Category: Brand

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Longines Replica

Hands-on with an unusual enamel gold vein dialled Longines replica

As you know, we love our vintage replica watches, and today we have another rare horological beast for you. This one is particularly unusual. No, it’s not a Longines with a cracked dial which has had the cracks filled with gold. Meet the enamel and gold vein dialled Longines Flagship.

Launched in 1957, the Longines Flagship collection focused on classic slim cases, designed to be waterproof, and seen as a rival to Omega’s Seamaster at the time. This example is circa 1966. Measuring 35 x 39 mm (not including the crown), it has the original enamel dial with gold veins running through it, giving it a ‘cracked’ look. This is an intriguing and striking dress replica watch whose nuances are best viewed through a loupe; it is only then that you get the full effect of the gilt and enamel, and it’s just stunning.

Interestingly, despite this being a 1960s model, the hands are Art Deco in style, and almost architectural. It’s an unusual combination, the veining with the hands, and it works.

The replica watch is signed on the dial, case (signed ‘Longines-Wittnauer’) and crown, its movement a Longines calibre 285 manual wind with 17 jewels. The bezel is 14 K gold, as are the lug caps, but the back is stainless steel.

Owned by a collector of vintage Longines who has not seen another one like this before, if you have come across another one in your horological travels, please tell us, as he’d love to learn more about this replica watch.

Oh and just in case you’re wondering about the importance of the Flagship collection to Longines, their Heritage Collection, which honours the brand’s most iconic replica watches by recreating them anew, contains some Flagship models that hark back to the early days of the model line.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Replica

Replica Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Duomètre à Quantième LunaireLE

Sometimes, you don’t realise that there’s a beautiful replica watch that you’ve read about floating tantalisingly nearby. Then someone offers you the chance to take a look at it.

Firstly, what are the ‘Duomètre’ replica watches?

Introduced in 2007, the basic idea is to separate the normal time keeping function of the replica watch (hours, minutes, and seconds) from the other function, hence ‘duo’. Traditionally, in a swiss cheap replica watch with a complication the latter makes the replica watch’s rate deviate upon its activation e.g. a chronograph as it is switched on, a repeater as it rings, or even a calendar function ticking over. The functions share a common power source – the activation of the complication will lead a reduction in the time function of the replica watch, due to the use of power, and affect accuracy.

To bypass this, JLC’s Duomètre models feature two independent replica watch mechanisms within one calibre: one spring barrel for the time function, and another for the operation of the complication. In the case of this Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire, these two are the time, and a moon phase function. Each ‘wing’ of the movement has its own barrel with a power reserve of 50 hours.

With each replica watch comprising of an amazing 396 pieces, this Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire contains the JLC Cal. 381 movement inside a white gold case. The replica watch features two seconds hands; the main one is a centre sweep hand and the second one at 6 o’clock is a jumping (or ‘flying’, also called ‘foudroyante’) seconds hand accurate to 1/6th of a second. Setting the time is performed by pulling the crown, whereupon both the seconds hands jump to the zero position, leaving the escapement running. Pushing the crown activates both hands simultaneously by re-coupling into the running escapement.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Reference: Q6043570
Functions: Hours, minutes, chronograph, moonphase
Case: 18-carat white gold
Case size: 42mm
Case height: 13.50 mm
Dial: Black Numerals: Arabic Hands: Brass, rhodium plated
Movement: JLC Cal. 381
VPH: 21,600
Power reserve: 50 hours
Jewels: 40
Water resistance: 50m
Strap: Matte black alligator leather with buckle in 18-carat white gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Case back: Sapphire

Visually, the combination of the white gold and black dial makes it look quite different to its Duomètre predecessors. To my mind, this white gold Duomètre rocks the socks off the prior yellow and pink gold versions. It’s not as ‘soft’ as the other two metals, but the sharpness of the white gold and black combination is one that works really well for this replica watch, and the blue moon is somehow given more depth with black surrounding it.

The replica watch is formal and discreet but unexpectedly, there’s almost a sporty elegance to it which lends it to working informally as well. It sits comfortably and at a decent height, but not overly so. As you can see on the dial, the Duomètre à Quantième Lunaire is limited to 200 pieces. This is the only one in Australia, so if you like the look of it, you’d better race in now to Monards.

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Seiko Replica

A look at a Galante SpringDrive

Seiko has many replica watch lines at all price points, many of which don’t make it to Australia, and some which do, but only in a very limited form. Launched in 2009, the Galante line/ sub-brand is, like their Spring Drive series, one of the brand’s upmarket lines and, in fact, uses Spring Drive movements as well as mechanical ones. Only sold at a limited number of retailers and Seiko boutiques, there is, in fact, a retailer in Sydney (Sydney Vintage Replica Watches, in the Strand Arcade).

You can read more about the Spring Drive movement here but this movement, introduced in 2005 was viewed by Seiko as their technically most significant development since the quartz Astron.

The Galante replica watches are immediately recognisable from their very distinctive case design. There are four large mounting screws which connect the round case to a tonneau open case back; out of the ordinary, unexpected, and whether it works or not (especially the use of two shapes) is a very subjective assessment. Does it work for me? I don’t mind the quirkiness, and can admire the thought and skill that went into this, but I don’t know whether the novelty value would wear off quickly.

This is the Galante Spring Drive SBLA037J. It has a large case, quite thick and heavy, and it is not a replica watch that can be worn by everyone. For many, it is liable to become a ding magnet as they become accustomed to the unusual case design.

With regards to the dial, the finishing is at an incredibly high standard, as it is with the Spring Drive range. Of particular note is the purple curved seconds hand, which is a feature of a number of the Galante models and particularly attractive to luxury replica watch in light of the Spring Drive movement creating such a smooth movement in this hand.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Functions : Hour, minute and second hands with calendar
Case : Stainless Steel. See through case back with sapphire crystal
Calibre : Spring Drive 5R65
Glass : Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Water resistance : 20 Bar
Power reserve : 72 hours
Jewels : 30
Strap : SBLA037J – Cordovan Strap. SBLA035J – Rubber Strap

Some of the Galante range can be quite elaborate, in terms of their dial designs (and even engraved cases), and definitely not to everyone’s tastes. There was even a limited edition (150) Japan only Astro Boy themed one in 2010.

If you’ve not ever taken a look at Galante, Spring Drive or any of the other higher end ranges from Seiko, they’re worth having a play with if you get the chance.

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IWC Replica

IWC 2012 Pilot’s replica watches : hands-on with the Miramar Worldtimer

At SIHH 2012, IWC’s presence was the most talked about, the rather humbly named ‘booth’ a no-cost-spared (partial) reproduction of an aircraft carrier, complete with flight deck, officers’ briefing room, pilots’ locker room, and even a flight deck control room.

Their booth represented their focus of this year’s releases, IWC’s highly successful 70 year old Pilots’ Collection, with a reworking of existing models and a focus on the five new TOP GUN models, especially two ‘Miramar’ models : the Big Pilot TOP GUN Miramar, and the Chronograph TOP GUN Miramar.

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS Miramar) is a United States Marine Corps installation that is home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing located in Miramar, San Diego. The air station is best known as the former location of the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (NFWS) and its TOPGUN training program, which relocated to Naval Air Station Fallon in western Nevada and merged into the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC).

Last week, I was given the opportunity to take a look at some of these new IWC models, and two of them stood out for me.

First up is the Pilot’s Replica Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Miramar has (Ref. IWC501902).

At 48mm and with a height of 15mm, this is not a small replica watch. The dark grey ceramic case is polished, with a titanium caseback, which is matched in the buckle for the strap. With their largest in-house calibre the 51111 inside, there is a 7-day power reserve, with the display at 3 o’clock.

When the two MIRAMAR models were launched, people seem to be quite divided about how they felt about them. One of the things that has been mentioned has been the size. A 48mm replica watch sounds far too large for most people but to me, this one seemed to sit smaller than a 48mm, feeling almost like a 46mm.

The polished case gives it quite a noticeable sheen which perhaps to some degree, is at odds with the rest of the replica watch; I would probably prefer a matte case, as has been used before by IWC. Another issue that people have been talking about has been the colour scheme on the dial. I found the military-styled dial and colouring of this replica watch quite different ‘in the metal’ to photos. In fact the colouring you see in this photo looks a bit different to how it looks in natural light. What did surprise me about this model is that I felt more positively disposed to it after seeing it.  It looks better than it does in photos, but it’s not a discreet replica watch, in terms of size and colouring. Of the two MIRAMAR models, I prefer this one, as the date window on the chronograph is of the three-dates-visible type, which I’m not that keen on.

Next up is the Pilot Worldtimer (Ref. IWC326201) with its 24-hour ring and featuring 23 locations on the outer ring. It is housed in a 45mm (13.5mm high) stainless steel case inside which is the automatic Cal. 30750 movement, which has a power-reserve of 42 hours. The seconds are hacking and there is a 6 bar water resistance.

In the photo below, the UTC (current Universal Time Coordinate) is set for London. For cities which are on daylight saving time, the time can be read below the dot linked to the city name with a line. If local time is changed on the dial, the time shown by the 24-hour ring remains unaffected and the movement continues to tick along during the change.

This is a good solid functional world timer. There are no unnecessary bells and whistles, you get exactly what the name states. As I mentioned above, the ‘three date’ style of window is not my preference, especially for a dial that’s already quite busy, but the use of a red marker does the date easy to see at a glance.

I often mention how a luxury replica watch sits on the wrist, as many of us will read a size and mentally make a decision as to whether it’s excluded from consideration because it’s too big/ small. It’s not always that easy. I’ve seen replica watches that are 45mm sit more comfortably than ones that are 42mm, for example. This 45mm Worldtimer is one of those 45mm replica watches that seems to sit smaller than its size. If you’re looking for a world timer and like the look of IWC’s one but are unaccustomed to wearing such a large replica watch, I’d suggest that you test it at a retailer, you might be surprised.

This final replica watch wasn’t in the SIHH 2012 pilots’ releases, but here it is, because it’s an attractive replica watch, and part of the current collection. The Portofino Chronograph Laureaus Sport for Good Foundation edition (Ref. IWC391019) is IWC’s sixth Laureus collaboration, with the dial the Laureaus blue, representing hope.

A classic Portofino chronograph designwise, it’s a comfortable 42mm and 13.5mm high, with the Cal. 75320 and a 44-hour power reserve. As well as the blue dial and matching blue alligator strap, the other distinguishing feature is the engraved caseback relating to the Laureaus Foundation. It’s produced in a limited edition of 2,500 and not a bad looking attractive replica watch; the blue is quite deep and discreet and for its size, it feels almost like a 40mm replica watch.

Here are some final shots of some of the other 2012 IWC releases.


Many thanks to Ching and The Hour Glass in Sydney for the opportunity to have a look at these new models.

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Longines Replica

The rare Longines-Wittnauer Second Settingwatch replica

http://www.replicaukonline.com/category/longines-replica/

One of the reasons I carry a camera with me all the time is because I never know when I might meet an unexpected replica watch.

Firstly, a bit of history.

The relationship between Wittnauer and Longines goes back a long way. Up to the 1890s, all of the luxury Longines replica watches had been brought into the U.S. and Canada through J. Eugene Robert & Co., NY., which was taken over by Roberts’ brother-in-law Albert Wittnauer in 1890. Thus, all Longines replica watches imported to North America during this tenure have ‘Wittnauer’ on the dial. In 1936, the Wittnauer family sold A.Wittnauer Co., and a re-organised arrangement with Longines lead to the creation of the Longines-Wittnauer Replica Watch Co.

What eventually became a longstanding relationship with aviation began in 1907, when Wittnauer supplied a pair of replica watches to the Navy, which was testing its aviation capabilities. During WWI, Wittnauer supplied military wristwatches and navigational devices to American Expeditionary Forces and an aircraft clock to the forerunner of the U.S. Army Air Corps.

In 1927, Wittnauer and Longines collaborated with Captain Philip van Horn Weems, a pioneering aviator who taught navigation to Charles Lindberg. This lead to Weems registering a patent for a ‘Second Setting Replica Watch’ in 1929. Seen by many to be the first pilot’s replica watch, the Second Setting replica watch was intended to complement on-board compasses, flight charts and chronometers.

During flights, navigational adjustments were necessary for time errors, as small deviations in the accuracy of time measurement could lead to errors in flight calculations (fuel consumption, position and time to destination). Pilots would listen to the minute by minute radio beeps (e.g. GMT) to accurately adjust the centre seconds dial. This would indicate the time error on their replica watch so they could do calculations more accurately.

To make these replica watch adjustments easier, Weems put in a movable inner dial, which adjusted the dial to the hand. The aviator would move the dial in accordance with the radio time signal, noting any deviations from Greenwich Mean Time.

Throughout its life, there have been numerous iterations of the Weems Second Setting replica watch, including later versions with a rotating seconds-register. The first series, the A3, was produced between 1929 – 1936, the second (A12) between 1936 – 1946, a series for the Japanese Imperial Navy between 1936 – 1946 (IJNAS), the A11 between 1938 – 1948, a 26mm version, the A12, for the period of 1936 – 1948, plus a couple of other variations.

This example is an early model. In sterling silver 47mm case (55mm lug to lug) with an onion crown, it has a double-hinged case back which, unfortunately, I couldn’t open.

Its enamel dial is in amazing condition, featuring painted Breguet numerals, an outer minute track and, at its centre, the revolving dial. The Breguet hands are blued-steel, and it has a Cal. 18.69 movement, 15 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, and index regulator.

Despite being the forerunner of the early pilots’ replica watches, and coming before the more well known early B-Uhr styled fliegers, these are, for some reason, not as widely known. They are rare beasts and, alongside other vintage Longines such as the Lindbergh, very collectible.

In the metal it is a beautiful replica watch, very solid and durable in appearance and, despite its size, really very wearable. There’s something about an understated, historically interesting rare vintage replica watch which can get the pulse going. This one’s case shows signs of its history of use, but the dial is simply stunning. It’s an easy replica watch to fall in love with purely on the grounds of aesthetics, but combined with its vintage, its history and importance, it makes a killer horological package.

In 2007, Longines produced a homage to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Weems Second-Setting Replica Watch.

Westinghouse bought Longines-Wittnauer in 1969, and the relationship between Wittnauer and Longines continued until September 1994, when Longines was sold.

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Rolex Replica

Hands-on with the Rolex ExplorerII Replica

One of Rolex’s most talked about announcements at Basel World 2011 was an updated Explorer II (Ref. 216570), with a 24-hour arrow hand in orange, harking back to the original 1971 Ref.1655 Explorer II, which was an addition to the Explorer model released in 1953.

After the release of the Ref. 1655, it wasn’t until 1984 that Rolex introduced a new Explorer II, Ref.16550. Changes included the sapphire crystal, the calibre 3085 movement, the shape of the hands (the 24 hour hand changed from a small red-orange arrow shaped hand to a long red 24 hour hand with a white arrow at the end), and a new white dial version. The 16550 is also referred to as a transitional model, transitional to the Ref. 16570 introduced in 1989.

Recently, I got to have some hands-on time with the latest Explorer II.

Available in black or white, at 42mm and 12mm thick it is bigger than the 1655. The white model has black hands with black rings around the hour markers, and the black version has silver hands with silver rings around the makers. The dial is covered by a scratch resistant sapphire crystal with the standard magnifier over the date.

The Ref. 217570 is powered by the in-house automatic Calibre 3187, which beats at 28,800, has a blue Parachrom hairspring, Breguet overcoil, and is protected by Paraflex shock absorbers. The date is an instantaneous jump at 12, the 24-hour hand independently adjustable to display a second time zone. There are 31 jewels and the cal 3187 has a power reserve of 48 hours. The crown is a Twinlock screw-down, and the replica watch has a water resistance of 100m or 330ft. The lume is said to last up to 8 hours after a full charge.

This is very much a modern replica Rolex, not a homage to the Ref. 1655. It’s big but not too much so, sitting comfortably on the wrist, the bracelet with the “Easylink” feature which allows the wearer to fine-tune the fit to within 5mm.

I really like the orange hand, which looks great against the white dial. In comparing it with its immediate predecessor the Ref.16570, my personal preference is for this current model. I like the larger size and for me, the orange hand is a nice nod to its origins, but also thoroughly contemporary in its colour and how it has been realised, with the matching orange text on the dial. What I realised is that this is a replica watch that has to be seen in the flesh; it’s actually a lot more engaging than I had expected it would be. If you’re in the market for a Rolex or a solid sports replica watch of this type, the Explorer II is worth taking a look at.

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Omega Replica

An early Omega Bumper Replica Watch Reveiw

Amongst many vintage replica watch enthusiasts, Omega has a strong hold both aesthetically, and because of the mechanical innovations made by the brand. One of these is the calibre 28.10. Introduced in 1943, it was Omega’s first commercialised automatic moment, and is considered to be one of Omega’s legendary calibres.

The term “bumper” refers to the automatic winding movements from Omega (but not exclusive to the brand) which were very popular in the from the 1930 to 1950s.

When the weighted hammer to wind the mainspring (swinging in a pendulum fashion) reaches the end of the distance it can travel it bumps into a spring and stops. This bumping can be felt by the person wearing the replica watch, thus these replica watches are often referred to as “bumper automatics”. Beginning with the 28.10, the “bumpers” went through to the cal.355.

This is a 1946 (10M service number) 18kt solid gold Omega with bumper automatic movement Calibre 28.10. There is a replica watch identical to this one in the Omegamania catalogue, called the “Ambassador” model.

This as-pristine-as-you’ll-ever-find-a-watch-from-1946 was purchased from the original owner with case, movement and dial in amazing condition and totally untouched, which is quite rare for this age of replica watch. Bumpers may be fairly easy to get, but ones of this vintage and this little worn, are not.

The calibre 28.10 was renamed cal.340 in 1949 and became the basis of of the cal 34x and 35x bumper movement. There were different iteration of the 20.10, with 28.10 SC being the centre second. Calibre 28.10 was unidirectional wind whereas the cal 34x and 35x had bi-directional wind. Interestingly, the cal.35x had a swan-neck regulator not found on the calibre 28.10 or cal.34x, and I believe these swan neck regulator movements were certified chronometres.

A prototype self-winding rose-gilt movement with triple-calendar developed in 1944/ 1945 but never commercialised. This movement was based on calibre 28.10 (340). Had production of this movement gone ahead it would have been the world’s first automatic wristwatch with triple-calendar.

Apart from being used in the vintage automatic line, the first Constellation in 1952 also used the 28.10 movement.

[with initialjh]

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Girard-Perregaux Replica

Pre SIHH 2012 – Replica Girard-Perregaux 1966 Annual Calendar and Equation of Time

Girard-Perregaux is the first to show us the novelties that will be officially released at the SIHH 2012. A new version of the 1966 Annual Calendar and Equation of Time and also a new version of the 1966 Small Seconds. Both look stunning!

The Girard-Perregaux 1966 Annual Calendar and Equation of Time was first released in 2009 and immediately was my favorite of that year. This year, or actually next year during the SIHH 2012, Girard-Perregaux will show us this model with a pink gold case and a ruthenium dial. Absolutely stunning.

This timepiece possesses all the assets of beautiful replica watchmaking, including its movement, caliber GP033M0. The flat surfaces are circular-grained, sunray-brushed or decorated with Côtes de Genève, while sharp edges are chamfered then polished, as are the flat-head screws. Caliber GP033M0 comprises of 287 parts, and is of course entirely developed and produced by the Girard-Perregaux Manufacture.

Girard-Perregaux developed a Microvar balance wheel with variable inertia (see photo to the left). It features six adjustable screws and two inertia-blocks on its rim, used respectively to set the balance wheel’s equilibrium and enable fine adjustment of the movement. This ensures increased precision and more stable adjustment.

The annual calendar, with date and month, only has to be corrected in February. The hand at 4.30 indicates the equation of time, which is the difference between the real solar time and the mean or civil time. The length of a solar day actually varies daily, due to the elliptical shape of the Earth’s orbit. This astronomical complication is based on a mechanism incorporating an annual disc with an elliptical cam that reproduces the Earth’s movement around the Sun. Corrections to the calendar are made with the crown, in both directions!

The 40 mm pink gold case has gorgeous curves and the strap are rounded so it is quite flush to the case. The case is 10.72 mm thick and has a sapphire crystal on boh sides. Through the see-through case back, the movement with its pink gold oscillating weight (with circular Côtes de Genève finish) can be seen.

Now let’s take a closer look at the true novelty, the new ruthenium-adorned dial. Its slate-grey color with delicate sunray-brush looks smashing with the pink gold of the case, white painted brand name, markers, pink gold baton-type applied hour markers, and leaf-shaped hands. All these details add up to a gorgeous classic timepiece!

Let’s end with some specification of the movement, caliber GP033M0:

  • Mechanical with automatic winding
  • Calibre: 11 ½ ligne
  • Parts: 287
  • Frequency: 28,800 vibrations / hour (4 Hz)
  • Jewels: 44
  • Power reserve: minimum 46 hours
  • Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, annual calendar, equation of time
  • Balance wheel: variable inertia with gold regulating screws (diameter: 7.18 mm)
  • Main plate: rhodium-plated, circular-grained above and below, diamond-cut facets
  • Barrel: snailing on the cover, sunray-brushing on the underside
  • Gear-train bridge: polished and diamond-cut facets, circular-grained on the underside, drawn sides, diamond-cut recesses, Côtes de Genève and “Girard-Perregaux eagle” engraving
  • Oscillating weight: pink gold, circular Côtes de Genève
  • Gear-train: gilded 2N18 wheels, burnished pivots, circular-grained sides

The 1966 Full Calendar in white gold that was introduced this year was already a magnificent play of classic and slightly more contemporary looks, this new color combination for the 1966 Annual Calendar and E.O.T. has the same playful combination. All together this looks like a winner.

In the next days we’ll cover the new 1966 Small Seconds.. stay tuned.

More info can be found at the Girard-Perregaux website and their official Facebook page.

Categories
Casio Replica

Replica Casio G-Shock GA100-1A2

One of the interesting things about replica watch enthusiasts is the fondness that so many of them have for the humble Casio G-SHOCK. Inexpensive, tough, and coming in a seemingly endless number of models, almost every replica watchnerd I’ve met seems to have owned one at some point.

I can’t say that they are the type of replica watch I’d wear, but here is one, the GA100-1A2, that aesthetically at least, looks slightly more attractive to me, by virtue of it also having an analog, component, rather than being purely digital.

This is a large replica watch. At 55mm x 51mm x 17mm, it is not for the small of wrist. This is a photo of it on a 7.5 inch wrist.

So what functions does this quartz analog/ digital replica watch have? Well, it’s almost a case of what it doesn’t have, but here is a list of its functions and specifications

*Magnetic resistance
*LED light (auto light, afterglow)
*Auto light switch, selectable illumination duration, afterglow
*World timer : 29 time zones (48 cities) with coordinated universal time, daylight saving setting, home city / world time city swapping
*1/1000-second stopwatch (total of 100 hours)
*Measuring modes: Elapsed time, lap time, split time
*Speed measurement function (MAX1998unit / h, unit 2unit / h)
*Mach indicator (speed exceeding 1225 units / hour)
*Countdown timer
*5 independent daily alarms (4 one-time alarms and 1 snooze alarm)
*Hourly time signal
*Digital calendar to 2099.
*12/24-hour format
*Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month
*Approx. battery life: 2 years on CR1220
*Waterproof to 200m

It is made from stainless steel and plastic, with a screwed-in back and resin strap. At a mere 70g, this replica watch is extremely light, which makes it quite wearable in spite of its size.

If you take a look at this link, you’ll see that G-Shocks are pretty tough beasts. If you wish to replicate these tests, I’d love to hear your results.

There are very robust replica watches that are made of more expensive materials, such as Sinn’s tegimented steel replica watches, but if you’re looking for a casual, low maintenance, durable and inexpensive replica watch that you don’t have to worry about, especially if you want multiple functionality (this model has rather more functions than most), Casio’s G-SHOCKs are well worth considering.

One of the interesting things about the G-SHOCKs is that the range is so wide that they appeal to everyone from those who want a sturdy accurate replica watch purely for functional purposes, to geeks, to those who buy multiples of the simpler more colourful models as fashion items.

For more information about the origins of the G-SHOCK, and about its design and shock resistance, go to the dedicated G-SHOCK website here. If you want to see the other colour variants of the GA100, you can find them here.

Categories
Seiko Replica

Three years on : Replica Seiko’s Limited Edition Spring Drive MoonPhase

Sometimes I like to look back on a stylish replica watch a few years after its release, especially if, at the time, it was much heralded for technical and aesthetic reasons, and an award winner to boot, to see how it’s faring, and to assess whether my feelings about it have changed. This is one of those replica watches.

Having been launched in 2005, Seiko’s Spring Drive is no longer considered a novelty, and far more widely known and accessible than it was at its birth, when its availability was fairly restricted.

If you don’t know of the Spring Drive range and why it is so special, technically speaking, here’s an introductory video.

You can read more about the Quartz Astron that is mentioned at the beginning of the video, here.

In 2006, the first Spring Drive Moon Phase was released, and it proved to be the most popular design in the collection. In 2008, Seiko released a new limited edition (200) Spring Drive Moon Phase, the SNR017.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Spring Drive Moon Phase SNR017 (limited edition of 200)

CalibrE : 5R67
Case : Stainless Steel, 42.3mm
Diameter : 30mm
Thickness : 6mm
Parts : 288
Jewels : 30
Accuracy : Equivalent to +/- 1sec/ day
Power Reserve : 72 hours
Strap : Crocodile
Crystal : Sapphire with anti-reflective coating.
Water resistance : 10 Bar
Caseback : Sapphire crystal

Despite being quite an elegant timepiece, it is also a fairly robust one. The case and crystal cannot be called delicate, and it sits quite largely for a 42mm replica watch because of its thickness.

To my mind, this is arguably the most beautiful Spring Drive (limited or otherwise) produced by Seiko to date (though I am also partial to the Spacewalk). As is the brand’s habit for dress replica watches, the dial is very clean, the moon an example of a pure and pared-back design that is very modern, but not dated.

When it was released in 2008, the LE Spring Drive Moon Phase it won German replica watch magazine Uhren-Magazin’s “Golden Balance Wheel Award” in the “up to 5000 Euros” category.

A Spring Drive’s gliding hands are something that has to be seen in the flesh, if you have not seen it before. I was drawn to the look of the replica watch when I first saw it, and three years have not diminished its beauty for me.

It has proven to be a versatile replica watch, worn equally well with shirt and jeans as a suit. Functionally, it has been gliding along happily for its owner, with no problems. It has not been a safe queen. Semi-regular use has not resulted in it looking a lot the worse for wear, and the sturdy strap is still in very good condition. All up, the Moon Phase has proven to be a replica watch that has given a lot of pleasure, has not dated, and is a ‘keeper’.