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Hello from a newbie!


Daneel

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Hi all!

I've been looking into reps for a few weeks now and have made two purchases and am thinking about a few more so have many questions! I bought two watches from Andrew:

http://www.trustytime88.com/index.php?main...;products_id=62

http://www.trustytime88.com/index.php?main...products_id=793

Andrew was great to deal with, answering emails quickly and dealing with a couple of bumps along the way.

The watches themselves are a bit more variable. I am not at all impressed with the Breguet. It seems more like a toy than a good rep, looking very cheap. I can't see me wearing it at all so it was rather a waste of cash.

The JLC I'm much happier with. Although far from accurate, it's a very nice piece, looking and feeling well made. One thing that does confuse me though is that it's supposed to be an automatic but I have to wind it every 36 hours or so despite wearing it all day. Is this normal?

Now, I'm looking at purchasing a few more watches but don't want a simliar result to the Breguet so please share your experiences with me.

The first watch I'm looking to buy is an Omega. I have small wrists so ideal size for me is 36mm, though I can wear anything from 34-38mm happily. Jos seems to have a good rep around here and one of his Omegas is appealing:

http://www.pc-80108.com/omde10007-white-di...8242-p-980.html

Does anyone have this model? Any comments? I also like one from silix but the fact that I can't find a match for it on Omega's site is putting me off:

http://www.silix-prime.com/product.asp?id=1444

Next up is a Audemars Piguet. Two choices appeal to me but they are different sizes and I'm struggling to judge which is the better rep:

http://www.pc-80108.com/ap10025-royal-auto...242-p-1652.html

http://www.pam111.com/product_info.php?cPa...products_id=413

Finally, I'm thinking of grabing one or more of these from Andrew, any comments?

http://www.trustytime88.com/index.php?main...roducts_id=1573

http://www.trustytime88.com/index.php?main...products_id=491

http://www.trustytime88.com/index.php?main...products_id=151

Sorry for the huge first post but I have a lot to learn!

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Finally, I'm thinking of grabing one or more of these from Andrew, any comments?

Welcome, Daneel. I'm guessing from your name you're Dutch or Flemish. ;)

I'll stick to what I know, in your intro post asking for advice:

No, and no, and no.

My father has a gen Patrimony Classic and though I would have to go get it to be absolutely sure, that version just looks awful.

I've yet to see a JLC that is also anywhere close to the gen (maybe other guys here will disagree about the Reserve de Marche, which I know a few have).

Both Pix and I have a Vacheron Constantin Retrograding Calender. Forget where Pix -- who is a true collector of Vacherons and a beautiful photographer -- got his, but mum got one for dad from Joshua.

Pix's collection:

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?showto...amp;hl=vacheron

The one we got:

vacheronconstantinretrofx4.jpg

More pics here including gen comparison photos:

http://www.rwg.cc/members/index.php?s=&amp...st&p=355596

Good luck, enjoy the forum loads, and please, should it prove your while, upgrade to RWG Supportership! :)

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Hey Daneel, buy what turns you on, and don't rely on other peoples tastes. Only you know what is best for you. I looked at the watches you selected, and though they are not my style, I can see that you have a liking for smaller, more subdued watches. My advice would be to be aware of the movement, and to do a little research into the genuine version. If you can live with any flaws, then you are golden :laugh:

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I've been looking into reps for a few weeks now and have made two purchases and am thinking about a few more so have many questions! I bought two watches from Andrew:

The watches themselves are a bit more variable. I am not at all impressed with the Breguet. It seems more like a toy than a good rep, looking very cheap. I can't see me wearing it at all so it was rather a waste of cash.

The JLC I'm much happier with. Although far from accurate, it's a very nice piece, looking and feeling well made. One thing that does confuse me though is that it's supposed to be an automatic but I have to wind it every 36 hours or so despite wearing it all day. Is this normal?

Now, I'm looking at purchasing a few more watches but don't want a simliar result to the Breguet so please share your experiences with me.

Sorry for the huge first post but I have a lot to learn!

Welcome.

As you gain experience, you will probably find that more features usually equates to more inaccuracies. This is where the rep makers most often fail. Gemstones are often another deal-breaker, since they tend to look fake & there is no quicker way to spoil an otherwise well-done rep watch than to throw in some fake 'jewels'.

I can tell you that I have made my share of mistakes over the years. While RWG takes ALOT of the bend out of the learning curve, I find that experience still makes for the best teacher.

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Hey Daneel, buy what turns you on, and don't rely on other peoples tastes. Only you know what is best for you. I looked at the watches you selected, and though they are not my style, I can see that you have a liking for smaller, more subdued watches. My advice would be to be aware of the movement, and to do a little research into the genuine version. If you can live with any flaws, then you are golden :laugh:

Hi Daneel,

Welcome indeed.

I would have said exactly what Andrew said...

Enjoy the hobby and follow your own desires.

Cheers

Stephane

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....it seems I need to do more research!

That is true...but even more important is to be patient, very patient.

Also to be prepared to be disappointed from time to time (delivery sucks, watch not as expected,...)

Nothing is as frustrating as this hobby some times.

When that happens, move forward is the only way to go to trully enjoy it on a longer term.

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Your first choice of the Omega is absolutely fine, Daneel, and would be the one I'd go for. Understated and elegant, and not a million miles away from the gen. It is also a watch overshadowed by its stablemates Seamaster Pro and Planet Ocean so friends and acquaintances will be familiar with the name but not necessary the model, so it'll be appreciated rather than scrutinised!!

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Welcome to the forum. a great place as long as you own some good kevlar outer wear. Buy as many rep watches as you like, but not to many, as some people have been deported to Sweden even though they are a citizen of the country and are not even from Sweden. Doing lots of reading will certainly help you avoid the pitfalls of the hobby and discover the many pleasures. Have fun! :smile:

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  • 3 weeks later...

I received my watches a few days ago and thought I'd give an update.

The Omega is nice, well made, impressive overall. Unfortunately, the 38mm measurement stated is not accurate, it's actually 40mm and thus looks a tad large on my wrist.

The AP is also nice, size is accurate on this one. However there isn't quite enough flexibililty in the bracelet so it hasn't curved enough at the end of my wrist to sit right against it (I measured, my wrist is only 6"). The other problem is that the mechanism for keeping the bracelet closed isn't quite big enough or isn't aligned correctly so the watch won't stay closed. I emailed Joshua about this and he responded within minutes. I supplied pictures of the parts I thought needed changing and he has already despatched so hopefully this issue will be resolved once those arrive.

I'm starting to think that with my small wrists I may be better off sticking to gens as it's very difficult to get watches that actually fit me!

I'm still pondering ordering an Aqua Terra from silix prime though and maybe a constellation double eagle =)

Edited by Daneel
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