The experience of buying a rep is much different than shopping on Amazon or buying a gen.
Here are some things you should know.
Straps are usually poor quality
Straps on reps are typically not very good. You can buy a nice replacement strap starting from around $50 and going up into the $100’s for gen-level quality straps.
Complications may not work
Generally speaking, the less complicated the watch, the more accurate it will be. Watch complications make the design and manufacture of the dial and/or movement of the watch, well, more complicated. Some chronographs work better than others. Some don't work at all. Moon phases typically only show day/note.
Gold is less durable than steel
As you might imagine, the gold on reps is usually plated and thin. Depending on how often you wear your watch, it will eventually fade or wear. Stainless steel bracelets are much more resistant to wear.
Lume may not be very luminous
Luminous dials on reps are typically not as bright and do not glow as long as gens. You can have your replica re-lumed.
Waterproof is at your own risk
Do not expect your rep to be waterproof or water resistant, even if it claims to be. The best advice here is to have your watch tested before submerging.
There is no such thing as a perfect or 1:1 rep
Reps are made by reverse engineering gen watches, either from an actual gen watch or from photos. As a result, there will always be differences, both on the inside and the outside, between a gen and a rep. Even gens can have variations from year to year, or from one manufacturing batch to another.
Quality may not be perfect
You should expect to receive a working watch. Depending on what watch you buy and the price you pay, you may get a high-quality rep that lasts for many years. If your watch arrives broken or has a serious problem, contact the TD for assistance (especially if you bought it retail and not wholesale). Remember, though, rep manufacturers do not make their watches to the same standards as gen. Your watch might need oiling or a service when you get it. The bezel might be a little loose. These things can happen. Keep in mind you are buying a watch that costs a small fraction of the gen.
Beware of “Swiss” movements
“Swiss” movements are typically Asian copies of Swiss movements. Make sure you know what you are buying before you buy it.
Patience is key
Patience is an important and necessary part of this hobby. TDs may receive 100 emails in a day and need rest just like anyone. It can take time for them to respond. Watches are usually shipped from China and have to go through customs. This takes time. Be patient. Stress is not good for your health.
Here are some things you should know.
Straps are usually poor quality
Straps on reps are typically not very good. You can buy a nice replacement strap starting from around $50 and going up into the $100’s for gen-level quality straps.
Complications may not work
Generally speaking, the less complicated the watch, the more accurate it will be. Watch complications make the design and manufacture of the dial and/or movement of the watch, well, more complicated. Some chronographs work better than others. Some don't work at all. Moon phases typically only show day/note.
Gold is less durable than steel
As you might imagine, the gold on reps is usually plated and thin. Depending on how often you wear your watch, it will eventually fade or wear. Stainless steel bracelets are much more resistant to wear.
Lume may not be very luminous
Luminous dials on reps are typically not as bright and do not glow as long as gens. You can have your replica re-lumed.
Waterproof is at your own risk
Do not expect your rep to be waterproof or water resistant, even if it claims to be. The best advice here is to have your watch tested before submerging.
There is no such thing as a perfect or 1:1 rep
Reps are made by reverse engineering gen watches, either from an actual gen watch or from photos. As a result, there will always be differences, both on the inside and the outside, between a gen and a rep. Even gens can have variations from year to year, or from one manufacturing batch to another.
Quality may not be perfect
You should expect to receive a working watch. Depending on what watch you buy and the price you pay, you may get a high-quality rep that lasts for many years. If your watch arrives broken or has a serious problem, contact the TD for assistance (especially if you bought it retail and not wholesale). Remember, though, rep manufacturers do not make their watches to the same standards as gen. Your watch might need oiling or a service when you get it. The bezel might be a little loose. These things can happen. Keep in mind you are buying a watch that costs a small fraction of the gen.
Beware of “Swiss” movements
“Swiss” movements are typically Asian copies of Swiss movements. Make sure you know what you are buying before you buy it.
Patience is key
Patience is an important and necessary part of this hobby. TDs may receive 100 emails in a day and need rest just like anyone. It can take time for them to respond. Watches are usually shipped from China and have to go through customs. This takes time. Be patient. Stress is not good for your health.
