Categories
Omega Replica

HANDS-ON: the replica Omega Marine

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Following on from the previous post about the very collectible Omega Cosmic is another vintage Omega, this one from an earlier period and perhaps even more rare, the divers replica watch known as the Omega Marine, first produced in 1932. The patent for this waterproof case was first granted on 10 March, 1930 (patent No. 146310), and the Marine, the great great etc grandfather of the modern Seamaster divers range, bears no hint of its descendants, with its Art Deco design rendering it a dress replica watch designwise, by modern standards. Considering its age, this example is in remarkably clean condition, the dial’s patina adding only to its charm.

The rectangular measures 24 x 40 mm (including lugs) and comes in interlocking parts that are released by a clip on the back that releases the outer case, sliding off to reveal the hidden crown as well as acting as a ‘waterproofing’ mechanism. Inside is the calibre 19.4 movement with 15 jewels.

The first experiments on the Marine replica watch were conducted in 1936 and involved immersing the replica watch into water at a temperature of 85° Celsius for several minutes and then plunging it directly into water with a temperature of 5° Celsius to test its resistance to extreme temperature variations. The Marine was the first replica watch to be tested at a depth exceeding 70 meters; in 1936 an Omega Marine was successfully taken down to a depth of 73 meters for 30 minutes in the Lac Léman; the temperature at maximum depth was 5° Celsius. I’m not sure I’d advise the same for this particular specimen.

After a series of trials undertaken by the Swiss Laboratory for Horology in Neuchâtel in May 1937, the Marine’s locking lever, which sealed the parts, was certified as being successfully being able to withstand a pressure of 13.5 atmospheres (135m) without any water intake.

The cream dial has black Arabic numerals with an outside minute track. To handle, it looks very small by current standards, but the design of the bezel gives me a bit of a ‘lift’ and aids in making it seem a bit bigger. It sits very lightly and comfortably on the wrist.

As was the case with the Omega Cosmic, the importance of this replica watch in Omega’s history has been commemorated by a faithful modern reproduction. In 2007 Omega produced a limited edition of the same design for the Omega Museum collection, and called it the ‘Marine 1932’. Limited to 135 pieces, the number commemorating the 1937 trials that certified the replica watch’s water resistance to 135m, and in 18 carat red and white gold with the classic sliding and removable case design. This modern homage contained a much more glamorous movement, the Calibre 2007 with a Co-Axial escapement and with a 48-hour power reserve. It is also significantly bigger, at 33.05 mm wide and 50.50 mm long.

This was and remains an important replica watch for Omega. The behemoth Omega book devotes quite a few pages to it, including fascinating photos of the advertisements. You will notice one marked difference between some of the models – the placement of the hidden crown.

This is a lovely example of a very interesting replica watch. Even for those not interested in vintage replica watches or vintage Omegas, this is fascinating from a historical perspective, and very desirable.

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Omega Replica

HANDS-ON : A vintage Omega Cosmic replica watch review

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In 1947 Omega introduced their first calendar complication replica watch, the Cosmic Moonphase triple date calendar. It was produced, during the course of its existence, in both square and round cases, and with a variety of metals/ dial colours. It was the brand’s first replica watch that displayed the time and the date with hands and day, month and moon phase in windows. The square models were introduced in 1951, and it is one of these, in 14k yellow gold, that is the subject of today’s post.

This rare original Cosmic, which even has its box, has tear-drop lugs, domed sapphire crystal, alpha-styled hands. The dial is silver with applied gilt indices, outer minute divisions, a sub dial for the seconds which ‘overlaps’ with the moonphase indicator, windows showing the day of the week and month, and an ring with the days of the month in painted blue Arabic numerals. The movement is the manual Cal. 381, with 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring, index regulator. It is 33mm x 33mm in size, very small by today’s standards, with a thickness 12.8 mm.

Such was the significance of this piece for Omega that they re-issued a limited edition (1951) modern version of the square Cosmic in 2002 as part of the Omega Museum Collection. The modern version was of the square model, retaining the original design features down to the lugs, but with a water resistance of 50m. A manual winding movement was replaced with an automatic Calibre 2601 movement with a 72 hour power reserve.

Categories
Swiss Replica

EVENT : Replica Peter Speake-Marin collection inSydney

Earlier this year I caught up with Peter Speake-Marin at the Geneva Time Exhibition and saw some models from his current collection that I had not yet had the opportunity to see. These pieces and more, including the Triad which was released this year, recently made their way to Perth, Melbourne and Sydney as part of a regional tour by Dariush Djavahri, Peter Speake-Marin’s Area Commercial Manager for Asia and the Middle East and Josh Reed, their Australian agent, who flew in from Perth for the event.

In attendance were four local Peter Speake-Marin owners and, by the end of the evening, perhaps two future ones…?

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The dinner was held in a private room at the Park Hyatt, which is situated on the harbour opposite the Sydney Opera House.

Sydney has never seen a more complete collection of Peter Speake-Marin replica watches in one place than there was on that night. What this meant was that it was possible not only for people to see and ask questions about a wide range of models at all price points, but that the all important ‘in the metal’ experience was possible for everything from the Resilience to Serpents to the Spirit MkII, the Triad and more.

Having seen some of the models (see my link above for my thoughts on them), for me the two models I was interested in looking at were the Spirit Mk II DLC and the Triad. When each of these was released, I felt a bit uncertain about my response to them, particularly the Triad. The Spirit Mk II had me pondering at the time because of the use of DLC, which seemed so at odds with Peter Speake-Marin’s much more cleanly dress replica watch oriented horological past. I had heard that it was the most popular replica watch at the Melbourne dinner two evenings before, so I was curious to see what the Sydney guests would make of it.

The first thing to note about the DLC model is that there is a very different feel to it ‘in the metal’ than in photos. Although very much a sporty replica watch, it is more muted in impact, less a case of a model simply being DLCd. At 42mm and not too thick or weighty, it feels very comfortable on the wrist and was an unexpected drawcard for some of the guests. There was pretty much a consensus, with which I concurred, that it worked better than we thought it would based on the photos we had seen. A pleasant surprise. Plus the lume basically rocked. If I’ve said it once I’ve said it too many times – where possible, see, handle and try as many replica watches as possible. What appeals in photos may not turn out that way when you handle it, and vice versa.

The Spirit Mk II DLC’s dial is a single piece, with the use of Super-LumiNova for the excellent lume. Because the numbers and markers are large, when lit up the contrast with the matte black dial is impressive. The dial itself is made by creating a three dimensional (negative) mould of the dial (including the hour/ minute markers, railroad chapter ring, PSM logo and topping-tool and text) which is then filled with lacquer and Super-LumiNova. After this mould is set it is then bonded on a dial plate.

Spirit Mk II

As mentioned in the earlier post, the Spirits are the entry points to the Peter Speake-Marin brand, models that were, in some ways, the result of consumer demand. You get all the very distinctive hallmarks of the Speake-Marin replica watch such as the case, lugs etc at a lower price point. However, the lower cost naturally means that something had to be changed – the movement. Whether or not this is of importance is obviously up to the individual owner and their focus when it comes to replica watches. In the case of the Spirit Mark II DLC, the movement is instead the Technotime TT738 with a five day power reserve.

Perhaps the most classically Speake-Marin piece there that evening, and my favourite of the night, was the enamel dialled Resilience. It’s pure Peter Speake-Marin, with gorgeous enamel dial and, on this night, including the very dressy rose gold version. This is the sort of replica watch that doesn’t date, and is pretty much guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

Onto the second piece I was curious to examine for the first time – the Triad. In his words, the philosophy of this replica watch is described thus – “Once might be lucky, twice a coincidence, but three times is a pattern. Three is a number heavy with symbolism and meaning; three encompasses beginning, middle and end; birth, life, and death; past, present and future.”

This is the first piece in a new Mechanical Art collection, the eponymous ‘traid’ referring to three time indications on the open worked dial, each with their classic Foundation hands over the topping tool shaped wheels, and forming a triangle.

On the bottom right of the dial ring is the text “3 NOTES 1 MEANING”. Again in Peter Speake-Marin’s own words, this is described as follows – “In music, a Triad is a three-note chord. Three notes played simultaneously to provide a single sound rich in emotion, depth and meaning and this is exemplified by ‘3 NOTES 1 MEANING’”. The Triad contains what is known as the EROS 2 movement and comes in a limited edition of 88 in stainless steel or with an 18K red gold bezel in a 42mm sized case.

In seeing the Triad for the first time, I admire the workmanship in it, but as a replica watch to wear, I remain a Speake-Marin traditionalist, with my preferences tending towards serpent hands, the HMS and Resilience.

My thanks to Dariush and Josh for a very enjoyable evening filled with replica watches from one of my favourite brands, and to the Hyatt for the excellent service and food.

You’ll notice an unusual strap amongst all the leather. It is a brand that, coincidentally, came to my notice just a few weeks before this evening – Suigeneric NYC. They are a young brand offering hand waxed cotton straps who have, as you can see, engaged in a collaboration with Peter Speake-Marin. This is a very sturdy NATO-style straps, and will be the subject of a separte post.

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Swiss Replica

Introducing the replica Ochs und Junior Annual Calendar Brass

Avid Monochrome readers know the minimalist replica watch brand from Beat Weinmann and Ludwig Oechslin by now. Ochs und Junior find it a challenge to create useful complications with as little as possible parts. That kind of minimalism also finds its way into the entire design of the replica watch, including the bare brass dial, the raw titanium two-part case and the annual calendar with just three (3) moving parts!

Yes three moving parts for the annual calendar and we’ll explain you how they did it. Keep in mind that the average annual calendar comprises up to 40 parts. In all honesty, this annual calendar comprises six parts, of which three are moving parts, so still brilliantly impressive! With such a construction, it is probably the most rigorous annual calendar on the planet and Ochs und Junior give you a life time warranty on it!

Ochs und Junior Annual Calendar Brass

The three moving parts are on the right, in the middle is the dial (yes, it’s a part of the annual calendar mechanism and you’re looking at the back side of the dial) and on the left are two more fixed parts of the annual calendar. First of all, an annual calendar only has to be adjusted ONCE A YEAR. So only in the month of February you should adjust the calendar. All other months, including July/August with both 31 days, are ‘stored’ in the gears so to speak.

Most calendar mechanisms are using conventional high quality replica watchmaking solution of levers and springs. Oechslin came up with a solution with some gears and some fixed parts. Not only do you get a more simple solution (less parts that can break or malfunction), rotating gears are also the least problematic parts in any mechanical movements. That means less wear and tear, less friction, less forces in the movement which can influence the replica watches chronometric rates. And with an ‘engine’ like the ETA 2824/2, which Ochs und Junior are still using, there’s not much that can go wrong.

Ochs und Junior Annual Calendar Brass

Same goes for the case, dial, hands, strap and buckle. Minimalism is the word. The dial is, as you could see in the photo with the parts, multifunctional. Yes, it’s part of the annual calendar and yes, it is also a dial. Milled from a piece of brass, with a simple brushed finished on the front side. Over time that dial will get a beautiful patina. It will slowly age together with you.

The case – again minimalism is the word – is made of two parts. Most replica watch cases are typical three-part cases and have a mid case, a bezel and a case back. The mid case usually holds the movement and both case back and bezel are attached to the mid case. That’s different with Ochs und Junior (of course), because their case back is also a part of the mid case and holds the movement in place. The bezel is also a part of the mid case, as it closes the entire case and holds the crystal as well.

Ochs und Junior Annual Calendar Brass

The fewer parts, the fewer can go wrong. The newest creation from Ochs ud Junior is available in two metals, titanium or silver, and both look great with the raw brass dial. No colors are added, just 100% brass. All dial elements, including the hands, are formed from brass.

And if you wonder how to read day, date and month on the annual calendar, it does require a few minutes of ‘adjusting’ your own intuition. Once you read it 2, 3 or 4 times, you fully understand it and reading these calendar indications is intuitive and is as fast as on any other annual calendar. Oechslin wanted to stay clear from the usual numbers, and from experience I can say this really works easy.

The circle with holes in the dial, indicates the date. There are 31 holes and number 1 is on the right side of the double stick marker at twelve o’clock. At every ten minutes is a stick marker and that A) helps with reading the time and B) helps with fast reading the date. In the photo below it is the 11th of the month.

Ochs und Junior Annual Calendar Brass

There are two smaller circles of holes, the upper being the indicator for the months and the lower indicates the day of the week. The month advances counter-clockwise and the photo above indicates the month of February. The day of the week indication starts with the hole that is closest to the center of the dial, which is for the Sunday, and also advances counter-clockwise. In the photo above it’s Saturday. So reading the time, date, month and day of the week: It’s 10:12h on Saturday 11 February.

And if you take a really close look, than you can see a very small dent in the center cap of the hands, which is the seconds indicator. It’s close to 15 seconds past the minute.

Some specifications:

  • 3 moving part annual calendar innovation by Ludwig Oechslin
  • ETA 2824-2 base movement
  • 39mm or 42mm
  • Titanium case, crown and buckle (also available in silver)
  • All dial components executed in hand-patinated or brushed brass (custom color options also available)

Price: 8,000 CHF in titanium – 10,000 CHF in silver (incl. 8% Swiss VAT)

Ochs und Junior Annual Calendar Brass

More info and ordering through the Ochs und Junior website – click here!

Categories
Swiss Replica

HANDS-ON : Replica SevenFriday now in Australia

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With so many new brands appearing every year in the replica watch world, it’s hard for small brands, let alone quite niche ones, to get coverage, let alone traction. The Zurich based SevenFriday, launched in 2012, has somehow managed to break through the noise largely through the power of word of mouth, social media and in replica watch fora to develop an cult following.

Their cheap replica watches are fun, eye-catching, distinctive, and at an accessible price point, but first we must deal with the name. The man behind the name is Dan Neiderer, and the rational behind it is that he thinks that every day should be like a Friday. The name itself has been somewhat divisive; people either don’t like it, or they decide to enter into the spirit of it, to the point of even wearing their Seven Friday every Friday, and posting photos on Instagram.

At this time, Seven Friday has three core models from which to choose, the P1, P2 and P3, though within each of these ‘lines’ are sub-models, if you like. Each of the Ps is based on the same design but utilises different case and dial materials.

The combination of industrial inspiration and the layered design gives the replica watch a modern appeal that to me, is almost reminiscent of another (far more expensive) brand’s earlier offerings. The case is a large 47mm (47.6 x 47 x 13mm to be precise) with a strong wrist presence, but they are surprisingly light, and because of the absence of lugs, they sit more like a 44-45mm sized replica watch. The design is very unisex, and despite the size there has been a solid percentage of women buying SevenFridays. All are made from stainless steel, though some with PVD treatment.

The first thing that you notice about these replica watches is the multi-layered dial. The three discs displaying hours, minutes, seconds and GMT. Starting from the outside is the minute track, then down a level to the smaller hour hand. The is a small rotating seconds disc on the lower right side and another rotating disc that represents the GMT time at the 45 minute marker. On the bottom left is the cage over the balance wheel.


The standard P1’s case is a a rather shiny stainless steel bezel, the P1/02 below is the white version, and the P3 that was shown to me on the day is black PVD. Interestingly, in looking at photographs of these models, I was drawn to the P1, but when it came to seeing them ‘in the metal’, the less shiny P3 seemed to not only suit me better, but it was also more appealing. The white one has been quite a popular model, but as suggested by a friend, I think it would work even better on a white rubber strap.

The case has no straight lines, with the curves helping it appear and sit smaller than the stated measurements, as well as giving it as softness at the edges. The cases themselves (the non-PVD ones) have a combination of polished and brushed finishing, giving it great contrasting textures as well as heights.

All three models use the Miyota 82S7 automatic Japanese movement. Why? One assume for cost reasons. The power reserve is just over 40 hours. Argue as people may about the use of a non-Swiss movement for a Zurich based brand, the key to this replica watch is not its movement but its design.

The straps measure 28mm at the lugs, tapering down to 24mm. If you cannot remember this, they have helpfully put all measurements on the case back as a reminder. The buckle colour matches the replica watch case, with the P3 using perforated leather.

Whilst the 28mm strap makes complete sense with the case from an aesthetic balance point of view, the modern predilection for regular strap changes means that the options are fewer, though I have seen people using NATO straps and there are one or two strapmakers around who have started making straps especially for Seven Fridays – if this isn’t evidence of how popular it has become, nothing is.

The replica watch comes in a blonde unfinished wooden box and a sliding lid, akin to a shipping crate, adding to the sort of industrial feel of the replica watch; a small replica watch delivery crate if you will. Playful, in line with the replica watches, and large but not overly so.

There is no doubt that the replica watch is visually bold, fun, and with a very clear sense of its identity. Seven Friday’s replica watches are not for everyone, but they aren’t intended to be. I’ve heard some wonder whether they are ‘fashion’ replica watches, but I’d suggest that they aren’t. They seem to populate an in-between land in which they are comfortable – they have customers who buy it for its looks, but all you need to do is to take a look online and you’ll see that there are plenty of ‘serious’ replica watch people who have bought one because they are a lot of fun. If you are concerned about the size, Seven Friday has a printable version for you to cut out and try.

I find them really engaging replica watches and like them, but what will be interesting is is to see how Seven Friday develops from this very distinctive first model offering. There are now a myriad of limited edition models in a variety of colours and material combinations, but designwise, what do they have in store?

As of earlier this year, SevenFriday has become available in Australia. The agent is based in Melbourne but visits Sydney regularly. If you are interested in purchasing or viewing one, send an email to australia@sevenfriday.com

ADDENDUM : SevenFriday is now available in a number of retail outlets throughout Australia including Gregory Jewellers in Sydney, and Brisbane Vintage Replica Watches.

Categories
Swiss Replica

HANDS-ON : A diving classic – the Squale 101 Atmos2002 replica watch

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The name of the stylish replica watch brand Squale is derived from the Italian ‘squalo’ for shark, which forms part of the logo for the important dive replica watch brand that is the subject of today’s post.

Squale’s origins lie in a small Milan company established in 1946 which produced replica watch parts and with Charles Von Büren, who worked on the production of professional divers’ replica watches from the 1950s through the 1960s. Initially, the ‘Squale’ mark appeared on numerous Swiss brands as a signifier of a dive replica watch quality, but in the 1960s, Von Büren started to make replica watches with the Squale name and logo on the dial in addition to supplying components to other brands.

In the 1970s Squale introduced the first 1000 meters diver replica watch with sapphire crystal and with a bi-directional bezel that was operated by the wearer pushing it down before turning. In fact its 1000m cases were sold to many companies, most famously La Spirotechnique and Sinn, and its 500m cases to such brands as Blancpain, TAG Heuer, Doxa, and Dodane.

In 1974 Squale decided to take the plunge with their own branded replica watches based on the reputation they had gained from being a supplier, but a re-launching of the brand in recent years, with new production facilities in Grenchen in the Jura region, has brought them a new lease of life amongst replica watch enthusiasts who were not familiar with the brand or its history.

There are quite a few Squale models available now, with some of them having a more marked ‘heritage’ look to them. The one I am looking at in this post is the 2002A Yellow, yellow being a popular diving replica watch colour for its legibility under water.

With a water resistance of 1000m, it uses the ever robust ETA 2824-2 automatic movement in a 43x53mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 14mm. The flat anti-reflective sapphire crystal is 3.50mm thick and the crown is screw-down of course.

This is a large replica watch with a fair amount of weight and heft on the (very sturdy) bracelet. At first wear it requires a bit of adjustment, but having it on a rubber strap (which is an option) would work more comfortably for those unaccustomed to heavy replica watches, although if you’ve owned a Sinn in your time, you should have no problems with this replica watch. The bracelet itself is very comfortable and well made.

The dial is lacquered, with C3 Super-Luminova on the tips of the polished markers, and alsoon the hands. The lume is sufficient for use, but not of the ‘lume nerd’ variety.

The bezel, which is polished steel with an acrylic insert, is one of Squale’s distinguishing features; snap-on, bi-directional, and designed to operate only when (firmly) pressed down. It can turn when it is not depressed, but in the ‘clicky’ way, whereas when you press it down, when the bezel movement becomes very smooth. From a practical point of view this may require some mental adjustment for those unaccustomed to having to press firmly and then getting such a smooth movement, but as it is still possible to use it without doing so, there is this option.

The Squale case is very distinctive and has that 1970s retro-cool that is starting to appear at the moment amongst replica watches, especially re-interpretations of models from that period. Similar case/ bezel designs can be found in a few other brands’ models from the same period, such as the Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Polaris II.

This is a replica watch that has been on my ‘want’ list, albeit not in the yellow version, and having had the opportunity to wear it for a few weeks, I can confirm that it will maintain its place there.

What appeals to me about this replica watch? It’s a combination of things – the case design, especially the shape, its retro look, and the history of the brand. For me it would never be anything other than a ‘desk diver’, as I am sure is probably the case for most people, but in the black dialled version, I think it is a good looking replica watch and more aesthetically versatile than the yellow dial model.

This brings us to a top professional diver of decades standing who is also a replica watchmaker, here in Australia. He has worn and loved Squale replica watches, and has brought the brand to a country where, with its heavy emphasis on an outdoors/ water culture, it should be right at home. He loaned Horologium the replica watch in this post, which he has used when diving. To go to look at the range of Squale models available in Australia or to make enquiries about any models, go to the Squale Australia website.

Categories
Swiss Replica

HANDS-ON : Linde Werdelin’s Oktopus II Moon Gold and ‘try before youbuy’

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Following on from my previous post covering two Linde Werdelin SpidoLite II Titanium models, this second post is about a replica watch from the other main collection wing of Linde Werdelin’s offerings, the Oktopus II Moon Gold.

As the next ste after 2010’s Oktopus Moonphase series, 2013’s Oktopus II Moon is in a edition of 59 pieces, available in two versions. The first 12 pieces are the Oktopus II Moon Gold and feature a rose gold and titanium DLC case with black ceramic bezel. The subsequent 47 limited pieces, presenting a full DLC titanium case with a ceramic bezel and striking blue detailing on the dial, are identified as Oktopus II Moon Black.

The Oktopus II Moon uses an in-house moon phase complication with a power reserve of 42 hours. As the moon moves clockwise through its cycle, more of its surface is illuminated. The moon phases themselves are indicated on the bottom of th dial, between 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock.

The dial consists of three skeletonised layers. On the bottom lays the moon disk, a metallic cut out surface resembling the night sky which is brown on the Oktopus II Moon Gold, with a luminous moon. The second skeletonised layer or lower dial bears a circular Côtes de Genève, whilst the third layer is skeletonised and features the Linde Werdelin logo, indices, numerals, and the three hands. The full moon is always indicated with a white mark visible through the lower dial.

The hefty 44mm x 46mm x 15.25mm thick case is five parts in 18 carat rose gold with titanium DLC, ceramic bezel, anti-reflective sapphire glass, and an octopus on the screw-in crown and case back. This is a huge chunk of a swiss cheap replica watch that is especially so because of its thickness, and as such, really needs to be tried before you buy. Which brings me onto the next part of this post.

You may or may not be aware, but Linde Werdelin has a try before you buy programme, which they call, simply, the “Try It Programme”. As they put it, “We believe at Linde Werdelin that touch and sight are the most important of our senses. Since we started the company this has always been a service that we have offered. It is important that everyone should have the chance to hold our timepieces in their own hands, see the craftsmanship, feel the quality, experience it on your wrist, be surprised how light the instrument actually is and get to know its functions.”

Which one would you like to try?

So how does this work, and why does Linde Werdelin have this programme which allows you to try their replica watches for five days at no cost or obligation except for £80 shipping outside of Europe that is taken off if you decide to buy a replica watch?

Well it is aimed at those who are not in a city or near a place where there is a Linde Werdelin retailer. You simply indicate your interest, wait in the queue, and when it is your turn, you provide a guarantee of 30% on your credit card as security. There are no country restrictions.

Linde Werdelin say that it has been a very successful tool for them, and there currently is a waitlist, but if you want to know more, go to their website.

Categories
Swiss Replica

HANDS-ON : the replica Parmigiani TransformerCBF

ParmigianiTransformaCBF3

Parmigiani’s Transforma collection is as the name describes – replica watches that can ‘transform’; in their case, into a wristwatch, pocket replica watch or small table clock, the final transformation courtesy of the replica watch winder/ presentation case. The Transforma CBF (Confederação Brasileira de Futebol) that is the subject of today’s post, one of the pieces commemorating the relationship between Parmigiani and the Brazilian Football Confederation, is a convertible set that includes two luxury replica watch heads: a chronograph and an annual calendar.

Both the 43mm (12.76mm thick) wristwatch and pocket replica watch parts are equipped with quick-release stainless steel holders to allow for these transformations. On the wristwatch, the holder is released by depressing two side pushers positioned on the lower lugs. On the pocket replica watch, the holder is released by depressing the two side pushers on the upper lugs.

The first ‘head’ is a sporty chronograph contained within a three part carbon and polished stainless steel case, with a graphite-plated galvanic black dial bearing the three CBF colours in on the chronograph counter hands and the numerals around the tachymeter. Inside is the automatic Calibre PF334 with Côtes de Genève, with a power reserve of 50 hours.

The CBF’s five green stars are found in a half circle on the edge of the top half of the dial. The dial’s outer edge is satin-finished and its inner guillochéd. The chronograph sub dials (30-minute counter at 9 o’clock and 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock) have a circular snail pattern. The small seconds are printed in green at 3 o’clock, the date window integrated into the sub dial at 6 o’clock, and the 30-minute counter is at 9 o’clock. The hands are lumed.

The other Transforma CBF replica watch head for this set is an annual calendar in a rose-gold case. Inside is the Parmigiani’s Caliber PF339. The dial is blue, a CBF colour reference, indices are rhodium, and it has a barley-grain guilloché finishing in the centre, with an opaline outer area. The hands are also lumed.

On the annual calendar, the five green CBF stars can be found on the lunar disc of the moon-phase display at 6 o’clock, the moon itself in the CBF yellow. As an annual calendar, with the date display in retrograde form, the replica watch needs correction only each February, with the leap year exception. The moon-phase function needs adjustment only once every 120 years, and the moon phase also discreetly shows the CBF’s five stars on the moon disc. The day is indicated on the sub dial at 9 o’clock and the month via the 3 o’clock sub dial. The annual calendar features a three-part red gold case that houses the manufacture Calibre PF 339 automatic movement.

When the pocket replica watch case contains the annual calendar there it becomes a bi-metal piece, with the replica watch head’s rose gold edge providing an interesting and discreet contrast.

The Transformas all feature a case back with individual numbering and the engraved words ‘Confederaçåo Brasiliera de Futebol’, but it is the discreet use of the CBF’s colours on the dials, obvious only to those who know, that is one of its aesthetic strengths. The finishing of the dials is particularly notable on the annual calendar, with the beautiful blue textured dial.

There is fun to be had in swapping and changing cases and heads according to what you feel like wearing on the day, and at a price of 56,900 EUR, that’s a lot of timepieces for the money. In Australia, Parmigiani are available exclusively at The Hour Glass.

Categories
Linde Werdelin Replica Swiss Replica

HANDS-ON :Replica Linde Werdelin’s Spidolite IITitanium

BoatShow2013LW1

Launched in 2006 by Morten Linde and Jorn Werdelin and specialising in limited productions of replica watches and sports instruments for skiing and diving, the Linde Werdelin brand, which many in Australia may not know has a distributor here, was the culmination of the horological dream of two skiing obsessed childhood friends.

The partners see replica watches as functional objects, and so it is important for them that the replica watches are able to withstand their preferred sporting activities as well as be distincitve. Morten Linde studied industrial design, creating for Bang & Olufsen, furniture and sports replica watches before the two of them combined forces.

Linde Werdelin not only make replica watches but also precision instruments that can clip onto the top of their replica watches, and also publish ski guides. The replica watches are divided into two core collections – Spidolite and Oktopus. During the Sydney International Boat Show, I had the opportunity to sit down with Troy of Cool Time, their Australian disributors, and take a look at a few pieces.

This post covers two of the replica watches I look at – two Spidolite II models.

The SpidoLite II Titanium and Titanium Blue are, as their name attests, crafted in titanium, largely for minimising weight reasons. These were designed, as Linde Werdelin replica watches are, to be (albeit high end) sports replica watches, and being lightweight is an important part of this for the brand.

The Spidolite II Titanium is a rather large 44mm x 46mm in size with a height of 15mm, so any reduction in weight through use of materials is helpful from a comfort point of view. Its bulk is also reduced by Linde Werdelin’s distinctive skeletonisation designs that extend beyond the dial to the replica watch case.

The SpidoLite II consists of two primary structures: a cylindrical chamber that carries the movement and locks on the sapphire crystal caseback, and a skeletonised outer case. The case itself is a three-part titanium construction comprising of nineteen components, and the dial consists of two skeletonised layers. The brand calls the case’s engraving a ‘spider web’ style. The three dark blued steel hands offer a nice counterpoint and are coated with cool grey SuperLumiNova.

Movement-wise, Linde Werdelin works with the independent Concepto movement manufacture. The SpidoLite II is powered by a the LW 04 with a 42 hour power reserve that is visible through the dial and case back, the bridges modified to reveal the movement. Its water resistance is 100m. It comes with a black textured calfskin strap with ardillon buckle, but Linde Werdelin does take note that many replica watch owners love to change straps, so they have a range from which to choose. This model comes in a limited series of 100 pieces.

The SpidoLite II Titanium Blue is quite a different look, with a blue-orange contrast against titanium, the blue also being picked up in the black calfskin strap which has matching blue stitching. Its case is as per the previously mentioned Spidolite II, as are its general specifications. Its two part dial, however, is blue, and the indices orange and SuperLuminova, although the polished blued steel hands are the same cool grey SuperLumiNova.

This is in a smaller series than the Spidolite Titanium, and limited to 75 pieces. Of the two, which you prefer is simply down to colour choices; for me it’s the plain titainium one.

In terms of general notes on the Spidolite II models, they are very interesting to look at and play with. Skeletonised replica watches are always a lot of fun, but this is a very strong and sharply angled design, all lines and corners, and very sporty and modern. The blued hands serve not only an attractive function (I do confess a weakness for blued hands) but also as a contrast to the dial, for legibility.

Insofar as wearability is concerned they are comfortable, and sit fairly well for replica watches of this size. As mentioned, the straps are intended to be swapped and changed as the owners desire, but the default ones were well made, durable, and not high maintenance, as befitting a sports replica watch.

This is a brand that walks their talk. Through their very active instagram accounts (for the brand and individually), Jorn Werdelin, Morten Linde and their team post a stream of photos of their replica watches in the great outdoors from around the world, with a particular emphasis on photos from ski trips, of course.

Linde Werdelin’s distinctive designs are not for everyone, but there is a big element of fun to them, and for such a small brand with small productio numbers, it has a remarkably high high awareness level of the brand amongst replica watch enthusiasts and a dedicated fan base.

Categories
Swiss Replica

HANDS ON : Replica Parmigiani Toric QuaestorPegase

ParmigianiToricQuaestorPegas1

Parmigiani Fleurier’s Toric collection forms part of its ‘Haute Horlogerie’ line of men’s replica watches. The Toric models are powered by a hand-wound movement that is developed in-house, and contained within a 46mm case. The Toric Quaestor men’s replica watch is available in a small number of versions of which this is one.

The Toric Quaestor Pegase a minute repeater – that is, at the depressing of a button it will chime the hours and minutes of the time through the use of small bells.

‘Pegase’, of course, refers to the noble steed Pegasus, who is both the main feature and part of, the beautifully hand-engraved openwork black dial. I like that the Pegasus is not overly fussy, but relying on clean lines. It gives the dial a sleek look, which to my mind is more in keeping with his winged mythological status than some sort of overly romanticised depiction. The cheapest replica watch’s hands are javelin-shaped with luminescent coating.

The minute repeater movement is the manually wound Calibre PF349 with a power reserve of 72 hours. The movement itself is 29.30mm with a thickness of 6.55mm, at 21,600 VPH and containing 392 components, with hand-bevelled mainplate and bridges.

The case is polished platinum with anti-reflective sapphire used on the front, and a cased case back with the individual number of the piece, engraved. The Pegase’s strap is black Hermès alligator with an ardillon buckle.

Although 46mm in size, the design of the double levelled bezel, which gives it not only visual interest but also some height differentiation and a less bulky impact, meaning that it feels more like a 44mm sized replica watch. It’s a modern elegant Pegasus and, of course, there’s the joy of it being a minute repeater.

The Bugatti and Pershing collections also form part of Parmigiani’s ‘Haute Horlogerie’ line, and you can read about two replica watches from these collections, the Pershing Tourbillon Abyss and The Hour Glass Bugatti Super Sport ADLC.