Aramdavid 0 Posted September 6, 2014 It seems 99% of the Patek reps out here are Nautilus reps, and I wonder why no love for the 2499. It is hard to replicate? I would love to get a good rep of the 2499 or 5170. I tried to search through the forum but the only 2499 posts are just appreciations of the gen version. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
_DC_ 218 Posted September 7, 2014 You hit the nail on the head my friend, it's too hard to replicate, mainly because there simply isn't a movement out there that would do all the things a 2499 can do. There are some fairly bad 21j replicas of things like the 5970 (the 2499s younger brother) but they are usually way too big at around 45mm (gen 5970 is 40mm and 2499 is 37mm from memory)! Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but believe me I'm as frustrated as you!!! DC Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aramdavid 0 Posted September 7, 2014 Oh man, that's what I feared. Are there any out there in that general style that are fairly accurate? Something with a moon face? Everything I see (at trusty time) has some major flaw... The numbers are wrong, or the case has a crown guard when it shouldn't. I don't even see a 5170 (I know, no moon face) out there... That's just a standard chronograph, no? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aramdavid 0 Posted September 7, 2014 Oh, Im sorry I misread. You said there are some 5970 reps out there but they are not the right size. Im forgetting that is very close to the 2499, as you said. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
_DC_ 218 Posted September 7, 2014 There used to be a 5170 rep and also a 5070 rep (both just chronographs as you rightly said) but neither are made anymore so impossible to find, believe me I've tried for over a year! In my search for Patek reps other than Nautilus and Aquanaut so far I've only found a few good Calatravas, no good complications, and no moonphase or classic chronographs! The hunt continues... DC Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aramdavid 0 Posted September 8, 2014 I just ordered an Aquanaut from Andrew tonight. I hope its a good one. If he doesnt have great reps don't tell me now so cause it will get me depressed for two weeks while I wait for it to arrive. Actually, now if you DONT answer Ill know its a bad rep. Great... what did I get myself into... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
D_Chico 0 Posted September 8, 2014 I just ordered an Aquanaut from Andrew tonight. I hope its a good one. If he doesnt have great reps don't tell me now so cause it will get me depressed for two weeks while I wait for it to arrive. Actually, now if you DONT answer Ill know its a bad rep. Great... what did I get myself into... Andrew sources good watches for the for most part so don't worry He'll send you "QC" pictures so if there's something that doesn't look right be sure to reply quickly and let him know! That way he will take care of any issues before the watch is sent to you I say "quickly" because most TDs have a policy that if you don't respond within 24hrs of them sending the QCs they will automatically ship the watch.. I'm sure you'll be happy with it! Whatever was pictured on his site is what you will get.. Good luck bud! Be sure to keep us posted on how it goes..and don't forget to post some pics when it comes in! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aramdavid 0 Posted September 9, 2014 Thanks! I have ordered from him twice in the past.. a Submariner and Datejust, and actually BOTH died. He has both of them in service now, but from my understanding (I am somewhat new to this), the different factories produce different makes, so Im not sure if the Patek reps come from as good factories as the Subs. My submariner was killer... spot on rep... the only problem was that the pin failed to change the time after a while and the watch was useless. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyRock 0 Posted September 9, 2014 Thanks! I have ordered from him twice in the past.. a Submariner and Datejust, and actually BOTH died. He has both of them in service now, but from my understanding (I am somewhat new to this), the different factories produce different makes, so Im not sure if the Patek reps come from as good factories as the Subs. My submariner was killer... spot on rep... the only problem was that the pin failed to change the time after a while and the watch was useless. Seems like you have a little experience with reps and if this helps any, good. Don't waste time with lower priced reps. I see SOOOOOOO many posts saying "My rep died". I've had one rep (I wear it twice a week on a rotation) for 4 years and it's never even *burped*. Anything you look at should be over the $300.00 mark or very close to it. The saying is true in reps as in many other situations. You get what you pay for. Even though it's only a Rep, it's a Rep that will last you much longer than the lesser priced models. I know I have a few posts and comments saying the same thing over and over again but I don't understand how peoples reps die. I'm fortunate maybe? Lucky in a sense? Bought the right watches? .......Or maybe it's because I've read the right things and purchased wisely. I'm not flaming you, giving you a hard time or anything so don't read this in an offensive manor. I'm just not seeing how Watches die. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aramdavid 0 Posted September 17, 2014 (edited) I have to say I am extremely disappointed with my Trusty Aquanaut. The rubber strap keeps popping off with even the slightest pressure. And a close examination shows really poor attention to details. I am a professional photographer, and yes, I am using a professional camera which may be capturing more detail than one can see with the human eye, but still it shows the lack of care in manufacturing. Take a look: From a distance it looks ok. But when you really look up close it most certainly does not: I must say, I don't have the heart to send it back. I have a Datejust and Sub no date from them, both of which are being serviced because one had a bad movement that kept dying and the other has the crown pop out only to stop working completely. After 3 bad experiences I have to say I may retire this little hobby. I know some will say to try a different dealer, but it will take some time before I get the nerve to order again. I have now put $700 into these 3 watches with only a poor Aquanaut rep to show for it. The serviced watches have been gone for 2 months and only God knows if they will ever return. Edited September 17, 2014 by Aramdavid Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BentleySharp 0 Posted September 17, 2014 I have to say I am extremely disappointed with my Trusty Aquanaut. The rubber strap keeps popping off with even the slightest pressure. And a close examination shows really poor attention to details. I am a professional photographer, and yes, I am using a professional camera which may be capturing more detail than one can see with the human eye, but still it shows the lack of care in manufacturing. Take a look: From a distance it looks ok. But when you really look up close it most certainly does not: I must say, I don't have the heart to send it back. I have a Datejust and Sub no date from them, both of which are being serviced because one had a bad movement that kept dying and the other has the crown pop out only to stop working completely. After 3 bad experiences I have to say I may retire this little hobby. I know some will say to try a different dealer, but it will take some time before I get the nerve to order again. I have now put $700 into these 3 watches with only a poor Aquanaut rep to show for it. The serviced watches have been gone for 2 months and only God knows if they will ever return. If you have high standards for quality, and are detail-oriented, as it seems you are, then you need to do more research before buying a rep. You can't just buy any rep and expect it to be super accurate to detail. There are "super-reps" out there, but you need to put in the effort to find out which reps meet these standards and do the research. Super reps also cost a little more. Sometimes as much as $650+. If you aren't willing to do the research and pay the extra money for a "super-rep" then you shouldn't get upset when you end up with a sloppy looking watch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aramdavid 0 Posted September 17, 2014 You know, you're absolutely right, Im afraid. I guess I just figured the real problems would lie in the movement rather than the cosmetic finishing. So maybe this is less about me wasting my money and more about learning an important and costly lesson. Rather than my 3 duds, I could have had 1 truly special piece. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Genius 281 Posted September 17, 2014 Maybe have a look on m2m for your next purchase?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scorpion 0 Posted September 17, 2014 (edited) Looks like that lume was done by a noob with a "My First Lume" kit from ebay. i have never seen it so bad don't go thinking all reps are like it...here are a few close up of fairly cheap reps, not 100% perfect but pretty good and to the naked eye perfect. Ok there is a small blob of lume missing in the 2 but its all smooth and neat Cheap watch but printing is neat and no lume issues on hands very smooth............ Mid priced rep, lume is fine So to me i think you got very unlucky as i have never seen such a bad lume job and have owned over 30 reps most from Silix and low end. You want 100% go gen, you want 90% then most reps pass but if you want perfect macro shots then only a gen with give you that and i have seen a few gens that are not perfect when zoomed right in. I suggest you zoom out a bit as no one can see that close up in real life and see if a modder here is able to rectify the mess on your watch or send it back. Edited September 17, 2014 by scorpion Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
_DC_ 218 Posted September 17, 2014 You know, you're absolutely right, Im afraid. I guess I just figured the real problems would lie in the movement rather than the cosmetic finishing. So maybe this is less about me wasting my money and more about learning an important and costly lesson. Rather than my 3 duds, I could have had 1 truly special piece. I do think you've been unlucky to a certain extent too though, because I would put the Aquanaut (the selita movement version at least) up there amongst the best reps out there, so it should be better than this!! Here's mine: Not perfect but nothing like as bad as yours!! DC Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
_DC_ 218 Posted September 17, 2014 PS: this is probably the best picture of an Aquanaut I've ever seen , nice work, really captures how nice a watch the Aquanaut actually is in it's own right, some days I much prefer it to the Nautilus!!! Hope you don't give the hobby up, it's very rewarding for the most part!! DC Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gmchris 68 Posted September 17, 2014 I would say stick to M2M sales, you get a (usually) honest description of the watch and you know the movement has been ok. After all, it has already passed the previous owners "QC" check. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aramdavid 0 Posted September 18, 2014 PS: this is probably the best picture of an Aquanaut I've ever seen Thanks so much!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andyjb83 0 Posted September 21, 2014 Aramdavid, can I ask you which Aquanaut you bought from TT? There seem to be a myriad of options Andrew has ranging from cheap at $198 up to mid-range $298 and finally $518 (with the only discernable difference from my amateur read of the description being the movement). If you bought at the lower end, whilst dissapointing it is perhaps more understandable.... If others have a view I would love to know as I've been trying to justify purchasing the bottom link for some time: $298: http://www.ttw888.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=39_200&products_id=9679 $518: www.ttw888.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=39_200&products_id=5974 Thank you Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aramdavid 0 Posted September 29, 2014 It was this: http://www.trusty-watch.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=39_200&products_id=9680 And let me just preempt... yes, I know I bought the cheapest one, but Andrew reiterates on almost every watch that the only difference is the movement, not the case or finishing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BentleySharp 0 Posted September 29, 2014 It was this: http://www.trusty-wa...roducts_id=9680 And let me just preempt... yes, I know I bought the cheapest one, but Andrew reiterates on almost every watch that the only difference is the movement, not the case or finishing. You're paying for a Fiero and expecting a Ferrari. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chats 1 Posted October 5, 2014 ordered the same watch, checked the QC most of the markers are shittier than yours hahaha its very noticeable. thank god i checked the qc first. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ghostripper 0 Posted October 10, 2014 PS: this is probably the best picture of an Aquanaut I've ever seen , nice work, really captures how nice a watch the Aquanaut actually is in it's own right, some days I much prefer it to the Nautilus!!! Hope you don't give the hobby up, it's very rewarding for the most part!! DC Hey DC, I asked Mary for a nice Aquanaut, and she told that there are several makers for this watch...in your experience which one you think is the most accurate one? Thanks a lot in advance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites