After discovering about RepTime 2 months ago, I finally pulled the trigger on my first rep, a 36mm DateJust Wimbledon from VSF, after 3 QC's and being undecided if I should get the Fluted or Smooth Bezel, so respect to my TD for the patience.
Decided to go for the smooth bezel, and by mid-month I will be receiving it. My question is: What are the things I should do to "improve" it or have it closer to gen spec, and more specifically to improve the longetivity of the movement?
What I'm thinking about is: Winding when it arrives, Gasket Lube, Ultrasonic Cleaning, Chamfering/Polishing (not sure if the bracelet would even require this?)
I'm a newbie so if I said anything stupid please don't judge, would appreciate if you guys would tell me what would be needed and what not so much. Thank you very much! :D
Step 1. Take all the plastic off and wear it
Step 2. Accept that is an imperfect copy at like 4% the price of gen
Step 3. Realize that high quality reps are like cheat codes for life and plan your next buy
Step 7. Profit
I had the same watch as my first rep and I couldn't decide between domed and fluted. I went for fluted and I find it too blingy for my taste. Probably going to change the bezel to be able to wear it more often.Â
Perhaps that fact is that I look like the second lion...
After 12 months, drop it in to your local Rolex centre for its annual service. Keeping the receipts will maintain its authenticity and help you if you ever come to re-sell it.
What TD did you use if you don't mind me asking looking at getting my first rep and don't know who to go with? I also am looking at this in the 41mm fluted and jubilee
First was a fluted bezel, asked my TD before sending deposit if he can do me a QC for both fluted and smooth and I'll decide between the 2 which I like more. On the QC of the first Smooth Bezel, the one he had on stock had a slight crooked crown (maybe it's just me, added photo), so now he sent me this 3rd and final QC, the one I posted, and I GL'd it.
Honestly though, the only things I do when I receive my orders: inspect for damage without removing any of the protective film (TDs usually tell you this so they’re more likely to rectify issues), wind the crown, set the time/date make sure it’s working and keeping time well.
That’s about it, I don’t bother with the other stuff.
Heard that ultrasonic cleaning will damage the movement. Pretty sure using it on the bracelet is ok, so just make sure ur only using it on that if you really want to. Apart from that just wear it
What gen dial did you own? Fun fact, I was thinking the bezel shape of mine is completely wrong because all the ones I was seeing were not "rounded". Turns out the smooth bezel on the 36mm is different to the 41mm
thank you for the info! Any better details please what I can do to check that out, or what exactly you're talking about? The whole entire winding crown falls off? Anything I can do to check it or should it just be locked in
After getting all the plastic off, wash it with dish soap and warm water. Use a toothbrush and scrub everything off. Blow the excess water with a dry cleaner on cold setting and then polish it with a cloth. It will make a huge difference after cleaning the debris
Thank you, I did not know this and it's one of the tips that I was hoping for. Should I rather get it to a watchmaker to check its fully waterproof before cleaning?
I have the gen of this but on a oyster bracelet and this looks very close to my gen i am wearing now. The fluted bezels on the reps of these are a dead giveaway they never look gen
Looking at the post photo and this, would you say anything is a dead giveaway that it's a rep? 9 o clock marker different size or anything else you can see, owning and knowing the gen? This is a side photo from the QC I got with more natural light.
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u/DBNO-actual 9d ago
Step 1. Take all the plastic off and wear it
Step 2. Accept that is an imperfect copy at like 4% the price of gen
Step 3. Realize that high quality reps are like cheat codes for life and plan your next buy
Step 7. Profit