Something in my head; Is it worth we do it?

[rckh]

Dear all:

I feel something in my head today; why we "Collecting" Rep? Are we truthly happy? Do we feel satisfty?

I started my collecting not too long; about 1.5 years. My first rep is purchase in china with my wife. HKD$200 only Daytona 116520 SS. I'm very happy at that moment; I feel exciting about it swapping second hand + crown engrave on glass at 6:00.

At that moment; I know nothing about movement, swiss made, ETA, AR......etc. But I'm very happy; I don't hestiate to SHOWOFF my flawly daytona in public train, bus anyway. (Sure for now, I know I'm stupid as everyone know I wearing a fake daytona). 2 months later, the crown can't screw in anymore & no fix in anyway. I started to looking for a more accurate & high quality daytona again. I found a guy selling a series of Rolex & his price is much much higher than the others. At last I purchase a 116520 SS A7750 from him. It work perfect for 2 months & at the same time I purchase a lot of Rolex book, magazine & surf through the internet to step on my path to the dark-side. In the 3rd month after I bought the Daytona; I strike again & purchase 1 2836-2 Submariner LV + 2836-2 Explorer II from my dealer at the same time....

I can't remember when or how I found RWG then RWI. I started to learn about movement, read most of the review from members, all review by The Zigmeister. Now I know much more about watch; what is rep? what is movement? what is good? what is bad? As I learn more; I found more flaws on my watch & I feel not happy or satisfy with them. Last month I bought IWC Pilot chrono 3717 from Angus; is it good? Quite good but still have flaw. Last week I bought PAM 113 white dial from Mr.DSN; is it good? Very good but still have flaw.

These few days; several questions came up my mind: Is it worth to continue? Why I'm doing this? The most important is Am I happy with my reps?

Path of purchase a rep:

1.) Found my target (Exciting)---->2.)Doing a lot of research; reading "My target" reviews(Enjoying)--->3.)Found the Known-Flaw; ask myself can I get along with it (Struggling)--->4.)Found a dealer; reading His/Her review (Brain-Storming)--->5.)Email to dealer asking + quote price....(Waiting reply)---->6.)Decision making (Nerious)---->7.)Shipment arrived; flaw founding 8.)Problem fixing, servicing (long waiting)

Every rep in my collections (Daytona, LV, EXPII, IWC 3717) have their own flaws; not even one make me really feel truely satisfied. Except the most recent Mr.DSN PAM113 . I don't know is it my attitude problem or anything; I can't really found a so-call "perfect rep ". Will I still purchase rep? Maybe yes, Maybe No. I read a post yesterday from a member he mention about the buy GEN & Rep. Buy a Gen; u can sit in AD store try it ,feel it & enjoy it. U got a good, polite service, a hand shake or sometime a coffee. It's ready to rock & roll immediately when your gen out-of-box. No more problem fixing, No more waiting; No more annoying. Hey, but I know the truth is: we just need to spend 1/10 of the Gen prices to get almost the same outlook, Function watch. But, beside the price advantage, how many or how much suffer we should take? Is it worth?

I'm not here to blame anyone, anythings. I love watch & I love the process in learn & research. Just here to share my feeling with all folks here!

Best Regards,

Raymond

[ryyannon]

Just give them all to me Raymond.

You'll feel better immediately.

[Logan]

I'm not 100% sure I followed all that..but yes I enjoy my collection, and I enjoy buying and modifying reps. I know the odd one isn't quite accurate or as reliable as the real thing but for the cost of one single mid range genuine from a quality brand I have a collection that now spans several watch boxes, I can wear a different piece every day for damm near a month if I feel like it.

To me the unreliability factor is what makes this a hobby as opposed to simply collecting like the genuine guys do.

[scoobs1971]

Reps will always be reps. There will always be small or big flaws. Maybe the rep makers do it deliberate, maybe they don't care for the ultimate perfection and QC. The bottom line is that for a very reasonable amount of money you get something that most of the time look more than reasonable.

If you strive for perfection, than buy a gen, but realize that you're spending a whole lot more of money. And even gens (I own 2) sometimes come with imperfections or may get problems over time. And before you have your watch back repaired it can take a considerable amount of time too.....

Maybe you should take a step back and try to look at the watch as normal non-RWG/WIS-people do and look at the beauty of the watch as a whole instead of scrutinzing every detail.

As a music producer there was a time that I couldn't enjoy music anymore, because I was over-analyzing how the music was made. I could only hear the imperfections and musical flaws. In time I learned to feel the emotion of the music back again and that satisfies me both as a music producer and as a music consumer.

Hope this makes sense for you..

[Pugwash]

If I were rich, I would not be partaking in this hobby.

As it is, I'm not rich, and this hobby enthuses me and I love the learninating and studinating aspects as much as the photoage-takinating and reviewinataging.

However, motivation is waning a little as the community is getting used to the stuff we, the hardcore article posters, are posting. We're getting less reinforcement from the community than before and that's leading to a decline in enthusiasm and motivation.

How can you stop this? Find a post you read and liked that made you think or made you smile and reply to it. A simple "nice post" or "nice pictures" or "that's funny" will do. Give The Zigmeister a hug, comment on one of By-Tor's reviews, tell Ubiquitous you love his Daytonas, remind TTK he takes good pictures, discover future stars Stephane or Seadweller4000's posts and tell them what you think, ask Justasgood how he does those mods, Enquire after V's strap collection, laugh at Nanuq's antics and cry at his collection, roll your eyes at Slay's latest, tell Dutchy he looks like a chick, thank the Moderators here for the stalwart work they're doing ... find someone on this list I've not mentioned and remind me to not forget them next time. Heck, even post in the shortest thread!

Just take part, keep the hobby alive, help the community by being part of it.

If you don't keep us happy, we may all find hobbies that do and I for one would not be happy with that result.

Damn, this post seems to have been brewing in me for a while. Looks like it's escaped.

[Pugwash]

As a music producer there was a time that I couldn't enjoy music anymore, because I was over-analyzing how the music was made. I could only hear the imperfections and musical flaws. In time I learned to feel the emotion of the music back again and that satisfies me both as a music producer and as a music consumer.

This is why I refused to work full-time in Porn. I was happy with part-time and even then I felt myself starting to go porn-blind. Instead of a hot chick, I saw where to crop the photo, how to adjust the lighting, etc. It helps to step back but remain interested.

[Stephane]

@RCKH: you must be a little "rep" depressed

But don't worry, it will not last for long.

@Pug: you are very "phylosophe" today!

But you cover it all and said it so well

Come on boys, let's post more threads

Even if YOU think it's not interresting what you have to say, others might like it very much

[ajoesmith]

In a word - YES.

Of course its worth it. We get 95% perfect reps for about 1/10th - 1/20th of the price.

We can then have some fun modding them and also have more than a few in the collection.

Just imagine being on a average salary and only having 1 really, really nice watch. Waking up to the same watch is just boring IMHO.

Enjoy the collecting, the love of the forum and the wealth of info here. Also enjoy reps while we still can as maybe in future they may or may not be so abundant.

By the way i recently got help from Kruzer00, he helped me with some items i wanted shipped from the US to Oz. He did take a while to do it, around 1 month, but becasue of the delay he posted them for FREE!!. Hows that for generosity.

Simply put you wont find a better bunch of people than on here - RWG I LOVE IT - Thank you everyone for making it such a good place

[scoobs1971]

This is why I refused to work full-time in Porn. I was happy with part-time and even then I felt myself starting to go porn-blind. Instead of a hot chick, I saw where to crop the photo, how to adjust the lighting, etc. It helps to step back but remain interested.

One of my latest dance tracks ended up as background music in a porn video trailer by pornstar Sandra Shine (check the free and decent snowboard trailer on her site)

Too bad I've never been at a porn shooting... You are a HERO, hahaha. But I can imagine what you're saying, though..

@rckh: hope our posts can get you back in the game!

[ubiquitous]

Well said, Pugs...

[rolli]

yes it's worth, our little babys,

otherwise we have to collect stamps.

rolli

[Stephane]

yes it's worth, our little babys,

otherwise we have to collect stamps.

rolli

Stamps How do one mod stamps

Our babies are much more fun

[scoobs1971]

yes it's worth, our little babys, otherwise we have to collect stamps.

Stamps with flaws are the ones that have the biggest value

[b16a2]

I have been collecting for about a year now. I only have 6 reps, and a gen to my name. Over the past few months, mypassion has not subsided, but my willing to purchase a rep has. I love being a part of this community the sharing and learning, it's fantastic. However, for me to purchase a watch, it has to be something a bit special. I saw the Hublot, and yes thought it was wild, it was unique.....did I want it? No. I saw the Costeau, and it is beuatiful, did I want it? No. I saw the Slevin edition of the IWC, do I want it....YES. That is my next purchase.

My purchasing has slowed down, but my integration into this community hasn't. For me, the watches themselves are a 15% segment of the enjoyment I get from the hobby, the other 80% comes from here.

Are reps worth buying?

It gives us something to talk about, and as true as Twotone's signature is, 'where people gather, life happens' That for me is the hobby of replica collecting. Purchasing and wearing the watch is all but a process. The discussion and anaylsing of it is where it starts and from where enjoyment stems for me.

[Corgi]

I read the entirety of your post and I enjoyed it very much. Indeed, all reps have flaws. From the $600 Big Bang that falls apart randomly, to the $568 tourbillon with misspelled word on its face, and even the $4000 solid gold president... but that comes with the territory. I'm not quite sure whether by "flaw" you mean error in design of the watch (that is, closeness to the original it imitates) or damage in manufacture (as in a misaligned bezel, or poorly constructed movement). Both of these aforementioned 'flaws' are present on every rep, in one way or another, and yet I still find myself buying them. Why?

Because I love watches, and sadly, I am not a millionaire.

[sssurfer]

I feel something in my head today; why we "Collecting" Rep? Are we truthly happy? Do we feel satisfty?

That is not zen, that is karma. Why asking yourself those questions?

Happiness and satisfaction are in pursuing what makes you happy, not in measuring how much happy you managed to become.

Enjoy your hobby and this community -- and yes, even the occasional movement stopping and stem breaking. Take it easy. Quit measuring. There is a lot fun here, even with (I would even say 'in') all that we call 'imperfections' or 'flaws'.

Both of watches and people.

[phaedo]

Instead of a hot chick, I saw where to crop the photo, how to adjust the lighting, etc.

That is just wrong, Pug, just wrong...

[eddhead]

@ pug

I have noticed a decline in your posts lately and was wondering what was up. hang in there, your contributions are valued.

I am afraid we may have lost a few friends along the way though for same or similar reasons. Wonder whatever happened to TJ Gladeraider?

[rckh]

If I were rich, I would not be partaking in this hobby.

As it is, I'm not rich, and this hobby enthuses me and I love the learninating and studinating aspects as much as the photoage-takinating and reviewinataging.

However, motivation is waning a little as the community is getting used to the stuff we, the hardcore article posters, are posting. We're getting less reinforcement from the community than before and that's leading to a decline in enthusiasm and motivation.

How can you stop this? Find a post you read and liked that made you think or made you smile and reply to it. A simple "nice post" or "nice pictures" or "that's funny" will do. Give The Zigmeister a hug, comment on one of By-Tor's reviews, tell Ubiquitous you love his Daytonas, remind TTK he takes good pictures, discover future stars Stephane or Seadweller4000's posts and tell them what you think, ask Justasgood how he does those mods, Enquire after V's strap collection, laugh at Nanuq's antics and cry at his collection, roll your eyes at Slay's latest, tell Dutchy he looks like a chick, thank the Moderators here for the stalwart work they're doing ... find someone on this list I've not mentioned and remind me to not forget them next time. Heck, even post in the shortest thread!

Just take part, keep the hobby alive, help the community by being part of it.

If you don't keep us happy, we may all find hobbies that do and I for one would not be happy with that result.

Damn, this post seems to have been brewing in me for a while. Looks like it's escaped.

Pugwash:

Thx so much for your replied! I love this community, I learn so much from this place. Here become my home & I surfing around everyday. I'm so happy to be one of this community; we have the same hobby; we have the same interest. Everytime I buy a new rep; I always feel I'm not the only "Decision Maker"; the purchase is not a personal matter. Just like we buy it together!

The Zigmeister, TTK, Stepane, By-Tor.......etc. We never met but we see each other right here everyday just like a family!

Best Regards,

Raymond

[rckh]

That is not zen, that is karma. Why asking yourself those questions?

Happiness and satisfaction are in pursuing what makes you happy, not in measuring how much happy you managed to become.

Enjoy your hobby and this community -- and yes, even the occasional movement stopping and stem breaking. Take it easy. Quit measuring. There is a lot fun here, even with (I would even say 'in') all that we call 'imperfections' or 'flaws'.

Both of watches and people.

SSSurfer:

Thx so much for your reply! I like your avatar. It's just look like God!

You clear-up my mind: "Happiness and satisfaction are in pursuing what makes you happy, not in measuring how much happy"

I'll remember that! Thx!

Raymond

[rckh]

I read the entirety of your post and I enjoyed it very much. Indeed, all reps have flaws. From the $600 Big Bang that falls apart randomly, to the $568 tourbillon with misspelled word on its face, and even the $4000 solid gold president... but that comes with the territory. I'm not quite sure whether by "flaw" you mean error in design of the watch (that is, closeness to the original it imitates) or damage in manufacture (as in a misaligned bezel, or poorly constructed movement). Both of these aforementioned 'flaws' are present on every rep, in one way or another, and yet I still find myself buying them. Why?

Because I love watches, and sadly, I am not a millionaire.

Corgi:

Good point! "Because I love watches, and sadly, I am not a millionaire."

Sometime I think why I'm always try to find the flaws on rep? Is it because they're rep? If I going to buy Gen; it's still not 100% guarantee no flaws either. This's the problem came from myself; I'm afraid someone call-out I wearing a fake watch. I expect a rep can pretend a gen....That's why I keep looking for a so-call "perfect-rep". I should / I must fine tune my attitude in collecting reps, otherwise I'll get more suffer than happiness!

Thx folks!

Best Regards,

Raymond

[arminvanbuuren]

meh.. im not even rich enough to buy reps let alone the real thing.. ..

[arminvanbuuren]

Corgi:

Good point! "Because I love watches, and sadly, I am not a millionaire."

Sometime I think why I'm always try to find the flaws on rep? Is it because they're rep? If I going to buy Gen; it's still not 100% guarantee no flaws either. This's the problem came from myself; I'm afraid someone call-out I wearing a fake watch. I expect a rep can pretend a gen....That's why I keep looking for a so-call "perfect-rep". I should / I must fine tune my attitude in collecting reps, otherwise I'll get more suffer than happiness!

Thx folks!

Best Regards,

Raymond

i dont think there will ever be a perfect-rep.. i mean theyre getting very close to it but everytime they fix something another flaw comes up (which was previously correct).. so in my opinion the manufacturers do it on purpose.. for wat reason? i dont know.. but yeh most of us are looking for this "perfect-rep" but i doubt it'll happen ever.. so yeh just enjoy it while u can..

[Pugwash]

I have noticed a decline in your posts lately and was wondering what was up.

Ah, that's just life taking its toll. I moved house from Paris in April and now I have too much life going on. The months in Paris leading up to our big move, Mrs Pugwash was sorting stuff out over here in Scotland so I was at home on my own with the forums to keep me company. Once life settles down here, I'll be able to post proper article-like posts once more.

[Victoria]

I'm not 100% sure I followed all that..but yes I enjoy my collection,

Heh. It was a bit Felliniesque, but I bet we can't do in his language what he can do in ours.

I know the odd one isn't quite accurate or as reliable as the real thing but for the cost of one single mid range genuine from a quality brand I have a collection that now spans several watch boxes, I can wear a different piece every day for damm near a month if I feel like it.

If we were to put us collectively on a psychiatrist's sofa, I bet you s/he would find that:

- We were once deprived of something we really really wanted in our childhood. We make up for it now.

- We all say we prefer quality over quantity, by getting the best or 1:1 reps available, but is that true, seriously true? I say we all suffer from a "more is better" condition, also known as "being cheap" and "greed", if are being honest with ourselves.

- We have various levels of obsessive compulsive disorder, feeding it by the choosing/emailing/waiting/frustration/disappointment/joy which comes which comes with collecting reps.

- Strap collecting makes our consciences feel a little better about ourselves, as they are the one legitimate and oft-expensive piece that "legitimise" our reps (ergo, the more you collect, the more problems you have with your conscience).

- We like the stares and compliments about our watches, as reflecting something positive about ourselves -- depending on watch, it can be about originality, imposing strength, or suspicions of wealth it grants us. This is a self-esteem issue.

- Finally, we have vaguely criminal tendencies, one and all. 'Nuff said.

And yes, I know. It would have to be a pretty damn big sofa.