Hi Everyone,
As the title states, I am brand new to this hobby, and to this forum. I've been registered for a few days, and I wanted to read as much as possible before posting for the first time. I am posting this here and at RWI, so as to say hi to everyone on each forum! I have always been a watch addict, but brand new to reps. When I discovered the forum(s) about reps and started reading about the incredibly well made reps available, I became hooked instantly. I always considered reps, but my criteria has always been whatever watch I wear must be reliable and well made, and must be something I can swim in. Once I discovered that there are such quality reps out there and many can be modded so that they can handle being used while swimming, I became obsessed with getting reps. I've been reading on here about TDs and I am soooo tempted to reach out to one of them to buy my ultimate grail, which is an ARF SD43, but I am still so hesitant to do so because of the concern that 1. customs concerns (I'm in CONUS), and 2. the wait time.
Ideally, I would find someone in CONUS to sell me an ARF SD43. That would be the BEST case scenario for me (assuming it's well reputed forumer). I've seen a couple on the sales forums, but none in CONUS. There was one I found in CONUS, but just my luck, someone scooped it up before I could!
I just bought my first ever rep on another forum's members sales area, a Pam sub, and I am beyond stoked to get that one. I don't know what factory makes it-I messaged the seller to ask and I am waiting to hear back if he has any additional info. I am beyond stoked about this, and plan on wearing it to my wedding next month!!
My ultimate collection would be (GOALS): 1. ARF Rolex SD43 V2 2. Cartier Santos 100 XL V6F (all stainless model) 3. Rolex Explorer II CHS (If I recall, I believe that the consensus is that Noob is the way to go here)-I had the gen but sold it to buy my fiance her wedding ring. I would seriously love to get a rep that is badass to replace the gen that I sold. 3. Pam 127 (Fiddy), and I also think I've read that Noob is the way to go here, and 4. Pam Subs,, preferrably 47mm. I guess this one may be checked off my list soon, as the one I just ordered is the 692 rep (I think, at least). Any and all reps that I get I want to make sure are pressure tested to at least 100m (I have to be able to swim with any watch I have, except for maybe the Santos 100 XL).
Anyways, I just wanted to introduce myself to you all and thank you all for the incredible amounts of information that I have found on here. You guys (and possibly some gals) are like the wise elders of the watch world's secret corridors, and I seriously am stoked to be a member and hopefully build my dream collection!
