Guide to Buying a Rep Watch (Step-by-Step Process)

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PlanetZoom

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Jan 20, 2018
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To help add content to the forum, I have compiled several posts with information that may be useful for members that are new to the hobby. Many of our current members will be already familiar with this info, though I hope it will be useful as we grow and there are more members who are new to the hobby.

Step by Step Guide to Buying a Replica

Step 1: Start by reading.

The first thing you want to do is lots of reading. Learning about the world of reps is one of the fun parts of this hobby. It’s also a very important part of having a good experience.

Plan to spend a lot of time reading threads about different watches, different movements, different trusted dealers (TDs), and how the order process works.

Buying a replica watch is completely different than shopping on Amazon. The more you learn about what you want and what to expect, the more likely you will have a good experience.

Step 2: Select the watch(es) you want to buy.

Figure out what type of watch you want. If you are not sure, browse through the multiple threads in the Watch Photography and Media section.

Once you figure out the specific model of the watch you want, see what versions of that model are available. Some models are made by more than one factory. If there are multiple versions of a watch (from different factories or the same factory), there will always be differences between those versions. Figure out which version is best for your needs.

Do not ask “who has the best _________?” There is no such thing. While there are lists that represent a consensus of what people think is good (one example is here), those lists are of questionable value.

What is "best" for you depends on what is important to you. For example, the same watch might be available with a choice of two different movements. One movement might be more reliable, while the other movement may be better if you want to replace certain parts in the watch with gen parts.

Another example is one version of a watch might have a working chronograph but is much thicker than gen, while another version of that same watch will have a non-working (or partially working) chronograph but is close to gen in terms of thinness. Which watch is better? It depends on what’s more important to you—a working chronograph or a thinner watch. This is a real-life example, and different people prefer one over the other depending on what's more important to them.


Step 3: Select the TD you want to buy from.

Any TD should be able to get any watch that is currently available from any factory. TDs typically do not carry stock. They buy the watch from the factory after you buy it from them. Any TD can do that for you.

As far as selecting a specific TD, some are larger, some are smaller. Some have big websites, others don’t. Those details are important only if they matter to you. All the TDs here are trusted dealers. That is what matters. To choose one, check out the descriptions about their business and terms, and read their reviews.

Make sure you buy from a TD. Do not buy from some random website you find on the internet. Many of them are scams. The TDs here have gone through a process, and they understand the value of the customer base this site provides. That doesn’t mean something can’t go wrong, but if you buy from a TD at least the Mods and Admins can step in and help if there is a problem.

It’s important to read and understand the TD's terms and conditions. Find out if they sell retail, wholesale, or both. A retail sale normally means the TD will make things right if the watch is seized by customs or arrives DOA. The TD may offer a warranty beyond delivery. A wholesale sale means you pay less but have no recourse if there is a customs problem or the watch doesn’t work when it arrives, and there is certainly no warranty. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions before you buy. If you are not sure, ask the TD before you place your order.

Another item you will want to confirm before you buy is whether the TD offers QC pics. Most do.

Step 4: Place your order.

First thing here is to find out how to order from the TD you selected. This information may be available in their posts. If not, ask the TD. Orders are typically placed by email, by private message, and/or on the TD’s website. Do not just go and place an order on the TD’s website without first confirming the process.

It is also important to ask the TD if the watch you want is available before you place your order. Just because the watch is shown on their website, or another TD’s website, or on any website for that matter, does not mean that watch is available. Some watches get sold out and are no longer made, and the various websites don’t necessarily get updated.

Step 5: Review QC pics.

Most TDs offer QC pics. After you place your order and make payment, the TD will send you QC pictures for your review and approval.

Find out in advance what the TD’s policy is on approving QC pics. Some TDs require you to approve or deny the pics within a certain time period. If you don’t respond within that time period, the QC pics are deemed automatically approved and the TD will go ahead and ship your watch.

Step 6: Receive order confirmation.

After you approve the QC pics, the TD ships the watch, typically within a few days. You should receive an order confirmation. Typically, you will receive a tracking number.

Keep in mind that tracking numbers can be notoriously unreliable. The tracking information may not show anything until a few days after the watch is sent. The tracking information may be slow to update. Some members have received watches even though the tracking information shows the watch is still in transit or being inspected at customs. Don’t freak out if the tracking info says the watch is being inspected at customs. All packages go through a customs process, and TDs are good at describing contents of packages to minimize attention.

Step 7: Be patient.


It can take weeks for your watch to arrive. In some cases, many weeks. Patience is an important part of this hobby.

Patience is also important when interacting with TDs. Remember, you are not dealing with Amazon and 24/7 customer service. Depending on where you are located, there may be a significant time difference between you and the TD. Some TDs have small staff. The TD may or may not work on weekends. In other words, if it takes several days for the TD to respond to you, don't stress out about it.

Step 8: Enjoy, post, and review.

Enjoy your watch! Make sure to post pics on the forum and post a review of your TD.
 
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Timnic54

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Jan 16, 2018
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And remember There are much easier ways of getting rich than being a TD. Contrary to popular belief they are a descent bunch of people doing a great job honorably.
Without them this game would be all but over and we would all be wearing canal street junk. It is the TDs who keep the standards up and make the market move.

Treat them with the respect they deserve.
 
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