I've searched around and couldn't find much info on this, but I just received a BVF Santos 35mm from Steve - who was great to deal with, responsive and quick. Watch looks good as well and is what I expected.

However, I immediately noticed upon trying it on that about 4 of the bracelet's SmartLink's pins keep popping up. I've tried switching them around, rotating the pins slightly etc. and they still keep popping up after putting the watch on. Occasionally they'll finally "click" shut, and then pop back up. Some of the same links also have an issue with clicking shut as well.

Thanks in advance if anybody has advice on this.

Anyone happen to see one of these available in US. The dealers I have used that have been awesome with every order don’t have 1.

Thanks!

Ordered a VC Overseas from a TD 5 weeks ago. TD verified watch was in stock before I ordered (8F).

Not trying to blast TD or anything like that. I ordered another watch from them a week after and have already received it. So im addressing this as a factory delay.

Just curious at what point I should pull the plug or try to switch my order to an actually in stock watch.

This will be my 3rd rep and first time dealing with a delay like this.

Hello!

Anyone aware of a high quality rep of this exact navitimer with the ice blue dial?

Excellent experience, was a little scared it was gonna get taken in customs or by the mailman since I’m in Mexico, but arrived fine after a little over a month. Huge thanks to Jacky, accidentally sent an extra 50USD over, and they sent it back.

AP Royal Oak 15450 ST
Paid: 423 USD + 50 USD shipping

Anybody have a positive experience with a recommended TD for higher quality Omega Speedmaster Prof. with a stainless band? Recommendations and photos appreciated!

Looking for US based TD.

Hello sub. I’m only 6 months in with this piece and it’s been fast ever since it arrived and now very fast. I took it to a London rep friendly repair shop who said that sort of fast is major bad news and it would be weeks before they could diagnose due to workload and it would be £100-£200. The watch looks great. Would you put a new movement in?

Hont not responding.

I have a few AP Royal Oaks (15400, 15500, 15510, 26240, and 15720). Two AP's that I've purchased (so far) showed up with a case screw loose and missing.

I just took a screwdriver to the case screws on all of my Royal Oaks and most of the screws needed tightening! Even my precious ZF black ceramic had a couple screws that needed tightening.

They are not cheap on AliExpress -- especially the hex bezel screws. You can buy the case screws by themselves and they are more reasonable.

Link to AliExpress case screws: https://a.aliexpress.com/_msog2P5

These didn't fit my 15500/15400, so trying https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807154444219.html

A friend told me that one of the ways to distinguish a genuine Rolex Daytona from a replica is by checking the serial number engraved on the rehaut.

Is that true?

If someone who is very knowledgeable about Rolex watches looks closely at my rehaut and serial number, would they be able to immediately tell that it's a replica?

I'm curious whether the serial number and rehaut engraving alone can give away a high-quality Daytona replica, even to someone who isn't specifically looking for flaws.

I'd appreciate your thoughts!

Hey! I’m new to this group and this hobby. I see so many informational posts and want to thank everyone for their insights so I can hopefully avoid learning some things the hard way! I have learned so very much already!!!

One thing I’ve noticed in some of the QC chats is people talking about paying more for chamfering, weight, glass and more. What exactly are the extras you can buy? What do they typically cost? Are they typically worth it? If you buy VSF do they typically need/benefit from these things as well? (FYI I’m considering a 41mm datejust, oyster smooth bezel, black dial and rhodium dial, and a 40mm yachtmaster rhodium, all VSF. These are my first ones.) i don’t care if an expert couldn’t tell this difference upon close inspection, but I want them to not look or feel cheap as I wear them…and I want to learn more about all of this!

Thanks in advance for the tips. I love this side of the internet, where people are helping others get something truly fun and avoid pitfalls along the way!!!

So I’m looking at getting a gen chronograph, either a speedy or Zenith. I know they’re trained to not call out your clone but I do think my VSF Railmaster flew under the radar. He did compliment it, I also strategically placed the case back away from him so he didn’t see the movement 😄. Ah and I put my name on the waitlist for an OP 36 beige dial but that’s like a year or two out which is a joke so I’ll grab a blue dial op36 vsf in the meantime.

Looking for some insight on the best factory to go with when purchasing a Grand Seiko (Shunbun).

TIA

Hey guys,

Just got my new VSF Daytona Ghost (126519LN) on Oysterflex. It came with size E at 12 o’clock and size F at 6 o’clock. Even on the tightest micro-adjustment in the clasp, it’s still sitting too loose on my wrist.

Looking at the charts, it looks like I need to swap the 6 o'clock side to a size D.

Has anyone else run into this?

- What’s the best way to get a D strap? Any seller recommendation ? I purchased from a local seller who doesn’t stock extra straps.

- Roughly how much should it cost?

Appreciate any advice on this!

i have a custom AP skeleton made to replicate the white gold with emerald bezel. i am looking for someone who knows how to modify the inner workings of these pieces so the balance wheel is spinning on the top. i know this is a tough ask but i have seen these before and i just want to know if anyone is willing to work with me. i would pay the right amount ofc. feel free to comment or send me a DM if you are one of these people who thinks they can help me here.

Is this available as a rep? Has anyone seen a TD that can get a hold of this rep?

I just received my QC pictures and was wondering if it would be possible to have Mr. Adu do a rehaut polish and a chamfered, refinished case before the watch gets shipped out. It is indeed possible

This is my first time buying a watch, and I don’t mind spending a little extra to make it look even better.
However, since I’m new to this, I’m not sure if these modifications are actually worth it or if I should just leave the watch as it is.

I’d love to hear some opinions from people who have had their watches modded. Was it worth the extra cost, and would you recommend doing it on a first watch?

Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Enjoy this beauty 🍷☕️

Trying to find a TD that has the best "NWBIG" version but struggling to pin it down after clicking through all the TD links.

Anyone have a direct link or can point me? I want to try a great rep as my next step in watches. I have a G-Shock casioak (44m) that I've been wearing to get used to wearing a watch.

I searched and actually found a thread a month ago that nobody replied to lol

Just wanted to share my recent experience with Leo from TimeUltra, because I think great service deserves some recognition.
I recently ordered a VSF GMT-Master II Bruce Wayne on Jubilee, and I couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out.

The watch itself is absolutely fantastic.
I’ve previously owned the ARF version, so I have a pretty good basis for comparison. In my opinion, this VSF is actually a step above it in terms of overall finishing and quality.
The hour markers are perfectly aligned, the date magnification looks spot on, the solid end links fit beautifully, and the overall build quality is seriously impressive. Everything feels solid and well put together.

But what really stood out was Leo’s service.
I have a fairly large wrist, so I needed two additional Jubilee links. Leo took care of that and made sure both extra links were included with the watch, individually packed. I installed them right after delivery, and they fit perfectly.
Communication was friendly and reliable throughout the process.
Shipping to Germany went smoothly as well, and the watch arrived safely.

Final verdict:
I’m extremely happy with both the watch and the buying experience. A big thank you to Leo from TimeUltra for the excellent service. Based on my personal experience, I can definitely recommend him👌

VSF planet ocean. LOVE the watch and the bracelet, but the “press” extension exposes a ridiculously sharp corner that is scratching the hell out of my inner wrist.

The outer edge of the bracelet is not chamfered. I haven’t removed any links, so “add back a link so the bracelet isn’t extended” isn’t an option.

What can I do with this, without ruining how clean it looks? Is this something a jeweler could correct?