Category: Panerai

Lately, discussions within the replica watch enthusiast community have predominantly centered around replica watches with increased weight, a trend that has gained significant traction in the latter half of this year. While the replication of watches has progressively approached authenticity, enthusiasts continue to pursue perfection. Notably, some individuals in the market have undertaken custom-made projects on replicas produced by renowned factories like Clean, ZF, and VS. Among these, Clean, ZF, and VS were among the first to incorporate cases with increased weight into replica watches. Subsequently, other factories, including GM and GS, followed suit, releasing Day-Date replicas with increased weight, garnering considerable popularity upon their introduction to the market.

A notable addition to this trend is the emergence of TED, a factory specializing in YachtMaster 226659 replicas with increased weight. TED is rumored to be a sub-branch of the VS company, although some believe it to be a small independent studio with strong ties to VS. Presently, the most discussed factories in this context are Gold and APS. Gold focuses on replicating Daytona and YachtMaster models with increased weight, while APS specializes in Daytona and Royal Oak 15400 replicas with increased weight, with Gold gaining more popularity.

There are speculations surrounding Gold factory‘s origin, with some suggesting it is operated by Clean. However, the prevailing belief is that Gold is an established watch part factory with years of experience in the market. Gold currently exclusively produces Daytona and YachtMaster models with rubber bands. For a detailed comparison, images of the Daytona with a gray dial and rubber band from both Gold and APS were captured and analyzed.

Both Gold and APS utilize tungsten steel in their cases, albeit not in its pure form. Instead, a tungsten steel alloy is employed, as pure tungsten steel is excessively hard. The weight of the APS Daytona measures 145.2 grams, slightly heavier than the Gold variant at 142.9 grams. In comparison, the Daytona from Clean weighs approximately 109 grams, making both Gold and APS models over 30 grams heavier than their counterparts from Clean or BT. Despite this added weight, there remains a discrepancy compared to the genuine Daytona, which weighs around 160 grams. The use of tungsten steel affects the polishing of the case, as it is inherently harder and less easily polished to the smoothness achievable with stainless steel.

The primary distinction between the two lies in the movement. Gold Factory employs a Dandong 4130 movement in its Daytona, while APS opts for the Shanghai 4130. The Dandong 4130 has established itself as a reliable movement over the years, whereas the Shanghai 4130 is relatively new to the market, currently featured only in Daytona replicas produced by ZF and APS. This could explain the higher price tag of the Gold Daytona compared to its APS counterpart.

Both watches share a remarkably similar case shape and size, suggesting they may originate from the same watch part factory. The gray dial exhibits a slight variation in color between the two, with no clear superiority. On the clasp, the engravings on the APS Daytona appear thicker and deeper, with both Gold and APS utilizing 904L stainless steel for the clasp.

In conclusion, the provided images showcase the Daytona from Gold Factory, distinguished by a dog head icon, and the APS Factory variant featuring a green sticker.

This article was initially featured in the January/February 2022 Issue of the WatchTime print magazine. Photos captured by Marcus Krüger.

In celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Explorer II, Rolex has unveiled a refreshed version adorned with a new movement and subtle design tweaks. We delve into the latest iteration to unravel what it brings to the tables of collectors, explorers, and adventurers alike.

Leading up to last year’s Watches and Wonders in April, speculations surrounding the anniversary edition of the Explorer stirred anticipation. Would it adopt a ceramic bezel? Could we expect a distinctive green hand or other elements in the iconic Rolex anniversary color? Perhaps a shift in the case diameter? Surprisingly, none of these materialized. The alterations to the new Explorer’s aesthetic are discreet, with even seasoned watch enthusiasts struggling to pinpoint the changes, except for the discernible wider bracelet evident only in a side-by-side comparison.

Is this lack of significant changes disappointing? Interestingly, not at all. Rolex’s commitment to design continuity is a key factor contributing to its enduring success and stability in value. While other watch brands opt for a biennial overhaul of their less popular models, Rolex takes a different approach by enhancing the technology across its entire collection, even for those models with less demand. Until a few years ago, the Explorer II was considered one of Rolex’s sport models available at a discount from select jewelers. Those days are now a thing of the past. The updated model, with its minimal visual adjustments, has garnered substantial popularity. Yet, this appeal goes beyond the surface changes, owing much to the introduction of the new caliber, which has swiftly become a hallmark within the Rolex portfolio.

In the realm of replica watches, the allure of this commemorative Explorer II echoes beyond its authentic counterpart. Enthusiasts and collectors seeking the essence of Rolex’s timeless design and innovation may find satisfaction in high-quality replica Rolex Watches that capture the spirit of the original. The subtle modifications to the Explorer II’s appearance, coupled with the technological advancements represented by the new caliber, create a captivating narrative for replica watch aficionados. As the boundaries between authenticity and replication blur, the quest for the perfect replica becomes a pursuit of craftsmanship and precision, mirroring the ethos of the renowned watchmaker. Whether an authentic collector or a connoisseur of replica Rolex watches, the Explorer II’s enduring legacy is poised to captivate the hearts of horology enthusiasts worldwide.

Despite the presence of crown guards, the unscrewing of the crown is a straightforward process. In its first position, the crown functions predictably by winding the mainspring. Transitioning to the second position allows for the adjustment of the hour hand in convenient hourly increments, particularly valuable when crossing into different time zones. The 24-hour hand serves as a reliable indicator of home time. Notably, if the hour hand crosses the date line, the date adjusts accordingly, demonstrating a seamless and almost quickdate-like mechanism that operates effortlessly in both forward and backward directions.

Moving to the third position facilitates the advancement of the minute hand, alongside adjustments for the 24-hour and standard hour hands. The Oysterlock clasp, ensuring a secure closure, proves user-friendly. A safety bar, easily lifted over the spring-held lever, opens the robust folding clasp. Additionally, the practical Easylink extension, capable of extending up to 5 mm, can be effortlessly unfolded from the clasp, enhancing the overall comfort and adaptability of the timepiece.

Blue is the embodiment of ocean, which perfectly matches the navy watch theme of Panerai. Panerai seldom used blue color in their dial design, so this PAM 690 with blue dial has a certain value and rarity. The blue color highlights the marine element of Panerai, it also increases the elegance, making the watch look attractive.

This PAM 690 replica watch made by Z factory uses 47mm Radiomir 1940 case that is made of 316L stainless steel, 47mm is a classic size of Panerai watch and it also meets current big watch trend. Blue dial is sandwiched and features big hour markers, small seconds subdial reproduces the classic design of Panerai. Vintage golden hands and hour markers are applied Super-LumiNova, to ensure the dial still readability at night. The band is made with unprocessed calf skin leather, it keeps the original texture and color of the leather, there is OP logo on the band.

Original PAM 690 is 500 limited in quantity, the watch was firstly introduced in 2016, now you can not buy this watch from a Panerai boutique because it has been out of stock for a long time. So here Z factory brought a perfect replica of PAM 690. Although the watch has a 47mm case diameter, it does not look that large on your wrist because there is no crown bridge.

Above blue dial, there is a Plexi crystal that looks super clear, the crystal is not flat but domed, it is very difficult to make such a dome-shaped crystal, I mean the factory must spend more money to make this bubble crystal. If you accidentally broke the crystal, we can send you a new one, but it will be very expensive. So, you must be careful when wearing this watch.

PAM 690 belongs to Radiomir 1940 series, 47mm case is made of 316L stainless steel that is polished, including the round smooth bezel. The replica watch is equipped with an Asian 6497 manual winding movement, which beats 216000 times per hour, Z factory replicated this movement according to the outlook of P.3000. You can see the inner movement through display case back, the blue engravings on movement plate and jewels color are completely the same as genuine Panerai P.3000.

The replica has a brown leather band that made of the same calf skin leather as genuine watch. It feels very soft. Blue dial, golden hands and brown ASSO leather band make this Panerai replica watch not only look fashionable, but also with some retro style.

Now, Panerai replicas are basically manufactured by two main factories, they are KW and ZF. KW is the earliest factory that made good quality Panerai replica watches, their new independently developed clone P.9XXX movement has reached a new level in stability and accuracy. The best automatic Panerai replica watches now come from KW factory. However, when it comes to replica Panerai with manual winding movement, Z factory is the leader because they make the best clone P.3000 movement.