Items Tagged With Panerai

Frequently Asked Questions
Written By: Richard Brown
2005-11-27 22:10:55

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General Questions

Q: What is a replica watch?

A: A replica watch is a functional or partially functional copy of an original watch design created by a famous manufacturer. In my opinion a watch that doesn't function (is a prop) should be defined by the term "fake."

Q: What are "Swiss" replicas?

A: The term "Swiss" refers to the quality of the watch, usually indicating that the movement is made in Switzerland. This movement is typically made by ETA (http://www.eta.ch). "Swiss" quality replicas are some of the best in the industry, and tend to use similar materials that were used in the original watch.

"Swiss" replicas tend to cost more than other examples, giving their manufacturers more leeway to use more expensive materials in their construction. Swiss replicas will use sapphire crystals and higher quality dials.

Note that "Swiss", "Japanese", and "Asian" in reference to replicas are broad terms covering a lot of ground. A "Swiss" watch may be of lower quality than a "Japanese" example; since there is no quality control in the manufacturing of replicas quality varies greatly from watch to watch.

Q: What are "Japanese" replicas?

A: The term "Japanese" replica refers to the quality and origin of the movement in the watch. "Japanese" movements are usually of lesser quality than the Swiss movements, but are also less expensive. This means the overall cost of the watch is less than Swiss replicas. "Japanese" replicas also typically use inferior materials in their construction compared to the original watch.

"Japanese" replicas are more common, and are easier to spot because of the shortcuts taken in their construction. They will use sapphire or even mineral glass crystals, and typically a poorer attention to detail than the higher end models.

Q: What are "Asian" replicas?

A: "Asian" replicas are made of very inferior materials. They are easy to spot as replicas because they are lighter and flimsier than the original. "Asian" replicas are common items in Chinatown, and can be purchased for around $30.

"Asian" replicas are what many people think of when the term replica watch is brought up in conversation. They are cheap imitations of the original mass produced for tourists. These watches will use cheap pot metal cases plated over to imitate stainless steel. Also glass and plastic crystals are common. Even plastic parts in the movement have been known. There's little difficulty in spotting a replica of this quality; they don't look like five thousand dollar watches.

Q: What is "triple" and "single" wrapped gold?

A: Solid gold is too expensive a material to make replicas from. Most "gold" replicas instead use some time of gold plating to emulate a real gold watch. Normal plating puts a single layer of about 2-4 microns of gold plating on a watch; this is enough to give a gold look to the watch, but the thin plating wears off over time. "Triple" wrapped watches simply means that this plating process is done three times, giving a very thick coating of gold to the watch. This coating is thick enough that watches with "triple" wrapped gold plating can pass for solid gold watches in tests. This coating also resists fading very well.

Another theory is that this term is a marketing ploy developed by replica dealers online. There is no evidence that this multiple plating is done; the best guess is that a thicker coating of gold is used on the higher end watches than on cheaper models.

Q: Is all stainless steel the same in replica construction?

A: No, some cheaper Asian replicas actually use stainless steel plating over a pot metal core. This can wear off just like gold plating can. It tends to be very shiny and looks "fake." Some Japanese replicas use a cheaper quality of stainless steel in their manufacturing process. Most Swiss replicas use 440 Stainless, which is the same quality of metal that some of the original manufacturers use. Not using the proper materials can mean that the replica can feel light in comparison to the original. Some low-end replica manufacturers use weights inside the cast to try and match the original watch.

Q: Should my metal watch band have pins or screws in it?

A: It depends on the model, but most original watches with metal bands have screws in the last links of the band to allow it to be sized for the wearer. Some early Rolex models used rivets, but all of the current models have screws in the band. Cheaper replicas use pins in all cases because it's less expensive.

Omega is a manufacturer that uses pins in their bands.

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Panerai Blackseal PAM 183
Written By: Richard Brown
2005-05-16 23:42:00

The Blackseal is a new watch by Panerai, in their Radiomir line. It draws upon the design heritage of some famous Panerais of the past, while remaining sleek and modern in its own right. The genuine Blackseal retails for around $4,000, and was for a period in short supply.

Panerai Comparison
Written By: Richard Brown
2006-04-19 09:26:52

Panerai fakes have flooded the market in the last two years. Currently there is more activity with copying this brand than any other with the exception of Rolex. These comparison shots are of earlier fakes. We'll be posting later shots of some of the newer more accurate replicas. The high-end Panerai fakes are difficult to spot if you're not familiar with the brand. Careful research is important if you're shopping on the second-hand market. Our Panerai Gallery has more photos and descriptions of these watches.

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