Breaking things down for a rookie

[Sniped_]

After spending several days reading around the forum, I've still got some very basic questions on rep buying. Sorry for the trouble, but most of the posts here go way over my head.

As a beginner in the rep world, I'm strictly looking for a factory-fresh rep to last me as long as possible. I know Swiss ETA's are the most expensive movements (implying quality), but I've also heard that Asian movements are more easily repaired. If I don't plan on modding the watch, and want to get the most life possible from it, what is the way to go?

[cc33]

Buy a watch and then have it serviced. Doesn't matter the movement even though I am biased towards the Swiss ones. As long as you have it professionally serviced right away, it will last you as long as you want. Have it serviced every 5-7 years after that.

[CptTripps]

Exactly. It's worth the extra $100~ at the front end, to save a bunch of headache down the road.

[freddy333]

As a beginner in the rep world, I'm strictly looking for a factory-fresh rep to last me as long as possible. I know Swiss ETA's are the most expensive movements (implying quality), but I've also heard that Asian movements are more easily repaired. If I don't plan on modding the watch, and want to get the most life possible from it, what is the way to go?

 

What you have heard is backwards. Asian movements (not including Asian-made ETAs, which are close in quality to their Swiss-made counterparts) tend to be cheaply made with parts that are difficult, at best, to find. In general, most basic mechanical movements are functionally the same, so there is little difference in the difficulty in repairing 1 brand over another.

The movements in rep watches are either used or unserviced, which is why it is a good idea to have the watch professionally overhauled upon arrival (or soon thereafter), if you want to be able to rely on it. Most mechanical watches require regular servicing every 5-7 years, regardless of the brand or source country.

[Sniped_]

Thank you for the timely responses, I got exactly the information I was looking for. So I guess I am now leaning towards buying an Asian ETA movement to get the most life out of my watch. However, when I look on the website for, say, Trusty Times (ttw888.com), I am only seeing Asian Automatic or Swiss ETA. Is there somewhere else I should be looking for Asian ETA?

 

(Hopefully) Last question-- What kind of cost should I expect for servicing a Swiss/Asian ETA Sub or Omega Seamaster?

[gran]

100-200USD hopefully

[Ricardo L]

depends on the watch -- some watches are only offered in swiss eta -- some are only offered in asian eta clone ..

 

most are offered in asian 21j .. 

 

which watch are you looking at?

[Sniped_]

The two I have on my plate at the moment are these:

 

Seamaster

 

http://www.ttw888.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=35_66&products_id=10948

 

Submariner

 

http://www.ttw888.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_7&products_id=10894

 

The Seamaster looks awfully dark greyish for blue though. Maybe the lighting is fishy.

 

I haven't found an Asian ETA movement yet for either.

Edited July 12, 2013 by Sniped_

[Ricardo L]

For the sub

 

http://www.ttw888.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_7&products_id=10893

 

for the seamaster i dont think andrew carries one -- you may want to email him directly.

[Sniped_]

For the sub

 

http://www.ttw888.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_7&products_id=10893

 

for the seamaster i dont think andrew carries one -- you may want to email him directly.

 

Perfect, I will inbox him. And thank you for the link....I take it that "Asian clone" movement is another way of saying Asian ETA?