Anniversary, Breitling Unveils First Perpetual Calendar Movement

Throughout its 140-year history, UK AAA Replica Cartier Santos, with headquarters in Grenchen, Switzerland, has often pushed back the boundaries of what is possible, creating a number of horological firsts that have advanced the history of precision timekeeping.

 Replica Breitling

Founded by Léon Breitling in 1884, the  Swiss made replica Breitling brand has set new standards with its groundbreaking innovations, particularly in the field of chronographs.

In 1915, his son Gaston introduced the first wristwatch chronograph with a pusher at 2 o’clock that could start, stop, and reset the chronograph seconds independently of the crown – a significant advance in user control. In 1934, Leon’s grandson, Willy, patented a watch with a second independent pusher at 4 o’clock, establishing the form of the modern chronograph that is still used in all watchmaking today. Last but not least, in 1969, AAA replica Breitling was part of a consortium that developed a self-winding chronograph caliber under the name of “Project 99”, a watchmaking challenge that had not yet been completed.

Today, Breitling chronographs are among the most sought-after on the market, especially those equipped with the Breitling Caliber 01, an outstanding column-wheel chronograph movement with a vertical clutch and a power reserve of 70 hours that was launched in 2009.

The reputation of these timepieces is also due to the fact that all Breitling movements are COSC-certified for precision and durability. The B01 marked a technical milestone in the recent history of Breitling and created a platform for further developments with customized functions, such as the B02 with 24-hour function, the B03 with split-seconds and the B04 with GMT.

The latest masterpiece created to mark the anniversary is the Breitling forte, a chronograph complication, combined with a perpetual calendar. Both are technically complex and not easy to combine, as one is responsible for measuring the short time, while the other is a long-term function that will indicate the correct date even in leap years until 2100. The COSC-certified caliber B19 operates at 4 Hertz and features a column-wheel and vertical clutch. It also brings to life a moon-phase display at 12 o’clock. The technical prowess is further highlighted by a whopping 96 hour power reserve.

The technical complexity goes hand in hand with the finest decorations: the most impressive are the engravings on the solid red gold oscillating weight, that depict Breitling’s historic Montbrillant Manufactory at 3 rue de Montbrillant in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Montbrillant was more than a factory: Its west wing was of the villa-style building was the home for three generations of the Breitling family. The premises also served as Breitling’s manufacture for more than 80 years, had pride of place in company advertisements. Its name even appeared on watch dials in the 1930s and ’40s.

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This new caliber breathes life into a special 140th anniversary edition comprising Breitling’s three flagship models–the Premier, the Navitimer and the Chronomat, all encased in pink gold and paired with distinctive colors for the dials. “These are the most impressive collections in the history of Breitling,” said Georges Kern, CEO of Breitling. “We couldn’t pick just one to showcase the new B19 caliber for our anniversary–it had to be all three.”

Premier B19 Datora 42 140th Anniversary

Breitling Premier B19 Datora 42 140th Anniversary_Ref. RB19401A1B1P1_RGB

The cheap super clone Breitling Premier made its debut in 1943 as the watch that took the chronograph out of the cockpit and socially acceptable. It was conceived by Willy Breitling as the “gentleman’s chronograph,” a symbol of good taste that also happened to be a reliable and functional tool watch.

The anniversary edition, the Premier B19 Datora 42 140th Anniversary, is the most elegant of the trio. Its case has the smallest diameter, 42mm, while offering a water resistance of 100 meters. It retains the Premier’s distinctive Arabic numerals, contrasting minutes scale, and signature square pushers. There is also a tachymeter scale on the flange. Notably, the moon phase is color-coordinated and displays a rather strict looking face.

The Premier B19 Datora 42 140th Anniversary comes on an alligator leather with elegant tone-on-tone topstitching and a gold folding buckle. Pricing is marked at $59,000.

Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary

The Navitimer was the first pilot’s watch to combine a chronograph with the brand’s own wrist-worn circular slide rule that allowed pilots to perform all necessary flight calculations. Originally developed in 1952 for members of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Navitimer quickly found favor with a wider audience, including celebrities and astronauts-in 1962 it became the first Swiss wristwatch in space.

As a true Navitimer, the anniversary edition features the famous slide rule in black, framing the stunning 18-carat red gold dial. Here, the totalizers and sub dials are slightly recessed, adding depth to the dial. The moon phase is depicted in a realistic style on a silver disc.

The Navitimer B19 Chronograph 43 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary measures 43mm wide and is pressure resistant to 30 bar. The strap is made of alligator leather with contrast stitching and an 18 k gold folding clasp. Pricing is also marked at $59,000.

Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary

The Chronomat is by nature the most sporty and adventurous of the trio. First launched in 1983 as the official  best 1:1 replica watch of the Italian aerobatic team, the Frecce Tricolori, its bold design soon became a favorite among chronograph aficionados.

According to Breitling, the Chronomat helped restore the popularity of the mechanical chronograph at the height of the quartz crisis. The anniversary edition features the model’s distinctive design with four raised rider tabs at the 15-minute marks on the unidirectional ratcheting bezel and an “onion” crown. The dial is partially skeletonized to allow a glimpse of the movement.

The Super Chronomat B19 44 Perpetual Calendar 140th Anniversary measures 44mm and is water-resistant to 100 meters. Breitling fans will appreciate the rubber version of the model’s classic Rouleaux bracelet. Pricing is also marked at $59,000.

Owners will also receive a deluxe edition of the book Breitling: 140 Years in 140 Stories (Rizzoli, 2024) personalized with their selected anniversary piece on the cover and showcasing Breitling’s illustrious heritage in vivid storytelling and photography. 

Replica Breitling launches new ocean watch, interpreting color

With summer in full swing,  perfect fake Breitling Superocean Heritage is launching a new line-up of its Superocean collection of diver’s  elegant replica watches. The technical flagship is the Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver, which has an impressive depth rating of 1,000 meters (3,300 ft), making it the deepest diving Superocean timepiece. In addition to this engineering feat, the titanium-clad watch features a patented safety lock for the bidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic inlay, positioned on the left flank and ensuring that no accidental bezel rotation will interfere with decompression stops.

Replica Breitling
Breitling Superocean_Automatic 46 Super Diver_Ref. E10379351B1S1_RGB

The dial is available in two cool camouflage hues, black and green. For a pop of color, the tip of the central second hand is yellow. It is furnished with broad hands and indexes coated with Superluminova that allows for easy readability underwater. Interestingly, the design takes clues from an original from the 1960s which was affectionately called “Superocean Slow Motion” thanks to its pared down design.

Breitling Superocean_Automatic 46 Super Diver_Ref. E10379D31L1E1_RGB

The Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver measures 46mm wide and incorporates a soft-iron inner case that offers protection against the effects of magnetic fields. At the heart of the  prominent copy watch ticks the self-winding caliber Swiss made replica Breitling 10 which is a COSC-certified chronometer and has a power reserve of 42 hours. The two strap options (rubber or titanium bracelet) have a folding clasp that allows for micro-adjustments of up to 15mm for easy wear over rashes and wetsuits. 

The Superocean Automatic 46 Super Diver is priced at $6,300 (rubber strap) and $6,950 (bracelet).

Breitling Superocean Automatic 36_rainbow-dial_Ref. U17377211A1S1_RGB

For watch lovers who prefer more modest proportions and who are open to the use of color, cheap super clone Breitling Premier has even more options in store. The Superocean Automatic 36 for example. Its white dial with rainbow-gradient markers offers a colorful interpretation of the Slow Motions’ minimalist and focused style. Here, too, the dial architecture has an impressive depth that enhances its distinctive charisma. The use of pink gold for the crown and bezel grip adds a luxurious touch and contrast to the white of the ceramic inlay of the unidirectional bezel and dial.

This Superocean Automatic 36 is powered by the caliber 17 and offered with a white rubber strap. Pricing is marked at USD 7,300.

Air, Land, and Sea: Replica Breitling vs. Replica IWC

IWC and Breitling have different ideas about how a pilots’ watch should be designed. Both brands rely heavily on their own in-house traditions. At IWC, the Big Pilot’s Watch from 1940 stands front and center — IWC and other manufacturers supplied this model to the German Air Force.

The features of a pilots’ watch typically include a military triangle and double dots at 12 o’clock, sans serif numerals (where the “1” looks like a simple hash mark), diamond-shaped hands and a large conical crown. These attributes can be found on today’s version of the Big Pilot’s Watch. IWC has made only minimal modifications to the model over the years. The year 2021 saw the introduction of the Big Pilot’s Watch 43 — a 43-mm version without a date or powerreserve indication that more closely reflects the original design. It is powered by the automatic in-house Caliber 82100 with a 60-hour power reserve. On a distinctive riveted leather strap, this model (Ref. IW329301) costs $8,400.

replica breitling

 Breitling copy watches with automatic movement can also reflect on its own extensive pilots’ watch tradition. The icon here is the Navitimer, which looks the same today as it did when it got its light subdials a few years after its introduction in 1952. The chronograph has the characteristic slide-rule track on a rotating bezel for calculating flight parameters. There is a choice of straps between a black leather strap with contrasting stitching and the seven-row metal bracelet with asymmetrical sloping links.  Swiss made replica Breitling UK now offers this model in both 43- and 46-mm sizes. It is powered by the automatic in-house movement B01 with column-wheel control and 70-hour power reserve. Despite its more complex movement (including a chronograph function) the Navitimer costs $8,350 on leather strap (Ref. AB0121211B1X1).

Dive Watches

Even though IWC currently concentrates its efforts on pilots’ watches, the Aquatimer dive watch is alive and well. This collection relies on an unusual technology: the outer bezel is used to move the inner dive time track under the crystal. Amazingly, the Aquatimer Automatic is still water resistant to 300 meters. The dial design recalls the first Aquatimer from 1967, while the rotating bezel was original to the famous Ocean 2000. Overall, the watch has a timeless and minimalistic look. Caliber 30120, which is based on the ETA 2892, ticks inside the 42-mm stainlesssteel case. The number of comparable models with an in-house movement continues to grow at IWC. With a rubber strap and quick-change system, this replica watch for sale (ref. IW329001) is listed at $5,400.

In contrast to IWC, Breitling offers several different dive watch collections as well as a wide range of variation within these collections: assorted colors, retro, and modern/sporty. The modern/sporty category includes the Superocean Automatic 42 with its striking luminous numerals and large red tip on the second hand. Its 42mm steel case is water resistant to a depth of 500 meters. Like IWC, an ETA caliber ticks beneath the steel caseback – here, the 2824. cheap super clone Breitling uses in-house movements from Tudor for other dive perfect replica watches. like the Superocean Heritage B20. This gives the Superocean Automatic 42 (ref. A17366021B1S1) the added advantage of an affordable price: $3,700 on a rubber strap.

Automotive Watches 

IWC boasts a longstanding partnership with Mercedes-AMG, which includes the Formula 1 team and its world record holder Lewis Hamilton. The new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition AMG, with its carbon dial and 43-mm titanium case, has a lightweight construction, like some sports cars. The calfskin strap has a woven structure like the patterned carbon dial. The AMG logo can be found on the tinted sapphire crystal caseback, which gives a view of the automatic in-house movement 69385. Thanks to its structure, this caliber replaces the earlier movements for the pilot chronographs (based on the ETA Valjoux 7750) without requiring changes to the dial layout. The Ingenieur collection once featured watches with an automotive theme, but the successful pilots’ watches have increasingly assumed this role. The AMG chronograph (Ref. IW377903) is priced at $9,100.

The longstanding partnership between Breitling and Bentley is firmly established history, but the manufacture doesn’t set other automotive fans on the back burner. The Top Time Shelby Cobra celebrates a historic automobile icon. Like the sports car, the original Top Time model dates back to the 1960s. The square subdials with rounded corners, the bicompax layout of the dial with no date indication, and the contrasting tachymeter track all provide a retro flair. Its understated 40-mm diameter and perforated rally strap underscore the look. The Shelby Cobra logo pays homage to the unique roadster designed by race car driver and founder Carrol Shelby. The logo appears on the stainless-steel caseback, which protects the Caliber 41, an ETA 2892 or Sellita SW300 with a chronograph module. Like all movements at Breitling, it is chronometer-certified. This retro racing chronograph (Ref. A41315A71C1X2) is available for $5,500.

Professional Pilots

Even beyond the icons, IWC and Breitling interpret a pilots’ watch in different ways. IWC consistently maintains the relationship to its Big Pilot’s Watch and rolls out a homogeneous pilot watch collection based on the unmistakable features of this watch, with different lines growing in various directions through the creative use of color and materials. Even the modern Top Gun collection retains the recognizable, classic features while adding black cases to enhance the professional look. The matte-black 44-mm case for the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition “SFTI” is made of Ceratanium, a new material that combines the durability of titanium with a scratch resistant ceramic surface. An olive-green textile strap and a stopwatch hand counterweight in the shape of an F-18 jet provide a contemporary military touch. IWC works in conjunction with the “Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor” program of the U.S. Navy, nicknamed “Top Gun,” and adds the SFTI abbreviation to honor this elite jet pilot school. The in-house Caliber 69380 powers this IWC chronograph with a column wheel, bidirectional pawl winding system, and power reserve of 46 hours. The price for this watch (ref. IW389104) is $9,150.

In contrast to IWC, Breitling creates something new for each of its pilots’ watch collections. The Avenger Chronograph 45 Night Mission shares no design features with the Navitimer. Its striking case shape was designed for use while wearing gloves. Anthracite-colored DLC coating distinguishes its 45mm titanium case. A khaki dial and stenciled numerals, reminiscent of the markings on military equipment such as aircraft carriers, are clearly inspired by the military. The automatic caliber Breitling 13, based on the Sellita SW500, powers the Avenger Chronograph 45 Night Mission with a 48-hour power reserve, making it possible to offer a more economical price. This chronograph (ref. V13317101L1X2) costs $6,150.

Breitling offers a greater selection and lower prices across the board, while IWC can draw on a larger number and greater variety of in-house movements, and pursues steadier model policies over the long term.

Testing the replica Omega Seamaster 300 Co-Axial Chronometer

With the latest version from 2021,perfect Omega replica continues to offer an attractive reinterpretation of its first true dive watch from 1957, but has also incorporated some unexpected changes, especially when compared to its direct predecessor from 2014. We take a closer look at the new Seamaster 300 Co-Axial Master Chronometer.

Design

For our test,  perfect fake Omega Speedmaster moon watch provided a stainless-steel model with blue dial and matching dive bezel insert (Ref. 234.30.41.21.03.001) — a rather attractive combination that was previously only available in platinum, bicolor or titanium, with the latter costing about a third more than the stainless-steel version with black dial. Given the model’s vintage appeal (and blue dials continuing to be extremely popular), we’re glad this option is now available in stainless steel and feel it made sense to not use the high-tech metal here, even though this means buyers currently don’t have a lightweight option and would have to opt for the slightly larger Diver 300m Co-Axial Master Chronometer “007 Edition” (Ref. 210.90.42.20.01.001) instead.

The basic design of the replica watches online uk from 2021 and 2014, as well as the original model from 1957, are very similar (see the overview photo following). At second glance, however, some differences become clear. The new watch comes with only the logo and the historical “Seamaster 300” lettering on the dial; the second hand ends in a luminous “lolipop” dot instead of an arrow, a feature that was already used for the highly popular “Spectre” limited edition from 2015 (Ref. 233.32.41.21.01.001); and the numerical hour markers 3, 6, 9 and 12 are now also beige-brown, like the triangular hour markers, rather than silver-colored (and often mistaken for white). This is primarily due to the new dial design. In 2014, the triangles were recessed and filled with vintage-style luminous material, often described as “faux patina” (or “fauxtina”). Now, Omega is using a sandwich dial with a luminous-coated base plate and a perforated top layer with cutouts for the numerical hours. As usual, most displays glow blue in the dark, but the minute hand and corresponding zero point on the rotating dive bezel stand out in green.

The bezel track is also coated with luminous material throughout. In addition to the luminous dot, the earlier model had silver numerals made of Liquidmetal alloy. Back then, the base material for the bezel was ceramic; today it is aluminum. We see the advantage of the new model in the more uniform color scheme and greater luminosity of the displays. The disadvantage here is less scratch resistance of the dive bezel than before.

The screw-down crown, which ensures the water resistance to 300 meters noted in the watch’s name, is slightly smaller on the new model, but its conical shape makes it just as ergonomic as the cylindrical crown of its predecessor. As before, it can still be used in the halfway pulled-out position for moving the hour hand forward or back, which is useful when crossing time zones or switching from daylight saving time to standard time. A stop-seconds mechanism ensures accuracy whenever setting the time anew. This now-commonplace technology stops the seconds hand whenever the crown is pulled out completely.

Bracelet

best copy Omega Seamaster Diver 300M  has also modified the details of the bracelet. Like so many other retro-look models coming out of Biel, the bracelet tapers toward the clasp. In addition, the product designers switched the polished and matte surfaces so that now, as in 1957, the polished surfaces are on the outer links. The visual effect is stunning. The entire watch looks more elegant thanks to the tapered bracelet with outer polished links. That’s the advantage. The disadvantage? The outer links are more exposed than the inner links which, like the bezel, increases the susceptibility to scratches. But it should be noted that in our wearing test, over a period of several weeks, hardly any scratches were left on the bracelet or on the bezel.

The well-made clasp is virtually unchanged. The sturdy folding clasp is secure and easy to use thanks to its one-sided opening structure and two deployant buttons. A huge advantage: inside, there’s a patented quick extension piece with three locking levels that can be operated with a push-button slider to adjust the length. For example, you can lengthen the bracelet by one or two 1.9-mm increments for greater comfort on a hot day. This is less than the six increments that were offered by the previous model, so be very careful during the initial sizing of the bracelet. There are whole and half links to ensure comfort, so after some trial and error, you’re certain to find the right length.

A sturdy pin inside the links is held in place by screws on both sides of the bracelet. Omega also holds a patent for this high-end detail. After proper adjustment of the length of the bracelet, the Seamaster 300 is very comfortable to wear from morning to night.

Movement

The sapphire crystal caseback no longer has a smooth round edge but a wavelike grooved edge, which can be found on most Seamaster models today. The large transparent window offers a view of the precise, individually decorated, antimagnetic components that make up the automatic, in-house 8912 caliber. This movement is structurally identical to the Caliber 8400 used in the 2014 generation and also evaluated by Switzerland’s Federal Institute of Metrology

(METAS). The technical advantages have all remained; the rotor winds in both directions and provides an above-average power reserve of 60 hours. The silicon hairspring can ensure an extremely accurate rate even when exposed to temperature fluctuations or impacts. The balance wheel is mounted beneath a bridge for better stability and security than a single-sided balance cock; four poising weights for fine adjustment allow it to “breathe” freely. And last but not least, Omega’s own co-axial escapement with multilevel pallets and escape wheel provides consistent impulse transmission for even greater rate accuracy.

All of the structural advantages of the in-house movements prompted Omega to go beyond the rate test conducted by the official Swiss chronometer agency COSC, and the company began submitting its watches to the testing agency METAS for additional certification. The fully assembled timepieces are tested for functional reliability, rate stability, water resistance, power reserve and resistance to extreme magnetic fields of up to 15,000 gauss.

A watch that passes all these tests is certified by METAS as a Master Chronometer. Due to the considerable number of timepieces Omega produces, the testing agency has a subsidiary in the Omega building in Biel. The independence of the tests, as verified contractually by both partners, is guaranteed at all times.

And our test watch? It conforms to the promise of the high quality standards, both on the timing machine and on the wrist. The electronic test showed a gain of 4.2 seconds per day, but only 2 seconds when worn on the wrist. The individual positions were only 4 seconds apart, which is even more difficult to attain than a small average deviation.

This Seamaster 300 movement offers the same advantages as the previous generation, even though the above-average performance of the movement and the entire cased watch is officially certified by METAS, which inspired Omega to offer a five-year warranty for its Master Chronometer.

Dive Properties

In our test, the quality replica watch proved itself to be high quality, durable, precise, easy to use and comfortable to wear. One drawback, however, needs to be mentioned. The bezel — which is easy to grasp — extends beyond the edges of the case for ease of use, but this may cause it to shift out of place when you reach into your pocket or put your arm through your backpack strap. In our wearing test, not a day went by without the rotating bezel moving unintentionally. For those who actually plan to use a $6,500 watch as a backup instrument while diving, Omega unquestionably offers more suitable options in the Seamaster range. The Seamaster 300 Co-Axial Master Chronometer tested here is ideal for water sports, but not necessarily suited for diving. Same with the stainless-steel bracelet: the extension isn’t long enough to go over a dive suit (an extra-long textile strap can be purchased separately).

The bezel track without minute markers also indicates that Omega’s intention here was rather to create a harmonious retro design and not necessarily a rugged tool watch. Therefore, all in all, the Seamaster 300 is more advisable for everyday wear or recreational sports, as well as for festive occasions — anywhere it can show off its advantages to the fullest.

New Beats Old?

Is the new generation of the Seamaster 300 better than the old? Consider the fully luminous bezel track, the more harmonious color array with uniform beige-brown displays, a more elegant bracelet, the METAS certificate, plus a five-year guarantee and a new stainless-steel version in blue. There are counterarguments, but they’re fewer in number: the bezel is more susceptible to scratches, the clasp has a shorter quick-adjustment length, and the “lollipop” seconds hand might not be to everyone’s taste (we preferred the arrow-tipped hand, which was also used on other Omega models like the Moonwatch, and it fulfills its function as a safety control while diving almost as well as does the large lollipop hand). Overall, the subtle design updates on the new Seamaster 300 have resulted in a more balanced and refined appearance, and the technology, functionality, execution and finishing on the watch leave little to wish for. In short, the generational shift has been successful in every respect.

Omega Seamaster 300 Specs:

Manufacturer: Omega S.A., Stämpflistrasse 96, 2504 Biel/Bienne, Switzerland

Reference number: 234.30.41.21.03.001 

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds 

Movement: In-house movement 8912 with antimagnetic components, automatic, chronometer, 25,200 vph, 38 jewels, stop-seconds, quick-adjust hour setting mechanism, coaxial escapement with silicon hairspring and DLC-coated titanium balance wheel, fine adjustment with regulating screws, two serially arranged barrels, Nivachoc shock absorber, 60-hour power reserve, diameter = 29 mm, height = 5.5 mm 

Case: Stainless steel, aluminum bezel, domed sapphire crystal with inner antireflective coating, screw-down crown, fully threaded caseback with sapphire crystal viewing window, water resistant to 300 m 

Bracelet and clasp: Stainless-steel bracelet with simple safety folding clasp and incremental extension piece, up to 3.8 mm 

Rate results: Deviation in seconds per 24 hours 

Dimensions: Diameter = 41 mm, height = 13.85 mm, weight = 143 g 

Variations: With black dial and bezel (Ref. 234.30.41.21.01.001, $6,500), with Bronze Gold case (Ref. 234.92.41.21.10.001, $11,600) 

Price: $6,500

Scores:

Bracelet and clasp (max. 10 points): The bracelet links are securely fastened with screws and surfaces are carefully finished. The safety folding clasp with incremental extension piece is sturdy, functional and attractive. 9

Case (10): High water resistance, flawless finishing, two sapphire crystals; the aluminum bezel is not scratch-resistant. 8

Dial and hands (10): Nicely finished “sandwich” dial and hands; all displays glow in the dark. 8

Design (15): Harmonious, sporty/elegant retro design; the lollipop second hand may not appeal to everyone. 13

Legibility (5): Scales and hand lengths and luminescence are good overall, but the domed sapphire crystal is highly reflective. In the dark, the abundance of glowing markers, numerals and the minute hand, which only shines at the tip, are confusing. For historical reasons, the bezel has no minute markers. 3

Operation (5): Ergonomically shaped crown, grooved bezel, stop-seconds mechanism, quick adjustment for the hour hand, but the bezel may shift unintentionally. 4

Wearing comfort (5): Thanks to the extension piece, the watch is always comfortable on the wrist; hair does not get pinched or pulled. 5

Movement (20): The individually decorated, antimagnetic movement runs with chronometer-certified accuracy thanks to the free-sprung silicon hairspring and co-axial escapement, and both long and consistently thanks to two barrels; superior. 19

Rate results (10): Average daily gain and maximum deviation are low, at 4 seconds per day; gain of only 2 seconds per day on the wrist. 9

Overall value (10): Appropriately priced for the brand and the quality of the watch. 8

TOTAL: 86 points

Vintage Eye for the Modern Guy: Fake Rolex GMT-Master II

Over the past 100 years or so, best replica Rolex has produced more than a few “dynasty” series of watches — from the Datejust to the Day-Date, to the Explorer, Daytona, and Speedking, to the piece we will be focusing on today: the  best 1:1 replica Rolex GMT-Master II . These watch collections originally built much of their reputations on functionality and durability, but have over the years transitioned more into the luxury (i.e., more expensive) side of horology, giving them another layer of intrigue to many consumers.

The luxury Rolex GMT-Master II replica watches, the descendant of the original GMT-Master (as you might have guessed), is no different. The GMT-Master series, first launched in 1954 with the Reference 6542 model, was aimed at pilots and travelers looking to keep track of the time over various time zones. This watch, with its familiar oyster case, had a 24-hour bidirectional Bakelite bezel, a lack of crown guards, and a prone-to-patina dial depending on the owner’s level of use. Over the next few years and references, Rolex introduced a less fragile (relative to the Bakelite) metal bezel, crown guards for more protection, and various improvements on the original movement.

In 1983, the original GMT-Master II made its first appearance, with Reference 16760. This “sequel” series to the GMT-Master came to be recognized for its larger, thicker case, more prominent crown guards, and more robust overall feel compared to previous pieces in the broader history of the series. In 1999, the original GMT-Master was discontinued, but today the GMT-Master II still stands strong as an integral pillar in Rolex’s portfolio.

The modern reference, the 116710, is an interesting piece with both contemporary and vintage design elements. Cased in a 40-mm steel, yellow or white gold, or steel-and-yellow-gold case, with the familiar 24-hour rotating bezel and crown guards, the piece is powered by the durable automatic Caliber 3186. On the dial resides applied circular, rectangular, and triangular hour markers in white gold; a date indicator with “cyclops” lens at the 3 o’clock mark; and a host of different writing, including the corporate logo toward the top of the dial and descriptors of the watch toward the bottom.

The last key features to notice are the hands, which include a “Mercedes”-style hour hand, a sword-shaped hand for minutes, a lollipop-tipped hand for seconds, and, finally, a triangle-tipped GMT hand pointing to the 24-hour scale on the bezel. The GMT-Master II is widely available at many different dealers, and most often starts in price at around $7,000.

On one hand, there are many similarities between the modern GMT-Master II and more historical references, but on the other, there are also many differences. Today, the 24-hour bezel, GMT hand, and dial features have remained practically the same, outside of a few color options and material improvements. Coversely, however, the lugs are much shorter, the case is much thicker, and some color options previously available on the steel versions (such as the famous red-and-blue “Pepsi” bezel, as seen below) are now available only on the models made of more precious metals, such as white gold. Overall, the modern watch is a very different piece as compared to the original GMT-Masters of the 1950s and ‘60s. It is today a much more masculine and  practical fake watch, more likely to be found sitting thick upon the wrist of a boardroom executive than that of a pilot — despite its very interesting heritage in the world of aviation and its enduring fame among lovers of pilots’ watches.

I have mentioned in the past the strong craving of many vintage-watch enthusiasts for more historically faithful re-editions by Rolex. But the brand, thus far, has focused much more on appealing to modern tastes than by humoring those seeking the designs of years past. That said, The top quality replica Rolex GMT-Master II model has been in production for over 10 years (it was released in 2007), so fans of the series will likely see an update to the collection in the near future. And if the latest Daytona unveiled at Baselworld is any indication, it might just include a historical nod, whether it’s the bezel, color options, or even more.

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