new user from southern ca

[bhbarker]

just wanted to drop a note and welcome myself here .... i've been checking some stuff out here for about a month, a little nervous about buying stuff online like this, but it seems like you've got a good group of guys here.

I love watches... and i hope to add a few to my collection here!

Brad

[Anubis]

Welcome new User.

[bhbarker]

evidently, i don't proof read thread titles either

[Zed]

Howdy Brad & Welcome to RG !!
Watch out for that Anubis guy as he doesn't miss a thing

[Chris V.]

Welcome to repgeek.

[chasingrabbits]

Welcome to RG warning though this place could be dangerous to your financial health. You just can't have to many great reps.

[Silverspeed]

Welcome from The Netherlands

Silver

[onzenuub]

And again welcome from The Netherlands, enjoy your stay.

[sevarino]

Welcome, hope you can find what you are looking for

[bhbarker]

I'm going to bump this back up and "re-introduce" myself here... I stopped browsing shortly after i found this place .. but I'm back!

Now ... where to start?!

[kidblue]

Welcome from Hollywood. What are you looking for, exactly?

[bhbarker]

I would say ... a decent mainstream watch that feels/looks like new? I've read around a bit and realize that no rep is perfect, and I understand that.

I own a few watches right now, G-Shock ( for work ), Citizen Skyhawk EcoDrive, Burburry watch (nothing spetacular, but looks good), a vintage WWII era Breitling (in-op at the moment) that my grandfather passed down to me, and a genuine rolex.

I don't know much about the mechanics behind watches, but would love to get into purchasing some genuine looking reps!

Thanks for the help!

[kidblue]

You've got a great little collection going already.
Basically, there's going to be two major levels of replicas, usually on both sides of about $200. For under $200, you're looking at assembly-line made watches usually powered by basic Asian 21-jewel automatic movements. These movements don't wind as smoothly, quietly or "tick" as smoothly as Swiss movements, like those from ETA or what is in your genuine Rolex. Usually, these types of replicas are best kept to really "generic" watches that are very common and have been through and extensive research and development process. These include basics like Rolex Submariners and Panerai Marina Militare. A good rule of thumb is, the more popular, iconic and simple a watch is in genuine form, the more cost-effective options you'll have in terms of replicas.
Going about $200, you start seeing replicas with actual Swiss movements, which will tick at a higher pace, like genuine watches. You'll also see options for chronographs with stop-watch functions, which may use Swiss or replica Swiss movements. More complicated watches with more specialized materials, like ceramic, such as a Hublot Big Bang come into play. Also, replicas with nicer movements and more quality control, even within the basic Rolex gamut, such as this Sea Dweller with interchangeable parts to the genuine article.
Basically, the spectrum is as wide as you'd think. I started simply with a nicely modified, but inexpensive Rolex Submariner (currently for sale) that treated me well. Yes, shameless plug. Some folks believe that nothing short of a perfect clone is appropriate while others would rather flesh out a collection with two or three simple pieces for the cost of one "almost genuine" piece. It's really about your expectations and use of these watches and what you're drawn to in terms of features, fashion and complications.
Hope this helped!

[bhbarker]

Wow, thanks a lot for the help!