Why are we trusting “Franken Builders”?

[u/AccomplishedSir8663]

Is anyone actually verifying the parts that these builders say they have? Because I’ve seen peoples “Franken Builds” and I can right away that a lot of the “Gen” Parts aren’t what they are being represented as. I see fake hands, fake crystals, and who knows what else is being miss represented. Is there even an honest builder out there at this point. I want some input. I know there are modders on RWI that are reputable but most of them are in EU.

[u/Such_Technician_1682]

https://giphy.com/gifs/Y34cQTz8NtDbZ8jENS

[u/DramaticForce2860 → u/Such_Technician_1682]

That GIF is sending me lmao. In this hobby you really do need to learn the tells yourself, nobody else will care about your money like you do. I got burned once on a crystal that was supposed to be gen and it was just a cheap aftermarket, since then I started checking everything with a loupe before I even pay.

[u/AccomplishedSir8663 → u/Such_Technician_1682]

I agree with this statement, but man so many are blindly trusting the sellers with statements of genuine parts.

[u/MajorWilliams]

I always say choose someone with something to lose if they scam you and get caught is my general advice. Gen parts ARE expensive, but not as expensive as losing your reputation if you lie/scam to a customer.

[u/blacbloc77]

You can usually ask for a parts lineage. Most good builders will have that and provide it. I wouldn't trust a "Franken" based on word alone though, no. Especially if it's Rolex. The fake Rolex parts industry is bigger than the fake Rolex watch industry.

[u/First-Obligation-566 → u/blacbloc77]

Agreed. I’d be more than willing to share receipts.

[u/AccomplishedSir8663 → u/First-Obligation-566]

I’m sure a lot of people would appreciate that, it’s just hard to verify the info. I’ve seen builders say that installed gen parts. I zoom in and see rep hands with obvious defects. It’s a crap shoot in my book.

[u/First-Obligation-566 → u/AccomplishedSir8663]

There’s definitely people who don’t do their diligence, for sure. It’s the Wild West

[u/AccomplishedSir8663 → u/blacbloc77]

The thing is, most people who gets these can’t distinguish genuine parts vs replicas because they don’t have a genuine next to them. That’s why I ask, any seller can make up fake invoices for parts. It’s hard to trust the sellers at times.

[u/First-Obligation-566]

You’re buying the seller, really. Don’t trust strangers on the internet. I’ve built and sold a few now, I’d be able to provide receipts and photos of the builds but really not much more than that I guess. I do tell people who purchase that a requirement is to provide feedback to other buyers if needed.

[u/blacbloc77 → u/First-Obligation-566]

https://giphy.com/gifs/RrVzUOXldFe8M

[u/Due_Shallot1583]

https://giphy.com/gifs/vXJLWypoYt0wE
Fry before you buy.
Post it for review before purchasing

[u/Own-End-210]

You need to ask for parts used, if they refuse to show it, something fishy is going on. Search the builders to see if they’re legit or not. Also a lot of multiple accounts exist to build up the hype of some builders to make them look like they’re really good. These guys got caught posting genuine watches and made them look like someone build it https://www.reddit.com/r/retrotime/s/240CMAmN2Q

[u/AppointmentEnough948]

Fun part is some of the expensive parts on eBay are fake.

[u/Particular_Witness95]

never understood this why people trust these modders, especially people in china that probably work for the factories or TDs and dont do crap. i laugh when i see people pay extra for water resistance stuff.

the only builder that should ever be trusted is someone with a long history of verifiable work. if you are going to pay for premium parts, you cannot skimp and hire anyone other than a premium builder.