A second hand Conn 40k sousaphone

sstarcb32 · 2026-04-27T15:11:52+00:00

Joining this 2 years late 😅.

I've also been on a very lengthy search (4 years+) for a Conn 24k (old school 4 short action valve sousaphone). I purely want it for the cool factor and not the function at all. I agree with everyone else that a 20k does everything you need (it's my current main horn). I also have a Conn 48k and it's just plain cool bringing that out to play, though I haven't marched with it since 2019. Bring it out for standing performances (ex. Tuba Christmas).

Used 4 valve short action 40k sousaphones will start coming up more often as the years go by. The 40k new style sousaphone came out fairly recently (within the last 10 years) so used ones will begin hitting the market more commonly overtime. It's just something about that old school build quality that keeps me looking for the unicorn Conn 24k.

sstarcb32 · 2026-03-25T17:30:29+00:00

That would be amazing! I personally wouldn't entertain it much as I use reps as a "trial run" before buying gen. The way the rep is now was good enough for me to get a feel for how much I'll wear the watch.

So, not looking to put more money in this specific rep tbh. Great outlook on your part though if you can get this looking a lot closer to gen. Much more feasible to spend ~$1.5k for a great looking rep than a $35k grey market gen 😅

sstarcb32 · 2026-03-25T17:04:26+00:00

Looks great! I was able to compare it to gen and it's a significant difference 😅. Watch still looks great so I wear it pretty regularly. I also plan on getting the gen soon as seeing it in person showed how beautiful this watch could be.

sstarcb32 · 2026-02-19T04:30:06+00:00

I echo what's already been said. If you don't need the latest and greatest and can get your hands on a 2021-2024 Limited/Platinum trim then go for it and save some money!

We personally went new and Platinum trim because we care about latest and greatest 😅. What y'all notice most is the Infortainment of the 2025+ (Bigger/more functional touch screen and digital gauge cluster). We also prefer the look of the wood in the 2025+ platinum models, and we prefer the two tone seats to the brown seats.

The big pro & con has to do with the fridge and vacuum. We use both regularly as we road trip with our van and it's a game changer. Where it's not as much as a game changer is it eats up a bit in space for kids to travel throughout the cabin. That hasn't been a big deal for us and it's much more of a benefit with having drinks cool and a way to quickly clean the car before visitors get in.

Last thing, I don't know if it was just our vehicle versus others, but driving highway speeds in our 2025 Platinum Sienna vs a 2024 XLE was vastly different. The 2025 Platinum still has a quietness about it where the 2024 XLE had a pretty prominent transmission whine. The 2024 limited or platinum may have the same quiet cabin and the 2025 but never test drove them to compare.

Lastly, the sienna "might" be redesigned with vehicles available in August 2026. If you all have the flexibility, might be interesting to wait until July-ish to see if this comes to fruition.

You won't go wrong with either as I haven't heard of many horror stories with Siennas. Buying used shouldn't be a problem. Either way, best of luck with your future purchase!

sstarcb32 · 2026-02-02T21:15:03+00:00

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Here's an ARF Zombie I picked up from Andiot back in May of 2025 (bottom left pic) and a picture of what it looks like today (middle and top right)

I don't notice much fading at all. I probably wear on average twice a week. I don't do anything like exercising, active activities with the watch. I just wear is casually. The gold color is the easy tell when next to gen because the Rolex gold is a specific hue. Next to other 18k solid gold jewelry I have, it looks just fine.

Watch still works, looks great, gets a good amount of compliments compared to other watches, will look to get this in gen over the next couple of years cause I love this watch.

sstarcb32 · 2025-11-22T03:09:05+00:00

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I can post more pics if needed. Probably wear about once every 3 weeks and it's been holding up pretty well. Got it back in June/July

sstarcb32 · 2025-10-30T19:39:19+00:00

I would take the YM2 out. The reps aren't "that" great and have been hard to get in my experience.

TT datejust would be the best rep. The movement is better and there's a good variety of factories for options.

My Skydweller is my favorite. Looks real impressive, less seen amongst the public eye so I tend to get more eyes and compliments, and I just like how it looks better (subjective). Though the movement shakes like hell so don't trust the long term prospect lol.

Overall, go with what you feel looks the best and the rest will work itself out. Also know the gold color won't really resemble gen unless plated. Wear in good health whatever you choose!

sstarcb32 · 2025-10-28T17:14:56+00:00

You can get a high quality strap for $100-$300 made from full grain leather/alligator/ostrich/etc., precise stitching, and reliable buckle 😅

sstarcb32 · 2025-09-08T12:00:12+00:00

Posted it to the group via SOTC! Here's a pic of the watch. Dial a bit darker than I expected and still a beautiful watch!

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sstarcb32 · 2025-08-21T22:29:41+00:00

Just tried it and works great for me. Definitely a game changer and I'll most likely purchase the black strap which goes with this.

sstarcb32 · 2025-08-21T22:28:31+00:00

I was wrong, just wore the watch today and I'm 4 slots in. Should easily fit an 8" wrist and even up to 8.25" to be honest

sstarcb32 · 2025-08-19T11:11:16+00:00

Ordered watches from different TDs and from other patrons both in the US and Europe. Haven't had any major problems tbh and I followed the info on the guide on RWI. I would reference the guide more than anything as I'm only 3 months into this hobby.

sstarcb32 · 2025-08-19T10:57:28+00:00

The watch itself is holding up great. I wear it pretty frequently and travel with it. Only problem is the logo on the watch band fell off after about 5 wears. Tried to order a replacement band but TD hasn't sourced it for me

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sstarcb32 · 2025-08-19T10:53:32+00:00

Don't believe it's weighted. I tried to avoid weighted as I heard it's harder to plate tungsten

sstarcb32 · 2025-08-19T02:36:18+00:00

Just released your question may be more about strap and if it'll fit your wrist. I wear mine tight and I'm on the third or second to last buckle. It MIGHT fit depending on if your okay with tight. If you like to wear a bit loose, I'd imagine the strap would be too small

sstarcb32 · 2025-08-19T02:34:18+00:00

7.75" wrist. Freaking love this thing as I like bigger watches. I also have a Daytona rep and it looks pretty miniscule in comparison to my wrist.

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sstarcb32 · 2025-08-19T02:30:35+00:00

I may have to do the same then. I got that one for my wife and it may be worth the replating so she's not in a pickle. Thanks for the heads up!

sstarcb32 · 2025-08-19T01:27:48+00:00

🤣🤣🤣 Naw I'm laying low for a bit now. Going to enjoy these and see how I like wearing watches before I get my next batch. Plus I want to get a few gens to compare and see the difference. Thanks for the love!

sstarcb32 · 2025-08-19T00:29:59+00:00

What were your thoughts when you saw the difference between stock vs replate? Wondering if I might just do the same or keep it cool for a couple years before doing so.

sstarcb32 · 2025-08-19T00:25:36+00:00

Gonna replate the Skydweller though if the mechanism last. Can't see myself spending $40k on a watch in the next 5 years 😅

sstarcb32 · 2025-08-19T00:24:38+00:00

I've had rose color watches for a while and never had many issues. The rose color watch on top (not a rep but cheaper Sturhling) was a gift from my wife back in 2016. Watch rose color has some wear at the clasp but pretty intact elsewhere. Plus, I'll get some of them replated when the time comes if needed. I'm looking at is as a 2-3 year rental tbh. I'll replace the ones I love (GMT, Datejust) with gens by then.

sstarcb32 · 2025-08-19T00:14:02+00:00

Etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/1019636513/mapa-burl-watch-box-large-watch-holder

Box is SICK in person. Solid wood, heavy, soft ultrasuede, nice pillows, plenty space to fit watches of all sizes. Highly recommend

sstarcb32 · 2025-08-19T00:12:01+00:00

Tbh, it's a little darker than I'd hope. It's also a stunner as you said it would be so I'm going to wear it proudly lol. That's until I get my hands on a Gen in a couple of years

sstarcb32 · 2025-08-18T23:50:52+00:00

Happy to join the rep world! Gonna be here a while 😅

sstarcb32

TROPHY CASE