SD but that I'd built it from parts. Good GWSD's run $9-10K these days, so what's wrong with building a good rep for $500? Reps are a great way for watchaholics to control their addiction w/o going broke or having to get divorced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reginald37 Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Totally relate to this. I have 2 "watch guys" I see all the time, one my boss who wears a Zenith and a Chopard, the other another co-worker with a Blancpain. Since they know what I make they have no problem believeing my DSSD of even my vintage GMT are gen, but I would never rock a DRSD or Comex or something like the Chronopassion, because they would defitely ask about them and the gig is up.....5k I could own, 35k not so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 The thing about a watch like the DRSD is that only serious collectors will know (or appreciate it for) what it is. The vast majority of people you will come across do not know the difference between a Rolex Sub & a Seadweller, let alone a DRSD. On the other hand, if you expect to be wearing a rep DRSD among watch enthusiasts (& I am not referring here to the average Rolex owner - who knows NOTHING about the vagaries of vintage Rolexes), I would either choose something else or be prepared to spend a bit of time/money to construct a believable franken (mixture of gen & accurate aftermarket parts). Most fake DRSDs look that way. Research gens here & then compare to reps before hitting the Buy button. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Will I be called out all the time? Probably not. Like Freddy said, most people have no idea what it is, and the red lettering means nothing to them. They'd have no reason to question it, but might comment on "why is that red?" Should I beat it up and make it look old? That isn't always a good indication of age. Lots of vintage watches still look pretty good. But there will be an overall sheen of "It's been worn. A LOT." Honestly, I dont get off on being called out, I'd rather avoid it. I think you've answered your own question. Most people won't know what a DRSD is, so no biggie. But the people that do know live in pretty rare atmosphere and when you're called out, you won't just get a curious glance ... more like full-on scorn. Not pretty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bark3rd Posted May 11, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2011 I appreciate your replies, this hobby is funny! Had a mgmt luncheon with my boss present yesterday, right away I spotted he was sporting a new "limited edition" Bvulgari yellow gold Chrono, an awesome honker. No one else at the Tag and Sub infested table noticed, at the end of the meeting I complimented him on it. He ate it up! Lol, he knows I like watches and would have been disappointed if I hadn't noticed it. Unfortunately, he is the type that knows ALOT about watches but has no love for reps. I just wear my gens when I know I will be around him. I would like to build a nice 1680 or something, really not too interested in a regular old Sub, our company gives them out for awards so everyone has them. They also give out gold Presidents and the winners are expected to wear them. Argh! Wouldn't it be hilarious if when I win one of those (and I will) I sell it and replace it with a super rep! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJGladeRaider Posted May 11, 2011 Report Share Posted May 11, 2011 I've told the story a few times on here, but it's a good one so I'll tell it again. I wore my Ziggied MBW DRSD into the Rolex dealer at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. I wanted to see the new (at that time) GMT with the ceramic bezel. The young lady showing it to me asked what I was wearing so I handed it to her. She looked it over, twisted the bezel and then asked it it was broken or a fake. I asked why and she observed that the bezel twisted both ways and didn't click. The old guy at the end of the counter perked right up. He hustled over, took one look and got out a pair of white cotton gloves. He snatched the watch out of her hands and looked it over carefully. Then he asked if I knew what it was. When I told him of course I knew what it was, he said he couldn't believe I was actually wearing it. I assured him that I only wore it when I knew it would be appreciated! LOL When returning from a biz trip to Panama, the young Customs guy asked to see my watch. I took it off and handed it to him and told him that I didn't get it in Panama - I told him the watch was probably older than he was. He looked me straight in the eye and said he knew EXACTLY what it was - he just never actually saw one in real life. Double LOL I was at Sports Authority here and an older guy pulled in next to me with the identical Corvette convertible in yellow. We got to talking and I noticed his watch - a very impressive piece but I cannot recall what it was. He had a pretty strong accent (I thought maybe German) and told me that he has been in the watch business most of his life. His factory made the dials for Tudor watches years ago. I showed him mine, a Ziggied 1680, and he was very impressed with it. So, "Yes," you can most definitely wear the vintages without concerns. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panerai153 Posted May 11, 2011 Report Share Posted May 11, 2011 I have a pretty well modded DRSD, and I wear it everywhere. I've worn it into AD's and lots of areas where there might be other watch lovers (not down here where I live!!) At any rate, I never worried that it wouldn't stand up to scrutiny, as everything is genuine except a very good aftermarket dial, and the MBW case. My feelings are if you expect to wear it around folks who are fairly knowledgable about watches, you need to have a believable example. I don't think any of the current crop of "Vintage Rolex" watches from the various dealers fall into that catagory. If you build up one from a MBW, or one of the other very good cases (Phong, , etc.) you can put together a 1665 or 1680 that would pass the scrutiny of all but the most knowledgable of vintage Rolex folks. I have said before and I really believe that if you look like someone who could afford a nice watch, and have the presence to wear one, you will probably not be scrutinized nearly as closely. If you look like you can afford it, most folks will assume you can. On the other hand if the 17 year old guy who is working at the local hardware store, loading potting soil, and lumber is wearing a Rolex I'm going to be pretty skeptical. He may have saved up for the watch since he was 14 or it could be a graduation present from his family, but that would be the exception rather than the rule. As far as encounters with anyone other than the "rare as hen's teeth" true vintage Rolex expert, most folks wouldn't know a DRSD from a DSSD or even a Rolex from any other black dial, S/S dive watch. Honestly, unless you are a WIS, you probablyt never even give another guys watch a second glance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted May 11, 2011 Report Share Posted May 11, 2011 Nice stories, B! I was wearing my modded MBW DRSD and popped into a store for some tools. As I left I saw the jewelry department had something big going on so I detoured inside. Lo and behold, there's all these guys in suits with trays of the new Rolex models (this was about 5 years ago). They assured me I needed to sit down at the expensive glass counter and have an expensive cup of coffee in an expensive glass cup, while they trotted out these sparkly new watches about which I cared not a whit. All real watches wear acrylic domed crystals, after all. So I held a few and clucked my tongue and "admired" them, wishing I could escape (in their defense the coffee was very good) until an elderly gent wandered by behind the counter, doing the Grandfather Time impression, just as I reached for another model. My sleeve slid up and lovely stainless steel glittered. He glanced down, and did the world's biggest Deer-In-The-Headlights impersonation. Imagine The Scream by Edvard Munch and you're close. With muted voice, barely above a whisper, he muttered "My God, that's a RED" and reached with trembling hands. "May I??" I didn't have the heart to say no, so I handed it over the counter, asking him to please hold it above a padded surface (like it's never been bashed on a rock before??). With the utmost care and reverence ... I swear he had his staff put on Durufle's Requiem as he held it ... he asked if he could work the movement, I said sure, why not? So he gently unscrewed the crown, he smiled with near ecstasy at the feel of the threads, and he (wait for it....) turned the crown. That's right, he set the time on an old steel tool watch. As if it was the Mona Lisa or something. I doubt anyone but his wife has ever seen that expression on his face. I didn't have the heart to tell him it was a fake. I think he would have cursed me in a dozen languages and thrown me out, or burst into tears. I'm not sure which. Anyway, yeah you can wear the beasties. But you're on thin ice. Ya gotta know your limitations. You've got to be prepared with an answer for when the question comes. "Is it real?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJGladeRaider Posted May 11, 2011 Report Share Posted May 11, 2011 Nice stories, B! Anyway, yeah you can wear the beasties. But you're on thin ice. Ya gotta know your limitations. You've got to be prepared with an answer for when the question comes. "Is it real?" I'm prepared . . . "I dunno, I took it off a dead guy." LOL Bill 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted May 11, 2011 Report Share Posted May 11, 2011 BWAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! Best answer ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highoeyazmuhudee Posted May 11, 2011 Report Share Posted May 11, 2011 easiest/cheapest franken rep rolex to pull off IMO is a glossy 5513 non franken WM9 16610 all that thing needed was a gen insert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeSentier Posted May 12, 2011 Report Share Posted May 12, 2011 Guys, I really love your stories, and I am with you on your experiences. But: I remember there was a rule, never ever take a rep into an AD... This is one thing we always tell a noob. Or am I wrong..? Best,J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bones Posted May 12, 2011 Report Share Posted May 12, 2011 and he (wait for it....) turned the crown. That's right, he set the time on an old steel tool watch. As if it was the Mona Lisa or something. I doubt anyone but his wife has ever seen that expression on his face. Not that I want to disparage your story, but surely as he turns the crown and realises that the hands move in the opposite way from a gen Rolex movement he would realise it wasn't real? (Forgive me if I'm wrong on that particular detail but that's what I thought was a big tell ETA vs Gen R calibre movements) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panerai153 Posted May 12, 2011 Report Share Posted May 12, 2011 Not that I want to disparage your story, but surely as he turns the crown and realises that the hands move in the opposite way from a gen Rolex movement he would realise it wasn't real? (Forgive me if I'm wrong on that particular detail but that's what I thought was a big tell ETA vs Gen R calibre movements) That's why to take it to that final step, you have to have a genuine movement as well. :thumbsupsmileyanim: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ta8088 Posted June 3, 2011 Report Share Posted June 3, 2011 One of these days I'm going to embark on a vintage project of this caliber. Like the stories as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jkay Posted June 3, 2011 Report Share Posted June 3, 2011 I agree with some other posters here; if you are concerned with being called out for wearing a super-rare "red" ... then build a nice WHITE .. at $4000 they are within your believability range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highoeyazmuhudee Posted June 3, 2011 Report Share Posted June 3, 2011 I agree with some other posters here; if you are concerned with being called out for wearing a super-rare "red" ... then build a nice WHITE .. at $4000 they are within your believability range. alright, whatdya got there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted June 3, 2011 Report Share Posted June 3, 2011 Not that I want to disparage your story, but surely as he turns the crown and realises that the hands move in the opposite way from a gen Rolex movement he would realise it wasn't real? Oh, no need for apologies. I just compared them, and on both the rep and the gen the hands turn the same way when you turn the crown: clockwise with the crown produces anticlockwise with the hands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cht Posted June 3, 2011 Report Share Posted June 3, 2011 (edited) Wow, first, really enjoyed reading the stories guys! I wouldn't go with a DRSD either unless it was a franken work of art, which there are many on this forum. A $100 fake to me (and mind you, I realize we are INDEED on a replica watch forum) would just be disrepctful to the original. Though franken builds do not hold the value of a gen article, they certianly demonstrate a wealth of knowledge from the builder who is recreating that piece. I feel learning these little details is kinda a weird form of respect, like getting to know a person. A mildly modded franken single red sub or as stated, a great white, would be appropriate in my opinion. These are def my most enjoyable timepieces to wear bar none. Edited June 3, 2011 by cht Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanuq Posted June 3, 2011 Report Share Posted June 3, 2011 Wow those are two gorgeous pieces!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casca Posted June 23, 2011 Report Share Posted June 23, 2011 I loved to read this stories, keeping cool in that situation without breaking out in a laugh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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