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wpod64 3T WIS 
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I'm glad to have found this site. I have not been a watch collector but I did recently decide to buy a nicer watch. I've been perfectly happy with cheap Casios for years but as I've progressed in my career I have got to the point where I felt I needed to project a more professional appearance. I decided I liked the look of the Rolex Submariner, but not the price. I didn't want to buy a replica/fake Rolex, but I recently discovered there are some nice "homage" subs (I also realize this is a potentially controversial subject). I'm frankly not interested in any "religious" discussions about it, although I know some have strong feelings on this topic. I like the sub look but I'm simply not close to being able to afford the real thing (or wanting to invest that much in a watch, anyway - I'm a single Dad with 3 kids). I don't mean to offend anyone but there it is. Anyway, I actually ordered an Invicta 9937ob with the coin edge bezel because it seemed my research had turned that up as probably the leading sub homage. It hasn't even arrived yet and I'm already having second thoughts, partially based on Invicta's apparent (lack of) reputation for customer service and quality control, although I also have found many satisfied customers. Then last night I discovered Debaufre... Long story somewhat shorter, I am now considering sending back the Invicta, ponying up an extra $100, and buying a Debaufre Ocean-1 instead. I particularly like the Red Red variation (pic below) although I know that color may seem too gaudy to some. I love it, personally. What think thee, my new brethren (and sisters): should I send the Invicta back when it arrives and buy the Ocean-1 instead, or should I keep the Invicta and give it a try (I have 31 days to send it back)? Cheers, Clark  Last edited on Fri May 30th, 2008 03:16 pm by wpod64 |
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Skipdawg 3T WIS 
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Well if it were me I'd go with a Debaufre over an Invicta any day of the week. ;) |
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wpod64 3T WIS
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Thanks for the reply, Skip. With a Debaufre forum in here, I have a feeling the results are going to be very one-sided. But I'll wait to see what actually happens. BTW, although my parents are American (going all the way back to 1621) I was actually born in Geneva. My Dad worked for Chrysler's International Division at the time. Anyway, we left when I was four but I've always had an affinity for things Swiss. I like the idea of buying a genuine Swiss made watch, especially from a smaller, older company. I'm a sucker for Swiss Army knives and Toblerone. |
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Skipdawg 3T WIS
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wpod64 wrote: Thanks for the reply, Skip. With a Debaufre forum in here, I have a feeling the results are going to be very one-sided. But I'll wait to see what actually happens. Well you can even do some web searches and find out allot too. Invicta has had allot of quality control and customer service issues over the past few years. Debaufre is said by many to be very good in both those areas. I don't have a Debaufre yet but plan to get one in the near future. I've been lucky with the few Invictas I've had. I've given most of them away but one. |
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wpod64 3T WIS
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Skipdawg wrote: wpod64 wrote:Yup - how do you think I wound up here? I didn't do enough research before making my buying decision, but I kept digging and eventually discovered what's happening to Invicta's reputation. But part of me will feel at least a slight twinge of guilt at sending back an item without even giving it a chance.Thanks for the reply, Skip. With a Debaufre forum in here, I have a feeling the results are going to be very one-sided. But I'll wait to see what actually happens. |
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Paxman 3T WIS 
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First off welcome to 3T, Clark. Nice to have you join the party. You don't need to worry about anyone busting your chops over the fact that you are intrigued by Sub homages. The majority of modern dive watches owe a thing or two the the venerable Submariner. Its replicas that can get you into trouble. The Invicta 9937 is by all account one of their better offering. Having said that I will offer up the fact is Invicta = Crapshoot so you may get a clunker particularly if it has gone through the wringer at slopNBC. The DeBaufre is by all accounts a great Sub homage and in general a quality piece. Additionally, the color combo you're after is pretty distinctive and more than makes the decision easy imho. I don't own either watch. I do however plan on getting a DeBaufre in the future. Probably not anything Sub of GMT like but hopefully a handcranker of some sort be it a pilots or big ole' square watch... I'm watching the DeBaufre section here with great anticipation... Again, welcome to 3T. yourock.gif |
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KenC Admin 
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1st, welcome to 3T, we are glad you chose out forum to pose your question. 2nd, virtually everyone here has owned an Invicta...most of us would not buy another. 3rd, most importantly, please understand that all of the banners and brand/vendor forums you see here are by invitation only. There are several criteria, including, but not limited to, quality of product, uniqueness of product, quality of customer service, etc. LET ME ASSURE YOU THAT ONE OF THE CRITERIA IS NOT MONEY AS THERE ARE NO PAYING SPONSORS ON THIS FORUM. We do that for the very reason you bring up. Since the "friends of the forum" do not pay to have their banners and logos here, there can be no conflict of interest when we make recommendations as to product. If we feel that things are "sliding" with one of the "friends" we have no compunction about bring it to their attention. Our decision is not influenced by whether we will lose a sponsor. That said...Debaufre should be your only choice between the two. Debaufre's reputation for quality is well know and the high quality of their great customer service is a given. On the other hand, Invicta quality is spotty at best and their customer service is almost non-existent...after the sale...they are GONE! |
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wpod64 3T WIS
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Not ShopNBC; Discount Watch Store. It's my first time buying anything through them but I like their policies (e.g., free shipping; free sizing; free polishing cloth). I bought two other watches through them as gifts, so even if I wind up sending the Invicta sub back, they still got some business from me. I appreciate the feedback and the welcome. |
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wpod64 3T WIS
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In addition to hearing fairly rotten things about Invicta, I keep hearing good things about Debaufre. I want to believe, but I do have a question... I notice there are 0 items either under the Debaufre name or the Steinhauer name currently for sale on eBay. I find that a little puzzling. How tiny are they? |
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Paxman 3T WIS
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wpod64 wrote: In addition to hearing fairly rotten things about Invicta, I keep hearing good things about Debaufre. I want to believe, but I do have a question... I think that tells a lot... and I'll tell you why. WIS know DeBaufre, WIS buy and sell among themselves. No need to resort to the Bay. Imho, your observation reflects positively on DeBaufre. |
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KenC Admin
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wpod64 wrote: In addition to hearing fairly rotten things about Invicta, I keep hearing good things about Debaufre. I want to believe, but I do have a question... Debaufre/Steinhart are actually quite good sized and still operate under the name of Steinhart outside of the USA. They have no need to dump overproduction of substandard items on ebay. Sales of preowned pieces do quite well on the various watch forum "sales corners"...many (if not most) Invicta pieces simply have little or no market among knowledgeable WIS. |
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wpod64 3T WIS
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Debaufre/Steinhart - got it. Stupid n00b (me). This poll is confirming my suspicions but I had to ask directly - thanks to all. One problem is, since Discount Watch Store offers free sizing, I have the Invicta sized. If my crapshoot comes up lucky, I won't really have a rational reason to return the item, in which case I might just bite the bullet and wait another month or two and then buy the Debaufre. I'm almost hoping for a lemon now... |
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KenC Admin
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wpod64 wrote: Debaufre/Steinhart - got it. Stupid n00b (me). This poll is confirming my suspicions but I had to ask directly - thanks to all. One problem is, since Discount Watch Store offers free sizing, I have the Invicta sized. If my crapshoot comes up lucky, I won't really have a rational reason to return the item, in which case I might just bite the bullet and wait another month or two and then buy the Debaufre. I'm almost hoping for a lemon now... Worry not. This is Discount Watch Store's Return Policy: 31 Days Money Back Guarantee We want you to be 100% satisfy with the watches and watch accessories you purchase from us, so we are offering you our incredible 31 days money back guarantee. If you are not happy with the watch/accessory that you bought from us, you can return it within 31 days as long as it is in mint condition (not used, not worn, and with the plastic protective wrapper for a full refund less $12 (for watches, watch boxes, and watch winders) or $3 (for watch bands and watch tools) (fees are applicable only if you took advantage of our free shipping offer for your initial delivery) to cover our initial shipping and handling cost as well as credit card processing fees. For more details, please read our return policy below. http://www.discountwatchstore.com/returnpolicy/ |
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teddyhanna Guest
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Well so much to say, but Ken, Skip and Pax said it best....Hey welcome to 3T and glad to have you....................yourock.gif |
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murphy j 3T WIS 
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I think most everything has been said that I've heard about Invicta and Debaufre/Steinhart so, Welcome to the forum:). |
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wpod64 3T WIS
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Thanks, Murph, and thank you for your service as well. I was on active duty (USAF) a long time ago (80s, through first Iraq War). Last edited on Fri May 30th, 2008 11:28 pm by wpod64 |
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wpod64 3T WIS
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Darn this site! Now I've discovered the new Boschett Reef Ranger, which I think I might like even just a little more than the Debaufre Ocean-1. But even if I decide that is the ultimate <$500 Swiss dive watch, I then have to decide between four dial colors. Does the madness ever stop?!! Seriously, thanks to this site I feel I'm getting a little smarter about this watch buying thing, especially for the style I want within my price range (no more than $500). |
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Skipdawg 3T WIS
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wpod64 wrote: Darn this site! Now I've discovered the new Boschett Reef Ranger, which I think I might like even just a little more than the Debaufre Ocean-1. But even if I decide that is the ultimate <$500 Swiss dive watch, I then have to decide between four dial colors. Does the madness ever stop?!! Sorry to report the maddness never ends. :cool: LOL And the Reef Ranger is sweet! I'm already toying with getting a 2ed one. :D |
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KenC Admin
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wpod64 wrote: Darn this site! Now I've discovered the new Boschett Reef Ranger, which I think I might like even just a little more than the Debaufre Ocean-1. But even if I decide that is the ultimate <$500 Swiss dive watch, I then have to decide between four dial colors. Does the madness ever stop?!! Gotta tell you, I just got the Reef Ranger in Yellow and it is totally awesome...that said, if I were getting a Boschett for all around wear including business, I would probably go for the black or blue dial! |
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