Hey guys first rep purchase, the usual Bruce Wayne that everyone seems to get as a first purchase. But still amazed at the detail even for a U1.

Shout out Michael Travis for this one, won’t be the last.

Travis WhatsApp : +86 137 5175 2832

Was in NYC and decided to take a trip down to Canal Street. Yeah I know. It was more of the thrill of the hunt and to see what was available than anything. My wife wanted a bag so I figured I’d tag along and see what kind of interesting watch deals I could find. The one pictured was “high quality” and I followed the little Chinese man a couple of blocks to meet up with somebody else who came and brought the watch to us.

I’ve learned a lot on this sub a few others about what to look for. So when he told me he wanted $180 for it I told him it was $30 watch at most. I think I got called an a-hole in Chinese, but so be it. Good times.

I recently got my first rep, a Snoopy MoonSwatch.

I was wearing it the other day and managed to pass it off as genuine. The exchange went something like this.

Other Person: "Nice watch! I like that it matches your shoes."

I wasn’t sure how to reply at first. I mean, should I admit my watch is fake? I’ve thought about this scenario a lot. It wasn’t like I was being confronted. I just went with my gut.

Me: "Thanks Mom!"

And that was it! I wasn't called out. She wasn't even suspicious.

10/10 rep, would pass off as gen again.

(note: This is a true story!!!)

Backstory. I bought this Invicta 10050 15-ish years ago. It came with a yellow watch case. I never wore it til recently. I tore off all the plastic wrapping, replaced the battery and now it's my go-to during lab days when I work with some heavy cutting equipment.

I save my rep for the meeting and analysis days.

Don't tell the wife.

Best watch purchase this year! Everything was handled perfectly by Leo, and the watch itself is absolutely stunning!

Love wearing this one. Looks great on a black rubber strap.

Not bad for £15 from DH Gate haha

I hate the metal finishing on this, would have been better in a steel finish.
For the money I paid though it’s ok . At least it works 😁

My U1 Date Sub from MT arrived today. I already have a U1 no-date sub (my review here), so I really wanted a date version so I can decide which one I prefer to wear more: date, or no-date. MT had a Telegram promotion going on at the time, so it cost me a grand total of $105 minus PayPal fees. Amy's the specific dealer I messaged, and it was an overall smooth experience. Here's my review of the watch and buying process.

Alignment

Overall, it's pretty good. The 12 o'clock index seems tilted CCW slightly, and the rehaut is just a little offset from 12 o'clock. However, the Xs and Rs still line up nicely with the hour indices. The bezel pip sits nicely in the triangle marker, and it lines up with 12 o'clock. The very last image in my post shows the alignment.

Dial

Very little dust sneaked its way onto the dial, despite the caseback being a bit loose (I could tighten it a lot by merely using my fingers). My other U1 sub had a lot more dust under the dial, so that will give you an idea of the kind of consistency to expect from your U1, if you're thinking of buying one. Still, you don't really notice it without a loupe, so it's not that bad.

Lume

Lume is great - just like my other U1 sub. Both of my U1 subs are the "latest batch", so I don't have any previous U1 watches to compare against. Supposedly, these new U1 subs have better lume - all I can say is that the lume stays nice and bright for a few minutes after I blast it with UV or a bright light, and it stays dimly lit for several hours afterward. It's comparable to the lume on my Henry Archer watches, but far from the brightness and longevity of my Seiko SPB143's LumiBrite.

Date

Some dates sit a little high, close to the upper edge of the date window. For the most part, the printing is clean, and you can barely tell how rough the edges of the font are without a loupe. I've seen images of how smooth the edges of the font are in gen and VSF (Rich doesn't seem to be there yet) - this U1 isn't anywhere near that quality, but I'm sure we all expected that.

Bezel

The bezel markers are all engraved. Bezel action is crisp and snappy. It sounds louder and less buttery than my U1 no-date bezel, and I attribute the difference to manufacturing tolerances. I don't know what gen sounds like, but I'm happy to make a post comparing my two U1 subs. I have an AT2020 microphone which will capture the bezel clicks accurately.

Crystal

Sapphire, or sapphire-coated - who can tell? Anyway, the crystal is definitely sapphire one way or another. Feels cool against my forehead, and I whipped out my diamond tester for fun. Two of my images toward the end show me setting the diamond tester and then applying it to the watch crystal.

SELs and Lugs

There are larger gaps between the SELs and the lugs compared to my other U1 sub. As with my other U1 sub, the lugs sit higher than the SELs, which you can see in the photos I posted that are shot from the side. However, I watched some videos of gen subs, and it seems like this height discrepancy is in gen, too. Anyone have thoughts on this?

Bracelet

The links don't simply have a flat bottom like many cheap bracelets do. Thus, the links have a cross section that looks like a bean, almost. The links are attached with screws, not pins, and the screws stay tight. The clasp closes with a nice snap, and the glidelock works well. As with my other U1 sub, I had to use Loctite to secure the small link attached to the glidelock. The penultimate image in my post shows a red line where a knurled pin runs through the center link, attaching the two outer links together. I dabbed some loctite on the tip of the pin, about where I drew some blue in my image. Then, I fastened the screw (green) back in. If you go for this fix with your watch, make sure to give the Loctite some time to cure.

Movement

While turning the crown to set the date and time, I noticed that this particular Miyota 8215 has the scratchiest keyless works of any mechanical watch I've ever owned, Miyota or not. By sheer luck, the rotor is quieter than the one in my other U1 sub. The hands have no play when I push the crown back in, so it's easy to precisely set the time.

Payment and Delivery

I learned from my experience with Jason and made sure to send Amy a screenshot of the exact model I wanted. Took 14 days from payment to delivery. I kept bugging Amy to give me tracking details afterward, and she told me that tracking would be available 5 days after my purchase. On the 6th day, I messaged her and got a tracking number. However, its status remained as "Shipping label created" until the watch arrived at a distribution center here in the US, so I was constantly on edge, refreshing the tracking info every day. Thankfully, the watch arrived packaged securely and neatly.

Rating

I rate the watch and overall experience 8/10.

Let me know if you're interested in a direct comparison between this U1 Date Sub and my U1 No-Date Sub. I have no link to share for this watch's listing, because there is no listing. Again, it's from a Telegram promotion. If you have questions about where and how to purchase these U1 reps, I must refer you to the automod's comment.

I’m rocking the Omega Seamaster “Black Black”

TLDR

From my observation, the loud ticking noise has been resolved, and the watch links can be a bit stiff for apparent watch smiths, you'll need a 1.2mm watch screwdriver on some finger shaped pliers to remove them, just pull gently and they’ll come out.

I'm sure most of you will agree this watch is stunning. I've read previous post that this watch has a loud ticking noise, I'm not sure if I just got lucky but from my experience, I would say that issue has been patched.

Could you imagine the struggle I went through to get this watch on my wrist? I initially took it to a Timpson branch to remove the links. I should've known things weren't gonna work out from when I walked in to the branch and the worker was trying to place an over the phone bet loooool. 

Struggle 

1. This man told me that there are no links for me to remove, I was confused because I thought all watches that were bracelets had links. So I leave the store I'm about 10 yards out when I turn the watch over onto the other side and I see the links…. So I brought them back to the guy. He apologised for his lack of Analysis of the watch and offered to do the screw link removal for £9 instead of the standard £14, and he told me it would be 10 minutes.
2. I wait outside the store, about seven minutes and I'm hearing hammering and I'm confused as to why he would be hammering the watch but I trust him because in my head is a professional. The 10 minutes go by turns out this guy wasn't able to remove the links he said that he was only able to get them halfway and then they would just continue turning and wouldn't come all the way out.
3. Reeling of this guy's failure, I take the watch back and as I'm walking back to my car, I look at the watch and I've noticed he's damaged one of the screw screws and he's chipped the wonderful plating off a watch link. 

In complete refusal to believe that I cannot wear this wonderful rep watch, I decided to try and remove the links myself so I purchased 0.6mm to 1.4mm watch screwdrivers from HS Walsh & sons, who I really recommend for this kind of stuff, they have every type of equipment for watching enthusiast for more than reasonable prices. 

After some quick research, I was able to get advice that once you've screwed the screws out halfway use pliers to pull them out fully and gently and if it's struggling just use a hairdryer to heat it up and it should come out.... and sure enough they came out and I was fortunately able to remove the link that this guy had damaged the plating of because it was rather close to the buckle/clasp, and now by the grace of God, I can wear this beautiful watch.

Ps. To remove a link on this watch, you have to remove the link behind the one you wish to remove and then actually remove the one you wish to remove and then you'll have to reattach the one that you removed that you did not want removed (I hope that made sense. It was a little bit of a tongue twister). 

So now I've learnt a new skill of how to remove watch links, so I'm actually grateful for this experience overall because I saved £9 and gained a new life skill. For anyone that's going to buy this watch you'll need a 1.2mm watch screwdriver to screw out the screw links and ideally some finger shaped style pliers.

I love this hobbie! Have you even got my fiance on board loool. Thanks for reading.

VSF V3 Ice Blue Crystal Daytona Weighted

1. Dealer name: Non TD

2. Factory name: VSF

3. Model name (& version number): Daytona 126506 VSF 1:1 Best Edition 904L Steel Ice Blue Crystal Dial on SS Braclet VS4131 V3 (Weighted)

4. Price Paid: 4700CNY, paid $50USD deposit and rest when I approve this QC. Shipping to Canada with insurance cost roughly an additional 500 CNY.

5. Album Link: https://www.szwego.com/weshop/goods/\\_dQAqfeMR3BZ9\\_hn8ygxQIK0OmNQzUdKBbfjLF1g/\\_dnrqfIZBTi1yKCoMbt4Q1zEyTzwcgeEAgpTSmlg

6. Dial Printing: Looks sharp, no real concerns.

7. Date Wheel alignment/printing: N/A

8. Bezel: Engraving looks sharp

9. Solid End Links (SELs): No gaps.

10. Timegrapher numbers: +5s/day @271

GL or not?

Was just scrolling and saw this and thought I’d have to post it . Seems like some VSF watches like the seamasters and panerais are on sale right now , I guess it’s only the pictured ones but Im on the bullet right now if I should get one to see if they make a big difference between the U1s since I’ve had good communication with Lena the last times .

Just wanted to share , if anyone seems interested here’s Lena’s number that I chat with so there are no scam attempts +1 (917) 674-6618

Excellent service from Traviswatch on WhatsApp and Telegram. 36mm, Miyota movement and excellent detail!

This is one of the details most people never get to see.
For this full solid 18K gold chronograph build, the bracelet links are separated and hand-finished one by one before final assembly.
The reason is control.

Each link is passed in a strict single direction across a flat abrasive surface to create a clean, even satin grain on the top face, while keeping the polished 45-degree bevels sharp and well defined.

That matters because this bracelet lives off contrast.
If the brushing is uneven, or the bevels get softened, the whole bracelet loses that crisp look that makes it special.
So this stage is not just cosmetic. It’s part of building the bracelet properly from the start.

The best bracelets don’t just look right when assembled.
They’re built right link by link.

Hey, wdyt of my new VSF Rolex Datejust 41 SS/RG, chocolate brown?

My un-professional eye sees no issues with it, I'm curious what experts think.

My U1 lost almost 2hrs in one day I went at most 1 1/2 days with out wearing it. Is this normal did I maybe do something wrong I’ve only had it for 2weeks.

I bought this watch in 2024 and I rarely wear it. It comes from VSF, 126610LN

It's been two years now, and there haven't been any issues with the watch's functionality. The appearance remains the same as when I purchased it. Today, I've decided to take it out for a spin

What watch are you wearing today

Mes vendeurs m'offrent une carte NFC avec chaque nouvelle montre achetée 👍

Hello, i would like to buy this model, seller is asking 250$ for it, here is description that he sent me:

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak series, premium quality, complex-function perpetual calendar watch. Model: 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01.
Noble Timepieces: The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Watch, featuring a noble and elegant blue dial paired with a cool and sophisticated steel case, perfectly embodies Audemars Piguet's aesthetic design and the exceptional craftsmanship of its aesthetic and complex functions.
The case is made of 316L stainless steel, with a diameter of 41 mm and a thickness of 11.4 mm. The blue dial features an engraved "Grande Tapisserie" large-checkered pattern. This classic dial is adorned with three-dimensional hour markers and faceted hands coated with luminescent material. Three sub-dials with calendar functions and a moon phase display are symmetrically arranged on the dial, neatly showing hours, minutes, days of the week, dates, weekly calendars, months, and moon phases. All functions on the dial are operational. The anti-glare treatment on the mineral gemstone glass enhances the overall watch's clarity and brightness.
Equipped with. A product worthy of graduation.
The reference number of this watch is Ref. 26574ST.OO.1220ST.01.
Mature structure and low failure rate: Based on the ultra-thin 2120 base movement, the structure is simple and reliable, much more durable than the 7750 with a perpetual calendar module, and less prone to calendar or moon phase jamming. 2. Exterior identical to the original: The movement plates, fish-scale finish, balance wheel position, and jewel distribution are highly consistent with the original 5134, with no obvious flaws visible when the case is open. 3. Thin movement: No bulging case back, no need for a thicker case, and a seamless case back. The thickness on the wrist is consistent with the original, without being too thick or awkward.

Bought this as a AAA off dhgate! It’s a Tudor black bay monochrome 41mm. I work on a job that i could ruin stuff quick. But I’ll take it!

Lena watch is the goat

This is the stage where the bracelet starts proving itself.
Freshly assembled rose-gold links, polished intermediate plots, internal pins, crisp 45° chamfers, and straight satin brushing across the top surfaces.

That finishing language is a huge part of why this bracelet style works. The brushing gives the main links structure. The polished bevels and plots give it light, separation and definition.

Then comes the important part: articulation.
Once pinned together, the bracelet gets checked for flex, pin friction, visual alignment and gap consistency from link to link.

That’s what turns a group of finished parts into a bracelet that actually feels right on the wrist and still keeps that sharp, architectural look.
A lot of people only notice the watch head.
But on this kind of build, the bracelet is half the experience.