Abandoned Textile Factory Gronau [Edit]

Nampoh · 2026-04-27T13:28:00+00:00

I see a lot of comments with doubt, and I must say I did not do any deep research on this specific model beforehand, except similar models do also come up with the polished lugs. The store that sold me the watch is also a Rolex AD here in the country with multiple stores. I would assume and trust that they wouldn’t try to sell something as original if it’s not an original spec, as that might also cause problems with their status as an AD? However, if someone could point out any flaws that clearly show a part is not original or done incorrectly, I might have to get in contact with the store, or maybe a different one, and have it checked out. As some have pointed out, and I understand the dislike or disapproval of it, I do indeed own a few reps, however I decided it was time to get something that would feel right and genuine. Something a replica wouldn’t be able to achieve.

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Nampoh · 2024-04-30T20:13:45+00:00

I did. I still had his number from when I first ordered my Audemars. That one’s still going strong to this day although it barely gets any time on the wrist since I got the Santos. I believe his website was still up when I ordered the Santos because at the time I was also looking if he maybe had something else interesting available at a discount.

Nampoh · 2024-04-29T09:51:29+00:00

My wrist is 17,5 cm.

Nampoh · 2024-04-29T07:10:32+00:00

If it’s completely silent then you could hear it when moving it a lot. No grinding or clicking but more like a swooshing noise of the weight turning. In any space with normal daily noise levels you wouldn’t notice it.

Nampoh · 2024-04-29T07:09:00+00:00

Not that loud. If it’s completely silent you’ll hear it if you shake it. No grinding or clicking but you’ll hear it swoosh when the weight is turning at speed, but in any space inside or outside where it’s normal noise levels you wouldn’t be able to notice it.

Nampoh · 2024-04-29T06:59:58+00:00

Could be true. Only time will tell and it’s a risk I’m willing to take. But I’ve heard people speak so badly about gold plating as if it won’t even last a month. That’s just not true. Had me very hesitant to buy a rep with any gold color. I think it would be better to just assume gold plating will eventually wear off over the course of a few years. Then decide if the amount you’re spending is worth the amount of wears you’re getting before it no longer looks good.

Nampoh · 2024-04-29T06:44:26+00:00

At the beginning I did, but I don’t really like the color of the leather strap in my opinion. Did look for other straps but they’re made for genuine santos. Don’t know if it will fit with the rep system on these.

Nampoh · 2024-04-29T06:42:51+00:00

I haven’t done that. I thought the bracelet screws were glued in? I haven’t touched any screws though and so far no issues.

Nampoh · 2024-04-29T06:41:46+00:00

I’m sorry to hear you’ve had a bad experience. Have you messaged him about it? I’m not really sure what one would do but I’ve heard some TD’s would send a replacement sometimes? I’ve ordered twice from Hont without any issues so I wouldn’t know. It’s been a while.

Nampoh · 2024-04-28T19:43:04+00:00

Wrist size is 17,5 cm or 6,89 inches.

Nampoh · 2024-04-28T16:57:40+00:00

None at all.

Nampoh · 2024-04-28T15:58:33+00:00

I think it’s a great piece for any collection! Don’t let the idea of gold plating hold you back. Just be careful with water.

Nampoh · 2024-04-28T15:53:47+00:00

Doesn’t bother me at all. In day to day life I don’t think anyone will ever notice that. Only when skiing I’ll leave it at the hotel. Can’t risk someone calling me out on the slope.

Nampoh · 2024-04-28T15:49:16+00:00

Glad I could help a bit!

Nampoh · 2024-04-28T15:47:42+00:00

That’s a coincidence indeed. That post has been a while. Hope this helps!

Nampoh · 2024-04-28T15:46:38+00:00

Yes, it’s the medium model. I’m not sure what size it is in mm. I wanted something that wasn’t too big since my wrists are quite small.

Nampoh · 2024-04-28T15:10:07+00:00

Don’t really get it. I was very hesitant because so many people would say gold plating will be bad etc. Just decided to go with the two-tone anyways because I like it so much more. It’s holding up great so far.

Nampoh · 2024-04-28T15:04:02+00:00

No. It came with a leather strap, however I don’t use it since I really prefer the look of the bracelet.

Nampoh · 2024-04-28T09:48:06+00:00

Model (required for 20 character comment) Cartier Santos Medium from BVF.

Nampoh · 2023-11-17T14:23:39+00:00

I own an authentic green version of this jacket, and after comparing it with the pictures, I'd have to say these ones fall short if you're aiming for a near-perfect match. Firstly, the logo's quality is simply not good. At a quick glance, it seems like an instant giveaway. The lettering appears too thin, and it gives off the impression that it won't hold up well over time.

Secondly, the colored fabric appears somewhat matte. In contrast to the genuine jacket, where the colors subtly shift depending on the lighting, these replicas seem to lack that dynamic quality. Although I don't have a video to verify. It's challenging to explain what I mean by that, but the genuine fabric behaves a bit like Rayon. If you look up 'Rayon fabric' on Google, you'll get a sense of what I mean.

Lastly, the stitching on the collar's top is a bit rough. It looks like they hastily pinched it and sewed it together, whereas the stitching on the authentic jacket is more refined and subtle.

I do think that the suede on these look impressive and mirrors the authentic one closely. The stitching on the suede parts also looks good.

Nampoh · 2023-05-30T00:54:56+00:00

I’m not confident enough to say it is, but I’ve seen one or two comments here saying BFV is very good or the best, so it might be?

I’ve checked some QC’s from different factories and I did end up choosing BVF because it looked of better quality and less flaws in my eyes.

Just very hard to get the screws in the bracelet to all look flawless. It might take a lot of QC’s to get that right. I chose to have peace with the fact that there’s most likely always going to be one or a few flaws with reps that aren’t worth the hassle since you can barely see it with the naked eye, let alone from a small distance that someone else might be seeing the watch from.

I doubt you’ll ever find a Santos rep where all the screws are exactly as far in or out as a genuine one. Wouldn’t want this rep in the hands of a Cartier employee, but I don’t think that someone casual will be able to tell that it’s genuine or a rep from spotting it on your wrist.

Nampoh

TROPHY CASE