Pix Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 Hi Folks, I've been hesitating a lot, and have looked for an inexpensive Aquaracer for a long time. I have never really been satisfied with the cheaper Quartz versions (caseback / strap / bracelet/dial). I was about to order the higher end 7750 replica, the one we all know and which By-Tor, amongst others, used to tease me on this board In the meantime, I went for a lite HBB and a Patek Nautilus. So I am not sure wether I'll spend a lot in the next 2-3 reps. (I know, I should just wait, some will say, but I'm like kids in a candyshop when I look at all the offers around ) I have recently seen a quartz version I never met before : it caught my attention with its definitely different caseback, which is more in the spirit of the 7750 rep. Also, it has a rubber strap, which is rare in this field. I'm just hoping it's not a crappy one (dusty, too soft). My questions would be : can anyone tell me how the details (except the dial) look for you ? Does the strap look the same as on the 300 dollars rep ? How's the bezel and is the caseback acceptable ? Of course, I have carefully read most reviews, and I already know that the engravings have not the right colour... At the same time, I can catch this one for 100 bucks + shipment...So Please leave me your opinions. Thx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docblackrock Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 Hmmm, as long as you're happy that it's not accurate and screams rep at twenty paces (fantasy date-version, quartz with wrong-spaced subdials) then fine. Looks decently made, bezel and case etc. Rubber strap looks the same version as 7750 daydate but caseback is definitely not the same (diver helmet engraving is not good) and is probably thinner for the quartz movt. But not bad for a budget choice I suppose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pix Posted November 5, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 I saw that the previous version of the Aquaracer was having the date only, not day + date. That's not an excuse to buy this one, just a possible argument to say that anyway there are many variations of the Aquaracer, so I'm not so disturbed by the inaccuracy of the dial. Of course, I'm not looking for a perfect rep, but rather for a rep that looks good and does not scream "hey, look, I am a rep and anyone can see that" That's why I was quite positive on the pretty decent caseback (no laser marking but real engraving) and the strap... Actually, the quality of the strap is my main concern. The best way is obviously the 7750 high end, but in fact I am not sure I want to spend that much on the Aquaracer. Therefore this possible choice. As for the Quartz, that's the good old discussion : accuracy in replication or long lasting watch. I must say I still did not find the answer, owning a mix of quartz and mechanical chronos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
By-Tor Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 I disagree about it "screaming a rep". If the build quality of the rep is good, I'm sure very few people would ever know... not necessarily even the gen TAG owners. Nice choice. I haven't seen this one available from the dealers' websites though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azerbyjam Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 The only noticeable flaws would be the dial arrangement (but we know why) and the pushers, which are rounded on the 40mm version. How much is this model? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rek001 Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 Well I don't know how it compares to the expensive rep but I think it is a very sharp watch for $100, accurate or not. And I'm sorry but quartz is much more carefree than the asain 7750 movements, go for it, this a nice watch. May I ask who the dealer is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watchmark Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 hi PIX. Nice watch. i also like it. feel free go look my place. thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docblackrock Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 I disagree about it "screaming a rep". If the build quality of the rep is good, I'm sure very few people would ever know... not necessarily even the gen TAG owners. Nice choice. I haven't seen this one available from the dealers' websites though. Ok I accept the 'screams rep' was a bit OTT, and the gen TAG owners comment is true . But as I said it's nice for the price and I may consider one of these to give as a Xmas gift, should of course the source be revealed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pix Posted November 5, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 Thx for your answers, all The source is not a secret, for sure, it's a dealer on iOffer, which you know I'm buying a lot these days. Use it at your own risk, always be careful, but basically this one seems serious. I bought once from him already, that was my Omega. I had to buy from him, as my favorite dealer over there could not get the watch. I suppose it's available from Thailand only...At least, that's my guess. Here's the link : http://www.ioffer.com/i/32149861?store=1 I'm pulling the trigger now As always, I would not mind buying from our usual dealers, but these are the kind of watches they typically don't sell. I hope the gap is filled by some others soon. @Azerbyjam : I did not notice the difference in the pushers, shame on me But still I think it looks more than decent : if it's as good as my SLR, it'll be a bargain. I'll tell you soon...Hopefully until the end of the week. @Watchmark : I'll surely have a look at your place ! BTW, welcome, it's good to see new dealers here. I wish you (and us) all the best. And good bargains too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azerbyjam Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 Pix, thanks for the link. I've never bought anything on iOffer before. I see the dealer also has a pretty good looking Tag Heuer Carrera for $130.. temptedings The Aquaracer looks like a hybrid made up from the 42mm and 40mm designs - chrono buttons, dial badge/pattern ect. who knows, maybe this is the replacement design for 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pix Posted November 5, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 :lol: It's advertized at 43mm. Indeed, he has good things. Not automatically cheaper...but different. A good addition to our usual reliable sources. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xyphis Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 Well I don't know how it compares to the expensive rep but I think it is a very sharp watch for $100, accurate or not. 1+ A great sentiment that I'd love to see more of. It gives me a headache always looking out for bezels and CG's and crowns (OH MY! ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
By-Tor Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 Looks like Andrew has a weird quartz model for sale as well. CHECK HERE. It's a day-date model and looks inferior to the watch Pix posted. The blue version looks... mmh... horrible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanikai Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 I would make sure the chrono is "working" and not "functional".. the later being that the hands move only by pushing the pushers in .. unless you want to wear a rep that only "looks" like it works... looking at the dial at the 6 this may be just a "functioning" faux dial..i may be wrong but I would check that out.. rather than be bummed when you recieve it.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
By-Tor Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 I would make sure the chrono is "working" and not "functional".. the later being that the hands move only by pushing the pushers in .. unless you want to wear a rep that only "looks" like it works... looking at the dial at the 6 this may be just a "functioning" faux dial..i may be wrong but I would check that out.. rather than be bummed when you recieve it.. No, I think the 6' subdial is the running seconds. What I like about this rep is that the 3' and '12 subdials are correctly centered, and it doesn't seem to have the wandering 24h subdial. Interesting quartz rep. Pix always finds these. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pix Posted November 6, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 I am almost sure that Andrew's model is an automatic with Faux-chrono : - look at the main seconds hand, seems to be working all the time. Usually pics of chrono have the stopwatch at 12. OK, might be running on the pic, but I have doubts - dial @9 is the good old thing that starts @5 or 7, i.e. absolutely no meaning : which purpose would it have ? - dial@6 is a working 12/24 hours indicator : it seems to correspond (11/23.00) - I have not seen standard Quartz movements with day+date@3 yet. Just my feelings. I am not so much in replication accuracy, more in the general aspect. But there's one thing I can't live with : dummy features. The least experts will see your watch has a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pix Posted November 6, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 Men, I got the rep today : the fastest shipment ever ! Actually I paid on sunday... And it arrived 5 minutes ago ! This dealer must live in the airport, I don't any other explanation... I'll make a complete review asap (first I have to review my VC Malta Chrono) but... I'd like to post quick shots (sorry for the non artistic views) from the scratch. Why ? Because I think that those looking for an awesome watch with an incredible good finish for a quartz should just hurry. It's much better than my SLR, which is already good. Here are the first pics The strap is excellent and not cheap as I was worrying... And it breathes quality, heavy look and feel One noticeable advantage is that despite the black dial, I have no bad reflection. No AR coating, but I guess that's due to the quite high rehaut (hope it's the right word). (4-5 mm depth). The bezel is slightly misaligned, but is not loose and clicks OK. So far. I'll tell more in 10-12 days. In this very thread. Price was 100 USD + shipment God, I don't like to react without thinking. But this watch rocks ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanikai Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 No kidding it does ROCK Pix. LIVE STRONG AND WEAR IT WELL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rek001 Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 Pix, that is one beautiful watch, looks like like it costs way more than what you paid for it. Good for you! Now I want one, but I'm afraid it may be too big for me. Don't you just love the interesting watches you can find on iOffer and cqout? A lot more fun than agonizing about the latest over-priced rep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
millemiglia Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 Men, I got the rep today : the fastest shipment ever ! Actually I paid on sunday... And it arrived 5 minutes ago ! This dealer must live in the airport, I don't any other explanation... I'll make a complete review asap (first I have to review my VC Malta Chrono) but... I'd like to post quick shots (sorry for the non artistic views) from the scratch. Why ? Because I think that those looking for an awesome watch with an incredible good finish for a quartz should just hurry. It's much better than my SLR, which is already good. Here are the first pics The strap is excellent and not cheap as I was worrying... And it breathes quality, heavy look and feel One noticeable advantage is that despite the black dial, I have no bad reflection. No AR coating, but I guess that's due to the quite high rehaut (hope it's the right word). (4-5 mm depth). The bezel is slightly misaligned, but is not loose and clicks OK. So far. I'll tell more in 10-12 days. In this very thread. Price was 100 USD + shipment God, I don't like to react without thinking. But this watch rocks ! For the price it's just incredible (although I have to disagree with By-tor on this one, Tag owners WILL notice), and it even has something more accurate than the pricy one: the lettering on the back is not inked! I actually started a post on how to get rid of it, if you want to add your suggestions the whole community will be grateful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pix Posted November 6, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 @REK : well it IS big... But I've learnt not to be disturbed by this anymore, as long as it's a sporty watch. I would say it has the same size feeling as the Hublot on the wrist. Curiously, the SFSO which is 1 mm larger wears smaller. And yes, you'll see that I kept most of the reps I bought over there. @Milleliglia : well, from the beginning I knew I was not buying an accurate one. But it definitely looks great. My brown SLR is also a fantasy TAG, but always has success. Because it's "credible" : it looks like a high quality watch , and for me this will always be the first criteria. Is this watch credible on my wrist and can I hand it without fear ? If the caseback of the 7750 is plain steel, which I do believe, Acetone should remove anything... But it's highly recommended to remove the caseback first, not to be in contact with the rest of the parts. Again, I'll review the thing more in detail after my head cooled down Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docblackrock Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 If you see my review from August, I removed the paint off the engraved caseback of my "pricey" Aquaracer in situ with some paint stripper and cotton bud/Q-Tip. Five minute job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pix Posted November 13, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2007 A small bump before a review, this week-end if everything's fine. Yum yum, this quartz Tag is indeed what I have been hoping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
World Traveller Posted November 16, 2007 Report Share Posted November 16, 2007 Looks great Pix, thats what a Rep should cost. I saw these ones all over Thailand when i was there, they looked pretty nice. I like the bigger day date one that I have, but this is a nice alternative at 1/3rd the price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alant Posted November 29, 2007 Report Share Posted November 29, 2007 Hi Pix, any review/updates on your new watch? Very tempting indeed... looks nice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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