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My experience with Andiot – An honest review
Hey everyone! Today, I wanted to share my personal experience with Andiot and how I perceived the entire process.

A little background: I got into the rep game in 2021 and bought my very first VSF DJ from another TD. After purchasing a Tudor and another Daytona from the same dealer, I switched to Andiot.
I was already aware of the many negative reviews about Andiot and the various issues people have reported. I’m not here to dismiss anyone else’s experience, but I also think it’s unfair to assume that everyone will have a bad experience with him. My experience has actually been very positive.

Communication was excellent from the beginning. Andiot always replied within minutes, hours, or at most a couple of days. I also really appreciate his VSF ordering policy, which allows you to wait for QC before paying. Considering how competitive his prices are compared to other TDs, I think that’s a great gesture.

Of course, this policy also means that many people can place orders without paying upfront, potentially creating a huge backlog. VSF is one of the most popular factories, and with Clean Factory no longer operating, demand is understandably high. Production capacity is limited, and we’ve also seen discussions about potential declines in VSF’s quality control due to the sheer volume of orders. Long waiting times are frustrating, but I think it’s important to distinguish factory-related delays from a TD’s customer service.

Regarding my own order, the QC process worked perfectly. I received my QC pictures, had time to inspect the watch, and could decide whether I wanted to proceed. I even requested a specific modification, which Andiot handled very well. Before shipping, I received another QC for the modification itself and had the option to reject it, but it was Fine for me.

Some people will probably point out that the rehaut alignment on my watch isn’t great. That’s fair. However, the dial is from Buff, not VSF, and I’ve seen similar alignment issues before. I knowingly accepted the imperfection because it was something I could live with.

Shipping was also excellent. Tracking worked perfectly, and I received the watch in Europe in less than two weeks.
I’ve actually ordered two watches from Andiot: a VSF OP and a VSF Oyster Perpetual. Both orders went smoothly, with great communication and fast shipping once the watches were ready.

My conclusion: Competitive prices, excellent communication, a smooth QC process, and surprisingly fast delivery. I’m not saying everyone will have the same experience, and I don’t want to invalidate anyone else’s complaints. But personally, I can’t complain about the service I’ve received.

I’ll definitely order from Andiot again.
If you have any questions about my experience, feel free to ask!

Just be aware of that: If You buy a VSF, You May have to wait several Weeks or longer. I had to wait 4 Weeks each After placing the order.

Received ORF's new free sprung SMP300 2 days ago after waiting 4 weeks for delivery because the box sat in a warehouse for the first 2 weeks (thanks China National Day)

Firstly, shout out to Hontwatch, my primary TD. I've bought from Trustytime, Ficotime and a local Australian vendor called VarietyGiftsAU and now I pretty much only buy from Hont or Trusty if Hont can't source something. He's an excellent TD if you don't ask too many questions and know exactly what you are after.

I'll break up my review into a few main points for ease of reading, and there will be a TLDR at the bottom.

<<Bezel Action>>

It's firmer than VSF's bezel action and the sound is noticeably softer. I have owned a gen 2015 SMP300 and I would say the loudness of a gen is somewhere in between VSF and ORF, but the action is closer to ORF.

<<Bracelet>>

VSF's bracelet (at least on the 2 that I have) is better stock. The ORF bracelet edges are quite sharp, and the clasp action is stiffer and slightly more rattley. A simple chamfer will fix the edges and I doused the clasp in PTFE dry lube, let it dry and wiped off the residue. It's much better with these simple fixes. ORF provided a free rubber strap too.

<<Movement>>

The TG numbers showed +10s/d during QC. Using the watch accuracy app and wired headphones, I measured the watch in dial up, dial down, crown up and crown down positions. Numbers are included. No regulation necessary as all were <5s/d. The watch beats at 28800 bph and doesn't feature a coaxial escapement so there is the main difference from gen.

The bunny ears are gone and I have included a photo of the gen movement from Susan Reviews that shows the primary difference between ORF and gen balance wheels. If you didn't know about these engravings, this looks very close to the real deal.

The winding and time setting action is night and day compared to VSF. There is heft to it and a very satisfying feel when winding. Pretty much no comparison and it's very close to gen feel when winding.

<<Case and Water Resistance>>

ORF claims full diving capabilities and a working HEV. I have no idea how I'm going to test that because I do not dive recreationally outside of beach/pool swimming and some free diving here and there. The movement came with a good rubber gasket but it looked a little dry so I waterproof serviced the watch when I opened it. It passed a 5 bar water resistance test afterwards. ORF does not have the stubby crown guard issue that has plagued VSF SMPs. The crystal is perfectly clear and is on par with VSF.

<<My QC issues>>

ORF has a problem with centering the Omega symbol, but it's so small and the wave dials and 12 markers draw the eye so it isn't that noticeable. It is more prevalent on some colours than others. Also, on ONLY the grey dial, some of the wave etchings end a fraction of a millimetre shorter than on gen or VSF. That issue does not exist on any other model.

<<TLDR>>

Great watch. It'll be my favourite for a while. Better case and movement than VSF. Better colour accuracy than VSF. Allegedly fully waterproof and dive-capable.

From Andiot:
Paid: USD$518 ex. shipping
Waiting time: 2.5 weeks incl QC

Again, super impressed and happy with the quality and care in the delivery for this product.

Thank you Elliot!

this watch goes nuts 😜

What's on everybody's wrist today?

Mods include:

Updated case

Aftermarket dial

SW hands and date-wheel

Tiffany stamp

Gen spec brushing & polishing

End links modded

Ultra clone movement

22k rotor

Movement overhaul

Deep crystal

Honestly this is NWBIG. My friend has the gen green one and we compared them side by side and it blew his mind.

Threw this on an Aliexpress strap and loving this piece. Just need to figure how to stop the little voice in the back of my brain that says you gotta get them all now

One’s $500, the other one’s $100. Can you even tell the difference anymore?

ZF Black Bay Coke purchased from the Shenzhen Watch market last week

1sf wrist roll video, how did I do?

Received my 5 digit TMF Kermit yesterday and it’s an instant classic. The sub hype makes sense.

VSF - absolutely can’t wait!

First off, a huge shoutout to Steve at TheOneWatches!
Ordered my first rep on September 24th, and it arrived today, October 15th. From start to finish, the entire process couldn’t have been easier. Communication was great, everything went smoothly, and I’m extremely happy with how it turned out.
Went with the Omega Seamaster 300M NTTD, and I’m looking forward to getting it on the wrist tomorrow!
Definitely a great first experience getting into the rep world. Thanks again to Steve and the team at TheOneWatches!
What do you guys think?

My brother bought what his boy claimed to be a VSF v3 Pepsi. Wanted to legit check and see what folks on here thought. He paid 150 so not a crazy loss.

Received this a month or two ago and I’ve been fairly impressed with it. The process with the TD was very smooth and I received this quickly (~2 weeks) after approving QC.

Volume dropped a video where he went to a bunch of 47th St. dealers and ask them to guess which was the gen and which was the rep on AP 26240 black ceramic. Was surprisingly close rep to gen. Any guesses on which factory?

This is just a Stock photo for conversation.

video link

Been going back and forth on my rubber strap vs steel on my SMP300 Rep, rubber is way more comfortable but something just makes it pop more with the steel,b what do we think?

Finally pulled the trigger after months n months and months of being on this sub🙌🏽

I’m guessing this and where the addiction starts cause I already can’t wait to add another to the collection 😅 ( gonna try and keep it to 4-5)

(VSF from Jerome if anybody was wondering)

Andiots service was excellent. Took 2 days for QC, watch got to me within 14 days👍

Ref: M79030N-0001

i wanna hear all you have to say abt the bvf santos

This is my first post here, and my first experience buying a rep, after spending several weeks reading, learning, and following this community. I wanted to share my experience with Li from JTime because I think good service deserves recognition, especially when you're a newcomer navigating this hobby for the first time.

It wasn't a perfectly straightforward order, but the way Li handled the entire process left a lasting impression on me.

From the Batman to the Bruce Wayne

I initially reached out to Li about a VSF V3 Batman. A few days later, after going back and forth between different options, I changed my mind and decided on a Bruce Wayne on Oyster.

Li was upfront that the watch wasn't in stock and would need to be sourced from the factory. He also explained that factories don't provide reliable delivery dates, so there was no ETA he could promise me. I appreciated the honesty and decided to go ahead, expecting that the wait might be a couple of weeks.

Before ordering, I asked plenty of questions and changed my mind more times than I'd like to admit. Batman, Batgirl, Bruce Wayne on Jubilee, Bruce Wayne on Oyster... you get the idea. Throughout all of this, Li was patient, straightforward, and responsive. Most replies came quickly, and even the longest wait was only a few hours. He explained the payment options clearly, including the 5% discount for paying via Wise.

As a first-time buyer, I had plenty of questions and uncertainties. I never felt rushed or made to feel that my questions were a nuisance.

When the waiting game got the better of me

After paying, I checked in about a week later because I was getting a little anxious. Li told me there was still no ETA and advised me to wait.

After two weeks, I decided I was ready to move on from the original order. I sent him a picture of a VSF Datejust Wimbledon and asked whether I could switch to that instead.

Li explained that the Wimbledon would be cheaper and suggested a VF version, which he described as very high quality and likely to arrive sooner.

What I appreciated here was that he offered an alternative that cost less rather than simply pushing me toward a more expensive option. After thinking it over, I agreed to the VF Wimbledon.

There was a $130 difference between what I'd originally paid and the new watch. I asked Li how the difference would be handled, and he gave me two options: a refund through Wise or keeping the money as a deposit toward a future purchase. I chose the refund. Li explained that he would process it after the QC process was complete, in case there were any further changes to the order.

The watch passed QC, I gave it the GL, and the refund arrived in my bank account about a week later.

No chasing endlessly. No disappearing act. No awkwardness about returning the difference. Just a straightforward resolution.

The timeline

Here's how the final order went:

• Day 0: Originally ordered the GMT.
• Day 14: Asked to switch to the Date just Wimbledon.
• Day 14: Li recommended the VF version, and I agreed.
• Day 17: QC photos arrived.
• Day 18: I gave the GL.
• Day 21: The watch was shipped.
• Day 31: The watch arrived at my doorstep.

The watch is great, but the experience is what stood out

I'm genuinely happy with the Wimbledon. I get positive comments whenever I wear it, including from people at work in fintech who know and appreciate watches.

But what really stood out wasn't just the watch itself. It was the overall experience:

• Transparency: Li was clear about stock availability and never promised an ETA he couldn't guarantee.
• Patience: He entertained my endless questions and indecision without making me feel like a difficult customer.
• Practical advice: He recommended a less expensive alternative that suited my needs and could arrive sooner.
• Professionalism: He explained my options when the price changed and followed through on the refund.
• Responsiveness: He remained reachable both before and after payment. I was never left wondering whether I'd been forgotten.

JTime may not have the largest selection immediately available, its website may not list every option, and it may not be the cheapest dealer for every watch. Your experience may also differ from mine. But for a first-time buyer, having someone communicate clearly, manage expectations, answer questions patiently, and handle an unexpected change professionally makes a real difference. A rep watch is, after all, a rep watch, but I came away feeling that I had been treated professionally throughout the process.

And a thank-you to this community

Finally, thanks to everyone here and on RWI who shares their experiences, QC photos, comparisons, advice, and lessons learned.

For someone entering this hobby for the first time, all of that information makes a world of difference. It helps you ask better questions, understand what you're buying, and avoid mistakes you might otherwise make.

I'm still learning, but this has been a great introduction to the hobby.

Shoutout to Li @ JTime for the service, and thanks to this community for making the learning curve a little less steep.

On to the next one... 😅