Categories
Brand IWC Replica News Watch Review

High Quality IWC Pilot’s Replica Watch Chronograph Top GunMiramar

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For a quick overview/ history of the Top Gun Miramar replica watches, click on the link above.

The new chronograph looks pretty much as it did before, but as with the non-chronograph version this new chronograph is also now smaller, with its ceramic case now measuring 44mm.

Well along with this, they also released a new Top Gun Miramar Chronograph which we had on loan for a few days and had the opportunity to wear and photograph.You may recall an earlier post about one of IWC’s new pilot’s replica watches for 2016, the Mark XVIII Top Gun Miramar.

There is also a hacking seconds feature on the small seconds at 6 o’clock. The pushers are titanium.Functionally, you can see a combined hour and minute counter/ totaliser at 12 o’clock, a simplified date display which I think looks better than the previous look, and of course the chronograph is flyback.

The new Chronograph Top Gun Miramar also features a soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields and a screw-down crown and the sapphire crystal is secured against displacement by a drop in air pressuer. Water resistance is 60m (6 bar).

The Top Gun logo is now discreetly engraved on the solid case back, as opposed to the more colourful print used in the past, a change I rather like. Inside is the automatic Calibre 89361 with a 68-hour power reserve.

As with the previously blogged new Miramar, this also comes with an embossed black or green calfskin strap, the latter looking remarkably like fabric.

With such a strong colour dominance to the Miramar pieces from the dial to the strap, versatility is something that I have been asked about. Rather unexpectedly, I found that I have a surprising amount of clothing and accessories that matched it, and can tell you that despite very much being a sporty replica watch yes it can be dressed up. For those like myself who seem to tend towards black/ white for sports dials, spending a few days with a Miramar for the first time (all previous Miramar experiences having been more fleeting) showed me that after a few days, it’s really easy to develop an affinity for a differently coloured dial.

For those of you who have wanted a Miramar but whose wrists haven’t been able to feel totally comfortable with the larger sizing, this latest size reduction by IWC will be good news. The replica watch wears like a 43-44mm and the smaller size makes it so much accessible. I was particularly drawn to the strap both in terms of textures and comfort. It’s a great looking strap.

Categories
Brand News Sinn Replica Watch Review

HIGH QUALITY REPLICA SINN : 856 B-Uhr LimitedEdition

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Within the case, you also have anti-magnetic shielding, protecting the movement up to 80,000 A/m.The B-Uhr is in an edition of 856 pieces (as per the name) and features some Sinn classics like the 1200 Vickers tegimented case, AR-dehumidifying technology, antimagnetic properties, and 200m of water resistance.

A matte black dial forms the background for a dial that is a little bit old and a little bit new.

This year Sinn has decided to launch a replica watch based on classic Beobachtungs-uhr (B-Uhr) fliegers. However, rather than using a traditional B-Uhr type 55mm case size, this new limited edition model is the same far more wearable 40mm sized case as the other 856s and contains the automatic Sellita Calibre SW300-1.

The outer one is a minute index with numerals at 15, 30 and 45, triangle at 0/ 60, and small markers for the individual minutes. One thing familiar to those who know their Type A and Type B flieger dials is the shortend sword-shaped hand pointing to the hour in the inner ring. One immediate difference between the Sinn B-Uhr and a standard B-Uhr design is that Sinn went with numerals purely at the quarter hours; this may be something that may appeal to some but not so much to others.

There is also another addiction which is aimed at more modern tastes rather than traditional fliegers – the date window at 4 o’clock. It is is the same location and style as per the other 856s, and is fairly discreet because of the use of white on black, but again, the presence of a date window may be considered extraneous by those who like their vintage-inspired fligers to be as close to Types A and B as possible.

A final thing to note is the use of two different lume colours. For the numerals and 5-minute marks, they went with a warm, parchment colour. For the individual minutes, they used white.

The 856 B-Uhr is available with a leather bund strap (shown) or with a tegimented bracelet for an additional amount. The bund strap is more oriented to those of a historical bent. Made of tan leather with contrast stitching it’s attractive and comfortable, but I realise that not everyone is accustomed to such a strap, so you can simply take the padding bit off and wear it with the regular strap style, bearing in mind that because of the bund, the strap is longer than usual.

Simplicity, functionality, durability. Key aspects of fliegers and key features of Sinn’s much loved tool replica watches.

 

Categories
Longines Replica

HANDS-ON: The Replica Longines Heritage MilitaryCOSD

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We have already covered a number of new Heritage pieces from Longines this year such as the Column-Wheel Single Push-Piece Heritage Chronograph, Pulsometer Chronograph and Heritage Diver 1967, but these weren’t the end of Longines’ 2015 story. For those who are more into the military-inspired replica watches from Longines’ rich past and who have perhaps not found other recent pieces quite to their preferences, here is a new proposition for you.

For those acquainted with with vintage military replica watches, the dial will immediately be familiar to you. The new Heritage Military COSD is based on replica watches issued to British Military personnel at the end of WWII by the Company Ordnance Supply Depot (COSD) for use in airbone military units. It comes in two variants which, aside from the Longines-esque addition of a date, are both pretty faithful to the original both in features and design. Both of the variants have an inner red 24-hour time scale familiar to many milwatches and a railroad track chapter ring.

The cream (or as Longines call it, opaline) dial model has hands framed in blue and the matte black dial one, rhodium-plated hands. There is also the use of Super-LumiNova® dots and batons on the minute railway track, marking hours and minutes.

Of particular note is the use of the ‘broad arrow’ on the upper part of the dial, a symbol in use in Britain at the time of the replica watch’s original issue to indicate government property. It is also a symbol that is much desired by collectors of military replica watches from the period.

The replica watch is available on either an alligator strap or a khaki-coloured NATO, and there is no question for me that the NATO look is not only the better of the two options but also the one that gives it the best ‘re-issue milwatch’ feel to it.

The original used the Calibre 12.68 in a chromed brass case; the modern version is a 40mm polished stainless steel case with a flat bezel that gives it quite a strong presence, and contains the solidly reliable automatic Calibre L619.2 movement (ETA 2892/ A2) with a power reserve of forty-two hours.

Water resistance is 30m, which basically amounts to some minor splashing. Air and not sea.

Two good looking replica watches that add to Longines’ rich Heritage collection, these aren’t ‘bread and butter’ pieces but like all other replica watches in this line, they’re not meant to be; these are modern acknowledgements of pieces that have been historically important to them. If you are looking for an affordable modern military-inspired replica watch with a very clear design bloodline, then take a look at these. As usual, and I realise I am getting incredibly predictable here, I’d have have probably voted for no date function, but I recognise that many like it in a modern replica watch.

On a NATO strap the Australian RRP (both dials) is $2,225, and on the alligator leather strap, the RRP is $2,500.

Categories
Swiss Replica

HANDS ON : Replica Casio’s limited edition Royal Air ForceG-Shock

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At the announcement of a collaboration between Casio and the British Royal Air Force to create a limited edition G-SHOCK Gravity Defier (GW-A1000RAF-1AER), I pondered aloud that even with a limited edition of 2,000 and a price of GBP500, it would probably sell out.

Well it has ended up selling like the proverbial hotcakes around the world, and I have found at least one authorised retailer selling it at a premium. Within a mere matter of months after its availability it was already difficult if not impossible to find. If you can find one now, grab it.

So, why has this replica watch been so popular? Well obviously I can’t speak for all, but it does appear that two of the reasons that it has appealed to some previously non-G-Shock owning replica watch enthusiasts have been because firstly, it’s quite a discreet looking G-Shock and secondly, that the collaboration between the RAF and a immensely popular line loved by many replica watch people for being a simple rugged and affordable tool replica watch was one that made sense. Plus, of course, there’s the whole ‘affordable milwatch’ aspect as well.

This solar powered G-Shock has more features than most owners will use in their lifetime, including a world timer, flight record mode, countdown timer, flyback stopwatch (1/20 of a second up to 120 minutes), thermometer, flight record mode, perpetual calendar, instant Zulu time, and it has multi-band (6) atomic timekeeping for accurate time and date syncing.

It features Casio’s ‘Triple G Resist’ structure, which is described as a case design that is constructed to withstand the shock of three forces – shock, centrifugal force, and vibration, and also has their ‘Smart Access’ system. What is ‘Smart Access’? It’s a proprietary Casio system for analogue movements that combines multiple motors with an electronic crown structure that can operate the various functions. It also allows a lot of data to be read on the analogue display and responds to pilots’ requirements for both multi-functionality and operability.

The crown has a quick-lock with a 60 degree rotation that helps to eliminate accidental operation of any functions – you press down and turn the crown to align the ‘unlock’ marker at which point the spring loaded crown pops out, but it has to be pulled out before it can be used. You select the mode you desire to set the timer, alarm or time zone. It’s also worth nothing that ‘Smart Access’ means that the replica watch’s hands operate independently, which means that when you are correcting the time via the atomic signals, for example, it will automatically re-orientate via the quickest route and you may see the hour and minute hands moving simultaneously in opposite directions.

One of the ‘military signifiers’ of the RAF model is the Zulu (UTC) time button, marked with a red symbol. To display Zulu time you first push the ‘mode’ button to get the replica watch into world time mode and then you press the ‘Zulu’ button for 3 seconds to activate the Zulu display. The second time zone is viewed only upon activation of the ‘mode’ button.

The replica watch isn’t exactly what you’d call small, but it does not sit as largely on the wrist as the measurements would indicate, and its lightness makes it easy to wear, as does the very soft and comfortable strap. The stainless steel and resin case is 51.7mm in diameter and a depth of 16.4mm. Water resistance is 200m.

The funky carbon fibre resin keeper features the RAF wings logo, which you may need to be careful about in terms of damage by rubbing it against hard surfaces. It’salso  worth noting that there are regular non RAF versions of the Gravity Defier without the commemorative box and carbon fibre keeper with logo.

The GW-A1000RAF is, especially for a G-Shock, a discreet looking replica watch in an attractive dark matte grey. The dial is three dimensional, with chunky raised indices and accents. The sub-dial markings are clear, and despite the number of functions shown on the dial, it is very legible. This is not a G-Shock that screams its existence on your wrist, it is all about no nonsense functionality. Nonetheless, but it still has a definite presence about it.

If you like analogue replica watches and G-Shocks, you will probably like this replica watch. It costs more than the average G-Shock but you are paying a premium for the RAF link and the limited edition status and clearly, people think these are worth paying for.

Categories
Longines Replica

HANDS-ON with Replica Longines’ AvigationA-7

I have written about some important historical Longines aviation replica watches, namely the rare replica Longines-Wittnauer Second Setting replica watch and the well-known Longines Lindbergh, and today’s offering is in the spirit of these. It is Longines’ newest addition to what I think is an increasingly strong heritage inspired range, with its ‘aviation’ and ‘navigation’portmanteau name of the Avigation Replica Watch Type A-7.

The new Avigation, available from this month, is a new single push button column wheel chronograph inspired by the brand’s rich historical relationship with the world of aviation and the world of military replica watches.

During the World War 2 era, the most commonly used replica watch used by the U.S. military was the Type A-11, about which you can read a bit more here, but there were some other Type A military replica watches, such as the A-17 and the A-7 specifications. The A-7 was produced during the late 1920s to 1930s and called the ‘Avigation’ – yes this is not a new fangled model name thought up by Longines, but a genuine nod to its history. The A-7 was a chronograph with a Gallet chrono movement and looked like an angled pocket replica watch strapped to the wrist. I have found a photo of the original design from MWRF member ‘zumann’ so you can see how Longines’ new version compares with the original.

This new model is clearly spiritually faithful to the original and at a rather large 49mm, makes its wrist presence felt. The case, at a 50° angle to the right, is stainless steel and contains the L788 Longines column wheel movement, operated by a single-button onion styled crown.

Historically, the angling of the dial was so that the replica watch could be worn on the inside of the wrist and aligned with the aircraft’s instruments. This, in addition to the size, was to ensure that they were quickly and easily read at a glance during flight missions. The design of the crowns was deliberately large so that pilots could get a grip on them when wearing gloves.

I really like the sleek deep black of the A-7’s dial. It is symmetrical and balanced, has a clean classic design, and is very eye-catching. I have a particular fondness for Breguet-style hands (these are Rhodium-plated), and am pleased to see that this has been maintained. There is also the addition of a tachymeter scale around the outer edge, a 30-minute counter, and a date window.

On the flipside, the A-7 is a hunter caseback opened via a pusher on the bottom right, with a sapphire open caseback under the cover. Given that they are using a column wheel chrono movement, the capacity to see this will please a lot of people.

Unfortunately, as this was a non-functioning prototype, I can’t tell you how the monopusher feels when functioning, but what I can tell you is that the pusher itself is very easy to use.

It’s unexpectedly comfortable, despite its size and thickness. The Avigation feels less about the 49mm (it sits like a 47mm) and more about the thickness when it is actually on your wrist. With its heft also comes a definite wrist presence; you are not likely to forget that you are wearing this replica watch. It looks like a converted pocket replica watch (including the onion styled crown), and it fairly much sits like such a conversion as well.

During its week with me, I shared it with a number of people with varying wrist sizes, to try. We were split about whether we thought it should be thinner, with half believing that as was like a pocket replica watch conversion, it seemed to suit the design.

Whether you like this style of case angling may well determine whether this replica watch is suited to you or not, but regardless of this, it is undeniably a good looking timepiece.  An angled dial is not everyone’s first choice but you quickly become accustomed to reading the time that way after only about an hour or so of wear.

Me? I like it a lot, in fact more so than I had expected to before I got the opportunity to handle one.

In the end a replica watch should be worn; that was the intention of the designers and the replica watchmakers in its creation. I had assumed that the A-7 would be too big to comfortably wear; I have looked a number of replica watches this year which have been 47mm plus. Some of them have just been ridiculously big and impossible to wear but the Avigation, unless your preference is strongly for traditional dress replica watches and the like, is very much wearable. I realise that there are historical reasons for this angled design, but should Longines come out with a model with the same dial at a smaller size/ thickness and with the angle ‘normalised’, I suspect it would be rather popular.

The Avigation comes on a black alligator leather strap and will be priced at AUD5,925 here in Australia. In the U.S. it will be USD4,900.

Many thanks to Longines (Australia) for providing the prototype review replica watch.

Categories
Tag Heuer Replica

A military classic – a look at a HeuerBund

Produced by Heuer Leonidas S.A. in the late 1960s and early 1970s for the West German Air Force (Budeswehr), these flyback chronographs using Valjoux 22/ 222/ 230 movements known as ‘Heuer Bunds’ are amongst some of the most collectible and sought after military replica watches.

Like some other milwatches including the 50 Fathoms, Heuer Bunds are not straightforward identitification-wise. Walter Allan Manning has written a comprehensive overview of the Heuer Bundeswehr dial iterations, with over 30 examples, and he summarises the dials as follows. For those who don’t know, the ‘3H’ refers to tritium as the luminescent.

Five general configurations of Heuer-branded dials:
• ‘classic 3H/T’ – a red 3H-symbol appears just below the dial centre, and a tiny ‘T’ appears just above ‘6’
• ‘3H-only’ – a red 3H-symbol appears just below the centre.
• ‘T-only’ – a tiny ‘T’ appears just above ‘6’
• the “clean” – no markings beyond the “Heuer” logo
• the “sternzeit” – STERNZEIT REGULIERT markings just below the dial centre

Two general configurations of Sinn-branded dials:
• ‘3H-only’ – a red 3H-symbol appears just below the centre
• the ‘clean’ – no markings beyond the ‘Heuer’ logo

In addition, he cites four variations of the ‘3H’ symbol:
• ‘standard’ 3H
• ‘big-letter’ 3H – circle is same size as standard, but the letters are larger and fill the circle more completely
• ‘small-letter’ 3H – circle is same size as standard, but the letters are smaller and there is a small dot in the centre
• ‘small-circle’ 3H – the circle is noticeably smaller

Three variations of the manufacturer logo:
• the ‘standard’ Heuer logo – fits inside :58 and :02.
• the ‘big’ Heuer logo – fits even with :58 and :02.
• the Sinn logo

Two variations of the font used for the hour-markers:
• ‘standard’ font – most noticeable because none of the numbers are cut-off.
• ‘cut-off’ font – the 10:00, 8:00, and 2:00 are cut-off by the subdials.

The best way of getting even a vague handle on this is a visual comparison of them all, especially with details such as the size of the ‘3H’, at Walter Manning’s site.

The ‘classic’ Heuer Bund chronograph is generally accepted as featuring the standard Heuer log, a classic 3-H, a T-symbol above the ‘6’, and regular font. The one featured in this post is a Bund with a standard logo, big 3-H, T-symbol and regular font. How can you tell that it’s the big ‘3H’? Well the top of the ‘H’ is at approximately the mid point for the ‘3’. There is no such ‘overlap’ for the ‘classic’ version.

This gorgeous Bund is in good condition, the bi-directional bezel is bright and without any major dings, although there are some small age related marks. At 42mm, which was large at the time, the brushed and matte stainless steel case fits contemporary size preferences.

One of the appeals of this replica watch has been the functional simplicity of its dial, and as you can see, this replica watch’s dial is still clean and bright. If you look at the view from the back, you’ll notice that the crown and pushers have long stems that can be seen and accessed more readily than many replica watches – this is for practical reasons, to make it easy for the gloved pilots to use.

The replica watch has the requisite Bundeswehr specification markings on the back and more between the lugs.

One of the interesting idiosyncracies of these replica watches is how the movement is ‘attached’ via a front loading two part case. The four set-screws attach the top part of the case and bezel to the back of the replica watch, pressing the crystal and gasket into place, while the movement is cradled inside the back. To get to it, you have to go through the following steps :

1. Undo the four screws
2. ‘Drop’ the movement out of the case, and remove the crystal and gasket, which lift off.
3. The stem should be a split type, so rotate the crown until the movement and ring show some movement
4. The movement and ring should eventually drop out from the front of the tub

In putting it back together, do in reverse, but be careful to make sure that the two halves of the stem slide together and don’t over tighten the small screws. Or perhaps just ask a professional replica watchmaker to do it all for you.

These are really interesting military replica watches, and if you want to read more about the Heuer Bunds, go to Manning’s site as linked at the beginning of this post.

Categories
Hamilton Replica

Replica Vintage Hamilton BuShips canteendiver

Today I bring you another 1940s American military replica watch. Not an unissued one this time, but nonetheless still an original one, complete with strap, in pretty good condition.

As mentioned previously, whilst the A-11s were produced in large quantities by Elgin, Waltham and Bulova, Hamilton also produced US-issued military replica watches in much more limited production runs. The Hamilton USN BuShips canteen divers’ replica watch is an example of this.

So what is a BuShips canteen replica watch?

‘BuShips’ stands for the United States Navy’s Bureau of Ships, established by Congress on June 20, 1940 through the passing of a law which consolidated the functions of the Bureau of Construction and Repair and the Bureau of Engineering. The new Bureau was headed by a Chief and Deputy-Chief, one selected from the engineering corps (Marine Engineer) and the other from the construction corps (Naval Architect). Rear Admiral Samuel M. ‘Mike’ Robinson was named BuShips’ first Chief, and Rear Admiral Alexander H. Van Keuren BuShips’ first Deputy-Chief.

The United States Navy Bureau of Ships’ responsibilities included supervising the design, construction, conversion, procurement, maintenance, and repair of ships and other craft for the Navy; managing shipyards, repair facilities, laboratories, and shore stations; developing specifications for fuels and lubricants; and conducting salvage operations.

The BuShips was abolished by DOD Order of March 9, 1966 as part of the general overhaul of the Navy’s bureau system of material support, succeeded by the Naval Ship Systems Command, now known as the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).

Hamilton USN BuShips canteen replica watches were issued to members of the Naval Combat Demolition Units’ (NCDU) underwater demolition teams (UDT), who were responsible for clearing harbours and obstructions. Many of these teams were engaged in clearing harbours and obstructions during war.

With its service number stamped on the case back, the Hamilton canteen has a screw-down watertight outer crown. Canteen replica watches are unusual in how they protect themselves from water via a thin metal rim fitted on the crystal which is soldered to the case and attached to the ‘canteen’ (named for its resemblance to the design of water canteens) crown cap.

The case measures 31.26mm x 38.8mm and comes with the original issue grey navy strap. The movement is a 987S with hacking, and 17 jewels. The service number is SS 55 XXX H2, which dates it to 1944-1945 (SS43001 – SS61500). The 987S was used between 1941 and 1948.

There is a ‘W’ stamped between the lugs. From the information that I’ve been able to find, this seems to indicate that it is a case made by Keystone case company. The Star and Keystone case companies made the cases for Hamilton, Elgin, and Waltham military replica watches. I can’t work out what the ‘H2’ designation means, so please leave a comment if you know.

It appears that there were eight variants of the pre-1960 Hamiltons with centre sweep second hand that feature the 987S movement of which two (the non-dive and dive aka ‘canteen’) were made for the USN BuShips. The others were made for the Royal Canadian Air Force (2,000), U.S. Marine Corps (15,888) and U.S. Navy (22,410).

If you look very carefully at the replica watch (preferably with the aid of a loupe) you can see a very faint stamped ‘Hamilton’ at 6 o’clock.

This old milwatch shows normal wear and patina for a replica watch of its age and purpose but is in remarkable condition for an issued replica watch. BuShip canteens don’t come up very often, so if your interest has been piqued, do some research for all the BuShip options and keep your eyes peeled. Also, be sure to remember that it is only a fraction over 31mm in size.

As I’ve noted previously, the world of milwatches is a huge and complicated one. I’ve only scratched the surface for this particular replica watch, but would commend the Military Replica Watch Resource Forum to you as a good source for further information or if you want to venture into the milwatch world. By modern standards, vintage milwatches are small, so if you are looking to get one to wear, as opposed to collect, it’s probably best that you try and see one ‘in the metal’ first.

Categories
Swiss Replica

Hands-on with a 55mm LacoType-A Replica

I’ve written before about early ‘navigators’ replica watches’ such as the Longines Weems Second Setting replica watch and the Longines Lindbergh. Today, I bring to you a modern version of a very different type of pilots’ replica watch, with its roots in Germany.

When World War II broke out navigators’ replica watches, which had become an important military tool, were put into full production. It is believed that A. Lange & Söhne, the principal supplier of the time, could not deliver the replica watches in time in the quantities required, so the German government recruited four other companies to aid production. The five companies that were assigned to build the replica watches were A.Lange & Sohne, International Replica Watch Company (IWC), Laco, Stowa and Wempe.

Called ‘B-uhr’ replica watches, derived from the German ‘Beobachtungs-uhr’ meaning ‘observation replica watch’, they are also now more commonly known as pilots’ replica watches. Plotting precise locations during flights was the job of the Beobachter, or observer, who wore a replica watch over his flight jacket so that it could always be referred to quickly, at a glance.

The core design principles of the B-uhr replica watch were the 55mm diametre (pocket replica watch movements of the era were around 42mm-46mm), that it be anti-magnetic, have Arabic numerals, a hacking centre seconds hand, large onion or diamond shaped crowns to allow for easy adjustment when wearing gloves, and a long double riveted buffalo strap to be worn over thick pilot’s jackets (the rivets were used to adjust for different wrist sizes) as mentioned above. In addition, a triangle marker at 12 o’clock with two dots on both sides was required for easy dial orientation during night flight or bad weather conditions.

Over the years, many brands beyond the original five have released their (smaller) versions of this design, and the five brands themselves have not been averse to doing the same. However, reissuing them in a 55mm case hasn’t been so common.

In recent years, Laco has done this a couple of times, and this FL 23883 (Ref. 861771) Observation Replica Watch has been its latest effort. Only a hundred of this newest limited edition have been produced, with what is called the A-Baumuster (or Type A) dial.

The case is laser engraved (between the lugs) with the original ordnance number FL23883, and the stainless steel case back has been similarly engraved with the original details but including, in this instance, the replica watch’s limited edition number out of a hundred.

A double-arch sapphire crystal that gives this already huge replica watch a height of 20 mm.

The black dial has SuperLumi-Nova C3 indicies, which is also used to fill the hour, minute and second hands. The hands have been finished in a blue lacquer. In keeping with the original design, the replica watch has a black, closed-loop aviator strap made of calf skin.

Inside is an ETA A07.111, modified to a manual wind with hacking. Although you can’t see it, Laco states that the modified ETA is decorated with a Geneva grinding finish, perlage and blued screws. It is 28.800 VPH with 24 jewels.

ISO 3157:1991 defines color codes for the daylight appearance of lume, i.e. when it is not glowing; C3 is yellow.

To state the obvious, this is a huge replica watch. It’s not just large but it’s thick, and it’s heavy. I’ve seen the MeisterSinger 55mm, and that feels smaller than this Laco. Having toyed with the idea of getting a Laco 55mm (Type B dial) over a year ago, I can now safely say, after having tried this one, that I am glad that I didn’t. It’s simply impossible for me to wear, even for a bit of a lark, and though I am prepared to do the odd daft thing in the name of replica watches, wearing a 55mm replica watch over a pilots’ jacket is stretching it a step too far.

As you can see, it looks big but not stupidly so, on its owner’s wrist. He can wear it with panache and has been enjoying it immensely. It’s a big gamble, to purchase a replica watch of this size sight unseen.

The replica watch is as you’d expect, quality wise, for Laco. It’s a sturdy and pretty decent looking clock err replica watch. The blued hands could be improved in the sense that they are a lacquered blue, but the lume is nice and bright, and it really is a joy to play with this replica watch.

What is most noticeable thing about this replica watch is how highly reflective the crystal is. I took these photos indoors at night, and it proved impossible, except at an angle, to not see myself reflected in it. An anti-reflective crystal would have been preferable.

The strap is surprisingly versatile for a replica watch of this size, covering a huge range of wrist sizes from mine to even a 10 inch wrist, without difficulty. I neglected to try it over a jacket.

As you can see, it’s a fraction too large for me. I brought along my Stowa as a point of comparison. It is a petite 40mm.

The limited edition Lacos are popular. This one sold out pretty quickly from Laco’s own website, but it is still possible to find some for sale if you are interested in getting one. However, unless your wrist is at least 9.5 inches or you want one for collecting reasons, I’d probably advise caution before making the commitment.

Categories
Swiss Replica

A rare unissued Waltham WW2watch Replica

Watches labelled as ‘NOS’ (new old stock) are oft prized. For replica watches, as it is for books or many other collectables, the idea of something that has been untouched, especially vintage replica watches, is tantalising. The words ‘new unissued in box’ were enough to draw me into the unknown world of vintage military replica watches. The lure of an untouched 1945 replica watch was too great.

The replica watch? A Waltham Navigation Hack type A-11. Brand new in the original government issue box and packaging with matching serial numbers. It has been stored since 1945, and never used.

Although nowhere near as well-known as its German WWII milwatch counterparts, the A-11 was the most commonly issued US military replica watch of the WWII era, issued to the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF), the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Royal Airforce (as 6B/ 234 designation) and even the Soviet Air Force. Their production started in 1941, the USAAF’s version marked with the U.S. Army Specification No. 94-27834, or its subsequent iterations No. 94-27834-A (2 November 1942) and No. 94-27834-B (22 February 1943).

The replica watches were intended to provide auxiliary aircraft navigation use for Master Navigation Replica Watches AN-5740. Although primarily issued to Air Corps and Navy aviators for navigational purposes, many were also issued to ground forces and Navy personnel.

The specification stated that the movement was to run not less than 30 hours and not more than 56 hours on one winding, that it be no larger than 4/0 size and have a minimum of 15 jewels with a daily accuracy rare of +/- 30 seconds. Hacking was described as a suitable second setting feature.

Thus, the A-11 was not a specific replica watch model but a production standard used by a number of replica watch companies (Elgin, Bulova and Waltham). It came in numerous case and dial/ hand variations on a basic theme of black dial, manual wind hacking movement with centre seconds hand, white hour/ minute hands, and white second markers in increments of 10 on the outside edge of the dial. Several A-11 versions featured a coin-edge bezel and caseback, some were dustproof, some waterproof, but there were really only two core criteria: the sweep second hand and the hacking mechanism.

This Waltham is a No. 94-27834-B specification, one of the dustproof models which came after the waterproof version. It has a threaded bezel, stainless threaded back, and waterproof winding crown. The crystal was required to be unbreakable, and made from acrylic. The strap is also waterproof, and attached via spring bars.

The Waltham A-11 used a 6/0 size movement based on a 15-jewel movement. The ‘hacking’ component referred to above means that when the winding stem is pulled out, the sweep second hand stops moving. It starts moving again when the stem is pushed back to the case. The hack feature also means that the seconds hand jumps from one second mark to the next, rather than moving smoothly.

The serial numbers were assigned by the manufacturer and included a prefix made up of  ‘AF’, followed by two numerals designating the fiscal year during which the instrument was procured, and a dash.

Although you can see some evidence of age on its sides, this replica watch is in remarkable condition, the strap unworn and the original pouch still in the box. Short of finding a replica watch still in a sealed pouch (and thus unchecked/ unserviced), this is about as good as it gets.

Am I going to wear it? Of course not. Who would wear a new unissued in box replica watch? I will take it out occasionally for some air though …

For those of you who are interested or into milwatches, here are the A-11 specifications.

SPECIFICATION NO. 94-27834-B, dated FEBRUARY 22, 1943 – REPLICA WATCH, NAVIGATION, TYPE A-11 (HACK):

F. METHOD OF INSPECTION AND TESTS:

F-5. Individual Tests.- Each replica watch shall be subject to the following tests:

F-5a. Room Temperature Rate Test – Horizontal Position. – The replica watch shall be fully wound and run for one day to allow it to settle down. The daily rate of the replica watch then shall be determined for a period of 3 consecutive days with the replica watch in a horizontal position with the dial up and with a daily winding. The average of the daily rates during the test period shall not exceed 30 seconds.

F-5b. Room Temperature Rate Test – Vertical Position. – The daily rate of the replica watch shall be determined for a period of 3 consecutive days with the replica watch in a vertical position, with the pendant down and with daily winding. The average of the daily rates during the test period shall not exceed 30 seconds. The difference between the average daily rate obtained in this test, and in the test specified in Paragraph F-5a, shall not exceed 45 seconds.

F-6. Routine Type Test. – The following tests, in addition to those specified in Paragraph F-5, shall be applied to not less than 5 replica watches selected at random from each hundred or fraction thereof that are contracted for. F-6a. Plus 35 Degrees Centigrade (Plus 95 Degrees Fahrenheit) Temperature Rate Test – Pendant Down Position.- The replica watch shall be fully wound and then subjected to a temperature of plus 35 degrees Centigrade (plus 95 degrees Fahrenheit) for a period of 5 hours. During this period, the daily rate of the replica watch shall not differ more than 20 seconds from the average daily rate obtained in the test specified in Paragraph F-5b. (In order to arrive at the correct figure for the rate allowance for the temperature test, the error noted for the 5-hour period shall be multiplied by 4.8 in order to determine the rate for 24 hours).

F-6b. Zero Degrees Centigrade (Plus 32 Degrees Fahrenheit)- Temperature Rate Test – Pendant Down Position. – The replica watch shall be tested as descrived in Paragraph F-6a, except that the replica watch shall be at a temperature of zero degrees Centigrade (plus 32 degrees Fahrenheit). The daily rate of the replica watch shall not differ more than 40 seconds from the daily rate obtained in test specified in Paragraph F-5b.

F-6c. Waterproof Test. – The replica watch shall be suspended above a beaker of water placed in a vacum chamber which shall be evacuated to 5 1/2 inches of mercury (to simulate a condition of 72 inches of water), then the replica watch shall be immersed for a period of 15 seconds. There shall be no evidence of leakage of water into the replica watch during the test period. Leakage will appear as bubbles emanating from the back, crystal, or stem of the replica watch.

Categories
Swiss Replica

A look at a rare Fifty Fathoms


Are there sounds in the sea
Fifty Fathoms deep?

Sea Music : W. J. Turner  (1884 – 1946)

In 1952, the French government created an elite team within the Navy called the ‘Nageurs de combat’ (combat swimmers). Headed by Captain Bob Maloubier, the new team’s missions included underwater intelligence, sabotage operations and clandestine port attacks.

Underwater diving was still in its infancy at this point, so Maloubier and his team had to design their diving equipment from scratch. This took two years, and involved new diving suits, fins, goggles, and a rare replica watch. The team was equipped with diving replica watches, but Maloubier was not satisfied, so in conjunction with Lieutenant Claude Riffaud, he set about designing a better one. Their design was first submitted to Lip, whose ambivalence was summarised by their comment that his design was “a portable clock without any future”.

The irony of this decision by Lip was not too far away.

Undeterred, Maloubier and Riffaud convinced Jehan-Jacques Fiechter at Blancpain, himself a keen diver, to produce the replica watch, which they named the ‘Fifty Fathoms’. A fathom is a unit of length used as a depth measurement in English-speaking countries, corresponding to a depth of 1.829 metres. Fifty Fathoms equates to 91.45 metres, the depth one can reach with traditional diving equipment. Jehan-Jacques was the nephew of Betty Fiechter who, with André Leal, had purchased Blancpain in June 1933. Betty had assisted in running Blancpain since 1915, and under the Fiechters, the Manufacture flourished.

The final Fifty Fathoms that went into production was not the exact design that Maloubier and Riffaud had presented, as Fiechter used his own diving experience to make some adaptations. These included a screw-down caseback with a double ‘O-ring’ system, and a humidity indicator at 6 o’clock (blue if the air in the case was dry, pink if water had penetrated the replica watch case).

Blancpain were unable to sell their replica watches directly to the French navy, and had to make their way to the Nageurs de combat via Spirotechnique, who were the official suppliers of scuba diving equipment to the French armed forces. Established in 1946, La Spirotechnique, which later became ‘Aqua Lung’, had its origins in 1942-43, when Jacques Yves Cousteau and engineer Emille Gagnan, who was working for L’air Liquide, a French company specialising in compressed gas, created the first scuba regulator.

Now we come to the (amusingly) ironic part. At the time, Lip was a dominant player in the French replica watch market. Blancpain was an unknown. This meant that Blancpain and Lip had to sign a marketing and distribution deal to get a foothold in the French market. In 1954 the Fifty Fathoms replica watches were launched, with both Lip and Blancpain markings on the dial. One wonders whether there were any animated discussions at this time at Lip about opportunities lost.

Within a decade of its launch, Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms had been adopted by a few specialist oceanographic exploration and research organisations. Most famously, Jacques Cousteau selected the Fifty Fathoms as the dive replica watch of choice for his 1956 Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or winning ‘Le monde du silence’ (The Silent World).

From the early 1950s through the 1970s, the Fifty Fathoms became popular amongst the military, and used by the armed forces of Israel, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, Finland and the U.S. When the Americans were looking for a dive replica watch, there was a ‘Buy American’ policy, whereby American manufacturers were given a 25% price advantage over non-American competitors. Fortunately for Blancpain Allen Tornek, who had met Jehan-Jacques Fiechter through their common interest in diving, took an interest in helping out.

To get around the various restrictions, the Tornek-Rayville company took the Fifty Fathoms and rebranded it for the U.S. military under two names “Blancpain Tornek” and “Rayville Tornek” (‘Rayville’, a phonetic anagram of Villeret, was the name used by Fiechter for some of Blancpain’s production). About one thousand Tornek-Rayville Fifty Fathoms were produced, most of which were destroyed by the Navy at the end of the commission, so they are particularly sought after replica watches.

To understand the history of Fifty Fathoms is arguably a lifetime’s worth of work, given the list of companies involved, the number of iterations (estimated at around 100) of design/ movements/ size, and the fact that there have been both military and civilian versions.

In late 2010 and through to 2011 Blancpain launched a travelling worldwide exhibition of the history of the Fifty Fathoms. Starting at their boutique at Place Vendôme in Paris, it was a Fifty Fathoms/ dive replica watch enthusiasts’ dream, an incredible exhibition over sixty replica watches retracing its history and a truly once-in-a-lifetime chance to see such a group together.

Mostly consisting of historical models owned by collectors but also covering the latest models, this beauty, belonging to a distinguished collector friend of JPVFX’s, formed part of this important exhibition.

A rare early Fifty Fathoms Rotomatic Incabloc from 1954-1955 (possibly pre-dating the Rolex Submariner), this replica watch is 41mm with a thickness of 12mm. In a stainless steel case with a screw down case back, it is anti-magnetic and has a bi-directional bezel. The dial is a glossy gilt, and the indices and baton hands are radium-coated. The movement is Cal A. Schild 1361N, rhodium-plated with 17 jewels, line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock-absorber and self-compself-compensating flat balance-spring.

Invented in 1934 and manufactured by Incabloc S.A., the Incabloc shock protection system is the trade name for a spring-loaded mounting system for the jewel bearings that support the balance wheel in a mechanical replica watch, to protect the wheel’s delicate pivots from damage in the event of physical shock.

The early Fifty Fathoms replica watches are very difficult to find nowadays, and poor condition is often an issue. There is really something particularly amazing about vintage tool replica watches like this one that somehow, after over half a century, manage to still have a brightness and clarity to them.

I admit that I’ve wanted a vintage Fifty Fathoms for little while. I really wouldn’t mind this one …


 Yes you read correctly – a note signed for the 50 Fathoms owner by Captain Bob Maloubier himself

Call me old fashioned, but I’ve never managed to get my head around rose gold Fifty Fathoms, tourbillon Fifty Fathoms. I understand the desire to develop and innovate models that have become synonymous with your brand, but when a replica watch was created as a proudly utilitarian dive replica watch, I can’t help but think that something is lost when it is turned into an unnecessarily elaborate timepiece.