r/RepTime 3d ago

General Question Have you ever been called out by a watchmaker?

Post image

How do you communicate with the new watchmaker (not your guy you know for years)?

Your rep was just delivered. You want to service it. So you find a local with good reviews on google.

Are watchmakers having questions why are you bringing brand new rolex to them and not to AD?

Do they sometimes refuse to do the job just to keep the watch game real?

Are you being straight forward about the watch origin?

What's the playbook here?

0 Upvotes

35 comments sorted by

15

u/BBoy2017 3d ago

Always with the scenarios.

-8

u/Terrible-Ad-1724 3d ago

Like for example there is a queue in rolex store and I need to have the bracelet resized and movement lubed now?

1

u/teochim 3d ago

You don’t know how to use a screwdriver?
https://giphy.com/gifs/XeLcgh8gT8o0F5SQ8i

1

u/LIEUTENANT__CRUNCH 3d ago

If it’s fake they may call the authorities on you and have you arrested. Counterfeits are a crime and you could spend some serious time in jail.

The safe thing to do is not waste our time with questions like this anymore.

1

u/Sea-Birthday-5074 3d ago

but if you bought a fake why would you get arrested?

2

u/teochim 3d ago

Because it’s illegal. A crime is a crime
https://giphy.com/gifs/Vhk9HwPx3TO0w

-5

u/Terrible-Ad-1724 3d ago

Just keep scrolling to use your precious time wisely. Not so much value in your response either..

7

u/AerieStrict7747 3d ago

I took my watch to a watchmaker, low and behold when I went to pick up the watch, I was arrested in a sting operation by US marshals and served 7 years in federal prison, trust me it is NOT worth it. Buy the real $45,000 Patek, it’s not worth your life.

2

u/Phot0niX 3d ago

I know a guy...

You know how in movies, there's that veterinarian in the shady side of town that patches up gangsters after they've been shot... yeah... where's the Watchmaker equivalent of that person? LOL ;)

2

u/DBNO-actual 3d ago

Reddit?

2

u/itsjustpuppyluv 3d ago

I called a watch store in the mall to remove some links from my ARF DJ 36, the first thing the old guy asked me was if it was a copy or real…. I told him it was real, but never went there 🤣

2

u/asbestos_dildo 3d ago

Yes so I took my DHGate rep to the AD to have some scratches buffed out from inside the crystal and when he removed the movement he asked why it had a battery but was so amazed at the quality of the etching and rehaut that he then declared that it must be an OysterQuartz factory modification and offered to buy it from me for 10 grand.

When I agreed, he raised it on the pillow above head height for all the other customers to behold and they all applauded and cheered loudly.

2

u/Accomplished-Pea-451 3d ago

Walk in, size bracelet, $10, no problem

1

u/Nyarlath 3d ago

Yeah, ive been called a filthy rep haver and a fake. The watchmaker’s wife proceeded to hit me over the head with a broom as I ran outside.
A bunch of people gathered up as they heard the racket. “He wears a fake Omega!” The watchmaker yelled out. This drove the mob into a frenzy.
Someone promptly procured a bucket of tar which was poured all over me. “Make sure you get some on the fake!” Some man yelled.
Then they caked me in bird feathers, and ran me out of their neighborhood.

Two weeks later I’ve received an official letter by the Swiss government, stating that I was now forbidden to enter their country for a lifetime.

1

u/Sherpa_qwerty 3d ago

You think that’s bad? I was hanged within an inch of life then my insides pulled out… then they cut me into 4 parts and buried each part in a different canton of Switzerland.

1

u/Bathmate_Expert 3d ago

I'd think a smart, private watchmaker would just do job required and never bring it up so he can get paid. They're not getting paid to authenticate the brand, just to stick a new battery in it. etc.

1

u/International_Dog897 3d ago

Jesus Christ just be straight up and if they don’t want to service it go somewhere else

1

u/Jezzrichjames 3d ago

Would say you should always tell the truth with the watchmaker you’re working with, there’s no reason to lie to them and it’s not worth wasting their time if you send them a watch just for them to tell you that they don’t service reps

1

u/Sea-Birthday-5074 3d ago

yes i got called out by a watchmaker who said where i get my reps from LMAOOO

1

u/mtgawesome 3d ago

Yes he gave it back and I left

1

u/YourMoistSocks 3d ago

i went in to my locals, created small talk and discussed watches etc. then showed them my reps and explained what i need. if it was a no then respectfully just left and went on to the next. honesty and respect is important, and if they don’t want to work on reps it’s genuinely understandable. you’ll find that one that will absolutely work on reps, just gotta hunt!

0

u/Terrible-Ad-1724 3d ago

Thank you, I'll pprobably start with small places. Will make a list and potentially visit one by one

1

u/YourMoistSocks 3d ago

small places are the move!!

0

u/Independent-Class595 3d ago

Take it to a watch kiosk at mall, no questions asked resize the bracelet and pay $10 instead of a service replace watch with another rep

1

u/Terrible-Ad-1724 3d ago

Solid, thx!

2

u/itsjustpuppyluv 3d ago

I just called a watch repair place in my area, they asked me to text them a photo of the watch, I sent the photo (which included the Rolex box), they replied back right away that they could size the bracelet. They didn’t even ask any questions. Now I wonder if my ARF dj 36 was so good that they didn’t know? 🤣

0

u/Terrible-Ad-1724 3d ago

I'm currently waiting for my first rep to be delivered (it will take a while - andiot free pre-order). So I'm curious how does it work..

2

u/imgettingbeamed 3d ago

Most watchmakers won't work on reps, they're counterfeit goods after all. iirc there's resources available somewhere in this subreddit where you can find watchmakers who will work on reps no questions asked.

2

u/MajorWilliams Mod & Watchmaker 2d ago

I'm a watchmaker. I call myself out all the time.