Toadtorrent Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 This article was written in 2008 & websites often vanish or move, so YOU may need to research some of the links --freddy333 So you're a Noob. Welcome aboard. You've just found yourself the coolest and most knowledgeable WATCH forum around. The members on this board are some of the saaviest watch afficianodos anywhere and are well versed in replica, gen, vintage and homage pieces, as well as gen and rep movements. There are oustanding writers, photographers, watchmakers and modders as well as up and coming members who have spent hours and days contributing oustanding pieces of information in the form of topic posts, reviews, galleries, tutorials and you name whatever other kind of information you would want. The questions you have as a Noob have probably been asked before...many times before...so many times that the asking of the question AGAIN annoys many of the more senior members so much that the only response you'll get to your query is: USE THE SEARCH FEATURE, NOOB! Many members on this board have helped me so much in the early stages of my rep journey asking for no more payment than to be a positive member of this board, that I felt I should put some effort into putting together a guide to help you enjoy and appreciate the rep world. I'll tell you now...you should use the Search feature located at the top right of the forum screen. You may not IMMEDIATELY find exactly what you want, but the odds are what you want is buried in the various topics that get returned. Do yourself a favour and read seemingly loosely related posts, because you will find nuggets of information that you will find useful, that you probably never thought of asking. Start by being general with your search (e.g. A7750) and then narrowing things down when you learn enough about the topic and need something very specific (e.g. 0.17mm hands a7750). Here's a step by step guide developed using the Search feature, and comprised of posts I have referred many Noobs to in answering their common questions: STEP 1 - Learn the Talk Don't know what we're talking about in the posts? Look here for definitions:Abbreviation wikiThe Zigmeister's GlossaryIf you want your questions answered without getting flamed, learn Forum Etiquette first:Edge's Guide to Rep Forums Pt IThen, learn the basics about reps:Legality of Owning ReplicasBest SubPhoband's intro to collectingIf you've got time...Awesome collection of watch info STEP 2 - Start to Crawl Which watch to buy?? Many people will tell you to pick the watch first...then the collector as some collectors can get things that others can't, although most can get the same merchandise as they all deal with the same factories. Read the brand forums...read the reviews and buying guides. By-Tor, Pugwash, Seadweller, Andreww, Chrgod, myself and a bunch of others have written lots of reviews of various pieces to help you find the best of the best. Selecting a collector to buy from is a tricky choice. There is no "best" collector as it depends on many factors: Where you are from - European buyers often pick European based collectors to avoid semi-frequent customs seizures Price - price variances between collectors after incorporating shipping can vary ~$0 - $120 (more for the big ticket items) Availability of a specific piece (some collectors have access to things others do not) How much you value instant communication (within hours vs. within days) Availability of certain modding being done out of the box Your level of patience in dealing with the inevitable quality control (QC) issues that will arise Where should you buy from?? Check the list below.RWG Member Trade SectionRWG Recommended CollectorsNOTE: Dealer links can be found in the subsections in the Collectors area or HERERWG Want to Buy (WTB) SectionWhich dealer or member is the best??Trade Reviews (Including Reviews of Collectors)If you need to ship to the EU...read this:Problems Shipping Reps From China into the EU If the collector/site you're interested is not listed below, use the Search feature to see if others have asked about the site already. Finding existing answers about a site/collector in question will yield you more info than asking a question that's been asked many times before. Try various spellings of a site (e.g. watcheden, watcheden.com, www.watcheden.com) to make sure it hasn't been asked already. If you can't find info about the site/collector you are interested in, check below:Ripoff List If you still haven't found info on the site/collector you are interested...use common sense. Buy from them if you want, but don't cry to us if you lose your money and don't get a watch, or get a watch that's a piece of crap that you feel you paid too much for. We have recommended collectors listed above for a reason. They may be more expensive than what you can find out there...but these collectors have been around for awhile, members here have had positive experiences from these ones, they supply decent product, and they will not rip you off. Don't forget to Search.Which watch??? That's a matter of personal preference...but you could search for reviews...or go here:Onzenuub's Rep Review Database You might want to read reviews of the movements before picking which rep to buy...some movements make great looking watches but reps with ticking-time-bomb lifespan:The Zigmeister's Movement ReviewsFrancisco's New and Improved Seconds at 6 ReviewFrancisco's Seconds at 12 Review STEP 3 - You've pulled the trigger...you're waiting to walk You've made your first order...you're now sweating about if it will arrive...and EMS tracking...the wait...the drama...the horror...ooooh...the suspense.Yeah yeah yeah...we've all been there...so has everyone else:Lanikai's Excellent Post on Tracking Your Baby (applies mostly to CONUS...Canada is never an issue...other countries?? Use search.)A not so untypical shipping storyGreat play by play of waiting for a first order to arriveAaaaah...my watch was Handed Over to CustomsAaaaah...I live in the EU and my watch was Handed Over to Customs...you may be screwed (contact your dealer for details on this scenario BEFORE ordering.I spent $500 USD and all that got shipped to me was a !@#&'ing TOY!! RWG dealer Recommendations suck. STEP 4 - You've got the watch...now what?? Congratulations!! You have yourself an amazing mechanical marvel...unless you bought a soul-less quartz cheapo (just kidding). Watches are delicate instruments and require careful handling and care.How do I get the most out of my new watch? By reading:The Zigmeister's Basics 101 - Getting the Most Out of Your New WatchThe Zigmeister's User Guide for the A7750 If you've never had an automatic watch, you're probably wondering why your watch doesn't keep running after 2 days:My watch stops running...now what??The Zigmeister's Mechanical Movement User GuideThe Zigmeister's 's Care and Feeding Of Mechanical MovementsProblems Accelerating Wear and Maintenance of A7750sDoes my watch suck? It's loud...not like the gen.A7750 Power Reserve and Rotor Spinning ProblemsNoisy Rotor and Grease/OilA7750 Spinning Rotor...is it a problem?If my watch sucks, should I get it repaired? Some say yes...some say no. If you got a cheapo $100 watch...likely the movement is a DG2813 that can be replaced for $12-$40 (for a DG4813) + labour at $50 for a movement swap. That's almost the cost of a new one. If you can do it yourself...it's definitely worth swapping. If you have a gen ETA movement...it should be able to be repaired by a rep friendly watchsmith and is worth doing so as the movement is very reliable. If you got a nice spanky A7750, it can be costly to replace the watch and the movement...so repair may be worthwhile...but expensive as these are complex movements that require great skill to repair. The cost of servicing may be close to the cost of a new watch, but a proper servicing will give you years of RELIABLE service. Many people say unserviced, they still get years of life out of their A7750s. The moral of the story for me is, if you want the watch to last for years, get it serviced. If you like the watch a lot...get it serviced. If it's fun but doesn't get a lot of wrist time, you like it, but you don't love it...sell it...and likely skip the servicing. If you will cry because the watch died prematurely...get it serviced.You can try swapping out your movement:Toad's Movement Swapping Guide - Reduxor get a Free Watch insteadMy watch sort of sucks...I need it repaired: Repair is always the problem with reps. Good watchmakers/watchsmiths are hard to find. Finding one that can work on the extremely complex 7750 (gen or rep) movement is even harder. Finding one that can work on an A7750 is the hardest.Why should my new A7750 watch be serviced? It's new right? Sure it is: Why service your A7750??How should a mechanical watch be serviced?Things to know about rep servicingThe Zigmeister's Post on the British Horological Info on How Watches SHOULD be ServicedTo find a rep friendly watchsmith or watchmaker try searching RWG. You can start by looking here:Advanced Search and plugging in "watchsmith" or "watchmaker " in a Titles Only search.Use The Zigmeister, where possiblebut read this post first Who is The Zigmeister and where do I find him? ...or Thomson Highway in Europe ...Francisco seems to do amazing work as seen in Francisco's Forum Subsection ...or Domenico seems to be getting good reviews (though I've never used him) - Domenico ...or the phone book or shopping mall repair folksMy watch definitely sucks...I want to return it to China: Play the rep game long enough (or if you're unlucky, even your first rep), and you'll get a dud. Maybe it's a movement, maybe the wrong watch, maybe a crooked crystal, crooked hour marker, etc). If yours is DOA or has some issues: Search RWG to see if they are known issues Search RWG to see what other people have done about the issues If the issue is a warranty thing...contact your collector and seek resolution If no resolution found with the vendor, complain about it hereonly AFTER you have attempted resolution so others can be informed of your experience Ship it back to China for warranty repair/replacement How do I return my watch to China?Returning your watch to China STEP 5 - You're walking now...how do you keep things running? Odds are good if you bought a chrono, it has an A7750 movement:What A7750 do I have or should I buy? There are so many versions...The Zigmeister's User Guide for the7750 MovementCare and Feeding of A7750 Chronos - Setting the DateThe Zigmeister's Explanation of why handwinding your A7750 is badThis watch is great. Can I take it swimming? Read here for water resistance testing:Reps and WaterproofnessPugwash's Water Resistance Testing PostGreasing Gaskets and 4' Pressure TestingWhat is Water Resistance?Water Resistance TestingHome Brew Pressure Tester STEP 6 - Walking to running Ok...you love your watch but want it just that little bit more accurate. What can you do?How To Adjust Timing or BeatCan anyone do mods on my watch?The Zigmeister's Post on Questions to Ask a ModderI want to take it to the next level and put a real Swiss Valjoux 7750 movement in my chrono...just like the gen?Swapping Swiss Rotors with Asian on 7750sTakashi's A7750 to Swiss TutorialAjoesmith's A7750 to Swiss TutorialHow do I do STUFF to my watch?Francisco's Amazing Tutorial SectionRWG Knowledge BaseYou want improved AR?Chieftang AR. The King of AR!!You want lume? Do a search on "The Watchmeister" (pass through parameter links don't work anymore)NOTE: The Watchmeister is not a full-time watchsmith so his client list is essentially sort-of closed. What does this mean?? Read:Who is The Watchmeister and where do I find him?Everest Watchworks STEP 7 - Take a rest...you've come far grasshopper...you can now leave the Mountain You're enjoying your watch...now put back into the community that helped you so much. Post some pics...write a review...encourage other Noobs...etcPugwash's Guide on How to Post Pics...start working on your own watchesRWG Links to Where to Buy ToolsRWG Watch Repair and Upgrade SectionPractice and memorize everything here:The Zigmeister's Technical Info SubsectionThe Zigmeister's Watchmaking Resource Centre STEP 8 - Be thankful for this amazing resource The information I've provided above is gold. I know you will find it useful. I've saved you months of time searching...and have helped you get up and running quickly and relatively painlessly. The info presented here is by no means comprehensive as the forum has TONNES more to offer. SEARCH. The info above is worth far more than a stack of watch mags, books, etc...so Upgrade Your Membership and stop being a freeloader. If you're so broke you can't afford the small amount to be a Supporter...maybe you shouldn't be buying watches. If you can't afford to support the forum financially...support it through content, buy raffle tickets, post topics, reviews, news...interesting stuff...and Upgrade your membership and support the forum Don't Forget the Upgrade is a Subscription 8 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiefwiggum Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 This is the nuts mate - Thanks for posting it is a real help 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickey Padge Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Great stuff! Worthy of a sticky for sure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephane Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 I didn't read it all and follow all links but god what a work !!! Congrats Toad...I'm going to explore it in depth for sure. It's going to take a while! Thanks so much. Cheers Stephane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patinga Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Very nice. This should be PM'd to all new members when they join. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hyster Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Sticky! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Excellent work, S. Stickied! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephane Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Excellent work, S. Stickied! And moved to Introduction/Rules/Support. Edit to say: I'm sure you will find some more stuff to update it in the next ten years S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
professor_yaffle1 Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Wow, what an incredible post :1a: It's posts like this that not only make my jaw drop, (given the stupendous amount of thought and effort that must go into producing a post of this quality), but also make me recognise how lucky I was to find this place - best forum, bar none! It's also quite humbling.... .......I really need to get my act together and give something back to this community......I'll resolve to start posting some of what I've bought, and learned, over the past year or so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XWORD Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Wunnerful, Wunnerful Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corgi Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 This is so great; now whenever a noob asks a popular question, we can just link them here!! Very cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toadtorrent Posted November 5, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 This is so great; now whenever a noob asks a popular question, we can just link them here!! Very cool. That was my intent. I was keeping a list of links I was including to all the Noob posts I saw and thought this would be easier for me...so easier for everyone. Hah! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chino Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Toadie, you simply rock. Thanks very much for the time and effort, they are really bringing to fruition some of the most useful and rich posts around. This one should become a very looooong thanking thread. If you're relatively new to rep watches and are not reading this, please do. This is a new MUST read to every rep world newcomer. DO IT! thanks again and again, Toad. Chino. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andreww Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Awesome work Toad! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc283 Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Amazing post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugwash Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Fantastic! This is an amazing resource. Thanks, Toad, for all your hard work putting this together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
offshore Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 I think at some stage, I may have suggested to Toad, that all we look for is contributions to the forum. This work repays any small acts of generosity many times over! Just brilliant Toad, go to the top of the class. It also shows our new members, to what heights they can aspire, after their induction. Wonderful. Offshore Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichBlack Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Someone has been burning the midnight oil, I know it has already been said but..... awesome work Toad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vlydog Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 This is just another reason why RWG is the best watch forum on the planet. There are so many resources here at our disposal and gads of informed people who are willing to share. A generous post; Bravo! This one is going to get starred. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dluddy Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Wow, what a great contribution S. Worthy of it's pinning Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shundi Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Holy [censored]. Toad just earned himself Post of the Year!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWG Technical Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 Great post, well done. I can't imagine how much time this took to compile. RG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hambone Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 This is a most impressive tutorial. Even old timers can get some pointers from this post. Well done sir! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beefy6969 Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 What a posting Toadtorrent! Definitely sticky material. All the other forums are going to be jealous that they dont have a "noob guide"! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoJo35 Posted November 5, 2008 Report Share Posted November 5, 2008 WOW, simply awesome post, thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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