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Brand GoS News

GoS :High Qualiy Replica Gustafsson Sjögren’s Damascus steelwatches

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After a number of years of tracking them on social media in particular, I was finally able to see these most ‘metal’ of ‘in the metal’ replica watches at Baselworld 2016. What had drawn me to them was both how unusual they were as a dial material and how hypnotic the patterns were.It had been a long wait, and truth be told I had thought that I would never see replica watchmaker Patrik Sjögren and blade smith Johan Gustafsson’s Damascus steel replica watches in anything other than an online form.

So what is Damascus steel?

As the name hints at, Western Europeans were first introduced to it circa 3rd – 4th centuries from Damascus. Wootz was popular outside of Europe, linked more to the Middle East and through to India. Pattern-welded steel in the form of katana were developed in Japan in the late 1100s during the Kamakura period.

The original method of producing Damascus steel is long lost. The term itself can be broken down into ‘cast Damascus steel’ (aka ‘Wootz’) and fabricated (aka ‘pattern-welded’) Damascus steel, with both characterised by patterned steel that is the result of the mixture and manipulation of iron and steel. The general idea is that two or more steel alloys are forged/ cast together in layers through various methods to get particular (mostly wave) patterns.

Wootz is produced by melting pieces of iron and steel with charcoal in a reducing atmosphere. The metals absorb carbon from the charcoal and the resultant alloy is slowly cooled, resulting in a material with a visible crystalline structure that is then able to be forged into a blade for example. It is in the forging process that the wave pattern appears. The high carbon content is what is important to this; the proportion of it has to be exact, too little means you will get wrought iron and too much, cast iron.

Pattern-welded steel is similar to Wootz but less labour intensive. Two or more pieces of iron and steel are layered and then forge-welded together produced pattern-welded steel, forcing the two metals into one. Stretching this new composite material and forge-welding it back onto itself is what gives the multiple layers that can be manipulated to produce the similar pattern.

What is referred to as ‘Damascus steel’ nowadays, given the lost methods of yore, are those that are pattern-welded.

The blade smith behind GoS is Johan Gustafsson, who has been doing this for over two decades. He takes his inspiration from Viking blades of the Middle Ages and is known for pattern-welded ‘mosaic’ Damascus steel, which is exactly what it sounds like – the ability to create repetitive patterns.

Damascus steel is hard. Very hard. Which makes the use of it more difficult in terms of the traditional finishes used in replica watchmaking such as bevelling and polishing, for example.

As well as the dial and case, some GoS replica watches have Damascus steel used in the movement, and the difficulties of using this sort of steel, including treatment such as the use of hot acid to make these vivid patterns visible, means that the the entire process of just finishing a single part up to the ‘finishing’ point can take up to a week.

As per the movement, the Damascus steel cases are also dipped in acid, twice. Only the visible parts of the case are exposed to the acid to ensure that the case maintains its water resistance. The dial patterns on the Damascus case models have over 120 layers.

A dial starts with 2.5kgs worth, using four different steels which are stacked into a 12-layer billet (in ‘steel language’, a billet is a semi-finished piece of steel product that has a round or square shape, with an area less than 155mm x 155mm. Because it is semi-finished it needs further processing). This is then forge-welded (as per the description earlier) ten to twelve times to get the requisite layers. At the end of this process, the surface is then worked on by him to achieve the desired design/ look. To give you some idea of how much work goes into the dial, this 2.5kg only generates five dials.

Today I am sharing two models with you. The first is the Sarek, which had its premiere as a prototype at Baselworld 2016. In a 43mm stainless steel case, it has GoS’s largest Damascus dial to date and is also the first model to have the new crown inspired by Viking sword hilts. The Viking nod continues on the hands, which are inspired by Viking bracelets.

The landscape of a valley in the Sarek National Park in Swedish Lapland is the source of both the name and the colour/ pattern choice for this model. Home to some of Sweden’s highest peaks, glaciers and the largest Moose population in Europe, this last point has, rather delightfully, made its way to the Sarek strap, which is Moose leather.

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The dial is a 164 layered Damascus steel and because of the nature of the material, every Sarek’s dial will be slightly different, although obviously they share the same overall ‘feel’. As mentioned earlier, there is Viking inspiration in the form of the index ring (bracelets), hands (spear), and how the case is finished (again, Viking bracelets).

Inside the Sarek is the popular and reliable Soprod A10 movement, but with a custom rotor in a GoS triskele design.

The Sarek is limited to one hundred pieces and each will have ‘Unique piece 1/1’ engraved on it, as well as its serial number. They also come in their own special ‘Svepask’ boxes made of birch wood, and have a five year guarantee. The cost? USD $7,800 (plus 25% VAT). Some have already been delivered but you can find out more ordering details at this link.

Today’s second piece is called Winter Nights, part of GOS’ seasonal pieces. There is a ‘Winter’ as well, which you can see on their website, and there have been, in 2013 and 2014, other Winter Nights variants. This one is, like the Sarek, 43mm, but it has a Damascus steel movement option and the case is bi-metal (stainless steel and Damascus steel).

For this model, there are 192 layers to Gustafsson’s Damascus steel dial, whose design represents a wildflower. Again, every Winter Night will be, by nature of the Damascus steel process, be slightly different.

Inside is the GoS02 calibre, which is based on the manual-wind Technotime TT718. Power reserve is five days. The bridges of the base calibre have a straight grained finish with polished beveled edges, whilst the main-plate has perlage and a dark gray surface treatment. All wheels as well as the GoS logo are gold-plated to match the pink gold. Winter Nights is available with movements with either this classic finishing as per my photos, or with a Damascus steel GoS02-movement with Damascus bridges, which are made from woodgrain-patterned steel with the requisite hand-finishing and polishing.

You may also note the crown, which has nine indentations in it. This isn’t for grip, but a reference to a significant number in Norse mythology, but if it assists when wearing gloves whilst hiking in Sarek for example, then that’s a bonus.

As mentioned, the Winter Nights is bi-metal. It is also available with hands and the index ring in white gold or in red gold, as well as the movement options. Unlike the Sarek it comes on a nubuck leather strap, although you can request Croc. Each replica watch is engraved with a production number and it also comes in a Svespask birchwood box.

One of the great things about dealing with small brands and independents is that there is more scope for flexibility; GoS’s website states that Winter Nights is able to be customised, so if this replica watch takes your fancy, contact them at this link.

GoS replica watches have rather beautiful dials, and especially so when viewed under a loupe – in my case, a Loupe System one. The colours are gorgeous and the effect a little hypnotic at close range. These replica watches are not just for those who are into blades or Damascus steel, they are also for those looking for something different and who can appreciate the amount of work and skill not just in the making of the steel but also in turning it into a replica watch dial (and case).

Oh and if you’re wondering the answer is ‘yes’, you can get a replica watch and knife set. Click here for details.

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Brand News Ulysse Nardin Replica

REVIEW:Hight Quality Replica Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar – User Report with Photos, Specs and Price

Inside ticks the newly developed calibre UN-153, which actually is the in 2014 introduced Ulysse Nardin in-house chronograph calibre UN-150, with an additional annual calendar mechanism. This is definitely not “yet another annual calendar replica watch”; it is a small miracle, both technical as well as price-wise!The new Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar was introduced earlier this year at Baselworld, to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the brand’s Marine collection. Patrik Hoffman, the brand’s CEO, talked about it in the interview that we did during Baselworld, and in the past weeks we had the privilege to wear and test the replica watch. Here’s our take on the new Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar in stainless steel. 

Ulysse Nardin – some background information

In 1983, the company was acquired by Rolf Schnyder who relaunched the brand and he set course for a course that shaped the brand as we know it today. A fundamental role in this course was for Dr. Ludwig Oechslin, historian, inventor and master replica watchmaker, and later also conservator of the Musee International d’Horlogerie, who created important timepieces like the GMT Perpetual Calendar, the legendary Freak, Genghis Khan and Sonata. These timepieces have all been awarded with prizes for technical innovations, and rightfully so.The company was founded by Ulysse Nardin in 1846 after learning the trade from his father, Leonard-Frederic Nardin, and from Frederic William Dubois and Louis JeanRichard-dit-Bressel, two master replica watchmakers from Neuchatel, Switzerland. Historically Ulysse Nardin is known for its marine deck chronometers. During the 19th century many Naval forces across the world used these highly accurate chronometers.

A returning factor is that Oechslin seeks form ‘smart solutions’ and that results for instance the very first replica watch with silicon escapement (the Freak), the very first perpetual calendar that could easily be set forwards and backwards (the Perpetual Ludwig – GMT Perpetual Calendar) and an annual calendar with only 9 parts (compared to several dozen parts for any annual calendar from every other replica watch brand).Dr. Ludwig Oechslin’s role was pivotal for many new Ulysse Nardin replica watches, as well as for other like for instance the mythical MIH Replica Watch, and all replica watch from Ochs und Junior, like the new Ochs und Junior Perpetual Calendar.

 

The Marine Collection is an evolution of the Marine deck chronometers and is UN’s number one product family. The Marine Collection was introduced in 1996, and subsequently 2016 marks its 20th Anniversary. The official name of the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar that we discuss today, is actually still Marine Chronograph, so without “Annual Calendar” while is certainly packs this very useful calendar complication. Due to the few additional parts needed for the ‘upgrade’ from date function to annual calendar, the necessary price increase was almost zero. Therefore Ulysse Nardin decided to keep the price more or less the same as for the Marine Chronograph, and also to keep the name the same. This means you get the annual calendar function for free, and it’s also not mentioned in the full name. I love it when brands do things like this!

Case and Dial of the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronograph

The design of case and dial shows the personality of UN’s Marine collection, inspired by the design of deck replica watches; sturdy, functional, a robust case, easily legible, and Roman numerals. With its grooved bezel, its screw-down crown and pushers, the solid construction of the case as well as the cleanliness of the dial, the Annual Calendar amalgamates the looks of a sports replica watch and a classic chronograph. The hands are blackened, and feature luminescent material for improved legibility in the dark, and only the coloured hand, is the red small hand that indicates the months. The red month indicator and “1846” give a nice touch to the white dial and black hands and numerals.

The silvery white dial looks balanced with its three sub-dials; the 30-minute chronograph counter at the three o’clock position, the 12 hour-counter at the 6 o’clock position and the continuous running seconds in the sub-dial at 9 o’clock, and this also comprises the month of the year indicator. The round window for the day display looks really nice and resembles a ship’s porthole. The magnifying glass, glued to the under-side of the sapphire crystal, adds a bit of magnification, however in our view it is not really necessary for improved legibility.

 

The 43mm case in steel (or 18K rose gold) with grooved (ribbed or fluted or whatever word you prefer) bezel shows two faces: on the crown side multiple polished surfaces, mirrored-trapezoid-like pushers, rubber protection of pushers and crown. On the other side a smooth surface with a screwed label indicating the serial number in a classic italic script. If you like polishing cases and lugs, the UN Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar is a replica watch for you! You can spend long winter evenings doing just that.

The Movement – Ulysse Nardin Calibre UN-153

Like calibre UN-118 in the Marine Chronometer Manufacture, introduced in 2012, and calibre UN-150 in the Marine Chronograph Manufacture of 2014, the caliber UN-153 movement is developed in-house and holds the Ulysse Nardin Certificate, indicating that the replica watch meets the company’s testing standards that go beyond the COSC tests. Calibre UN-153 extends the in-house automatic integrated column-wheel based chronograph movement UN-150 with an innovative annual calendar designed by Ludwig Oechslin. Oechslin is known for his mastery of simplicity: the skill to develop complications as efficiently, functional and simple as possible. A skill that many designers strive for but one that is difficult to master. Rather than including a separate module, the replica watchmakers managed to develop an annual calendar system of 12 elements (note: CEO Patrik Hoffmann speaks about only 7 additional parts during our video interview). A truly ingenious job that required only three additional wheels!

 

The UN-153 movement features the brand’s DIAMonSIL escapement, which feature the variable inertia balance wheel, known from the UN-118 movement and the silicon hairspring from Sigatec. Sigatec is a company that is co-owned by Ulysse Nardin. The name DIAMonSIL is derived from DIAMond and SILicon. The material consists of an artificial diamond coating on a silicon base, combining the hardness of diamond and the low weight of silicon. It is lubrication free and extends durability significantly. The escapement wheel and lever are constructed from this material.

The movement’s balance wheel vibrates at 28,800 vph (4Hz) and the variable inertia balance is adjusted by four in-set screws on the balance wheel instead of the more common smooth balance wheel adjusted by a regulator. The movement has a power reserve of 52 hours.

We love the design, the clean finishing, small design feats like the large blued screws, the anchor-shaped rotor with 2 small anchors and a blue UN logo. Finishing is a key contributor to the cost of a replica watch. Perhaps it is the factor that distinguishes replica watches more than technical quality. The Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar movement shows finishing of circular Côtes de Genève, pèrlage and angling.

Strap and Clasp

All models from the Marine collection are available with rubber strap or alligator strap, and so is this Marine Chronograph. The double-folding clasp in stainless steel is nicely shaped and finished. Moreover it works perfect, and feel very secure. For the review we had the version with black alligator leather strap and that proved to be a sheer pleasure to wear.

 

Daily Use of the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Annual Calendar

The 43mm replica watch sits comfortably on the wrist despite its thickness. Winding the crown is smooth, and so is adjusting the time or date. As we told you before, time and date can be adjusted forward AND backward and this proves to be a great feature in daily use. Another feat that is great as an owner, is that (when you wear the replica watch permanently, and the replica watch does not have to be set) the date only needs to be adjust in February, because it’s an annual calendar.

Actuation of the chronograph functions through the pushers, works nice, and the pushers have a solid ‘click’. The dial is clean and legible. The magnifier is a matter of personal taste. We did not particularly liked it.

As UN guarantees water resistance up to 100 meters, you should be able to take a shower and swim with the replica watch. Having said that, be careful. Water resistance is measured in terms of pressure. And pressure is influenced by the movement of your arm. Water resistance must be checked regularly. Theoretically you could plunge into the sea with the replica watch on your wrist.

 

Specifications: Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Annual Calendar

The sporty classic Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar -or just “Marine Chronograph”- is available in 10 different versions based on various combinations of dial, case material and straps, starting from € 11,900 Euro (including VAT) for the stainless steel version with leather strap.

  • Case: stainless steel, 43mm in diameter and 15.7mm thick, grooved bezel, screw-down security crown covered with rubber, chronograph pushers covered with rubber inlay, flat sapphire crystal on both sides with antireflective treatment, water resistant to 100m
  • Dial: roman numerals; indication of hours, minutes, seconds, stopwatch hours/minutes/seconds, month of the year, day of the month;
  • Movement: calibre UN-153, automatic-winding, 52-hours power reserve, single barrel, 53 jewels, variable inertia balance with four inset screws, frequency 28,800 vph; Ulysse Nardin Performance Certificate
  • Functions: time in hours, minutes and seconds; stopwatch; annual calendar, with forward/backward date adjusting

More information can be found at www.ulysse-nardin.com/collection/marine

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News

Pros and Cons of Watch Replica Online Store

Considering the exaggerated price tag on original watches it is easy to understand why most people would fall for these promises. The thing is that you can’t believe everything you are told, especially online. You have to check it out by yourself and the best way to do this is by knowing what to pay attention to. It appears that there is a king of watches out there and it’s not your average royalty, but a very bold replica online store that invites us to buy its supposedly high quality fake timepieces at more earthly prices. Below I will tell you a little bit about the recent discovered king of replica watches- Kingwatchtd.com. I will review this online store and expose all its pros and cons. Keep reading to find out more!

It’s that kind of site that even though it looks ok it doesn’t leave an impression on you. The thing that saves it is the intuitive design. The menu bar has a drop down list for every category and this helps a lot with the whole browsing process.The design of the homepage doesn’t tell us that much about this company except for the fact that it’s not the most professional or friendly looking website on the block. Everything is pretty simple and rudimentary. In a couple of seconds you get right to the product section which interests you.

And I got to tell you, this website carries a shockingly long list of watches designer names. There are actual two menu bars on the website. One is located on the top side of the screen and it includes buttons for the special categories like New, Features and All whereas the left side menu bar has all the available brands.Here you will pretty much find all the replica watches that interest you, no matter if these were made by traditional watchmakers like Rolex, Omega, Breitling or fashionable designers like Versace, Swarovski or Ferrari.

This online store carries hundreds and even thousands of different models for every brand. The great thing is that these brands are organized into sub-categories, but when you are dealing with thousands of items this just won’t cut it. Sure, an Advanced Search option or even a regular price filter would have been a real life saver, but it seems that the company doesn’t see it this way. Such option of sorting the products isn’t available on the page which makes browsing a real head ache.

In its wide and diversified collection we find both Swiss and Japanese replica watches. The Japanese replica watches cost about $100 to $200 whereas the Swiss ones are $200-$300. The huge price difference is due to the superior quality that Swiss fakes are supposed to have. A knockoff that is equipped with a 25 jewels ETA automatic mechanism is supposed to be more precise, durable and offer the same functions as the genuine watch. Also, this kind of watch looks more authentic.

The product pictures posted on this e-shop are horrible. First of all, the quality is very low. The images are too small and unclear. You can barely see all the important details of the watches’ design. Second of all, these are taken in at least two different studios and have different names watermarked on them. I honestly do not think that this company realizes how important it is to have decent photos taken in its own studio. My advice to you is to not order until you receive from the store actual pictures of the replica watch you are interested in buying.

What is the best way to tell if a replica watches merchant offers authentic looking products? Well, from my online adventures with buying fake timepieces I can tell you for sure that comparison is your best option. Simply take some photos of the real thing and some of the knockoff and start paying attention to everything, from the dial to the clasp. Everything counts. For instance, if we take a look at this Rolex Daytona Cosmograph we see that the dial is identical to the genuine one- the hour markers, the colors, the hands, the writing and the sub-dials. The same thing goes for the bezel. The only inaccuracies can be seen on the case and band. These are wrong. The case should be 18 k pink gold plated, but on the replica it is clearly yellow gold and Rolex never made this model in yellow gold. Regarding the strap, this should be black leather, but instead the replica has a black rubber band. All these details are very important and make it obvious for everyone that the watch is a poor quality fake.

The company uses three important shipping carriers and these are: DHL/Fedex/UPS, EMS Express Shipping and registered mail. The fastest one is DHL/Fedex/UPS which usually takes about 3-5 business days for a package to arrive, but it is also the most expensive one. It costs about $30 and a tracking number is provided. Then there is EMS delivery which has an estimated delivery time of 7-10 business days. This one costs $12 and it also comes with a tracking number that can be used to trace the package online. The third one is Regular mail which is the slowest and has a reference number that only shows that the package was dispatched. The delivery takes about 14 business days and its only advantage is that it is free of charge.

Kingwatchtd.com accepts only credit card payments. The supported credit card types are Visa, Mastercard and JCB. Usually, I am pro credit card payments for online orders because honestly these are the most secure and reliable ways of paying on the Internet. But in this case I am hesitant about paying with my card on this site because the page where I am supposed to enter my information isn’t secure. You know, webpages that are secured for online transactions have the green https before the domain name. Well, this one doesn’t which means that anyone can hijack the info you are putting in.

There are many things I do not like at a replica watches online store, but one of these things has a special place in my list and this is not stating all its policies on the website. And it gets worst. Not only this merchant does not explain its return and repairs policies, but its Shipping and Return page is blank. Apparently, in its rush to crop a fairly decent looking website it forgot to copy paste some random text about what happens if you do not like the replica watch. Can you return it? Exchange it? And more importantly, if it breaks can you repair it?

I like the fact that the company pretends to have very good customer services. It has a chat button on the lower right side of the screen that is always offline and you can only leave a message. Then there is the US telephone number that doesn’t connect when you try to ring it and it is in contradiction with their Australian contact address. And finally we have the Gmail email address that is a very unprofessional way of answering your customer’s message. Any self-respecting online store should have a business email address that ends with its domain name.

As usual, an online replica watches store has its ups and downs. Kingwatchtd.com isn’t an exception. The company may have affordable prices, free worldwide delivery and a wide range of replica watches, but the fact that it doesn’t disclose its return policy, does not have professional customer services, quality product pictures and a secure payment page makes you seriously doubt its reputability. I, for one, wouldn’t trust it with my money.

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News

News:Replica Seiko Announced The Return of The Antimagnetic Grand Seiko Watches

It recently announced the return of the antimagnetic Grand Seiko replica  watches, with both automatic and quartz models.Seiko has been quite prolific with new models this year, most recently with its Star Wars collaboration.

These are Seiko’s answer to the Rolex Milgauss or IWC Ingenieur, though unlike the competition the Grand Seiko lacks a sexy name. Like the competition, the antimagnetic Grand Seiko replica  watches have an iron cage around the movement. This is the third notable series of Grand Seiko this year, after the blue dial GMT anniversary editions and the specially adjusted High Beat models. ??
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All the new antimagnetic Grand Seiko models feature a case style that is new for the Grand Seiko line. It has angular lugs with a flat case top, inspired by the Grand Seiko 62GS of 1966.

Two quartz models are available, both of which use Seiko’s highly precise 9F61 quartz movement rated to 10 seconds a year. The first is a 500 piece limited edition with black dial (ref. SBGX089, pictured above), and the other is regular production with a light grey dial (ref. SBGX091).
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Case diameter is 38.8 mm while magnetism resistance is 40,000 A/m, which is the same as the new antimagnetic Panerai Submersible PAM389. Both are priced at JPY315,000 which includes Japanese consumption tax. That works out to about USD4050. Delivery starts on October 12, 2012.

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News

Chopard Collection Replica L.U.C – Founded Exactly In 1996 In Chopard’s Fleurier

The L.U.C is a huge playground whose classic features and well-made mechanical calibres have won over men and women alike.
Back to its roots: L.U.C XPS 1860The L.U.C collection was founded exactly 20 years ago in 1996 in Chopard’s Fleurier based workshops with the unveiling of the L.U.C 1860 model. This first timepiece bearing the brand founder’s initials and founding year is the cornerstone of an exclusive replica  watch collection with a strong visual identity, perfect movement and literally artistic finish.

Its COSC-certified self-winding L.U.C 96.01L calibre is the first movement to be made by Chopard and fitted with a micro-rotor and Twin? system. The technology has been designed and patented by Chopard to put two co-axial barrels on top of each other without affecting the movement’s size (3.30mm thick in a 40mm case). The power reserve lasts 65 hours.

To celebrate the collection’s 20th anniversary, Chopard is paying tribute to the piece that fuelled the L.U.C adventure. It’s true to its big brother’s stylish soul but incorporates contemporary technological advances.
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The piece is true to the original design with a slight twist and comes in two versions: a limited edition rose gold one with the Geneva Seal (250 available) and a steel one. The dial has a hand-guilloché centre surrounded by a sunburst ring on the rose gold model whilst the steel one has a silver trim around a sunburst disc. The hour rim has facetted teardrop markers and an Arabic 12 in place of the double indice on the L.U.C 1860. The dauphine-shape hour and minute hands in the centre of the dial have been slightly updated to be a little more edgy. The seconds appear in a counter at 6 o’clock with a cut out at the bottom to display the date.

The mechanical feat: L.U.C Perpetual Twin

Unlike the aforementioned classic replica watch, this model bears the L.U.C signature with complications: hour rim with raised Roman numerals and sub-dials. The L.U.C Perpetual Twin is a COSC-certified chronometer and perpetual calendar. L.U.C Perpetual Twin Its various displays and functions are brought to life by the self-winding L.U.C 96-51L calibre made in Fleurier. The movement inside the 43mm steel case has Twin? technology and provides a 58-hour power reserve.
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The features on the silver sunburst dial are large to make them easier to read. Two large central rhodium-plated and dauphine-shape hour and minute hands glide over the Roman hour numerals and minute track on the off-centre ring. The seconds count down in a counter at 6. The large double date display lies at 12 whilst the day of the week and month (in English) appear in black-rimmed dials at 9 and 3 respectively. A small counter with a red triangular hand at 2.30 replaces February and displays leap years.

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Brand Grande Seconde News

JAQUET DROZ : Grande Seconde DualTime Launched at Baselworld 2016

 

Meet the new Grande Seconde Dual Time, which features the use of their trademark figure eight dial and a new movement.I’ve covered a number of dual/world timer replica watches, and today brings another one from the folks who were responsible for the Twelve Cities world timer that remains one of my favourites of this complication.

The hands are in rhodiumed-steel, 18 carat rose gold, or blued steel with red varnish tip, depending on the variant, for the date. Today we share photographs of two of the three.Launched at Baselworld 2016, this new model is available in three iterations : stainless steel with an silver opaline dial with applied ring, stainless steel case with a black onyx dial with 18 carat white gold applied rings, and a rose gold version with an ivory Grand Feu enamel double levelled dial.

 

I particularly like the layering of the sub dial, it’s not only attractive but also aids in quick reading of the displayed functions.As you can see at a glance, it is similar to existing Jaquet Droz replica watches, with the distinctive overlapping sub dials; the upper one displays the local time and the lower does triple duty as a seconds indicator via a blue hand, date display in the lowered sub-sub dial, and the second 24-hour time-zone indicator of the replica watch’s name.

 

Beneath this classically Jaquet Droz dial is the automatic in-house Calibre 2663H24 with 42 jewels, 28,800VPH, and a power reserve of fifty-four hours, which drives the functions.

 

The case measures 43mm x 13mm, has double sapphire crystals and it is water resistant to 30m.

 

Two very different versions here means two replica watches with quite different vibes. Whether you prefer the classicism of the ivory or the sleekness of the onyx will obviously been up to each individual, but my favourite of these two is the ivory-dialled version for one main reason – legibility. As someone with suboptimal eyesight that will continue to deteriorate, the blue text on the black background on the bottom sub dial is not as easily read at a quick wrist glance.

 

All three versions of the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Dual Time come on a rolled-edge, hand-made alligator leather strap with a folding clasp made of the same material as the case.

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Brand Hands-on News Rolex Replica

Rolex Day-Date 60th Anniversary Edition, the President’s Replica Watch with Green Dial

Never a replica watch had such a representation amongst the elites. Iconic wouldn’t summarize this replica watch, which celebrates this year its 60th anniversary. And to honor this, here is the Rolex Day-Date 60th Anniversary Edition with Green dial, ref. 228235 and ref. 228239.Of course, we all know about the Rolex Day-Date, not only because it is one of the brand’s most emblematic and most prestigious models, not only because it exists for decades, not only because of its sculptural, rather ostentatious look, not only because of its highly legible, copied thousands of times display of the day and date but also because it has been the replica watch worn by heads of industries, presidents, visionaries and leaders.

“The Rolex Day-Date is named the “President’s Replica Watch” because Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Ford, Reagan, Nixon and Roosevelt were all wearers of this icon”

A brief history of the Rolex Day-Date

 

The first model of the Rolex Day-Date lineage, the Ref. 6511, from 1956

 The Rolex Day-Date, even more luxurious than the Datejust, as (almost) only available in precious metals, gained an unexpected aura, and a nickname: the President’s Replica Watch. This is due to one man, President Eisenhower. The 5-Star General then President has been a strong ambassador of the brand, since Rolex had reportedly given him a Day-Date – some sources state that it was actually a Datejust on a President bracelet – several photos who’s him wearing a Rolex Datejust, which also happened to be the 150,000th officially certified Rolex. In 1945 Rolex launched the Datejust, making a crucial innovation: placing the date in a window at 3, printed on a jumping disc, with a quick date mechanism, meaning that the date was always just – that might seem rather simple today, as most replica watches do feature such a complication, but at that time, it was more than significant. This replica watch became immediately a success, by achieving a perfect mix between casual wearability and luxurious attitude. 11 years later, in 1956, Rolex added a new complication to this replica watch, the display of the day, visible in a circular cut-out in the dial at 12 (a feature that is still today part of the model).What is certain though is that several following US Presidents have been wearers of this replica watch, such as Kennedy, Johnson, Ford, Reagan, Nixon and Roosevelt. The legend was born.

The first Rolex Day-Date was the ref. 6511, a replica watch with already all the iconic features of the actual editions, such as the display with date at 3 and day at 12 or the fluted bezel. This replica watch had a short life, as replaced the year after by ref. 6611, introducing a new movement, the 1055 (you can already recognize the xx55 Rolex nomenclature for Day-Date complication). The following evolution came in 1959, with the ref. 1803, using calibre 1555, and showing an updated design, following the other Rolex models, with cleaner dials, hands and indexes.

 

From left to right, ref. 6511, ref. 6611, ref. 18xx and ref. 18xxx

A important evolution came with the ref. 18xxx, which, in 1977, introduced the quick date feature. Instead of continuously turning the crown to reach the desired date, an adjustment was possible by the second position of the crown, only affecting the date display. End of the 1980s, the Rolex Day-Date received its most famous movement, the 3155 (which is still use today in the 36mm version), with “Double Quick Set”. Then, in 2008, Rolex followed the trend for larger replica watches, introducing next to the traditional 36mm version, a Day-Date II with 41mm case. This replica watch has been replaced in 2015 by a superb edition, with smaller (40mm), slimmer and more elegant case and with brand new, innovative movement, calibre 3255. This is this exact replica watch that is used as a base for the 60th anniversary Edition we’re about to show you.

The Rolex Day-Date 60th Anniversary Edition Green Dial

 

Here it is, the jubilee (pun-intended) version of the President’s replica watch. It’s not so usual for Rolex to do commemorative replica watches or to have limited editions. Of course, this replica watch won’t change the rule. It is not limited, not numbered or not officially exclusive. So don’t see it as an investment piece. However, be sure that it won’t be common anyway. You probably won’t see may of them around, which makes it of course even more desirable. For this Day-Date 60th anniversary, Rolex plays with all the iconic features of the brand: applied Roman numerals, fluted bezel, President bracelet, gold case and finally, and that’s what makes this replica watch so special, a dial bearing Rolex’s hallmark color, dark green.

 

Green is of course THE color of the brand. On the Rolex Day-Date 60th Anniversary, this green dial is combined with Everose gold or White gold for all the parts of the dial, and matching with the case’s material. The hands, the inscription, the applied logo at 12 and the indexes are all in rose or white gold, creating an interesting contrast with the green dial. Talking about the numerals, Rolex chose to use here the newly introduced, highly sculptural Roman numerals, faceted and stylized. To be honest, they are just splendid and perfectly manufactured. They give a great depth to the dial and play with light reflections. Of course, some will prefer more discreet batons, but on this 60th anniversary edition, this option is not possible.

 

For the rest, the Rolex Day-Date 60th Anniversary is totally identical to the replica watch Rolex introduced at Baselworld 2015. We find back the slimmer, more elegant and slightly smaller 40mm case. The bezel, of course fluted to respect the tradition of the model, is also better proportioned than on the Day-Date II, giving the entire replica watch a more balanced look. The second update concerns the bracelet, which goes back to the “President” look – 3 half-rounded links alternating polished and satined surfaces. The new version of the bracelet is now integrated to the case and features ceramic inserts into the links, for more flexibility and durability (again the search for reliability so dear to Rolex).

 

Inside the case is the brand’s new calibre, the 3255, which features multiple improvements. The 3255 consumes less energy (thanks to the new Chronergy escapement) and stores more into its barrel (with larger spring than before). As a result, the power reserve jumps to 70 hours. It features a variable-inertia balance wheel with the Parachrom spiral for both a very high accuracy and a good resistance to magnetic fields. The gear train and the lubricants have been improved for more durability and finally, the finishing of the parts is nicer than before. Just like all Rolex replica watches since 2015, the movement is certified “Superlative Chronometer” and runs into -2/+2 seconds / day and is now guaranteed to 5 years.

 

This Rolex Day-Date 60th Anniversary keeps all the great attributes of its normal siblings, which clearly won’t make us sad. The new dial is great looking for sure, even if not the most discreet. But that’s a matter of tastes. Its exclusivity will for sure make it rather collectible. It will be available in Everose Gold (Ref. 228235) and in White Gold (228239). Price is 34,400 Euros (inc. VAT).


Specifications of the Rolex Day-Date 60th Anniversary

  • Case: 40mm – Everose (pink) gold or white gold – sapphire crystal on front – 100m water resistant
  • Movement: calibre 3255 – automatic – 70h power reserve – 28,800 vibrations/h – hours, minutes, date and day of the week
  • Bracelet: solid gold President bracelet with hidden folding clasp
  • Ref. 228235 (rose gold) and ref. 228239 (white gold)
Categories
News

Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Day-Date And Power Reserve Limited Edition Only For North America

Indeed, we thought it could be a nice gift for our US readers, and we know they are numerous. So for you, here is the new Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Day-Date and Power Reserve Limited Edition for North America only, which replaces its usual plain silvery-white dial (found on the pink gold and the Excellence Platine) for a nice black guilloche dial.Today is the 4th of July, an important day for US Citizens and US-related people. Not that the replica watch we’re about to show you has been especially developed for this reason, but it has just been introduced and it is a limited edition for North America only.

 

This replica watch indeed “only” displays the date and the day of the week, which will already be practical and enough for most of us. Add to that a power reserve indicator and you’ll have a replica watch that boasts an interesting complex display. Previously available in pink gold with an opaline dial and in platinum with a solid platinum dial, the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Day-Date And Power Reserve will now be offered in a third edition, but for North America only – and highly limited.The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Day-Date And Power Reserve, which sits in the Traditionnelle collection, meaning replica watches with a classical and restrained elegance, however with complicated movements, is the first door to the “calendar heaven” at Vacheron – an easier and more accessible solution, compared to the ultra-high-end perpetual calendars, perpetual calendars with chronograph or perpetual calendars with tourbillon.

 

For the 30 pieces produced, Vacheron Constantin chose a striking combination of black dial with pink gold case – the case measuring 39.50mm x 10.65mm – with gold accents on the dial. Not the most discreet combination for sure, but one that always perfectly work. The dial here is obtained after a guilloche process – engine-turned dial for English speakers – done by hand, by trained craftsmen. Using an ancient technique, the dial is mounted on rotating lathe, and a cutting tool removes material by reproducing a motif found on a larger-scaled model. This dial shows here a wave pattern. The display is clear and complete, with the hours, minutes and seconds in the center, while the date comes at 3, giving echo to the day at 9. The power reserve finally comes, slightly off-centered, in the lower part the dial.

 

The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Day-Date and Power Reserve Limited Edition for North America Only is powered by the same movement as the 2 other editions, meaning the “Hallmark of Geneva” certified calibre 2475, an automatic movement with approximately 40 hours of power reserve. As you can expect, its execution is superb, with a solid 22k gold engraved rotor, Geneva stripes and polished chamfers on the bridges or steel parts with straight graining. This nice finishing is also applied on the dial side of the movement, even if not visible – we could easily imagine a skeletonized edition considering the beauty of the dial side…

This black guilloche edition of the The Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Day-Date and Power Reserve is made for North America boutiques only and limited to 30 pieces, priced at $45,000. More on Vacheron Constantin official.


Specifications of the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Day-Date and Power Reserve

  • Case: 39.50mm diameter x 10.65mm height – 18k pink gold – sapphire crystal on front and back – 30m water resistant
  • Movement: Calibre 2475 – automatic – 40h power reserve – 28,800 vibrations/h – hours, minutes, seconds, day, date, power reserve
  • Strap: black alligator leather strap with 18k gold pin buckle
Categories
News Watch Interview

Interview with Peter Stas, CEO of Frédérique Constant, about the new Perpetual Calendar

Something that grew our interest even more was the introduction of an in-house movement. But at Baselworld 2016, Frédérique Constant went where we didn’t expect them: complications, and with one of the most traditional and difficult one, a perpetual calendar. When we talk about Frédérique Constant, we must have in mind “affordable luxury”. For a few years now, the brand has a strong focus on offering quality Swiss replica watches (with mechanical movements) for reasonable prices, with a classical touch.Not only they did it with a manufacture movement and with a self-developed QP module, but they managed to set a price that has no equal on the market. You know us here at Monochrome-Watches, we wanted to know more – and Peter Stas, the CEO of Frédérique Constant, answers to us about the brand and this new Perpetual Calendar.

. Our interest in the brand began to grew when, in 2004, Frédérique Constant introduced their first in-house designed, developed and assembled movement – at the time a simple manual hours / minutes movement. Being priced in the range of 2,000 Euros, the deal was pretty interesting, you’ll admit.Until a few years ago, Frédérique Constant was a brand that we looked as an interesting alternative to other Swiss mainstream brands – as placed in the 1k to 3k range, with outsourced automatic movements. Replica Watches were nicely designed, classical in their style, relatively elegant but not extremely exciting in terms of replica watchmaking content – just like every other brands with outsourced movements Working on this movement as a base, Frédérique Constant developed an entire range, including an automatic version, then a version with addition of a moon-phase, a tourbillon, a world timer and finally last year, an elegant moon and date, as seen in this replica watch. These developments were already impressive for a “young” brand (created in 1988) and staying true to the core value of “affordable luxury” – most replica watches, including the complicated ones, are priced in-between 1,000 Euros and 5,000 Euros (the latter being quite rare in the collection). But then came Baselworld 2016, and a replica watch that we didn’t expect, the Frédérique Constant Manufacture Perpetual Calendar, which Peter Stas, the CEO of Frédérique Constant, explains to us.

 

Why do we make some noise about this replica watch? In the end, it is a dress replica watch with classically displayed perpetual calendar – a nice, traditional complication, but not something that has never been done before. In fact, you have to look at 2 things. First, the fact that this movement and the perpetual calendar module are done in-house. Then, the price level of 8,000 Euros. If you look at the market, one replica watch should immediately knock at the door of your memory. Without naming it, the replica watch in question, launched in 2014, was a steel perpetual calendar priced under 10,000 Euros. This, at that time, impressed us. However, it was based on an outsourced movement (Sellita) with outsourced QP module (Dubois-Depraz). With its new Manufacture Perpetual Calendar, Frédérique Constant clearly strikes hard: a lower price, a base movement developed in-house and a self-designed perpetual calendar module.

Why that and not doing it simply with a Dubois-Depraz module? The idea, explained by Peter Stas, is simple. The brand wanted a replica watch with contemporary proportions – 42mm diameter. However, the external movement in question was created some decades ago, for replica watches with a smaller diameter (36/38mm). The result in a 42mm would have been sub-counters lost in the middle of the dial, somehow “squinting”. To have the sub-dials filling the dial and to gain in legibility, Frédérique Constant developed its own, internal perpetual calendar module.

 

The second stage done by Frédérique Constant was to simplify the module itself and to also simplify the work of replica watchmakers, by having a faster and easier assembly process – ad this had a huge effect on final price. Don’t take this as a draw. Of course, the replica watch can not be qualified of haute horlogerie and parts are not finished by hand. We’re talking about a nice, clever, industrially-produced movement. But in the end, this QP does everything a QP should do (indicating the leap years and being able to switch from February 28 or 29 to March 1st without adjustments). The goal was to bring this complication, usually priced over 20,000 Euros, to new and less wealthy collectors. And considering the level of sales Peter Stas describes in the end of this interview, it seems to be well received by the market. More details about the brand and this new replica watch on frederiqueconstant.com.


Please note that this interview has been recorded before a huge announcement for the brand, which has been acquired by Japanese Group Citizen. From the first words we heard, the goal of Citizen is to keep the production in Switzerland and to stay loyal to what Frédérique Constant. No changes should be made in the “affordable luxury” and “Swiss Made” traditions of the brand.