Sticky Suggestion for Newbies

[Achaedria]

So, after reading/researching for the past few months, I realize I may have wanted to read something like the below when first starting out. Granted, some people get pretty deep into the replica trade. Others are just looking for a quality replica to wear contently. Boiling down what hours (or maybe months) of research may actually accomplish could help many.

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Wait, before you dig too deep!

Realize that your perspective on cheaper (albeit completely sufficient) clones will change the more you dig. And this perspective most likely will not reflect that of 99.9% of the rest of the world. With replica watches the theory of "ignorance being bliss" becomes all too obvious. Details such as rehaut 'wokkiness' or correct U shape CGs (there are hundreds of these acronyms) mean nothing to someone who hasn't invested the time into learning about them. Only after reading about these details and being indoctrinated by other people's negative opinions do they become an issue.

So before you waste too much time or money and potentially create an irreversible perception in yourself, decide what you're really looking for. If you're looking to acquire a dealer level of expertise, in order to
a) scrutinize watch authenticity (basically become part of the group that does what few want--call out replicas), or
b) be able to professionally defend the quality of the rep you're wearing,
then read further. There is plenty of information here for you to devour!

However, if you're simply looking for a high quality (although never truly genuine quality/reliability) replica to wear and be content with, that a vast majority of people won't be able to tell is a fake, just look on PureTime or TrustyTime and find one within your budget.


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Anyone agree?

[KrisOK]

Hi There, welcome to the forum.

Not sure that I aggree with you. I've been reading all the threads that the guys here who are overly obsessed by tiny details have written since joining the forum. Honestly, I'm glad that they obsess, because it drives the rep makers to build a better product. But personally I just smile. I tend to buy decent quality reps in general, but I DO have some $100 dollar reps as well. I don't obsess about the tiny variations between my watches and gens, and I have NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, been asked if a watch was genuine. My advice is to pay attention to what the perfectionists have to say, because it will give you the knowledge you need to make an informed choice. But don't let it worry you. Buy and wear what you like, and enjoy the hobby.

Kris

[rogerthat]

Keep in mind while Trusty and PureTime are 2 of the best,
There are also other great dealers on this forum with similar or the same products as well

Some specialize in the exact same models, others the lower end and others the higher end
Competition is a good thing

If everyone who visited the forum only bought from the 2 dealers you are recommending they would have so much power they might start engaging in price fixing and next thing you know folks will starting calling them the cartel (inside joke)

[Achaedria]

Thanks for the responses, KrisOk and rogerthat. I agree, rogerthat. But again, this was for the purpose of saving time. Not getting into nuances, like competition and the market. As of now these two will mostly suffice (if there's something they don't have obviously look elsewhere).

KrisOk, you start your response by saying you're not sure that you agree, but then went on to mostly just agree. The whole purpose of my suggestion was to raise the question: How much information does a person need to feel that their purchase is informed? For some it's far less than others. And in the case of the replica culture, the knowledge can venture into the obscure details (literally, shades of grey), which don't hold much (if any value) in the world at large. And to some that amounts to time that can be invested elsewhere.

Also, a popular (and valid) response to questions like this is that the watches are only as good as you perceive them yourself. By reading a bunch of negative criticism (basically what comparisons are as no replica is perfect), a person's perception and satisfaction will be negatively impacted.

[rogerthat]

If there was no forum to discuss your thought process is a good one but we are here to discuss flaws, options, minor details, new models, etc...

You will find certain models are great reps and only cost $150 or so while others have really bad flaws yet cost $300
The forum helps guide you to the best repped models of each brand
Assuming the highest price pam is the best Pam or the highest price iwc is the best, etc would be very flawed thinking

The movement and not the accuracy or quality is the number 1 price determination when it comes to reps

Rep factory technology and quality is evolving rapidly the models coming out in the last 9 months are superior to their prediciousers ; yet for the most part they are not more expensive

You are right that many of the flaws discussed are minor and many future rep owners should take the talk of some flaws with a grain of salt
But as Kris mentioned some of the members here are single handedly responsible for changes made to reps by the factories which I think is pretty cool

[Achaedria]

We all stand on the shoulders of giants to some extent. And in this arena I'm not even standing.

It wouldn't be this simple to understand if it weren't for all the accomplishments of people on this and other boards (definitely cool).