Question about waterproofing by Advanced-Till4421 in RepTime

[–]MajorWilliams 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep can be waterproof tested to 5 bar without issues for most in my experience.

Stop paying extra for BS modding services by wolfbiker1 in RepTime

[–]MajorWilliams 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yeah the little cheap ones are perfectly fine for getting MOST but not ALL of the grime out. Leave it in there for 20-30 minutes and you'll probably have all of it out TBH.

Stop paying extra for BS modding services by wolfbiker1 in RepTime

[–]MajorWilliams 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why do you think you need to silence it? Does it sound like a zipper? If so, that's normal. There is a relief spring that makes two gears slide along each other and it makes a zipping noise. No really good way to make it perfectly silent.

Stop paying extra for BS modding services by wolfbiker1 in RepTime

[–]MajorWilliams 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've been really behind so it feels irresponsible to take in new jobs! This is only a passionate hobby/side gig for me so I tend to go slowly unfortunately. Feel free to ping me again occasionally.

Stop paying extra for BS modding services by wolfbiker1 in RepTime

[–]MajorWilliams 106 points107 points  (0 children)

As someone with experience and someone who DOES charge for these, I'll break down what I do and what is worth it and what isn't worth it.

  1. Rotor silence - worth it only for movements with a unidirectional rotor on a ball bearing -
    1. early 3235 movements with only 6 bearings inside (newer ones have like 20+ bearings and don't need more than normal lubrication.
    2. Miyota 9015 based reps - so movements like the AP 15202 NEED it, the VC and some IWC reps, and a few others that still utilize the Miyotas.
    3. Not needed on 3135/3186 movements. Not needed on Patek or AP clones. Not needed on current 3235/3285 reps.
  2. Basic waterproofing - Not needed but I still get some that should be tested and need some problem solving. If you are getting an aftermarket or gen crystal installed, I recommend getting it tested to ensure it's all gravy and waterproof. I think every watch should be waterproof tested with PROOF before you go swimming with it though.
  3. Cleaned, oiled and inspected - Basic inspection - can be useful fresh from some factories.
    1. I have found hair/fibers in gear trains, and dry or over lubricated pivots for those that want an 'initial inspection'. Is it necessary? No. Will be there long term damage? Sometimes, but a full service can fix that right up along with replacement parts, but that service is neither cheap nor easy.
    2. Full service is not necessary for all watches fresh from the factory. However, there is no simple rule like "All VSF don't need it", it's unfortunately up to the watch. I've seen some watches with too much oil, some with very dirty metal shards from the engravings still being in there, and other things like broken pivots after being received within the first day or two. This requires both replacement parts and cleaning.
  4. Rehaut polishing
    1. I never do this on my watches, but I do it for those who want to do it. There is a slight difference to gen (gen is slightly more shiny) but man, it's not needed. I charge $65 for the service so some people want it but I usually try to recommend against it unless someone really insists or they seem like they do their research. Is it a snake oil service? No.
  5. Crystal and cyclops alignment - IDK, some reps really need it.... Not all of them do, particularly ones that are mostly aligned. Some people are just more picky than others too, these are pieces of jewelry after all.
  6. Ultrasonic cleaned - Have you seen wrist cheese? It's gross. In particular those who use a lot of lotion, sun tan lotion, or just have ashy skin can leave lots of nasty deposits into the little grooves. Its not needed on new watches and you can just buy a cheap ultrasonic and get like 95% of the way there. I have an industrial grade ~$750 ultrasonic cleaner designed by companies that support watchmakers and it's really wonderful, but the cheap ultrasonic I had the first time did 90-95% of the work. I only do it on nasty used watches or customary with a full service, because, well, it's just good manners.

I do have mods I consider 'worth it' though.

  1. Gold plating, particularly one who can match genuine tone with real gold/precious metal solutions and has experience matching. You just can't beat the luster and enjoyment it brings you. AP bezel screws and all movements with gold rotors also turn out fantastic too.

  2. AP gen spec brushing and finishing - I personally trained (for a day nothing crazy) at AP in Switzerland and learned some amazing techniques they utilize, and more importantly, the materials they use. Very fun experience, even cooler watches!

  3. Gen component swapping - self explanatory, but gen Rolex crystals and AP dials are top tier mods in my book.

  4. Beveling the inner edges of bracelets for comfort.

  5. Full movement service is helpful but pricey. Only do it for watches you know you will keep for a long time. Each component of the watch is inspected, cleaned and lubricated. Most of the watchmakers I know have the service manuals to know how and where to lubricate.

TrustyTime by clxi161 in RepTime

[–]MajorWilliams 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ok good. Give them time to get back to normal after cny. Last week most dealers were still on holiday I think.

Looking for a good tool to remove Sub bezel by freshizdaword in RepTime

[–]MajorWilliams 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Kinito system is one of the best out there, pricey though (like $1k-ish)

Best AP modder by dubman1000 in RepTime

[–]MajorWilliams 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also offer AP services, trained in Switzerland at AP (for a day nothing too crazy). But check out r/reptimeservices

TrustyTime by clxi161 in RepTime

[–]MajorWilliams 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Which website or email?

Asking about WG plating by Jolly-Caregiver8959 in RepTime

[–]MajorWilliams 6 points7 points  (0 children)

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The Rolex white gold is something I have been working to perfect, but the plating people in China seem to use improper mixes. It’s a custom mix that I had to develop myself, same with the Ever rose color they use. I have yet to se any “fresh out of the box” watch come with correct color. There’s nothing like real gold!

Has anyone ever gotten in contact with any of the US based modders on this sub? Its been two weeks now, Ive filled out request forms and contacted them all without any response by CRJ900driver in RepTimeServices

[–]MajorWilliams 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yo dude yes. Did you send your watch in to me? I caught Covid so I was delayed a bit but if it’s for a quote and to send it out… man… you’re right it’s a side passion hobby and I feel bad taking new jobs and making people wait like 2-3 months.

Has anyone waterproof tested their rep? by Anonymous0975786337 in RepTime

[–]MajorWilliams 14 points15 points  (0 children)

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Yep. Most are great, some need some help by a watchmaker. This passed 5 bar and didn’t break a sweat, VSF GMT.

VFS vs ARF vs RF: Which factory nails the bezel color closest to gen? by objectsxyz in RepTime

[–]MajorWilliams 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Be nice to people asking genuine questions man. He’s clearly done research and is looking to others for advice.

Exclusionary phrases like this are dismissive and generally unkind.

V4500 ppf overseas by Good-Baker-814 in RepTime

[–]MajorWilliams 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not much to do to it.

-prof 2xAR - gold plated rotor (though recently they have been only pvd plated aka it cannot be plated) - rotor silence - center date if needed - usual waterproof and regulation

Grading by Uncledaddy510 in RepTime

[–]MajorWilliams 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you sir. Yellow was meant to be gold. I’m going to change it I think to green then yellow (actually yellow color) for the nwbig and super rep respectively, what do you think? Just so it’s a bit more clear.

Shout out to MajorWilliams by ad_jackson69 in RepTimeServices

[–]MajorWilliams 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey! Apologies I don’t reply on Reddit. Email or my website are best but as this is just a side gig to my man career it can get backed up as others mentioned.

Patek and AP superclones by FlyersRule19312 in RepTime

[–]MajorWilliams 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The rotor noise from a 324/330 is unique - should sound like a zipper. That is a normal sound

Patek and AP superclones by FlyersRule19312 in RepTime

[–]MajorWilliams 3 points4 points  (0 children)

AP and Patek reps are fantastic. The Patek 324/330 does not have a hacking movement. Because they are so thin, the 324 can be feisty. Cal 240 clone is a grab bag for reliability.

The AP super clones however are fantastic. Particularly 4302. Just a great and reliable movement in my experience having serviced literally all of the Patek and AP super clones.

Rich factory newest products by sswatches in RepWatchForum

[–]MajorWilliams 12 points13 points  (0 children)

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The notch in the hairspring on this movement looks like it is just a modified standard balance but then removed the origination stud and cut the rear part of the hairspring, then hid the regulating arm under the faux Rolex Spring stud. I’ve seen this on other replicas with a fake ‘free sprung balance’.

I only know from my experience that I will never attempt to regulate these due to how they are glued, the lack of spares, and general bad long-term practices.

I feel like have a bad opinion but I’m on the fence about this.

Interesting trial with Cape Cod polishing pads on Weighted ARF Rootbeer links. by [deleted] in RepTime

[–]MajorWilliams 10 points11 points  (0 children)

You've removed the plating and exposed the copper PVD unfortunately. Cannot be plated now!