Hello from California, USA
First post, been a long time watch fan, over the last few years began to get interested in replica watches when I saw some of the "swiss" replicas on the internet. I have a Gen Omega Seamaster Chrono, white face which I dont think they make anymore and I just LOVE IT. Surprisingly most people dont know what it is, and I get a 50/50 split from people saying 'nice watch' between those that just think its a sweet watch, and those that actually know what it is. Either way, I love it and when I bought it I chose the Omega over the Rolex as I knew there were alot of rep rolex's out there. I wasn't too impressed by the quality of the Gens I looked at either and I just loved the Omega Chronograph so spent the money. Never a second of disappointment either :)
My first rep was a very disappointing/cheesy Rolex black ss sub which broke. I wanted a nice black face watch but the quality was way too poor to actually wear. Then I bought my wife a really good Rolex presidential with diamonds that was just stellar..automatic and just a really nice rep. Next I got a SS Rolex Sub with blue face that was a pretty good rep, but BAD bracelet. Still hadn't spent anything over about 150 for a watch and was seriously considering the 1100$ rolex reps that I was seeing on the net. Next I bought 2 Chanel J12 chronos, one in white, one in black. The CHEAP ones with the painted metal bracelets, not the newer ones with the upgraded ceramic. OK for messing around but neither good enough really for me to wear at work. A couple weeks ago I bought the latest gen J12 in white, and took it to my local watchmaker and swapped out the crystal and am VERY happy, its so close to the original I cant belive it. Awesome watch for 300$. This is the first rep that I've owned that I was comfortable wearing daily or around my co-workers/clients. In fact, I had it on when I picked up my Gen omega from my local omega dealer after getting it (the gen omega) serviced and the lady at the counter went on and on about the J12. (I didnt flaunt it or hide it, but that white J12 is hard to hide and very distinctive (obviously). I paid 1k :( for factory service and re-polish of the Omega's bracelet and looked at the gen PO while I was there. She was sure I was going to buy it after throwing down the 1k for service so easily and even mentioned, "you could buy two Omega's for what you paid for that Chanel". I was laughing thinking - sure thing, only I could buy 10 sweet reps for the price of one gen omega PO. Or for that matter 3 nice reps for what I just paid to service my Omega. (for that matter I could have bought a brand new gen bracelet for what they charged but that service rip off is for another thread).
Anyway:
I found this site about 2 months ago and the dealers here seem VERY legit and obviously the sites charging 800-1200 for their replicas are quite the rip off. I thought my next rep was going to be the black J12 chrono with the upgraded ceramics, but I think its going to be the Ultimate Planet Ocean in 45mm, with the J12 to follow, and then an Ultimate SS Rolex Submariner and go from there.
Thanks to the site and all the contributors, this is awesome. I certainly love Gens and I love my Gen Omega. That being said, I just can't justify the expenditure to have 4-5 Gen watches that cost 3-7k each. Certainly if I won the lottery, I'd do it! That being said, I love the ability to be able to match watches to my clothes and situation. A nice watch (in my opinion) is the only jewlery that (most) guys can wear these days without looking like a wanna be gangster or cheeseball. Just my opinion. I'm a 40yr old business owner, so I dont want to look like I just cut my first rap CD or that I'm trying too hard to be young Because I am (fairly :) ) successful and work with other successful professionals, if I wear a rep it has to be of the quality that I dont have to worry about getting called out by someone I might run into that has the Gen. I dont try to front like they are real, if someone asks I will tell the truth. Just my 2c's. ;)
