rrari1 Posted April 1, 2012 Report Share Posted April 1, 2012 Hi Guys, I have been researching reps for a while, but have just signed up for this forum recently. The first watch that I wanted to get was a Rolex Daytona, but I quickly learned that these are terrible reps to buy, as the mod used to get the chronograph dials working is quite troublesome and so the rep essentially does not work well. I also wanted a A Lange & Sohne 1 rep, but the ones I have seen online are really shoddy looking, and I wonder if it is almost impossible to replicate, as the back of the gen is just so beautifully detailed. I learned that the Sub is the most replicated watch, so expected it to be one of the best reps, but it seems there are lots of obvious tells to experts. I quite like the deepsea, but read on here that while the noob rep is good, it is not great. Also it is a very thick watch which makes it hard to wear on a day to day basis. My question is what reps are the "super reps"? I have heard that the noob Panerai reps are almost 1:1, but unfortunately I dont love the look of Panerai watches. Are there any other watches that are replicated to an extremely high standard? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gran Posted April 1, 2012 Report Share Posted April 1, 2012 I think replicas might not be for you rrari1....I have been around since 2003 or so and there simply is not a perfect replica and if there is, then is not the one you want.... get a watch you like and start from there...or better just forget about the whole replica thing...a 1:1 watch is no good if you do not like it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rrari1 Posted April 1, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2012 Thanks Gran, I guess my question is a little foolish. I guess what I really mean is for a beginner, what are the really decent reps out there, that look quite good, and can be expected to be somewhat reliable. To give a bit of history, while I have never bought a rep before I have bought about four chinese mechanical watches. Over the last few years I bought a number of Alpha watches, all of which looked quite nice, but which did not really last long. One of them still works, but the bracelet broke. The others failed reasonably quickly. Problems like the crowns coming off when winding, or just generally never keeping good time. I guess I am looking for something of better quality than that, so need a better movement, but also want a watch that looks somewhat decent and is not a really obvious fake like the A Lange & Sohne reps. Is there a short list of reps I should start looking at? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
It'sAboutTime Posted April 1, 2012 Report Share Posted April 1, 2012 I've purchased two reps so far, a Planet Ocean and a Ceramic Sub, and both of them are better quality than the Alpha I bought last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas1999 Posted April 1, 2012 Report Share Posted April 1, 2012 (edited) You'll never be satisfied with a rep so don't bother getting into the hobby. Edited April 1, 2012 by Texas1999 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HartDoc Posted April 1, 2012 Report Share Posted April 1, 2012 (edited) I think you are better off looking at a gen. Check out a used Seiko or Hamilton If you dont care for used. Look at an Orient, or a Sea-gull. All make great quality watches around a price point that wont break the bank. I guess I am looking for something of better quality than that, so need a better movement, but also want a watch that looks somewhat decent and is not a really obvious fake like the A Lange & Sohne reps. Is there a short list of reps I should start looking at? Thanks. Edited April 2, 2012 by HartDoc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomhorn Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 There are many reps that are of good quality and very close to gen. You need to look for those pieces that are based on movements that are repped, and not in-house movements (like the Lange you mention) with complications the Chinese aren't going to bother with duplicating. Simple 3 hand, manual wind seconds at 6 or 9, or the 6-9-12 chronos would be where to start. All depends on what you like, and how much you are willing to spend. Narrow it down and you could get some recommendations, or keep reading as there is a lot of information here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hettijo Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Look what is asked the most by members. Meaning that those reps will be most look like a gen one. So I would go for a brand you really like and then read the forum about tips from other members to find out what is the best rep for that brand. I like panerai and they are really good replica's. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logan Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 There are loads of very good reps, the best ones tend by the most popular genuine brands.. so Anything from Breitling, Omega, Rolex, Panerai and Hublot can be pretty good. Less know brands can vary but there are some good ones. Stick to the trusted dealers here and read up on the model you like first and you'll get some nice results. As others have said there is no perfect.. but you can get bloody close. Set realistic expectations and you'll enjoy the hobby, but expect the impossible and you'll only be disappointed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adeodatus Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Why wouldn't he be satisfied with reps ? Sure he will. If you are looking for a good chrono check out this thread: There are plenty of good non chronos as well. You've mentioned dssd. black subs are good. omega planet ocean. Some iwcs are also good Read the reviews in each brand forum or in "other brand" forum, and deside for yourself. Also a good idea would be visiting the daily wrist check thread to see what members are wearing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgtguk Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 There are some great reps out there at the moment, it just depends on how much like Gen you expect them to be or if you just like the look of the watch itself I for one wasn't really into the Pam's but I picked up an 029 a few months back which I really like and it's supposed to be pretty much spot on to Gen Like some of the guys have said have a look at the wristies every day that'll give you some food for thought and have a really good look around the forum there is heaps of info with some awesome Pics to start you off on the journey! Good luck with the search and enjoy it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gran Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Thanks Gran, I guess my question is a little foolish. I guess what I really mean is for a beginner, Thanks. Ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rrari1 Posted April 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Thanks guys, All of your comments have been really helpful. How would you guys rate the quality of a good rep to an inexpensive Chinese mechanical watch like an alpha? Two of my Alpha's basically failed right out of the box, but equally they did not cost very much. A $400 - $500 rep like a BK sub I am hoping would be a bit more reliable. What have your experiences been? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gran Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 To be sure you have to send replicas for service...70% of my reps have had no serious issues...some replicas are dead at arrival but then its best to send them back....screws can be loose and thats a pain if they fall out and you can't find them.....bracelets and clasps tend to fail....gold plating can be a disaster....truth is there are problems with replicas...problems with water resistance.... That being said the asian movements keep running, even without service, for years...my replicas from 2004/2005 run as well now as then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edgematic1 Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 It's hit and miss with replicas, but so far I've been very glad about them. Concerning a BK Submariner, you can't go wrong, I have no knowledge of Alpha watches (I do know them but never used them) but you can't go wrong with a BK sub. It might be pricey but you get what you pay for. BK is top notch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddy333 Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 rrari1 - You seem slanted towards Rolex & authenticity over flash, so select a simple, basic model that lacks the features that ID most reps as reps. Something like a no-date Sub or, better yet, an Oyster Perpetual or Air King are usually the safest bets, since they have the fewest features. Check out Andrew or Joshua in the dealer forums. But, 1st, read this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tabularasa415 Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Or buy a used, gen Tudor. You get a gen, with Rolex design (and many parts -- sans movement) and reliability at a fraction of the cost. I just picked up a nice, used Tudor on the bay for $400 and it came with the bracelet. Something to consider if you want something "out-of-the-box" and aren't invested enough in the rep game for modding them. Of course, you can buy a BK sub and deck it out for $1200 (gen insert, crystal, crown, tube etc.) and it'll be so CLOSE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Hawkes Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Tudor on the bay for $400 30 mm quartz ladies model? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seriph Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 My favourite rep is still this one - I wore mine at an authorised dealer in Melbourne and he had the brown faced version of this watch ... it was around $15K - he admired mine while I tried on a JLC Reverso and Breitling Super Avenger ... he asked where I bought it and I told him that I got it while travelling in Europe. He said that if I ever needed any repairs done, they have a servicing technician who specialises in all ultra high-end watches blah blah blah. I paid around $400 for it and while I have relatively small wrists, it sits very nicely. The thing just looks like money to me....and old money at that, given its styling. Bought a genuine box for it (OK I bought several) to keep it all snug when not in use, and I wear it to special occasions and to conferences etc. For what it's worth, I like to get extremely accurate replicas and like many other collectors, have spent considerable time researching ... the thing is, on Mondays when I consult down in the city I wear a complete fantasy Patek Phillipe that cost me $20 from a forum member .... I love its quirkiness and get great comments on it - it is a beautifully odd looking thing and people who know me say it "suits me" which might say something not particularly pleasant about me! I love my $120 Porsche Design Divers watch too .... that thing is a lump, but it is as close as you could possibly get to the real deal and looks very 21st century. So .... Super Reps? I doubt it, because people point out faults all the time with rep watches, as often as I point out faults with rep Montblanc pens... but it comes down to your definition - who do you want to fool? If a person needs super-accurate reps to sell to unsuspecting idiots who think they can get a great deal from a sucker through eBay, then think again. There is an army of people who consider it a good time to sit on eBay and report fakes or dodgy looking auctions. If it is for fun or as a hobby and you'd like to get the thrill (as I did) of having an AD think your watch is real, that's another thing altogether. me .. I am a bit schizophrenic I think, because I go from fanatically working to get something exactly the same as the original to simply choosing watches I like and don't care that they're total fantasies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBuys Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 The best recommendation from where I am sitting, is a 21j version (generic for many automatic movements) of the most popular watches on the forums. Many Rep makers build what many like to call Super Reps and then offer the same watch with a MUCH cheaper movement like the 2813 or 4813. This enables a very close build to the Gen with a movement that retails for as little as $15. The Ultimate sells for maybe $400 and the 21j version sells for $150. This allows you to try different watches to find the best for your collection, without breaking your bank account. Anything found unsuitable to you can be sold readily with very little loss. When you find the ONE that trips your ticket, then buy the Ultimate version. Some of the more popular ones being: TAG Aquaracer 300 and 500M, Breitling Steelfish (SOSF) and Abyss, Omega PO 42 & 45, Audemar Piquet Diver, Hublot Big Bang, IWC Aquatimer and Ingenieur, Vacheron Constantin Overseas, almost any of the Rolex models except the one you asked about and OMG do not get me started on the Panerai - my favorite. This is just a start of the list as there are MANY MANY MORE. Now, go buy something from any of the TDs and if you do not like it, someone will buy it from you. It is that simple my friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Hawkes Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 My favourite rep is still this one - I wore mine at an authorised dealer in Melbourne and he had the brown faced version of this watch ... it was around $15K - he admired mine... If it is for fun or as a hobby and you'd like to get the thrill (as I did) of having an AD think your watch is real, that's another thing altogether. [25] - Do not visit an AD (Authentic Dealer) with your replica watch and show it of as the real thing. If you do so, we are not interested in hearing about it. Such post will be deleted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBuys Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 http://www.rwg.cc/to...ur-forum-rules/ [25] - Do not visit an AD (Authentic Dealer) with your replica watch and show it of as the real thing. If you do so, we are not interested in hearing about it. Such post will be deleted. +1 He may not be as handsome as I, but he certainly knows what he's talking about. This was not a smart move. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rrari1 Posted April 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 (edited) http://www.rwg.cc/to...ur-forum-rules/ [25] - Do not visit an AD (Authentic Dealer) with your replica watch and show it of as the real thing. If you do so, we are not interested in hearing about it. Such post will be deleted. I dont mean to drift off topic and totally understand the reason for this rule, but do forum members think that most AD's are actually experts? Most of the AD's I have been in do not appear to know much about the watches they are selling other than the prices. A few years ago, when looking at a dssd in Selfridges Rolex, I asked what the Helium Release valve did. The salesperson had no clue, and so I had to look it up on wikipedia from home. Another AD in Ireland told me that Rolex never made a SS Daytona. The one AD where I found the sales staff to be extremely knowledgable was Wempe on Bond Street. Most of the AD's in London do not have a watchsmith on staff capable of doing a basic service, and instead ship the watches back to the manufacturers. Edited April 3, 2012 by rrari1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Hawkes Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 (edited) +1 He may not be as handsome as I, but he certainly knows what he's talking about. This was not a smart move. Not as handsome as you? You are just jealous of my unibrow and bosslike mustache... I dont mean to drift off topic and totally understand the reason for this rule, but do forum members think that most AD's are actually experts? Most of the AD's I have been in do not appear to know much about the watches they are selling other than the prices. A few years ago, when looking at a dssd in Selfridges Rolex, I asked what the Helium Release valve did. The salesperson had no clue, and so I had to look it up on wikipedia from home. Another AD in Ireland told me that Rolex never made a SS Daytona. The one AD where I found the sales staff to be extremely knowledgable was Wempe on Bond Street. Most of the AD's in London do not have a watchsmith on staff capable of doing a basic service, and instead ship the watches back to the manufacturers. No, I don't think ADs are experts. But since they aren't experts, why exactly does one feel the need to show off in front of someone, who is clueless and then feel good about it? It's no accomplishmet and will only have negative consequences, if any.. The only reason people do this, is to fool themselves. So they can say "Oh yeah buddy, that was a good buy, even the AD thought the watch was real.." Make no mistake, a rep is a rep and no matter how many people you fool, you still know what's up. Edited April 3, 2012 by Tom Hawkes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gran Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 So true, a replica is a replica 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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