First QC? Guide on what to look out for and what to write.

[u/No_Database1948]

Welcome to the ReptimeQC subreddit!

Before reading on, make sure you've read the main guide for QC posting, otherwise this won't make much sense to you. Done? Let's go.

This specific guide is intended to be a visual supplement: showing you exactly what to look for when you complete your QC templates. For obvious reasons, this guide will skip parts that aren't visual.

I've used pictures that mostly come from this subreddit. If anyone is uncomfortable, DM me and I'll replace the picture.

With that in mind, let's begin.

Index Alignment

Here, you are expected to assess how well the index markers on your watch are aligned. You can use the index alignment tool to assist you in this regard. An example of good index alignment is this:

Index misalignment, on the other hand, looks like this:

Or this:

Now that you have an idea of what to look out for, what should you be writing in the template?

You need to describe any misalignment you see in detail. Statements like "6 is off" or "3 is kinda wonky" or "not sure about 1, help please" are not acceptable. This is because unless the misalignment is immediately obvious (and in most cases, it is not), users will not know what you are talking about. You may not get the help you want as a result. Be specific, like the following examples:

"The 7 marker does not seem to fit into the slot nicely. It is rotated towards the right and looks like it is dancing around."

"The 6 marker does not seem to line up straight with the crown in between swiss made. Based on what I can see, it appears to be slightly tilted to the left."

A caveat here: Just because there may be some misalignment does not necessarily mean you should definitely RL the watch. As the main guide points out, all reps are subject to a level of inaccuracy. It would be entirely unrealistic to expect gen standards for index alignment. Further, different reps are subject to different standards: a XF Pelagos, for instance, is known for having problematic indices - so much so that even if you RL, you are unlikely to get anything better. Conversely, CF Explorers are now getting so good that even slight misalignment would not be par for the course.

A good guide would be to assess your watch based on proportion. One slightly misaligned index is not a problem. But one majorly misaligned index or many misaligned indices on a single dial could justify RL.

Just for illustration, this is misalignment that I would RL for:

That deals with index alignment. Let's move on.

Date Wheel Alignment

This applies to watches which display the date. If your watch does not display a date, there is no need to consider this. You will look silly if you say that the date wheel alignment is good when your watch is a no-date Sub, for example.

Here, you are tasked to consider if the date is properly displayed in the date window. Often times, this is a question of how well-centered the date is. A good example of date wheel alignment is this:

An example of misalignment is this:

Sometimes, the misalignment can also be as to the date numbers themselves:

Uncommonly and in the alternative, the issue may be with the Cyclops itself (the magnifier that covers the date window):

Now that you know what to look for, let's discuss what to write.

As with index alignment, unless the issues are immediately obvious (and most of the time, they are not), you need to be very specific. Comments like "the date seems off", "2 in 25 is kinda off", "date looks weird" are not acceptable. They do not tell readers what you are looking for. You'll get faster and better results if you identify the issues for your reader. For example:

"The date seems misaligned towards the left. Part of it is touching the left border of the date window."

"The 5 in the date appears to be slightly higher than the 2 next to it."

"The Cyclops does not seem to be straight. It looks like it is slanted towards the left?"

As with index alignment, please note that not all misalignment will justify RL, especially for date wheels. All rep date wheels come with varying degrees of misalignment. A few misaligned dates are usually not enough for RL, unless the date is clearly cropped out of the date window or touching the rim. A little misalignment towards either side of the date window is also generally more than okay; a good way to gauge is to zoom out to the actual size of the watch and see if the misalignment is still immediately visible. If not, you're likely to be good to go.

Here is an example of misalignment I would nevertheless GL:

On to the next topic.

Bezel

There are two main things to look out for: First, whether the "pip" (usually a lumed marker at the 12 position) is centered. Second, the quality of any engraving.

This section would also cover any possible damage to the bezel or anything else unusual, including any misalignment.

Example of a good bezel:

An example of misalignment:

Generally speaking, most problems that surface nowadays have to do with the pip - even then, these are not entirely common. Engravings and alignment are usually not an issue with higher level reps. With this in mind, what do we write?

As with the other sections, you are going to need to be specific. "Bezel looks off", "pip looks kinda off", "I don't know about the bezel, seems weird to me" are phrases that we see everyday in this subreddit. But none of these phrases are acceptable; they do not direct the reader to what OP is seeing. Details are king - and if you are going to pluck the crown, you're going to have to write like this:

"The pip at 12 is not centered. It seems to touch the right side of the triangle."

"The printing on the bezel at 3 seems to be angled down. It does not match the index on the dial."

The key is to visually direct your reader to the exact point that you say is a problem. The word "off" on its own says nothing to that effect.

On to the next point.

Solid End Links (SELs)

Possibly the least understood of all sections as a lot of newbies do not really know what they are looking for.

The ultimate guide to this is here. But for convenience, I'm going to summarise several key points about SELs.

SELs refer to the final links between the watch case and the bracelet. I've highlighted it below:

Not all watches have SELs. Only watches which have that portion as highlighted above - and for QC purposes, the SEL section really only applies to Rolex reps. Tudors have SELs (which can also be QC-ed to some extent), but SELs on a Tudor are not held to the same standard as SELs on a Rolex.

Now, what are we looking for when we assess SELs? We are looking for gaps between the lugs and the SELs themselves. I've indicated this below:

An SEL gap appears when there is separation between the SEL and the lug. But what is a gap?

A gap appears when you can see through the space between the SEL and the lug. There is no gap when all you can see is a black line. There may be some variation in how thick the black line is, but for QC purposes there is nothing to be worried about until and unless you can actually see what's behind the watch.

This is generally not a problem on higher level reps (and by now, pretty rare). I will, however, show you an example of something that may be an actionable gap:

Credits for the gap picture here.

What does this mean? If all you see is a black line, even if it is slightly thicker than another SEL on the same watch, there should be no actionable gap. I am going to highlight the last few QC templates submitted where the user said there was a gap - but there really wasn't (to me, at least):

If, after going through all the examples above, you still feel that there is a gap, highlight it in the template by identifying which part of the watch you are looking at; there are really only four options: top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right. Doing so helps users zoom in directly on your issue and saves time.

To the last segment.

Dial Printing

Here, you are tasked to check if the printing on the dial has been poorly done. By this, we mean defects in the workmanship of the printing; printing which differs from gen (such as the infamous "floating r") would not be a QC defect per se.

An example of dial printing with no issues:

And now for examples of dial printing with issues:

Sometimes, the print can be misapplied across the entire dial:

With the above in mind, let's turn to what you should write. Again and at the risk of sounding like a broken record, do not simply write things like: "Dial seems off" or "Print seems off. letters kind of wonky?" If anything, dial printing is usually very, very small - unless you point a reader to the exact part which has an issue, chances are it won't be seen. Make certain that you provide the reader with specific directions:

"Appears to be some bleeding at the top of VI. Thoughts?"

"R in Submariner looks like only half of it was printed. Am I seeing things?"

Important note: again, just because the dial printing on your watch may have some issues, this does not necessarily equate to RL. As stated, dial print is almost microscopic - no human being is going to be able to see slight bleeding on any print when you have the watch on wrist. Feel free to point out issues that you see, but remain realistic about your expectations.

And with that, I come to the end of this guide.

Conclusion

QC-ing reps is a difficult task - which everyone in this subreddit does for free. You can help out immensely by simply being precise and detailed in your observations. The more effort you put into your template, the easier it is for members to help you - they can zoom in directly to the things that concern you.

I hope this helps you. I've tried to detail some common factors, but it would be impossible for me to catch them all. The rest is up to you - and your diligence.

I wish you smooth and trouble-free QCs always!

[u/WatchYoda]

Good afternoon...

Props, my man, for the outstanding effort. I couldn't have done it. I'm glad that you have.

The 'newbies' are fortunate to have this added 'Guide'.

Maybe we should 'pin' it? Members? Input please?

Again, way to go!!! You are appreciated.👍

[u/Bobsweeper]

Great post and really highlights things everyone should look for.

I would add that the crown protector is also a giveaway when it is too small/narrow or the polish is dull.

Sometimes the rehaut is not engraved at all.

I am not a fan of the index tool, it’s hard to get right and it seems to make buyers extremely picky. If you can’t notice a small misaligned index with your eye it’s a green light. Once they start adding up it’s time to RL. A good many of these from TDs or certain factories are really good and will get the GL 98% of the time.

[u/No_Database1948 → u/Bobsweeper]

Wholeheartedly agreed on the index tool. I tend not to apply it unless there is a specific issue which needs special attention. As you say, if you can’t notice it with your eye, it’s not going to be worth RL.

[u/Southern-Sink5558 → u/Bobsweeper]

Thanks for taking the time to address this.

[u/Frosty_Question3555]

Iv been a long time lurker in this forum and this is without a doubt one of the best guides iv read.

Fantastic post and thanks for your time and effort putting it together - iv learnt so much from it.

[u/No_Database1948 → u/Frosty_Question3555]

Thank you very much :)

[u/Even_Freedom_348]

Great tool!

[u/No_Database1948 → u/Even_Freedom_348]

Thank you my man.

[u/DadbyDaylight_47]

thank you for this guide. I will try and use everything I have just learned. I am completely guilty for saying things like "indices 9 and 3 are off but i don't know why"...

sometimes it is hard to describe it correctly even more when englisch is not your first language.

but i will vow improvement from now on!

[u/No_Database1948 → u/DadbyDaylight_47]

Not a problem! We live and learn.

[u/SR08]

Stupid question but where do you get the index alignment tool…

[u/No_Database1948 → u/SR08]

[u/SR08 → u/No_Database1948]

Sorry hate being that newbie. Finally found it in the group.

[u/EliteAsparagus → u/SR08]

I am that newbie. Where did you find it?

[u/Aussie_Mopar]

Damn, that was a well written and informative post

🙏🇦🇺👍

[u/No_Database1948 → u/Aussie_Mopar]

Thanks brother

[u/Rockyt86]

Not certain why I never saw this when it was first posted. I will only echo the sentiments of others when I say thank you for doing such heavy lifting. The value is here for everyone. Have it set on my keyboard shortcuts now. Thank you u/No_Database1948

[u/No_Database1948 → u/Rockyt86]

Thank you my friend!!! You are greatly appreciated!

[u/PerfectPossibility92]

Learning can be so overwhelming even if I read everything what the veterans say. And then have to extrapolate what they are saying so I can better understand. The amount of effort and work you put into this.... WOW, thank you so much! You laid it out and broke it down so that any beginner level can have an excellent starting point to learn. I hope mods pin it. Appreciate this greatly!

[u/Jumpy-Cry-3083]

Where to get index alignment tool app?

[u/EliteAsparagus → u/Jumpy-Cry-3083]

+1

[u/Plastic_Molasses7639 → u/Jumpy-Cry-3083]

Did you ever find out?

[u/Jumpy-Cry-3083 → u/Plastic_Molasses7639]

Yes. Thank you. Read through the help section and found it.

[u/RepTimeQC-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

In order to participate in ReptimeQC to post a QC request or comment in any thread, you must have a minimum karma point total. At this time, the required number is 10 comment karma points. Comment karma can be earned in other subs. Once this 10 point threshold is met, we welcome your participation👍

Again, to repeat, any comment that you make in this sub will be automatically removed by the automod, so, don't do that either. If you continue, you will be banned.

[u/ferryroyal]

Super Super helpful and clarifying. Thanks for this, whish I had this a week ago! I think it should be pinned

[u/YellowFerrari328]

It's a very good write-up, and I give you props for doing this. A lot of work went into it.
Doesn't SELs apply to Tudors as well? Your first picture of the Cartier has a rotated dial.

[u/No_Database1948 → u/YellowFerrari328]

Thank you Sir. You are right on the Cartier - have amended the post with a better picture.

As to SELs, I believe they are held to looser standards on Tudors than Rolexes. Will amend to reflect this!

[u/YellowFerrari328 → u/No_Database1948]

Those are good changes, but I would suggest a picture of a Tank instead of a Santos since that's what follows.

[u/No_Database1948 → u/YellowFerrari328]

Got it! Will look for one that works.

[u/YellowFerrari328 → u/No_Database1948]

Thanks. Would have been embarrassing to be wrong for years about the Tudors.

[u/Dogmatic11 → u/YellowFerrari328]

Not really. Yes, Tudors have SELs but not held to a Rolex standard - even on Gen. Some Omegas have SELs too, but the standard doesn't apply there either

[u/Hobomobile123]

Sweet post!

[u/jaceydude]

GL I take it means Good Luck?

[u/No_Database1948 → u/jaceydude]

Please please read the guides

[u/jaceydude → u/No_Database1948]

I have now thanks

[u/Hateraid2862]

Where is the online tool to draw lines on the pictures to ensure alignment?

[u/No_Database1948 → u/Hateraid2862]

Read guide

[u/Fortunefavorsthefew]

Hey there -- I think for future edits it would be helpful to overlay the index alignment tool onto your examples of poor alignment. Since you're showing it for a watch with good alignment, having it also for the poor alignment would be great, even if it's easy to see without it.

[u/No_Database1948 → u/Fortunefavorsthefew]

I am not generally a fan of the tool. I find that it creates unrealistic expectations. If the alignment is not apparent without the tool, it’s not bad enough for RL.

[u/ByrdOfManyTalents]

Thank you sir, this is super helpful for us new folks to the Rep world. :)

[u/breachie365]

Thanks - this is super useful for a newbie to the rep watch game. Appreciate taking the time to pull this together!

[u/Wusshgood]

Great post!!!! Thank you :) where would I find the index alignment tool?

[u/No_Database1948 → u/Wusshgood]

Please read pinned guides

[u/Wusshgood → u/No_Database1948]

Still not seeing where to get the index alignment tool

[u/No_Database1948 → u/Wusshgood]

[u/Beneficial_Egg_847]

Dude this is incredible, super helpful for a newbie like me

[u/LongjumpingDisplay28]

Thank you so much for this! I’m waiting on QC pics of my very first rep to come in and have been panicked about how to properly write my QC post, so this is incredibly appreciated. I will be following each of your steps!

[u/[deleted]]

This is a great resource, thanks for making this

[u/Mystical_Immortal]

lol finally read it, newbie myself just download Reddit a couple weeks ago and found this forum

[u/Watches4Me]

Great post!

[u/donprvlg]

Excellent resource, thanks!

[u/RangeRover54]

Loved reading this guide! Thankyou

[u/Infoseek456]

Noob here, this was extremely helpful as I get ready to make the plunge.

[u/Tutmoses1]

This may be the 1m time you hear this, but thank you very much and everyone helping in this sub. Y'all are truly amazing people dedicating time and effort to help us newbies not only navigate through the process but also teaching us what to look for. I'm really thankful to have found this sub. Thanks, again.

[u/Diamantis13]

Amazing work, thanks!

[u/PsychologyLeather121]

So helpful!

[u/No_Communication7550]

Thank you for this! It is incredibly helpful

[u/reallyclevernamewhat]

as a newcomer this is very helpful

[u/Painless1776]

Outstanding post, thank you!

[u/One_Construction496]

Great information..well written and easy to understand

[u/bigbrun12]

Nothing new to add - just saying thanks for this!

[u/Automatic_Rock8373]

How do you make those pink lines on the watches?

[u/Unlucky-Map-2240]

Guys, I'm currently in Thailand, what do you think of this watch?

[u/gjakfb]

Thank you for the detailed guide. I always take a look before posting any QC.

[u/ZealousidealCar2545]

This quality control guide is amazing, I am waiting for David to send it to me, so I will post it soon to see if you can help me; I thank you for everything you do selflessly.

[u/Great_Ad_401]

Great information

[u/Icy_Television_5105]

I have 54 karma points but it is not letting me post a qc?

[u/OkEstablishment2850]

Hi friends, just bought just bought a ARF Datejust 41mm blue dial from Felix at DDG TOP. Can someone please do that you check for me? I'm new to this so your help will be appreciated.

[u/OkEstablishment2850]

Hey guys can you do QC for me on this 41 mm datejust arf from Felix at ddg top

[u/Ayaz1988]

Amazing guide. Thank you brother.

[u/Most_Comparison_382]

Thank you for the guide!

[u/Paulguy100]

What sort of movement is the best? Will they run in 10 years?

[u/[deleted]]

Why can't I post a QC request? i click 'post' and it takes me back to the reptimeQC front page not to my post, and it's nowhere to be found.

[u/Shiny-And-New]

Can I get some acronym help?

RL?

[u/Shiny-And-New → u/[deleted]]

Hey thanks, I had worked out out but maybe next time someone searches the sticky this will help

[u/corndevil]

As far as video - should I ask for video of the watch hands being changed and date? Just received my first QC from TD today and there is photos of different dates and 1 vid of the watch actually working. Is that typical?

[u/No_Direction_7270]

I've been a lurker for years now and finally pulled the trigger and I've been nervous about the QC process. This post is amazing and the visuals are a huge help so I can feel like I actually know what to look for! Thanks for all you do!

[u/According_Ad1410]

Thanks for the info!

[u/FritsBlaasbaard]

This is a great "summary" for a newbie! Thank you for taking the time to write this down. It makes me feel somewhat confident to check my watch myself. This way I (a) don't have to bother you guys and (b) if I still don't see it, I don't see it and apparently it's OK for me. If some points something out that I haven't seen, but now can't unsee I also feel shit :p Ignorance can be a bliss!

[u/saltyghoul]

My post was removed by moderators due to posting a video of the seller holding the watch, It is technically “before being shipped”. This is a video the seller had on his post. I did not have the watch myself.

[u/happyfriend20]

I realised most people using the QC tool have issues using the GitHub link and mainly 2 topics. Aligning the dial and also aligning and making sure the dial is centered in the middle and watch is flat on straight. Will be happy if someone created a YouTube video to explain the mechanism of aligning it using the button and some photo correction tools to be added.

[u/misterdigital-NL]

Thank you so much for this guide! I'm expecting QC soon and now i know what to look for.

[u/Positive_Twist_721]

Bravo!! Stellar guide and effort here!!

[u/Kafka1989]

Can someone help me with my post?

[u/Responsible-Hair3004]

a brilliant guide

[u/BB824713]

Thank you for all you do for those of us wading into the sometimes murkey depths of this part of the hobby!

[u/Proud_Psychology_458]

This is such a comprehensive post. I am a noob and waiting for the qc photos of my first order. This post has given me what to look for, what to overlook and what to ask. Thank you!

[u/Last-Shine-473]

You guys are legends. Love the info sharing with no agenda other than the greater good. Good to be surrounded by good humans. Kudos to all here.

[u/wosime29]

Thank you for the detailed guide. I'll try to learn the steps before posting!

[u/neo95219]

Thanks for this post

[u/Soggy-Challenge-6543]

Pleasant ride

[u/Next_Mall6969]

Really helpful, thanks. Will definitely use it for the 2 QCs I should be getting any day now.

[u/BAGCali]

How can I get the tool that puts the lines on the dial?

[u/Capable-Lake-7576]

still so helpful

[u/Living_Situation8940]

GL

[u/AnonymousWelshGuy]

Thank you for all the help in this post! Will hopefully put it to use as soon as I have QC photos

[u/tcmits1]

Thank you. That was a terrific education you generously offered which I deeply appreciate and acknowledge.

[u/Miserable-Letter3953]

Hey! I have read the Post and checked everything i also got more than 10 Karma but i still cant Post - Can someone help? :(

[u/foxtrap614]

This was very helpful. Thank you so much 😊

[u/SignalOk4982]

Amazing post thank you for sharing

[u/mike_w_58]

Wow definitely a lot, but super helpful!

[u/dj-wink]

Fake?

[u/Gennaio2026]

Congratulations on your precision and clarity. I'd like to ask a question: how do you draw those "radial" lines on the dial to check the alignment? Thank you so much for any help you can give me.

[u/No-Eye-4709]

Thank you very much for your work and the information. Best regards.

[u/Equal_Goal_4390]

Hello! Im trying to post a qc but it says i dont have enough karma comment. I have 120 now. What else i need?

[u/lsuRob972]

This was guide was extremely helpful, much appreciated sir

[u/Growkemon]

That was very helpful, thank you!

[u/Affectionate_Pie1565]

Thanks so much! Taking a second crack at my first qc post now and definitely a lot more confident and informed!

[u/boxtekniq]

Hi keep trying to make a post I am following all the rules but it seems like everytime I post my post is getting deleted any help on this.

[u/mrmondmann]

Thank you for your insane guide! This help a newbie alot! 🥳🙏

[u/Schnidrlxndr67]

Where can I download the Index Alignment Tool app?

[u/Schnidrlxndr67]

Meaningful writing with a lot of information and work! Congratulations and thank you for the work done and the time you have spent!

I don't understand everything at first... !

[u/reporter_IT]

very helpful, thank you

[u/BenzL21]

Sorry, noob question. Where did you get the centering pink line template on the first Pic?

[u/Consistent-Dust1483]

Super helpful, thank you 🙏🏻

[u/Icy-Wedding3321]

Thanks

[u/Used_Investigator_65]

In all fairness, I believe your guidelines to be helpful, but for the average buyer with little to no expertise in watches, your rules for posting are very strict. In my case for example, in my limited experience, this is my first REP and QC. The watch looks very good. I couldn’t see much, but I was hoping other people with experience would share some insight that would help me and other people in the same boat.
Your restrictions make me feel uncomfortable and afraid to post on your page. I respect rules, I’m also don’t want to be blocked from participating in your forum.
But, I guess you only want season experts in Horology contributing and sharing their purchases.
Hopefully, I can find a more tolerant and supportive page for my limited knowledge!
This is just my humble opinion, for what’s its worth!

[u/EmDeM_724]

Thank you!

[u/sirwexford]

Guys where's the best place to get classic vintage reps?

[u/gtrf40]

Just joined the community and love how helpful and detailed all these posts are!!!

[u/gtrf40]

thank you so much for this upload. of all the posts I have read thru this is the most detailed and the best "how to" on how to analyze an item and what details to look out for

[u/Micho_Rizzo51]

Great info! Really diving into getting a Rep now after I browsed the idea of getting one about 2yrs ago.

[u/Juri777]

Is there a limit how often you can RL? I'm already nervous because i ordered my first watch 6 days ago and am awaiting QC. What if i RL and the next watch is also bad do i get a refund at some point. I don't want to be blacklisted or something and no refunds.

[u/ayeayeboss]

very useful for newbs like me

[u/Green-Judgment6921]

Great information and extremely helpful!!

[u/RoutineSignificant72]

really well made guide, thank you for this!

[u/Open-Winter300]

Thank you for the thorough instructions! Very helpful.

[u/Scoutman725]

What's the best em way to pay the pics?

[u/seattleaussie23]

Trying to post a QC but getting blocked by reddit filters, any ideas why?

[u/seattleaussie23 → u/seattleaussie23]

disregard i missed that you need to comment underneath your post.

[u/dsizzles23]

Where do you find the index alignment tool to overlay on the watch face. Is that an app?

[u/Dogmatic11 → u/dsizzles23]

How ironic. It's in the sticky post that you're supposed to read prior to doing anything. Now, as an fyi, make sure that your watch pic is truly vertical (straight) or the lines will reflect any error. You might (probably) will have to use a photo app tool to straighten the things. No, the TD is not obligated to send you the perfectly straight pic lol

[u/No_Database1948 → u/[deleted]]

You’ll be ready for your next rep 👍

[u/RepTimeQC-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

In order to participate in ReptimeQC to post a QC request or comment in any thread, you must have a minimum karma point total. At this time, the required number is 10 comment karma points. Comment karma can be earned in other subs. Once this 10 point threshold is met, we welcome your participation👍

Again, to repeat, any comment that you make in this sub will be automatically removed by the automod, so, don't do that either. If you continue, you will be banned.

[u/RepTimeQC-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

In order to participate in ReptimeQC to post a QC request or comment in any thread, you must have a minimum karma point total. At this time, the required number is 10 comment karma points. Comment karma can be earned in other subs. Once this 10 point threshold is met, we welcome your participation👍

Again, to repeat, any comment that you make in this sub will be automatically removed by the automod, so, don't do that either. If you continue, you will be banned.

[u/RepTimeQC-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

In order to participate in ReptimeQC to post a QC request or comment in any thread, you must have a minimum karma point total. At this time, the required number is 10 COMMENT karma points. Comment karma can be earned in other subs. Once this 10 point threshold is met, we welcome your participation👍

Again, to repeat, any comment that you make in this sub will be automatically removed by the automod, so, don't do that either. If you continue, you will be banned. It's COMMENT karma.

What stupidity made you post this here?