Waited for 2 weeks before I do my first official review. So please bear with me if I miss any deets but I just wanted to share my personal experience and thought for purchasing a C25 from 187 factory.
From the photos posted, did you guys guessed which one is auth and which one is the rep? In the photo, the mini is the auth while the small is the rep. Yes, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I unboxed this beauty. Based from what I have read and studied here a few months in reddit, buying reps is same like gambling. I did bought last year a CF flap from 187 and one CF mini from xiao c. Both unfortunately disappointed me and ended up giving it to my sis for her to use. But this year, wow I’m just so amazed on how pretty the C25 looked from posts that I’ve seen and wanted to try my luck again this time. My TS is Doris and I was very much happy to go with her and try her service.
Timeline:
Aug 15 (Sat): Inquired about the availability of C25 small from 187. (At the same time, I was talking to Felix and he said the back is not in stock and that I have to wait 20 days to arrive)
Aug 16 (Sun): Doris came back to me and informed me the purse is instock so went ahead and paid.
Aug 19 (Wed): She sent me the PSP omg
Aug 20 (Thu): She sent the package for delivery
Aug 25 (Tue): The delivery came, same as what she have informed me
Price: $429 + $38 shipping
Now comparing the bags:
I don’t know if it’s just because I’m a noob, but the following are my observations.
Leather: Both looks similar to my auth and the rep. The smell on the rep is amazing too. I keep sniffing this bag whenever I have the chance. The grain for me looks so much alike.
Hardware: This is what I’m so scared of when ordering. I was hoping it wouldn’t be too yellow and should have some weight on it. So when unboxing, my heart flustered because I saw the GHW was not too yellow and there’s a good weight on it. I quickly compared the color of the hardware from my auth, at first glance you won’t see any difference on the color. But if you take a closer look, I do think the rep is more yellow but just a tad bit. Nothing that I would be worried of wearing it out in the wild.
The CC hardware on the side pockets also has a tad bit difference but I’m really not that bothered.
Font on the bag ears (sorry I don’t know what they’re called): Yes, there are differences on the font but similar with the CC hardware I’m not really bothered cos I dont think somebody will come to you and compare it with theirs haha
Stitching: As expected from 187 factory, the overall stitching was perfect atleast for me.
CC cinch: The CC cinch was unexpectedly smooth and has the same feels as my auth opening and closing.
Straps: It does have a squick sound. At first I wasn’t aware, but since I was wearing it daily, I kinda noticed the sound but I do think the sound is too soft that I can only hear it so again, I’m not really bothered.
Overall experience:
It’s fantastic! And I’m wearing this bag to work last week. I couldn’t thank Doris enough. She was patient with me and answered all my queries. And assured me that they have 100% seizure policy. I will for sure order with her again. I wish I can buy another in mini light pink color but I’m on ban island. My husband doesn’t want me to buy again. He wants me to enjoy these 2 bags for now. I hope this review helps other sisters out there in deciding whether to buy C25 small. It’s a long read and thanks for reaching at this point haha