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Audemars Piguet Replica

SIHH 2015 : Replica Audemars Piguet new Millenarymodels

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Amidst all the talk about the Royal Oak Concept RD#1 minute repeater there were a few women’s replica watches that were announced during the Audemars Piguet press presentation. These additions to the Millenary range are part of what AP called their two-pronged approach to women’s replica watches; a focus on“refined design” and “micro mechanics”.

Containing the new in-house manual-wind Calibre 5201, there are three new models in pink gold, white gold and white gold with white mother-of-pearl small seconds counter and diamond-paved white gold. The visibilty of the balance wheel was a decision that was made in light of the ‘micro mechanics’ approach mentioned in the previous paragraph.

Measuring 39.5mm x 35.4mm with cabuchons on the crowns, the two (of the three) models have white mother-of-pearl off-centred time discs and seconds counters.

The model on what Audemars Piguet call their “shimmering” beige strap has 18-carat white gold case, 116 brilliant-cut diamonds including the bezel and lugs, a crown set with a pink cabochon sapphire, anthracite printed Roman numerals, and pink gold hands. The beige strap is alligator with an 18 carat white gold pin buckle but also comes with an additional black alligator strap.

The second model has a mother-of-pearl dial in its 18-carat white gold case with diamond-set bezel and lugs, a pink cabuchon set in its crown, pink gold hands, “powder-pink” gold printed hands and a brown alligator strap with a pink gold pin buckle. It also comes with an additional black alligator strap.

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Piaget Replica

HANDS-ON : Replica Piaget Limelight BloomingRose

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During SIHH 2014 Piaget may have launched the Altiplano 900P, but there was another equally personal-to-the-brand replica watch released in January that has just hit Australian shores, the Limelight Blooming Rose.

As I covered at SIHH 2013 last year, Piaget’s jewellery replica watches form a rich and intriguing part of its history, with the style changes not only illustrating the design codes of each decade, but perhaps also reflecting the changing relationship between the brand and its evolution of what it refers to as “feminine replica watchmaking”.

The ‘Blooming Rose’ of the name refers to the Yves Piaget rose. Lest you think that this is just a rose that appears in jewelled form, it isn’t. It is, in fact, a large peony-like garden rose with large petals that comes in four colours – Cream Yves Piaget, Golden Yves Piaget, Pink Yves Piaget and Yves Piaget. The rose motif first made its appearance at Piaget in the 1960s, Mr. Yve Piaget became a member of the Geneva International New Rose Competition jewellery in 1976, and in 1982 the winner of said competition, a rose bred by Meilland et Cie with some eighty petals, was christened the ‘Yves Piaget rose’. For those who are interested, you can read more about the rose at the Meilland website here.

Although the Limelight Blooming rose does not have eighty petals, it is special in that it is not just a replica watch in the shape or a rose, but that it also opens like one. Four gem-set petals can be rotated to show a rose in bloom, revealing a further four petals, thanks to a hidden rotating mechanism. For those who like a replica watch with an interactive part, I can see how opening/ closing it whilst on the wrist could turn into an unconscious habit.

There are two versions, in white gold and in rose gold. This is obviously the latter version. In an 18k rose gold case on a white satin strap with a diamond-set Ardillon buckle, there are 265 diamonds in this piece (252 of which are in the case), with a total of 2.471 carats. The case itself is  34mm and 8.1mm thick. Inside is the Piaget quartz 56P movement, and the time is set on the underside of the replica watch.

As you can see in this wristshot, this is a very delicate jewellery piece and although the black version (which I saw at SIHH) is a little more formal in feel and perhaps more of a night time replica watch, the white one does seem a bit more versatile in terms of day/ night wear.

If you want to learn more about the importance of roses to Piaget you can read about the rather charming Piaget Rose Day here.

Categories
Vacheron Constantin Replica

PHOTOS : Replica Vacheron Constantin’s FabuleuxOrnements

VCMetiersdArtFabuleuxOrnementsIndianMS3

Earlier this year I featured wonderful replica Vacheron Constantin’s Fabuleux Ornements collection which debuted at SIHH 2014. Recently I had the opportunity, with thanks to Vacheron Constantin Australia, of looking at these stunning replica watches at greater leisure here in Sydney, and so I bring to you some more photos of these works of art. For more information on them, click on the link above.

CHINESE EMBROIDERY GLYPTICS

OTTOMAN ARCHITECTURE

A movement shot.

INDIAN MANUSCRIPT

Last but not least, French Lace, a piece for which, seeing it again (and yes, under a loupe), I developed a new appreciation.

These are some of my favourite 2014 releases, and if you look at them under a loupe (I used a Loupe System), it brings a whole new level of realisation of the immense skill and artistry involved in the handwork that has gone into each replica watch. The angles on the Ottoman piece, when seen close up, are astonishing. These are deeply elegant replica watches but more importantly, they are realisations of often unheralded artisans. If you get the opportunity to look at these limited edition pieces, grab it.

Unfortunately, they are not available in Australia, but are POA in Vacheron Constantin boutiques worldwide.

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Girard-Perregaux Replica

HANDS-ON : Replica Girard-Perregaux Cat’s Eye Anniversarywatch

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At Baselworld 2014 Girard-Perregaux launched a number of new models to add to their successful Cat’s Eye women’s collection. One of these was an Anniversary model, marking a decade since its launch, and previously written about on Horologium here. You can also read its specs in this earlier post.

With thanks to Avstev, I had the opportunity to see this replica watch ‘in the metal’ recently in Sydney. So – how does the reality compare to the press photos?

For those who are not familiar with the Cat’s Eye case, it measures 35.44mm x 30.44mm, and has a nice sense of ‘largeness’ and wrist presence bigger than the dimensions might indicate.

The model here is one of the two dial versions, both with the same dial design with teadrop gemstone rays. This is the opaline version, the bejewelled rays of seventy-three pink/ red sapphires on a hand-polished white mother of pearl dial.

This white gold cased piece is very elegant and the dial is unexpectedly ‘soft’ in tone. I say ‘unexpectedly’ because I did not expect the presence of so many glittering stones to be as such – the ‘ray’ design gives the dial delicacy as well as beauty. The replica watch sits lightly on the wrist and with the gorgeously rich matching red strap, it is a beautiful looking fake piece that does actually reflect what it looks like in the press material. It is dressy but not overly so, and with the right outfits (and a degree of confidence), is sufficiently versatile to be worn from day through to night.

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Replica

EVENT : A jubilee evening with replica Jaeger-LeCoultre

D60_2443 A few weeks ago Jaeger-LeCoultre Australia hosted a dinner in Sydney to introduce some of releases in this, their 180th anniversary year. Held at Sake Restaurant, a mix of collectors, enthusiasts and others were given the opportunity to try and learn about a range of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s current range.

The replica watches presented that evening by Pierre-Etienne Durand (Brand Manager, Australia and New Zealand) and Sam from Jaeger-LeCoultre covered men’s and women’s pieces, dress and sports replica watches. As did the JLCs worn by guests. Without further ado, here are some highlights from the evening. All photos not marked ‘Horologium’ were taken by lumiere photographie.

Some of the replica watches on the menu.

The Master Ultra Thin Perpetual is in a 39mm and 9.2mm thin case available in three iterations – stainless steel, white gold or rose gold. The MUT Perpetual uses the ultra thin (4.72mm) Calibre 868 automatic movement with a 38 hour power reserve.

This is a beautifully sized replica watch with a nicely balanced dial; the subdials do not feel cramped. As well as the hours, minutes and seconds, the date is at 3 o’clock, month at 6 o’clock, year in a window between 7 and 8 o’clock, day of the week at 9 o’clock and the moonphase at 12 o’clock. The perpetual calendar indications are adjusted via a single corrector at 8 o’clock. The hands are dauphine and the hour markers the same metal as the model.

Next up is one of my favourites and a popular replica watch that evening. The 44mm Deep Sea Chronograph Cermet (ceramic particles and aluminium topped with a strong ceramic coating), about which you can read more here.

The next piece is the 42mm Duomètre à Chronographe containing the manual wind Calibre 380A and a relative of this replica watch.

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’. You can read more about this at the link above.

My pick for the evening, and arguably the most popular amongst the group that night, the Master Ultra Thin Jubilee 39. This is a piece that you don’t get the full impact of in photos. It is really quite a stunning replica watch. Light as a feather to wear, and incredibly elegant.

One of the pieces released this year to celebrate 180 years of Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre, this model is produced in a limited edition of 880 pieces. Although ‘only’ 39mm in diametre (4.05mm thin), it sits a bit larger than this. Guests that evening were constantly surprised to hear that it was under 42mm. Inside is the 1.85mm thin manual wind Calibre 849.

Next is the Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Cylindrique à Quantième Perpétuel Jubilee. Inside the 42mm platinum case are a flying tourbillon, perpetual calendar and moonphase, courtesy of the new Cal. 985 automatic movement which has a 22ct RG oscillating weight with a representation of the gold medal awarded to Jaeger-LeCoultre at the 1889 Paris Exhibition.

A classic Jaeger-LeCoultre, the Master Date, a triple date with moonphase in a 39mm case and utilising the automatic Calibre 866.

A Reverso Duo.

Some of the pieces worn by guests.

Some vintage pieces.

One or two other brands worn on the evening.

A historical Jaeger-LeCoultre comparison.

Three Ultra-Thin Reversos, including a boutique-edition 1931 Rouge as previously written about here. Although from the men’s range, their slim lines proved popular with female guests as well.

If you would like to read more about some of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s 2013 releases then go to this post from earlier this year.

My thanks to Pierre and Sam for a most enjoyable evening.

Categories
Omega Replica

HANDS ON : Omega’s 2013 Bullhead replica watch

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Today Horologium brings you a post about a model that we wanted to mention when it was launched at Baselworld 2013 but were unable to do so due to the lack of press photos available. For me, this was the standout model of interest and the one I was most interested in seeing – the new Seamaster Bullhead.

The first Omega Seamaster Bullhead was introduced in 1969, and vintage Bullheads remain a sought after replica watch for collectors and enthusiasts. This year Omega has re-issued this collectable, with the design of the 43mm x 43mm stainless steel piece very similar to the original and having already generated positive feedback online from collectors for its fidelity to its roots.

The two-register chronograph dial and two crowns (one at 12 o’clock which sets the time and one at 6 o’clock for the internal bezel) in this new model are as per the original pieces but instead of the round pushers of the original pieces, the 2013 ones are flat. The original case was a bit smaller, at 41.5mm x 42mm, and of course a sapphire crystal is a new replacement.

These 2013 models have a fine-brushed finish, an outer ring with 12/ 24 hour numbering, and a fixed steel case back, inside which is another point of difference to the original model. The new Bullhead is automatic (the Co-Axial Caliber 3113 movement) whilst the original one was a manually wound Caliber 930. The presence of a co-axial movement (and its chronometer status) is noted on the dial at 3 o’clock adjacent to the date window.

One of the most noticeable aspects of the Bullhead is its bulk. 43mm replica watches are not large by contemporary standards, but this replica watch has a height of 14.85mm, which adds a fair bit of heft to it. It also makes it an interesting proposition for those who find thicker replica watches ‘ding magnets’ and would have to become accustomed to this height.

It is not a heavy replica watch, and as you can see from these photos it sits well even on a woman’s wrist (my thanks to the model), but if you fall into that category of replica watch wearer for whom ‘ding magnets’ are an issue, this is a piece best seen and tried first.

There are three iterations of the new Bullhead: black dial with a square guilloché pattern and black leather strap with red contrast stitching, white dial with a brown leather strap, and a silver dialled model with perlage on a black perforated leather strap with red contrast stitching.

There were only two models available on the day of my visit to the Omega boutique, so apologies to those for whom the white dialled version was the one that they were more interested in seeing. Based on the photographs that I had seen online during Baselworld 2013, I had been swaying towards the white and black dialled ones, the silver dialled one looking a bit too ‘raw machined’ for my personal preferences. In seeing it ‘in the metal’, it was not as ‘machined’ looking as I thought it would be, but given the choice between the two I saw, I find the black one more engaging both because I like dark dials and because the guilloché work makes it texturally interesting, with the play of light on the ‘studs’ of black giving it a shimmer. Hopefully, I shall get to see the white dialled version later this year when the Bullhead starts appearing at Omega boutqiues and retailers.

One aspect of note about the replica watch about which there was no information on the day of my visit was the straps. They are leather, but there appears to be some sort of treatment applied to it which gives them an almost rubber-like feel that is quite soft and moulds comfortably to the wrist.

As mentioned at the beginning of this post the vintage Seamaster Bullheads are much loved both amongst Omega enthusiasts and vintage replica watch collectors, so it’s great to see that this popular replica watch has been re-issued in a faithful way.

For those who don’t know why this replica watch (and in fact this style of case/ crown design) is called a ‘Bullhead’, it is named thus because of the configuration of the crown at 12 o’clock with the two chronograph pushers on either side, resembling a bull’s head with horns.

Categories
Girard-Perregaux Replica

HANDS-ON : Girard-Perregaux’s 1966Jewellery

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Bejewelled replica watches don’t often make an appearance at Horologium, so today’s post will be of particular interest to those who like a a precious stone or two on their replica watches. Or in this case, 807 diamonds, to be precise.

Meet Girard-Perragux’s 1966 Jewellery, released in 2012 and containing almost more diamonds than you can count. It forms part of the 1966 collection, which is known for classically thin cases and importance placed on movements.

In this instance, the movement is the time-only Calibre GP-3300-0066. It measures 25.60mm, is 3.20mm thick, has a frequency of 28,800 vibrations (4Hz) and a power reserve of 46 hours.

The 1966 Jewellery replica watch is 38mm and comes in white or pink gold. The sizing means that it’s arguably unisex, for all those with the chutzpah to wear a diamond covered replica watch. In the case of this particular piece, the owner is a woman who requested that the strap on which it originally came with be changed to a red one. The alligator-skin strap that comes with the replica watch has a gem-set ardillon buckle.

The diamond-set bezel and slightly curved dial are entirely covered with ‘brilliant’ cut stones painstakingly arranged concentrically. The ‘leaf’ style hour and minute hands and four applied hour markers are slim and very much secondary to the diamond-pavé dial. What is really interesting is that if you look carefully, you will see that the Girard-Perregaux name is printed on the inside of the convex sapphire crystal.

Whether sparkling replica watches are your particular weakness or not, there’s something really quite mesmerising about the dial of the 1966 Jewellery quite apart from the dazzling number of stones – it’s just so wonderfully neat and precise…

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A. Lange & Söhne Replica

Replica A.Lange Söhne now inAustralia

Lange at Replica Watches of Switzerland

Many have wondered why there has not been a Lange presence in Australia. The brand has many owners and admirers here, after all. Well the simple answer is that it has not been for want of trying. After years of persistence and belief in the brand, Eric van der Griend has managed to bring them here. A few weeks after the opening of the refurbished Replica Watches of Switzerland (Melbourne) with its new Lange area, my friend The Tailored Replica Watch and I paid a visit.

Enjoy.

1815 CHRONOGRAPH

Named after the birth year of Ferdinand A. Lange, this is the WG version (Ref.402.0260), a manually wound flyback chronograph (Calibre L951.5) with a sixty hour power reserve.

Its silver dial design was inspired by vintage pocket replica watches, with two slightly ‘lowered’ subsidiary dials for seconds and a 30-minute counter, and classical blued steel hands. It is a very traditional looking chronograph as befitting its naming influence, and at 39.5mm and a height of 10.8mm it is a very accessible size and sits very comfortably on the wrist.

LANGE 1

Perhaps Lange’s most recognisable ‘look’, these are the models with the patented big date and the off-centre dial configuration that have become indelibly linked with the brand since their launch in 1994.

The off-centre dial design is not to everyone’s taste, but the dial has no real overlap of sub-dials and a good clean look. To the easterly side of the dial, following the contour of the case, is a power reserve indicator marked “Auf” and “Ab”, up and down. At 5 o’clock the subsidiary seconds.

Along the edge of the dial is “Gangreserve 72 stunden” i.e. “power reserve 72 hours”.

At 10 o’clock a pusher provides operates the outsize date. This is the YG version (Ref. 101.021) with a champagne silver dial and contains the manually wound calibre L901.0. At 38.5mm in diameter and with a height of 10mm, it is fractionally smaller than the 1815.

LANGE 1 TIME ZONE

The most talked about new addition to the Lange 1 family line, this WG (Ref. 116.039) has the manually wound Cal.L031.1 with 72 hour power reserve. The Lange 1 Time Zone is based on the original Lange 1 and has a pretty busy silver dial and rhodiumed luminous hands and markers.

In looking closer at the replica watch, the second time zone is indicated by a small secondary dial at 4 o’clock. At the 5 o’clock subdial there is an small indicator pointing to the outer rotating city ring, which represents the (local) time zone the wearer is currently in (and the time for which is displayed on the dial). The city ring can be advanced zone by zone by pressing the pusher at 8 o’clock. The large sub dial is for the wearer’s home time, and both of these dials have day/ night indicators. The choice of which dial for home versus local time is probably the one thing I’d change, as I intuitively look to the larger dial for my ‘current’ time. At 41.9 mm with a height of 11mm it may be larger than some people are accustomed to, but it doesn’t sit too large on the wrist.

LANGEMATIK PERPETUAL

As Lange put it, their Perpetual will be able to run for 122.6 years continuously before it will have to be corrected by one day on 28 February 2100, when our calendar year will have to be re-synchronised with the solar year. When that date comes around, all you (or perhaps not exactly you) will have to do is to press a pusher on the case.

It also has a patented zero-reset mechanism that allows the calendar displays as well as the moon-phase indication to be advanced both individually and, with one single main push-piece, collectively.

The Langmematik contains the automatic Calibre L922.1 Sax-O-Mat movement with a 21 carat gold and platinum micro-rotor and a power reserve of 46 hours. The rotor is bi-directional. The movement’s surfaces are hand decorated, its edges chamfered and polished.

Despite the complexity of the timepiece and amount of information on the dial, it is both clear and easy to read. The hands and Roman numeral markers contrast well against the silver dial. At 12 o’clock there is the classic big date. At three o’clock is the month indicator, along with an inset leap year indicator. At six o’clock is the moon phase complication and small seconds hand. Lastly, at nine o’clock is the day of the week indicator and 24hr. second time zone sub dial. All of this is encased in a 38.5mm (height 10.2mm) diameter case, a nice size for a dress replica watch.

RICHARD LANGE TOURBILLON “Pour le Mérite”

At first glance the Richard Lange “Pour le Mérite” appears quite different to the cleaner dials of the other Richard Langes. This is largely because its regulator dial was inspired by the design of a pocket replica watch crafted by master replica watchmaker Johann Heinrich Seyffert of Dresden in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. With its fusée-and-chain transmission, tourbillon, and stop-seconds mechanism.

This Richard Lange has a fusée-and-chain transmission as well as a tourbillon with a patented stopseconds mechanism. I guess that for replica watch enthusiasts, the ‘fun’ part of this replica watch is the fusée-and-chain part, given that tourbillons seem to be par for the course nowawdays.

The dial of the replica watch contains three overlapping subdials covering the hour, minutes, and seconds. The most interesting part of this is that the seconds dial is cutaway, with the tourbillon and movement visible beneath it. This is viewed in conjunction with a retractable section on the hour subdial dial to the right. When the replica watch is telling the time from 12 to 6 o’clock, the portion of the disc that roughly has indicators for 8 to 10 o’clock is hidden from view, giving a full view of the tourbillon. When the time is 6 o’clock, the hidden dial retractable moves into view, with VIII, IX and X pivoting into place to complete the hour scale via a switching mechanism. Once the time reaches 12 o’clock, the segment moves out of view again. Thus, the tourbillon can only be seen in its entirety between 12 and 6 o’clock.

As if this wasn’t enough, it has a patented stop-seconds mechanism. The Richard Lange Tourbillon can be halted simply by pulling the crown, allowing the time to be set to one-second accuracy.

Through the open caseback you can see the manual wind Cal. L072.1 with 36 hours power reserve. The case itself 41.9mm with a heigh of 12.2mm. It is not a small replica watch, but hey, this isn’t an ordinary replica watch.

SAXONIA AUTOMATIC (JEWELLERY VERSION)

Yes, the selection of Lange was not all about the large replica watches, there was also this 37mm Saxonia with a brilliant-cut diamond bezel and a discreetly elegant natural mother-of-pearl dial. It comes in pink, white and yellow gold and, at 37mm with a height of 8.4mm, it’s larger than some women are used to wearing, but not too large by any stretch. It has the Cal.L086.4 automatic movement with a 72 hour power reserve that case be seen through its sapphire caseback.

SAXONIA THIN

This unexpectedly stole the part of my heart that wasn’t taken up by the Zeitwerk. I have a fondness for thin time-only dress replica watches. There’s nowhere to hide with a replica watch like this. Either the balance is right, or it just seems to miss that something that can make an ultra thin replica watch go from being merely ordinary to perfectly proportioned and a stunning dress replica watch.

The Saxonia Thin comes in 18-carat pink and white gold versions. Through the sapphire-crystal caseback you can see the beautifully finished manual wind Calibre L093.1, which has a power reserve of 72 hours.

With a case diameter of 40.0 millimetres, it is a mere 5.9mm high, the thinnest replica watch brought out by Lange so far. This is the WG version and, given my preference for white metals, would be my choice. If you have been looking for an elegant dress replica watch at this level, this is worth considering.

In thinking about all of them in their entirety, I found that my pre-existing thoughts about the beautiful finishing of Langes was confirmed by the reality of looking at them. They are, by and large, surprisingly discreet replica watches, and whether or not any of designs are to your personal preferences, they are deeply elegant timepieces.

Many thanks to Eric and Sam for their generosity in giving us so much time with their range of Langes and sharing with us their enthusiasm and belief in the brand for Australian replica watch lovers.

Due to the sheer number of replica watches that we looked at that afternoon, there will be two more posts focusing on two particular models of note. The first will be about my first meeting with a member of my replica watch ‘dream list’, the Zeitwerk and whether it meet my expectations ‘in the metal’. The second will focus on the astounding Lange 31.

Categories
Swiss Replica

Max Bill’s Bauhausclassic

Acknowledged as a design genius, Max Bill (22 December 1908 – 9 December 1994) was a Swiss architect, artist, sculptor, painter, typographer, industrial and graphic designer. A pupil of Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius, he was famed for the clarity and proportions of his designs. Prolific, he left behind a huge portfolio of work, amongst which was a long term replica watch collaboration with Junghans.

The collaboration with Junghans began in 1956 when they commissioned him to design a kitchen clock. Director of the Ulm School of Design at the time, he came up with the now famous design of the Max Bill Wall Clock with its distinctive numerals. It now forms part of many international design collections, including at the Victoria & Albert Museum. This first design provided the inspiration for the series of replica watches that Bill would design for Junghans from 1961.

Max Bill viewed the creation of objects as the ‘design of an environment’, valuing the principle of form following function, design based on intended purpose. The minimalist lines of his clock and replica watch designs illustrate this. There is nothing unnecessary, no additional flourishes.

In recent times, Junghans reintroduced his replica watch designs, and this Max Bill replica watch is true to the form of the original, with little altered apart from the use of more modern materials and an updated movement, the automatic J800.1 with 28,000 VPH and Incabloc shock absorber. As a part of Junghans’ reinterpretation of Max Bill’s designs they have also brought in new designs and versions such as the Chronoscope, but I prefer the unadulterated form of the original.

They say that good design proves itself with time. In looking at this replica watch, it is clear that it is one beautifully designed timepiece, and that its design is still fresh. Thin curved hands matched with the thin hour and minute markers, a domed plexiglass crystal, this replica watch is pure design class. With a case size of 38mm and a thickness of 10mm, it’s a slim piece that sits so comfortably on your wrist that you barely notice its presence.

If replica watch movements matter then yes they are nothing special, so you may remain unconvinced about them, but this replica watch is all about the design. This may well be one of the most beautifully designed (and reasonably priced) replica watches you’ll ever see that somehow still manages to stay below the radar. There is a case to be heard for Max Bill’s Junghans replica watches being the best exemplars of Bauhaus styled replica watches.

The Junghans brand is not widely known nowadays amongst the general populace, and the Max Bill models even less so. Happily, they are easy to find online, but there are a number of different retailers, so it’s best to shop around.

Categories
Swiss Replica

The vodka inspired Fortis Frisson replica watch

In 2008, German artist and designer Rolf Sachs designed the limited edition ‘IQ’watch for Fortis. This year, he has again collaborated with Fortis for another limited edition, this time to celebrate the brand’s 100th birthday.

Rolf Sachs IQ

Sachs’ inspiration behind the limited edition ‘Frisson’ stems from the image of a vodka glass freshly out of the freezer. The mineral crystal has a frosted over finish, giving it a ‘chilled’ look. This makes numerals difficult to read, but the bright blue hands make the time fairly legible, even through the frosted crystal.

before & after

What drew me to this luxury replica watch was its interactivity. The application of a small amount of moisture (preferably water. The use of vodka, as per the design inspiration, is a decision for you) to the frosted crystal clears it, exposing the dial, though the period of clarity doesn’t seem to last for very long. The intention was to give the wearer an opportunity to actively engage with the replica watch.

At a comfortable 40mm, the Frisson’s white dial has Arabic numerals, a hand-drawn styled FORTIS logo, and hour and minute hands coated in superluminova blue. There is a date window (circled in red) at 3 o’clock, though for all practical purposes it’s not that useful, as it is only visible when the replica watch has been ‘cleared’ through the application of a liquid/ moisture.

The luminous hands and indices glow a very bright blue, and legibility is arguably clearer when looking at it in its lumed form than in its normal frosted state.

It’s a sturdy replica watch that comes on a fairly comfortable transparent silicone strap which makes sense in the context of the aesthetics of the replica watch, but I have chosen to change it for a NATO for regular use, both for comfort and because it is a bit ‘white’ for me with the original strap.

This is clearly not a classic ‘watch person’s replica watch’, and will not appeal to everyone in a broader sense, if for no other reason than that legibility might be a challenge for many people. However, the Frisson’s design is in keeping with Rolf Sachs’ IQ; it is intended as a modern playful fun replica watch with a quirky angle, and it’s definitely that. It’s not for those with a short attention span, as you are likely to find yourself bored with it rather quickly, but its novelty hasn’t yet worn off for me, and I doubt that it will.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Reference: Fortis Frisson Limited Edition 595.11.82 SI29
Case material: Steel, brushed. Screw-down case back
Case size: 40mm
Crystal: mineral crystal with frosted effect
Movement: automatic Swiss
Jewels: 25
VPH: 28,800
Water resistance: 200m/ 20 bar
Strap: transparent silicone strap with folding clasp
Limited edition: individually numbered (xxx/999) on the case back