Advice for the Gate?

[PlanetZoom]

I've been sticking with TDs, but I'm intrigued by the Gate. Any advice for going down the dark side of the dark side?

@NCRich @WingNut

 

[WatchnScotch]

Just keep your expectations lows. You aren't going to get a super 1:1 rep for under $100. I think it is fun to play around with some of the watches on there and a lot have good value, just know what you are getting into.

 

[PACCBET]

From what I’ve seen, the less popular brands are decent on the Gate. (See Whitey’s recent haul and Rich’s two Cartiers) Popular brands like Rolex or Omega seem to have glaring flaws so I would avoid those. And as said above, the fun in this is to keep your expectations low.

 

[KaiserSosa]

Bracelets have been really weak in my experience. So maybe a watch that you automatically plan to put on a strap or nato might be food for thought~

Also find a model/vendor that have a lot of positive reviews. I would look for something like 90 reviews and 4 and a half stars and lots of feedback and even photos from reviewers in the comments.

 

[NCRich]

The sellers come and go. Its hard to tell someone who to buy from. Honestly I've ordered 20 or so watches and only had one come in dead. I just popped a new movement in, didn't bother with a refund. There are dozens of Chinese movement with complications and I've not had one crap out. I have found that new sellers will price watches 20% lower than others to get sales. For example the Cartier Diver I got $25 cheaper than they are listed now by going with a seller with little history. Here's what I have gotten over the years.

Airking - I've played with it a bit, but it looked much like this to start with.



Fantasy - built from two $40 Jason007 watches.



TT Datejust - wife has worn it for a year



Another DJ



Another



Tudor BB Red



Pelagos



Blue Pelagos



Microstepper Daytonas





VC



Heuer



Wifes Chanel



PP



Patek



Cartier





That's it! Well for now. I don't have them all anymore, but I've been happy with them. YMMV and remember these truly, truly are toys. Like the toys in Cracker Jacks.

edit: a few more

$12





$9





$60



New one.

 

[JKDDUDE]

Jeez, man - I guess you have picked up a few from the Gate!

 

[charlestriskel]

I feel like the gate it is good for filling a collection. I try to be super careful with my Super Reps, so sometimes it is nice to have a watch that I don't really care if something happens to it. However, my general rule of thumb is to buy a "simple" watch. I try to avoid subdials and stuff like that. Also you are probably better off getting an "exotic" watch that not everyone knows how it looks (I wouldn't buy a submariner for instance).

 

[charlestriskel]

I feel like the gate it is good for filling a collection. I try to be super careful with my Super Reps, so sometimes it is nice to have a watch that I don't really care if something happens to it. However, my general rule of thumb is to buy a "simple" watch. I try to avoid subdials and stuff like that. Also you are probably better off getting an "exotic" watch that not everyone knows how it looks (I wouldn't buy a submariner for instance).

Also, as a side note, there are other options to explore too. Now there's pretty darn good replicas on the $150ish range. I heard there is an AP Royal Oak that replicates an Automatic but is quartz that is an incredible replica, very hard to call out on wrist.