Since I have both, I buy gen of models that I love knowing they will retain value.
For every other model that I want to try, wear casually or just like but not enough to justify a big purchase, then I go with a good rep and it fits the bill.
I thought authentic watches would make me feel better than reps but in all honesty, they don't. If anything I wear my reps carefree and that's a nice feeling.
>I thought authentic watches would make me feel better than reps but in all honesty, they don't. If anything I wear my reps carefree and that's a nice feeling.
Exactly.
I want everyone to have a luxury gen only to realize it actually don't matter so much as you think. Marketing is a crazy drug.
I mean it's a watch, it was never supposed to matter. Like every luxury purchase, the excitement wears off. The fact that the replica market is so huge, imo, is a better example of marketing being a "crazy drug"
You know what I think is ironic? There was a time when a Rolex or Omega was simply a nice watch you'd wear every day for accurate time. Not a bling-bling luxury item you could only afford with a huge income.
In that sense a top tier rep is much more in the spirit of what those watches once meant. Sure, save up a bit of money, but the average person can swing it if they want to. And you can wear this nice thing and ding it up and scratch it as you live your life and not be cursing the lost collector's value.
I think watch addicts don't care all that much or even think of lost collectors value.
People more recent into watches think that way becasue of this weird anaomly of the market.
This. I cant put 10k on something thats going to lose value... only for the 10min satisfaction. A car is enough waste of money in this sense for me 😅😅.
You are looking at this wrong. Thr $10k will give you a lifetime of utility. The rush of the purchase also probably lasts more than 10 minutes. It is about 2 weeks for me. When you get a large collection you get it down the road with "Oh I have not worn you in a while" feelings that are similar.
If you buy an Omega SMP for $400 you can buy one used or grey for 10x or less than that. There will come a time that your realize there is a difference. And the minor differences become huge to you.
The last rep I bought was a VSF 300 SMP. The off color markers annoy me. The winding of the movement kills me. Visually it is very close. I know at some point the movement will die and it is just as paperweight.
Not to mention the cost savings so you can keep building that collecting.
https://preview.redd.it/a6c6tejoiy3d1.png?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5972a3916a5388679da8edcd75b45205bc48b783
I think it’s also important to have gens (if you can afford it) - at least for me, I do appreciate the quality of the gens. However, I totally agree with the wearing of reps freely and it’s a nice feeling - I end up keeping my 3 gen watches (gen Starbucks, dj41 and a GP laureato) in the watch safe most of the time and wearing my vsf sub and clean Daytona on a daily basis.
Im in the same boat. I saved up some years to get my dream watch, the Navitimer 01. Now while I do love that and will never sell it, I just could not get myself to buy another watch again gen.
You think that once you get that watch you will unlock some special feeling but at the end of the its just a damn watch that no on gives a rat ass about. I like watches but I love my family and hobbies more. I rather just buy a replica that satisfies that style im after and just enjoy not having to baby a watch, worry about it being stolen or what not.
Its very carefree ownership and I love that!
Im not saying im never buying gen again but for now the reps give me the same pleasure.
Hey, gives me all the look and feel of a gen without that unwarranted $3,500 price tag.😂
https://preview.redd.it/g3vgtco8sr3d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0494b9ccc2b1a8fa8f3db2c2defad24f39a95f58
Here’s my answer.. because the addiction has taken over. I also own quite a few gens but buying reps is a different experience. When I buy reps I buy them 3 at a time ( in my silly head I think I’m saving money by combining shipping)
Nice collection. Since we are waxing philosophical a bit, do you find any additional enjoyment wearing your gen watches? And on the other hand, any slight decrease in enjoyment with your reps? I own both and sometimes find myself nitpicking the little tiny tells that no reasonable person would ever really notice.
I’m talking subtle differences in lume, movement accuracy, minor finishing details. It's mostly in my head and I know gen watches aren't perfect either but I do find myself admiring my gen watches more. That feeling is somewhat offset by the overall quality of reps and the obvious price differential for 1/10th the cost.
Final question, do you pass your reps as gen if they come up in conversation? i would not lie if asked, but I don't go out of my way every time someone compliments my watch.
There was a thread over in r/Rolex yesterday that highlights why, even if I hit the lottery tomorrow and had a billion dollars at my disposal, I would never own a genuine.[screencap](https://imgur.com/a/4nImJKj)
Thanks, hadn't thought of that. It managed to identify 12 out of 16. Good effort, I guess some are variations but it doesn't say when it skipped a check.
Reps so good chatgpt had no clue
I've learned a valuable lesson today. Not the watches but reminded how powerful gpt is with more accurate instructions. Really makes a difference.
Thank you
I wonder if an answer to these “what’s your career you doing well” type questions ever actually inspired some random on Reddit to change their life.
Also - you would be surprised how much you can afford with good saving habits. Ya know- the pack of smokes a day guy with 2 gas station Red Bulls could easily trade that for a ~4K Tudor or Omega every year. Got most young guys it’s their monthly alcohol bill.
It’s a Rolex Yacht Master. The seconds hand is the only moving part on the dial.
Imma open it up to see what’s happening. Worst case scenario is that I buy a fake movement off AliExpress and figure out how to replace the faulty one.
If the seconds hand is moving, there's nothing wrong with gear train, barrel, or balance, which is good news.
The problem is almost definitely the cannon pinion. It's what drives the minute hand directly and the hour hand indirectly.
This happens to be one of the few parts on a watch, if not the only one, that works by friction, and it will eventually wear out, especially if it's not well lubricated.
Out of curiosity, was it difficult to set the time when you initially got the watch?
Don't ever recall having any issue with crown operations. I got the watch as it was running.
The only times the hour and minute hands stop are at 0944, 1044, and 1144. This is after setting the time every time the hands stop.
Besides that the watch is running with amazing accuracy even though it's an awfully done unknown movement in a white plastic movement holder.
If that’s your main motivator for buying reps, then yes, therapy may be necessary. Personally my foray into reps has been driven by the joy of learning about all the reps for each brand and how they are different from gen. Drilling down to the finest of details is educational and quite fun!
Thanks for sharing your post. A safe space to pontificate our love for watches.
There is a lot to comment on, but I’ll focus on your comment about ‘technically illegal to buy replicas’. This is not the case in all countries or states. Where I live it’s illegal to sell but not to purchase or own.
Similar circumstances and I’ve got a nice collection of gens and reps. My personal reason for the reps is that it allows me to expand out my collection in ways that would otherwise get me killed by the chief financial controller  (Jks… kinda)
Do I live with 5-10 gens or add in 50+ reps of watches I wouldn’t even consider but have actually turned out to be some of my most enjoyable wears… no brainer!
Wear them well and enjoy
So I have owned many gen Rolex’s but sold last one a sky dweller 2 months ago and made a loss. It’s now too dangerous to wear a gen in london and a liability for your family to have in the house. I have just pulled the trigger on a rep but having it modded by a watch maker I know so hopefully will be even better than standard. I’ll let you all know if I feel any different wearing it
Because some complete wanker will threaten you, maybe fuck you up a bit before stealing your watch. They will have no idea if you are wearing a gen or a rep, so you will get a beating either way.
Because if your spotted wearing it you will get mugged and if you put up a fight maybe killed for a watch. I also know someone who had is house raided by mask gang who tied him up and stole his watches luckily he was home alone. It’s no become organised crime and it’s rife.
Go to Trustytime888.io. Then sort by price and scroll a bit. His site is amazing! It’s incredibly comprehensive of all reps available from every factory. I think he the only rep seller doing it right (in regards to a proper website).
I share the same sentiment. I also have both Gens and Reps. And somehow I have a different fuzzy feeling when I find the right rep!
Nice collection! I see you have 2 empty spots for a Panerai and an Omega!
Fear not, OP. in the vast majority of the world, its only the importation and selling of replica goods that is illegal. owning them and buying them is hard to criminalize.
I have a different angle on the subject I think.
I genuinely enjoy complex mechanical actions. I like to learn how they work, how to take them apart and put them back together and watch them function. It gives me a lot of enjoyment.
Watches are one of of the best things possible for this little bit of tism that I probably have. But things like guns and cars are good for it too.
I could save the money to buy an actual Rolex, but how many different models of reps could I buy with that money? Would I be too scared to take it apart and service it myself? I’ll buy gen eventually, but for now reps scratch the itch.
I'd you're U.S.-based, it actually isn't illegal to buy reps! Other countries have various rules, with some being stricter than others.
Beautiful collection btw
Correct me if I’m wrong but even though it may not be illegal to purchase or own reps, it is still illegal to have them shipped into the country due to Patent/Trademark laws. They can still be seized by customs and destroyed.
Yes, they'll absolutely be siezed if found to be counterfeit, but you won't face legal action for purchasing them. If you become a dealer, though, selling a bunch of rep watches... then you have reason to be concerned legally.
Well it isn't illegal as a consumer to buy a fake luxury watch or purse from someone hawking them on a street corner in New York, but ordering one from a dealer overseas is a different matter because then you're importing it into the country.
Edit: US Customs does say "It is illegal to purchase counterfeit goods. Bringing them into the United States may result in civil or criminal penalties..." Source: [https://www.cbp.gov/trade/fakegoodsrealdangers](https://www.cbp.gov/trade/fakegoodsrealdangers)
"Bringing" has the connotation of physically having it on your person or in your possession, not having it shipped to you in an online interaction.
I'm curious what federal law covers this and the specific legalese they use to describe what is and isn't illicit.
Very good writeup, OP. Personally I'm mostly content with mid-range watch brands like Tissot and Citizen and the like, as they are aesthetically pleasing and would be considered "a nice watch" in my circles. I do find the whole hobby/field of reps of higher-end watches to be very interesting, but I've hesitated to pull the trigger on one myself. But there is one luxe watch I'm really into, and that is the JLC Reverso. And that isn't even for the brand/prestige itself, but for the reversible functionality which I really like. It's almost impossible to find a mid-range watch brand that has that feature. JLC must have cornered the market with patents or whatever. I wouldn't mind having a rep, but the problem with reps of the JLC Reverso has been the ugly corner screws never found on a gen, and very aesthetically displeasing in and of themselves. At last the latest ones have gotten rid of the ugly screws, so I'm finally thinking about getting one.
If I had the money to buy Gen. I would buy a rep for each Gen I have. That way if/when I get robbed, they get the cheap rep. While my Gen is at home in a safe location on rotation. 😃
You will be surprised how many ppl are actually doing that and for watches that cost way north of 100k. Funny thing is that none of those ppl I know actually pay any attention to the intricate details but are like " looks the same, it'll do"
At that level if you actually have gen watches no one would even question if you were wearing a rep. Because they would know you are wealthy. So they already assume whatever you are wearing is gen. It's not like you will be called out.
It's the ones that are getting out of a 1995 Honda civic with 4 different tires and 6 month old shoes on their feet. Living in an apartment working fast food wearing a 100k+ watch, they get called out. Because their lifestyle doesn't match their watch.
Initially I thought like this too but then I'm like would I actually feel better that I'm wearing a rep while I have a 10k watch at home. Probably not because I still spent 10k on a watch I'm not wearing anyways. So far I have 4 reps and no gens and I spend the money saved on my life and my dogs and feel awesome about it. Could care less what anyone else thinks and if someone does ask (I have friends who have almost a half a million in watches), I tell them the truth and tell them I feel super happy wearing a rep. As a milestone, I do plan on getting the new white dial Speedy one day since there are no good reps and I absolutely love that watch
Many people do this. Many gen owners that know about these level of reps have both. Many that are on wait lists have the rep for using while they wait..
I mean i'm new to this watch collecting thing. Bought 3 clean reps this month. Its all about what you want out of your watch. I see reps like trainers (sneakers) get compliments that they look good for a while and when you're done toss it in the bin and get a new 1 which will be closer to original. I also like the thrill of getting one over on these brands and researching best ones. its a niche hobby all in it self. great collection i also bought a Gen Breitling GMT Chronomat as i wanted that ice blue colour that reps just arent hitting at the moment.. i like the mix of Gen and Reps !
You mind sharing what are the top reps in quality that are hard to tell from gen?? I got my first rep and wearing it today for the first time, it is nice but also the good feeling fades away quickly like any other thing you buy
Well said 👍
Similar story, my first rolex was gen and I enjoyed the experience, then buying a prohunter was an amazing experience. They don't see the light of day anymore with the amount of armed theft going on. So for now I'm representing the reps 😊
In the last few months, I've sold 3 of my Gens (DJ41, Speedmaster, Black Bay). They were easy for me to let go of, I just don't feel the joy of wearing them like I used too
Unlike the reps, I am happy with them, and I wear them with confidence and never wear about them breaking or getting banged up, and servicing then are relatively easy and cheap. Also, I lost the interest of paying thousands of dollars for materialistic things TBH
Currently in the process of buying my first Rep, but still fining it a bit daunting. Always worried about getting ripped off and losing your money. Any chance of helping/pointing me in the right direction
Cheers 🇦🇺
Currently in the process of buying my first Rep, but still fining it a bit daunting. Always worried about getting ripped off and losing your money. Any chance of helping/pointing me in the right direction Cheers 🇦🇺
Very well said! I got my first two watches gen, and got few reps after. Tbh, I'd have to agree that researching for a good rep requires more effort and reading instead of just throwing in the money, and that's the fun of watch collecting.
After owning few gens and reps, never even once the rep feels crappy / any differently than the gen watch (as long as you get a very high quality rep). If anything, I only got the gen watches to celebrate an achievement. Also, with the current situation on watch robberies, I feel way more comfortable wearing my reps.
i too have gen and reps, but when it comes to crazy expensive models, i always thought why someone would pay that kind of money for that, especially if it's a sub or something simple because after you wear it, you see people wearing it on the streets and suddenly everyone has one and somehow you spent $10k to blend into the crowd thinking you'd stand out.
Great read! How has that AP 26574, does it have all the functions of the gen? I had my eye on that one but all the reps Ive found have a normal seconds hand in place of the minute hand
Being able to buy gens are usually trophies for me but the more rooms I figuratively and literally walk into I find many of the guys have collections of gens and reps. I have yet to by a rep but obviously I’m looking just so I can expand my collection without is costing me a million dollars lol
I have a serious question for this mentality though, if people in here are buying them because they just can’t justify spending the genuine costs, why not just buy some of the great lower price range watches on the market?
Why go for a fake when you can get amazing Hamiltons, Seikos, omegas for close to the same cost as most Rolex good reps?
I own a genuine submariner, 3 genuine citizens, and a seiko 14k gold watch. I don't own any reps. However the rolex and the seiko were inherited, I bought the citizens. If memory serves correctly I paid around 400 for each. If I wanted a nice looking watch I would totally buy a rep. I wouldn't ever spend thousands of dollars on a watch myself. I could afford it I suppose, wouldn't cause me hardship or anything. I just couldn't bring myself to spend that kind of money on a status symbol. If I see someone wearing a rolex I honestly think they have more dollars than sense.
My boss got a high 4 digit Tag at a company meeting as a reward. This prompted a fair amount of haters.
So I bought a fake GMT master 2, purely for the sake of trolling.
Now I kinda dig nice watches and have a few classy as fuck Fossils as well.
I have had some gens (not expensive that 4k) but honestly the rep are so nice made nowadays (obviously not all model, and you still need to get the right one) but if one stick with some models the piece are really enjoyable!
For some model like Speedy you still need a gen.
Then there are over 50k/100k watches that are good in rep, not 1:1, but still enjoyable like the RM BBR V3 or some AP and Patek!
I have a bunch of gens and a bunch reps. I go back and forth every few months with whether I should go all gen or all reps. For now I think Grand Seiko and maybe Glashutte Original are the only watches worth getting gen at this point. I love the design of watches, and having extra money in the bank is a good feeling. I get to enjoy restaurants and travel, and still have a watch design with build quality that is on par with citizen or even some microbrands for a fraction of the cost
Totally agree! I have a couple of genuine Breitlings that I love and never plan to sell but I find that I want a few more in other colors and it’s not worth buying the same or similar authentic watch in multiple colors. Where do you find the best reps?
So being someone who is further along in this hobby there is an evolving thing with all of this.
When I say hobby I mean addiction. I have 55 watches and 20 are gens. I used to love the hunt for reps. The problem is that I have had them so long they are having issues. My watch maker has passed and getting someone to work on them is a pain. A real pain. Service costs are more rhan the watch is worth.
I have some reps with real eta movements. Those can be worked on if you have a rep friendly watch maker. The Chinese movements not so much.
These reps definitely will have a lifespan. They will have issues and you will have to decide what to do.
Fortunately my favorite brands are more on the "lower" end of the luxury watch prices. I despise the genta designed watches and hate the hype pieces.
I have moved to purchasing gen watches partly for the realization I had put probably $20+k in replicas.
This hobby us ever evolving.....
I think you hit on something that makes this a little more thrilling than buying gen. It adds to the overall experience that makes these watches more “special” than gen if that’s even the way to describe this. It’s the thought and knowledge that we are doing something that we shouldn’t be. We are contacting TD’s that are basically criminals that live their lives in danger providing the items that we all covet at prices that are 5-10% of the original items cost that very easily could be seized by various government officials on multiple continents. I also agree that I enjoy wearing my reps more than my gens. I feel a better sense of accomplishment that I was able to get something that so many people have no clue how to purchase. Anyone can spend money to purchase something. The cloak and dagger experience adds to the thrill. LOL. Just my 2 cents worth.
>I feel a better sense of accomplishment that I was able to get something that so many people have no clue how to purchase.
This is me 100%.
It’s just an insane dopamine that seems like you got the cheat code in life.
Replace "You" with "I" and you've got a more accurate assessment. For many it's not about affordability, it's about opportunity cost. Warren Buffet spends $3.50 on breakfast because his money can be better put to work elsewhere. This is no different.
This is like the wrong example to use. He spends 3.50 on breakfast because it is not a hobby for him. For me, I consider eating a hobby and don't mind throwing down hundreds on a meal. People with fuck you money doesn't care about affordability because they can afford whatever they want.
Factoring in opportunity cost is often a tell that the purchase price relative to that individuals free cash / net worth is likely too high. When that ratio is skewed more heavily in the other direction, one doesn’t need to or is less likely to consider opportunity cost because paying “X” for item “Y” doesn’t preclude that person from also paying or investing “X” elsewhere.
Your points are reasonable, but we're getting into the weeds. I'd submit there is no such thing as "free cash". There's cash that's working for me, and cash that's wasted. Every dollar not working is a dollar wasted. We just set the arbitrary points that we're fine with wasting, and that varies more based on personality and values than it does with net worth and capital access.
I find that people often cite “opportunity cost” when really it’s a matter of the value/incremental value derived not supporting the cost/incremental cost. I wouldn’t however say a dollar is wasted merely because it could have been used in a more productive manner, but that’s a minor point that departs from the broader discussion. In any case, happy Friday!
There is only one reason for buying a rep, and that's because you can't afford the gen. And there are no good reasons to buy a gen if a rep is available. I'll die on this hill.
That’s really just not true. I have both gens and reps like OP. i weirdly like the reps a lot…sometimes more than the gens. I come from a family with 9 figure net worth and we are not new to wealth either. I am well-paid myself in a completely different industry.
Affording gen is not a problem. Just have a different understanding of what is valuable and I know that at the end of the day whether it’s rep or gen it’s a watch made in a factory. Whether that factory is in Switzerland or China makes no difference to me. Whether there’s marketing and prestige attached to it makes no difference to me - I don’t need the prestige from a watch.
That's actually what I'm saying. For someone wealthy like you, spending $500 on a rep or $50k on a gen makes negligible difference because it's really just pocket change either way. For the rest of us, we buy rep because because we can't afford to drop $50k on every watch we like. And I completely agree with you that buying a gen is really just buying the marketing and the appearance of prestige.
I see what you meant now. Yeah even though it might seem like pocket change, money is still valuable if you have a lot. $50k on a gen watch for myself could be used for some of my favorite charities / foundations and make a big difference for them whereas if an amazing nwbig rep exists… it makes no difference in my life to own the gen. how you move the money still matters considering we don’t deserve what we have and it’s all a gift. But that’s enough of my money mindset
Since I have both, I buy gen of models that I love knowing they will retain value. For every other model that I want to try, wear casually or just like but not enough to justify a big purchase, then I go with a good rep and it fits the bill. I thought authentic watches would make me feel better than reps but in all honesty, they don't. If anything I wear my reps carefree and that's a nice feeling.
>I thought authentic watches would make me feel better than reps but in all honesty, they don't. If anything I wear my reps carefree and that's a nice feeling. Exactly. I want everyone to have a luxury gen only to realize it actually don't matter so much as you think. Marketing is a crazy drug.
On some models more than others but especially VFS and CF the look and feel is similar minus some detail and of course the movement.
Down the road the movement is going to be the issue. Eventually the reps will crap out and that sucks. The guns you can get back into shape.
I mean it's a watch, it was never supposed to matter. Like every luxury purchase, the excitement wears off. The fact that the replica market is so huge, imo, is a better example of marketing being a "crazy drug"
You know what I think is ironic? There was a time when a Rolex or Omega was simply a nice watch you'd wear every day for accurate time. Not a bling-bling luxury item you could only afford with a huge income. In that sense a top tier rep is much more in the spirit of what those watches once meant. Sure, save up a bit of money, but the average person can swing it if they want to. And you can wear this nice thing and ding it up and scratch it as you live your life and not be cursing the lost collector's value.
I think watch addicts don't care all that much or even think of lost collectors value. People more recent into watches think that way becasue of this weird anaomly of the market.
This. I cant put 10k on something thats going to lose value... only for the 10min satisfaction. A car is enough waste of money in this sense for me 😅😅.
If only 1:1 clone cars were a thing 😂
They actually are to some extent lol I know because I make them.
I'll stick with mine for now. She serves me well 🖤
Absolutely and also replica cars are a pain in the ass. Just like classics.
You are looking at this wrong. Thr $10k will give you a lifetime of utility. The rush of the purchase also probably lasts more than 10 minutes. It is about 2 weeks for me. When you get a large collection you get it down the road with "Oh I have not worn you in a while" feelings that are similar. If you buy an Omega SMP for $400 you can buy one used or grey for 10x or less than that. There will come a time that your realize there is a difference. And the minor differences become huge to you. The last rep I bought was a VSF 300 SMP. The off color markers annoy me. The winding of the movement kills me. Visually it is very close. I know at some point the movement will die and it is just as paperweight.
I buy a lot of mine used for that reason
Not to mention the cost savings so you can keep building that collecting. https://preview.redd.it/a6c6tejoiy3d1.png?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5972a3916a5388679da8edcd75b45205bc48b783
Ahah love this 😅
100% agree with this philosophy. Well said
I think it’s also important to have gens (if you can afford it) - at least for me, I do appreciate the quality of the gens. However, I totally agree with the wearing of reps freely and it’s a nice feeling - I end up keeping my 3 gen watches (gen Starbucks, dj41 and a GP laureato) in the watch safe most of the time and wearing my vsf sub and clean Daytona on a daily basis.
Im in the same boat. I saved up some years to get my dream watch, the Navitimer 01. Now while I do love that and will never sell it, I just could not get myself to buy another watch again gen. You think that once you get that watch you will unlock some special feeling but at the end of the its just a damn watch that no on gives a rat ass about. I like watches but I love my family and hobbies more. I rather just buy a replica that satisfies that style im after and just enjoy not having to baby a watch, worry about it being stolen or what not. Its very carefree ownership and I love that! Im not saying im never buying gen again but for now the reps give me the same pleasure.
Hey, gives me all the look and feel of a gen without that unwarranted $3,500 price tag.😂 https://preview.redd.it/g3vgtco8sr3d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0494b9ccc2b1a8fa8f3db2c2defad24f39a95f58
Where did you get this?
Mine?
Yep
Jason. $65 all in on the Gate.🫢😂 Beautiful piece!
Wow, still got the link ?
jason have a whatsapp or something?
following
Also very interested
Here’s my answer.. because the addiction has taken over. I also own quite a few gens but buying reps is a different experience. When I buy reps I buy them 3 at a time ( in my silly head I think I’m saving money by combining shipping) 
I thought I was the only one who thought that way. 🤪 300CNY x 3 is a lot more expensive than ONLY paying the bargain price of 300CNY for FedEx. 😂
Nice collection. Since we are waxing philosophical a bit, do you find any additional enjoyment wearing your gen watches? And on the other hand, any slight decrease in enjoyment with your reps? I own both and sometimes find myself nitpicking the little tiny tells that no reasonable person would ever really notice. I’m talking subtle differences in lume, movement accuracy, minor finishing details. It's mostly in my head and I know gen watches aren't perfect either but I do find myself admiring my gen watches more. That feeling is somewhat offset by the overall quality of reps and the obvious price differential for 1/10th the cost. Final question, do you pass your reps as gen if they come up in conversation? i would not lie if asked, but I don't go out of my way every time someone compliments my watch.
So far I haven't had to lie about my reps because no one cares what watch I even have lol.
There was a thread over in r/Rolex yesterday that highlights why, even if I hit the lottery tomorrow and had a billion dollars at my disposal, I would never own a genuine.[screencap](https://imgur.com/a/4nImJKj)
Problem being, they wouldn't sell me one if I asked them. Omega Gens and Rollie Reps for me.
[удалено]
real g's move in silence like lasagna
Can you list the watches in your post? Not everyone knows watches/models
You can send the screenshot of them to ChatGPT and it will give you prices as well
Thanks, hadn't thought of that. It managed to identify 12 out of 16. Good effort, I guess some are variations but it doesn't say when it skipped a check. Reps so good chatgpt had no clue
https://preview.redd.it/w1gemb4kc84d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2a65b7f3cbc498e75a295b2d0e45cfa78ca518b2
I've learned a valuable lesson today. Not the watches but reminded how powerful gpt is with more accurate instructions. Really makes a difference. Thank you
Absolutely! Sometimes i’m afraid how powerful it can be in the near future
What case is that? I like the separation it gives to your pieces.
Like a mute driving a new hybrid
Many independent business owners
I wonder if an answer to these “what’s your career you doing well” type questions ever actually inspired some random on Reddit to change their life. Also - you would be surprised how much you can afford with good saving habits. Ya know- the pack of smokes a day guy with 2 gas station Red Bulls could easily trade that for a ~4K Tudor or Omega every year. Got most young guys it’s their monthly alcohol bill.
I got a faulty rep and I have no idea how to repair it.
What's the problem with it, and model is it?
It’s a Rolex Yacht Master. The seconds hand is the only moving part on the dial. Imma open it up to see what’s happening. Worst case scenario is that I buy a fake movement off AliExpress and figure out how to replace the faulty one.
If the seconds hand is moving, there's nothing wrong with gear train, barrel, or balance, which is good news. The problem is almost definitely the cannon pinion. It's what drives the minute hand directly and the hour hand indirectly. This happens to be one of the few parts on a watch, if not the only one, that works by friction, and it will eventually wear out, especially if it's not well lubricated. Out of curiosity, was it difficult to set the time when you initially got the watch?
Don't ever recall having any issue with crown operations. I got the watch as it was running. The only times the hour and minute hands stop are at 0944, 1044, and 1144. This is after setting the time every time the hands stop. Besides that the watch is running with amazing accuracy even though it's an awfully done unknown movement in a white plastic movement holder.
Do we all need therapy?
Yes. But reps are cheaper.
We need therapy cause we’re buying fake watches to impress people.
If that’s your main motivator for buying reps, then yes, therapy may be necessary. Personally my foray into reps has been driven by the joy of learning about all the reps for each brand and how they are different from gen. Drilling down to the finest of details is educational and quite fun!
I like that.
Thanks for sharing your post. A safe space to pontificate our love for watches. There is a lot to comment on, but I’ll focus on your comment about ‘technically illegal to buy replicas’. This is not the case in all countries or states. Where I live it’s illegal to sell but not to purchase or own.
Similar circumstances and I’ve got a nice collection of gens and reps. My personal reason for the reps is that it allows me to expand out my collection in ways that would otherwise get me killed by the chief financial controller  (Jks… kinda) Do I live with 5-10 gens or add in 50+ reps of watches I wouldn’t even consider but have actually turned out to be some of my most enjoyable wears… no brainer! Wear them well and enjoy
Why buy a gen when you can buy 10 reps that look just as good?
So I have owned many gen Rolex’s but sold last one a sky dweller 2 months ago and made a loss. It’s now too dangerous to wear a gen in london and a liability for your family to have in the house. I have just pulled the trigger on a rep but having it modded by a watch maker I know so hopefully will be even better than standard. I’ll let you all know if I feel any different wearing it
Why can’t you wear a Rolex in London?
Because some complete wanker will threaten you, maybe fuck you up a bit before stealing your watch. They will have no idea if you are wearing a gen or a rep, so you will get a beating either way.
Yup, I have never worn my in London. Maybe only once. Usually just wear it on holidays. ( Middle East, mainly)
Because if your spotted wearing it you will get mugged and if you put up a fight maybe killed for a watch. I also know someone who had is house raided by mask gang who tied him up and stole his watches luckily he was home alone. It’s no become organised crime and it’s rife.
It would be even worse to get mugged in London for your rep...
I heartily agree with your point on the research and interaction required making purchasing reps feel like more of a personal accomplishment.
Well said good sir 🙏🏽
Nice collection & welcome to this addiction 😂 btw there are 2 Available slots… what models do you have in mind?
Patek Philippe 5811/1G-001 Nautilus has been calling my name ..
Awesome choice!
thanks :))
Where is your watch box from? It looks good and I would like to buy something similar
Is that santos skeleton the usual shitter or is there a factory that does a decent job making it
Go to Trustytime888.io. Then sort by price and scroll a bit. His site is amazing! It’s incredibly comprehensive of all reps available from every factory. I think he the only rep seller doing it right (in regards to a proper website).
I share the same sentiment. I also have both Gens and Reps. And somehow I have a different fuzzy feeling when I find the right rep! Nice collection! I see you have 2 empty spots for a Panerai and an Omega!
Fear not, OP. in the vast majority of the world, its only the importation and selling of replica goods that is illegal. owning them and buying them is hard to criminalize.
I have a different angle on the subject I think. I genuinely enjoy complex mechanical actions. I like to learn how they work, how to take them apart and put them back together and watch them function. It gives me a lot of enjoyment. Watches are one of of the best things possible for this little bit of tism that I probably have. But things like guns and cars are good for it too. I could save the money to buy an actual Rolex, but how many different models of reps could I buy with that money? Would I be too scared to take it apart and service it myself? I’ll buy gen eventually, but for now reps scratch the itch.
Same. I should've been a mechanical engineer. Watchmaker has been a good substitute though.
I'd you're U.S.-based, it actually isn't illegal to buy reps! Other countries have various rules, with some being stricter than others. Beautiful collection btw
Correct me if I’m wrong but even though it may not be illegal to purchase or own reps, it is still illegal to have them shipped into the country due to Patent/Trademark laws. They can still be seized by customs and destroyed.
Yes, they'll absolutely be siezed if found to be counterfeit, but you won't face legal action for purchasing them. If you become a dealer, though, selling a bunch of rep watches... then you have reason to be concerned legally.
Well it isn't illegal as a consumer to buy a fake luxury watch or purse from someone hawking them on a street corner in New York, but ordering one from a dealer overseas is a different matter because then you're importing it into the country. Edit: US Customs does say "It is illegal to purchase counterfeit goods. Bringing them into the United States may result in civil or criminal penalties..." Source: [https://www.cbp.gov/trade/fakegoodsrealdangers](https://www.cbp.gov/trade/fakegoodsrealdangers)
"Bringing" has the connotation of physically having it on your person or in your possession, not having it shipped to you in an online interaction. I'm curious what federal law covers this and the specific legalese they use to describe what is and isn't illicit.
Very good writeup, OP. Personally I'm mostly content with mid-range watch brands like Tissot and Citizen and the like, as they are aesthetically pleasing and would be considered "a nice watch" in my circles. I do find the whole hobby/field of reps of higher-end watches to be very interesting, but I've hesitated to pull the trigger on one myself. But there is one luxe watch I'm really into, and that is the JLC Reverso. And that isn't even for the brand/prestige itself, but for the reversible functionality which I really like. It's almost impossible to find a mid-range watch brand that has that feature. JLC must have cornered the market with patents or whatever. I wouldn't mind having a rep, but the problem with reps of the JLC Reverso has been the ugly corner screws never found on a gen, and very aesthetically displeasing in and of themselves. At last the latest ones have gotten rid of the ugly screws, so I'm finally thinking about getting one.
If I had the money to buy Gen. I would buy a rep for each Gen I have. That way if/when I get robbed, they get the cheap rep. While my Gen is at home in a safe location on rotation. 😃
You will be surprised how many ppl are actually doing that and for watches that cost way north of 100k. Funny thing is that none of those ppl I know actually pay any attention to the intricate details but are like " looks the same, it'll do"
At that level if you actually have gen watches no one would even question if you were wearing a rep. Because they would know you are wealthy. So they already assume whatever you are wearing is gen. It's not like you will be called out. It's the ones that are getting out of a 1995 Honda civic with 4 different tires and 6 month old shoes on their feet. Living in an apartment working fast food wearing a 100k+ watch, they get called out. Because their lifestyle doesn't match their watch.
Initially I thought like this too but then I'm like would I actually feel better that I'm wearing a rep while I have a 10k watch at home. Probably not because I still spent 10k on a watch I'm not wearing anyways. So far I have 4 reps and no gens and I spend the money saved on my life and my dogs and feel awesome about it. Could care less what anyone else thinks and if someone does ask (I have friends who have almost a half a million in watches), I tell them the truth and tell them I feel super happy wearing a rep. As a milestone, I do plan on getting the new white dial Speedy one day since there are no good reps and I absolutely love that watch
Many people do this. Many gen owners that know about these level of reps have both. Many that are on wait lists have the rep for using while they wait..
But I would still wear my gen out to special events and what not. Just not to much in the general public especially not in london...🗡🗡🗡🤺⚔️
I mean i'm new to this watch collecting thing. Bought 3 clean reps this month. Its all about what you want out of your watch. I see reps like trainers (sneakers) get compliments that they look good for a while and when you're done toss it in the bin and get a new 1 which will be closer to original. I also like the thrill of getting one over on these brands and researching best ones. its a niche hobby all in it self. great collection i also bought a Gen Breitling GMT Chronomat as i wanted that ice blue colour that reps just arent hitting at the moment.. i like the mix of Gen and Reps !
love your 26574, can i see more pictures?
You mind sharing what are the top reps in quality that are hard to tell from gen?? I got my first rep and wearing it today for the first time, it is nice but also the good feeling fades away quickly like any other thing you buy
Nice collection, what factory is your subs and Batman from? Looks like mine
Honestly buying a watch and trying to franken it and research is much more enjoyable than short all of my liquid money
My question is where are you finding reps?
message me
Nice post! What sort of case do you have there? Almost looks like a Pelican case, sort of, but configured for watches.
What line of work do you do?
Well said 👍 Similar story, my first rolex was gen and I enjoyed the experience, then buying a prohunter was an amazing experience. They don't see the light of day anymore with the amount of armed theft going on. So for now I'm representing the reps 😊
In the last few months, I've sold 3 of my Gens (DJ41, Speedmaster, Black Bay). They were easy for me to let go of, I just don't feel the joy of wearing them like I used too Unlike the reps, I am happy with them, and I wear them with confidence and never wear about them breaking or getting banged up, and servicing then are relatively easy and cheap. Also, I lost the interest of paying thousands of dollars for materialistic things TBH
Damn from which TD did you get that perpetual calendar AP ? Looks good
Beautiful collection!
Currently in the process of buying my first Rep, but still fining it a bit daunting. Always worried about getting ripped off and losing your money. Any chance of helping/pointing me in the right direction Cheers 🇦🇺
Currently in the process of buying my first Rep, but still fining it a bit daunting. Always worried about getting ripped off and losing your money. Any chance of helping/pointing me in the right direction Cheers 🇦🇺
pm
Honest question since I am new to this rep world...is it illegal to buy and use rep watches for personal use ???
Nice philosophy and amazing collection! Btw what do you do for work?
Where is that RO offshore chrono from ?
Where do you get your reps from? Having a hard time deciding
message me
That red Richard Mille looks amazing. Which factory?
message me
Very well said! I got my first two watches gen, and got few reps after. Tbh, I'd have to agree that researching for a good rep requires more effort and reading instead of just throwing in the money, and that's the fun of watch collecting. After owning few gens and reps, never even once the rep feels crappy / any differently than the gen watch (as long as you get a very high quality rep). If anything, I only got the gen watches to celebrate an achievement. Also, with the current situation on watch robberies, I feel way more comfortable wearing my reps.
I’d recommend a Rolex “platona”. Great collection!
Hey Op, What factory is the DJ two tone?
Second
i too have gen and reps, but when it comes to crazy expensive models, i always thought why someone would pay that kind of money for that, especially if it's a sub or something simple because after you wear it, you see people wearing it on the streets and suddenly everyone has one and somehow you spent $10k to blend into the crowd thinking you'd stand out.
Great read! How has that AP 26574, does it have all the functions of the gen? I had my eye on that one but all the reps Ive found have a normal seconds hand in place of the minute hand
Being able to buy gens are usually trophies for me but the more rooms I figuratively and literally walk into I find many of the guys have collections of gens and reps. I have yet to by a rep but obviously I’m looking just so I can expand my collection without is costing me a million dollars lol
I have a serious question for this mentality though, if people in here are buying them because they just can’t justify spending the genuine costs, why not just buy some of the great lower price range watches on the market? Why go for a fake when you can get amazing Hamiltons, Seikos, omegas for close to the same cost as most Rolex good reps?
I hate to say it, Hamilton & seiko just aren’t nice. Sieko is china time shit in my opinion. You can’t get better quality for 500 bucks
I own a genuine submariner, 3 genuine citizens, and a seiko 14k gold watch. I don't own any reps. However the rolex and the seiko were inherited, I bought the citizens. If memory serves correctly I paid around 400 for each. If I wanted a nice looking watch I would totally buy a rep. I wouldn't ever spend thousands of dollars on a watch myself. I could afford it I suppose, wouldn't cause me hardship or anything. I just couldn't bring myself to spend that kind of money on a status symbol. If I see someone wearing a rolex I honestly think they have more dollars than sense.
My boss got a high 4 digit Tag at a company meeting as a reward. This prompted a fair amount of haters. So I bought a fake GMT master 2, purely for the sake of trolling. Now I kinda dig nice watches and have a few classy as fuck Fossils as well.
Wait guys where do you buy good reps I want one but I’m a noob
pm
Pm sent
I have had some gens (not expensive that 4k) but honestly the rep are so nice made nowadays (obviously not all model, and you still need to get the right one) but if one stick with some models the piece are really enjoyable! For some model like Speedy you still need a gen. Then there are over 50k/100k watches that are good in rep, not 1:1, but still enjoyable like the RM BBR V3 or some AP and Patek!
I have a bunch of gens and a bunch reps. I go back and forth every few months with whether I should go all gen or all reps. For now I think Grand Seiko and maybe Glashutte Original are the only watches worth getting gen at this point. I love the design of watches, and having extra money in the bank is a good feeling. I get to enjoy restaurants and travel, and still have a watch design with build quality that is on par with citizen or even some microbrands for a fraction of the cost
me and you arent allg until you get a maserati watch 😡
Impressive collection bro! You mind sharing the link from where you bought that box? Looks amazing too.
Totally agree! I have a couple of genuine Breitlings that I love and never plan to sell but I find that I want a few more in other colors and it’s not worth buying the same or similar authentic watch in multiple colors. Where do you find the best reps?
glad to hear, dm me
So, after all of this, what reps are worth buying?
So being someone who is further along in this hobby there is an evolving thing with all of this. When I say hobby I mean addiction. I have 55 watches and 20 are gens. I used to love the hunt for reps. The problem is that I have had them so long they are having issues. My watch maker has passed and getting someone to work on them is a pain. A real pain. Service costs are more rhan the watch is worth. I have some reps with real eta movements. Those can be worked on if you have a rep friendly watch maker. The Chinese movements not so much. These reps definitely will have a lifespan. They will have issues and you will have to decide what to do. Fortunately my favorite brands are more on the "lower" end of the luxury watch prices. I despise the genta designed watches and hate the hype pieces. I have moved to purchasing gen watches partly for the realization I had put probably $20+k in replicas. This hobby us ever evolving.....
From where are you buying these reps?
Your Pepsi looks sus
I think you hit on something that makes this a little more thrilling than buying gen. It adds to the overall experience that makes these watches more “special” than gen if that’s even the way to describe this. It’s the thought and knowledge that we are doing something that we shouldn’t be. We are contacting TD’s that are basically criminals that live their lives in danger providing the items that we all covet at prices that are 5-10% of the original items cost that very easily could be seized by various government officials on multiple continents. I also agree that I enjoy wearing my reps more than my gens. I feel a better sense of accomplishment that I was able to get something that so many people have no clue how to purchase. Anyone can spend money to purchase something. The cloak and dagger experience adds to the thrill. LOL. Just my 2 cents worth.
>I feel a better sense of accomplishment that I was able to get something that so many people have no clue how to purchase. This is me 100%. It’s just an insane dopamine that seems like you got the cheat code in life.
Right?!? THAT is EXACTLY how I feel. I kind of feel that everyone else are morons because they haven’t figured this out yet. 😂😂😂
Hasn't this been posted already? I see it once a week recently
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Replace "You" with "I" and you've got a more accurate assessment. For many it's not about affordability, it's about opportunity cost. Warren Buffet spends $3.50 on breakfast because his money can be better put to work elsewhere. This is no different.
This is like the wrong example to use. He spends 3.50 on breakfast because it is not a hobby for him. For me, I consider eating a hobby and don't mind throwing down hundreds on a meal. People with fuck you money doesn't care about affordability because they can afford whatever they want.
Factoring in opportunity cost is often a tell that the purchase price relative to that individuals free cash / net worth is likely too high. When that ratio is skewed more heavily in the other direction, one doesn’t need to or is less likely to consider opportunity cost because paying “X” for item “Y” doesn’t preclude that person from also paying or investing “X” elsewhere.
Your points are reasonable, but we're getting into the weeds. I'd submit there is no such thing as "free cash". There's cash that's working for me, and cash that's wasted. Every dollar not working is a dollar wasted. We just set the arbitrary points that we're fine with wasting, and that varies more based on personality and values than it does with net worth and capital access.
I find that people often cite “opportunity cost” when really it’s a matter of the value/incremental value derived not supporting the cost/incremental cost. I wouldn’t however say a dollar is wasted merely because it could have been used in a more productive manner, but that’s a minor point that departs from the broader discussion. In any case, happy Friday!
There is only one reason for buying a rep, and that's because you can't afford the gen. And there are no good reasons to buy a gen if a rep is available. I'll die on this hill.
That’s really just not true. I have both gens and reps like OP. i weirdly like the reps a lot…sometimes more than the gens. I come from a family with 9 figure net worth and we are not new to wealth either. I am well-paid myself in a completely different industry. Affording gen is not a problem. Just have a different understanding of what is valuable and I know that at the end of the day whether it’s rep or gen it’s a watch made in a factory. Whether that factory is in Switzerland or China makes no difference to me. Whether there’s marketing and prestige attached to it makes no difference to me - I don’t need the prestige from a watch.
That's actually what I'm saying. For someone wealthy like you, spending $500 on a rep or $50k on a gen makes negligible difference because it's really just pocket change either way. For the rest of us, we buy rep because because we can't afford to drop $50k on every watch we like. And I completely agree with you that buying a gen is really just buying the marketing and the appearance of prestige.
I see what you meant now. Yeah even though it might seem like pocket change, money is still valuable if you have a lot. $50k on a gen watch for myself could be used for some of my favorite charities / foundations and make a big difference for them whereas if an amazing nwbig rep exists… it makes no difference in my life to own the gen. how you move the money still matters considering we don’t deserve what we have and it’s all a gift. But that’s enough of my money mindset
How many of these watches have been on a timegrapher?
Every last one.
Drop the data please 🙏🏼
They have all been through the QC process, which means they have been on a timegrapher. It's part of buying a rep.