calatrava

I suspect the perceived size of the Nautilus has to do with two things: 1. the size measurement is inflated by these two fat protrusions on either side, but if we only measure the outer diameter of the bezel, it is only 38mm. 2. the bezel is quite thick, so the dial is quite small at 27mm across.

The dial is reflective and has a nice sunray type reflection. So, it typically reflects along two cones centered at the center of the dial, and the cones of reflection move as you change the angle of the dial with respect to the light.

The distinctive property of the blue dial on the gen is that the color depends on the lighting conditions, and viewing angle. In practice, you'll be more likely to be called out on the basis of who you are (and whether a $25K gen is credible on you), as opposed to the intrinsic properties of the replica itself. The stickered rotor isn't a deal breaker for me. I for one think that the rotor and SW-200 movement (with its perlage) looks quite good. Honestly, who's going to expect you to take a $25K watch off your wrist and hand it to them (unless you were at gunpoint...)? If you're unsure about it, just try to find it preowned on the forum. I got a preowned one with a blue dial on wrist-check for $275, as it had some wear on the bracelet, but it wasn't anything that a bit of careful masking, elbow grease, and cape cod didn't fix. With the possible exception of my JLC Master Tourbillon, it is probably the best made replica watch I have. Exceptionally classy on the wrist.

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Chronograph Seagull 1963 Chronograph

I would suggest selling it for parts, unless you're planning an IWC Big Pilot project.

This was the thread in question: http://www.replica-watch.info/vb/showthread.php/noob-ap-diver-85100.html?t=85100

Someone commented that the MBK finish is comparable to a gen Rolex, but not a gen Patek. There are Patek Nautiluses with solid casebacks, and in terms of being less likely to be called out, I think the solid caseback is a big plus. As for the accuracy of the blue dial, I'm going for the black dial on the MBK, since that's probably the most accurate MBK version if I decide not to follow through on the hybrid. I currently have the blue dial 1:1, and I just ordered another blue one preowned on wrist-check.com, for a steal, $275 shipped!

I currently have the 1:1 cartel Nautilus, and I'm contemplating getting the MBK Nautilus as well, since it apparently has a better quality of finishing on the case and bracelet. My tentative plan is to transplant the movement and dial from the 1:1 cartel Nautilus into the MBK Nautilus case set, since the MBK case set appears to be better, and has the solid caseback, whereas the 1:1 cartel version has the better date font and date window location. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has attempted this to see if it is feasible. I'm guessing the main potential issue is the height of the movement and dial combination, since the 1:1 has a date overlay, and a Sellita SW200, whereas the MBK has an ETA 2836-2, which in turn has implications on the crown location. Does anyone know if the 1:1 Nautilus date wheel overlay increase the height of the movement? I guess in the worst case, one could transplant the dial, hands, and datewheel overlay to the ETA 2836-2, and install it into the MBK.

Agreed, the date aperture is a bit too far to the left on this version, and is better placed on the cartel's ETA and 21j version. You're also correct that the painted Roman numerals are applied a bit too thickly as compared to the gen. Can't really tell about the cartel version from the photos.The cartel's ETA version does have the issue with the incorrectly placed petite seconds hand, and I've made some observations about the cartel 21j version on leather: 1. the date font for the single digit dates look too large; 2. the date aperture window placement is better than in Robert's; 3. the cabochon jewel on the crown looks too light in color; 4. the silver colored movement, and rotor sticker looks better; 5. it lacks the Cartier deployant, comes with a tang buckle instead; 6. the lugs have a nice polish bevel which Robert's doesn't have; 7. the lugs look a bit strange where the attach to the watch head, it bumps out too much on this version, should just be the lug intersecting with the curve of the case, as opposed to a big indent where they meet. Yes, the movement is poorly done, but I think we'll have to wait a while to see the level of replication seen in the Pam replicas, since the movement in the Pams can be used in a whole slew of Pams, but the movement in the Calibre de Cartier is only used here. As you've said before, even the Patek rotors on the 1:1 Nautilus and Aquanaut are disappointing. However, the common observation in the replica market is that they correct a flaw, only to introduce another. I guess this allows them to milk the most obsessed of replica collectors by having them buy several versions of a watch in order to mix and match parts. My sense is that the replicas for the Calibre de Cartier are still in a state of flux, just look at Watcheden for a range of variants, none of which are fully satisfactory. For me, since none of the current offerings are perfect, I'm content with my cheapie from Robert, until such time that they come up with a much more accurate version. Let me put it this way, if you don't take the watch off your wrist, it does look very nice on the wrist, even if there are a number of flaws. If you can live with the too low petite seconds subdial, then the ETA cartel version looks very good to me as well, except that it is twice the price.

This is a photo of the replica in bright natural light. Some additional comparison photos.

Yeah, I was contemplating the asian ETA clone version which is available from the cartel as well, but figured I didn't want to spend that much money. The main issue with the cartel version is the petite seconds subdial, which cuts into the chapter ring. It does have a more accurate date aperture location though. One interesting thing I noticed in looking at the photos of the asian ETA version is that the serial number on the caseback is the same as the one on mine, so that part is probably reused here. However, it does look like the case on the cartel version is better made, with a sharper interface between the lugs and the rest of the watch head. I would be happy to do a review if someone sends me a cartel Calibre de Cartier...

It is indeed quite substantial. It's 6.3 oz or 178g.

Description of the Gen Reproduced from: http://cartier.watchprosite.com/show-forumpost/fi-886/pi-3858951/ti-615766/s-0/ Launched at SIHH 2010, the Calibre de Cartier is a sharp departure from Cartier’s other lines. Conceived entirely as a sports, or at least sporty, men’s watch, the Calibre is aimed at a segment in which Cartier has yet to establish a significant presence. Cartier has made sports watches thorough its storied past. The watch designed for the Pasha of Marrakesh to swim with was a notable early waterproof watch while the Santos was designed as an aviator’s watch. But because of their refined aesthetics neither of these watches or their descendants can truly be regarded as sports watch in the modern sense of the term. More recently Cartier has presented watches like the Roadster and 21 Chronoscaph, as well as the Pasha Seatimer which features a rotating elapsed time bezel. Last year saw Cartier unveil one of its most aesthetically radical watches, the Santos 100 coated in black ADLC. All of these watches, however, are derivatives of existing designs. In contrast, the Calibre de Cartier is a wholly new design, conceived for a particular segment. It is not a diver’s watch like the Rolex Sea-Dweller, nor a pilot’s watch like the IWC Mark XVI; instead it is the kind of watch that is entirely suitable for daily wear to the office and perhaps to the gym. It is, in short, a type of watch that caters to a very broad market. Yet this watch is hardly bland or generic. While the Calibre de Cartier retains design flourishes that are identified with Cartier, like the sword hands and sapphire in the crown, it looks and feels very different from any Cartier that has come before, primarily due to its large and sculpted case. But what’s inside the new case is equally significant. The Calibre de Cartier uses a new in-house calibre, the 1904 MC, a simple and robust movement with evident potential for production on a large scale. Coupled with its US$6500 retail price, it puts the Calibre in a strong position relative to others in this price range. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PAuPuQmdvHU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Description of the Replica I just received this Calibre de Cartier replica from Robert. It seems nicely made, and very substantial. A few quick observations: 1. The crystal on the front is domed and appears to be sapphire (by the water drop test). The display caseback is mineral glass. 2. The links have screws (small, and easy to lose, ask me how I know...) on each side, and a bar in between, with two half links for adjustment. I removed 1.5 links to fit my 6.75" wrist. 3. The date is very slightly obscured by the arrow in the middle of the date aperture when looking at the watch face on. 4. The hands are lumed (very weak), and only the four indices at 12, 3, 6, and 9 on the chapter ring are lumed. 5. The rehaut is fluted, like the gen. 6. There is no AR on the sapphire crystal, unlike the gen. Compared to the ETA version from the cartel, the petite seconds subdial appears to be more correctly placed, as it is not supposed to intersect the chapter ring. The movement in the display caseback is a clear tell, but I guess the same could be said of the ETA movement, although a silver colored sandblasted asian 21j movement might have been less glaring than the gold tone 21j movement that this watch has. The most significant difference, apart from the movement, is the case height. The replica has a higher case, and the dimensions of the crown guard and the lugs appear to have been scaled proportionately. From the photo comparison, you'll see that the lugs have larger curvature on the replica, and the crown guards are thicker as well. The lugs on the gen have a beveled edge which is polished, and on the replica, both the bevel and the polish are much less pronounced. Photo Comparison The gen photos that follow are from this article: http://www.ablogtoread.com/cartier-calibre-watch-now-with-bracelet/ I have tried to pose my replica in a similar position, so that it is easier to make a comparison. The gen has the black dial, and the rep has the white dial. I did not compare the deployant clasp, but it appears to have been accurately reproduced on the rep.

It isn't Monday yet here, but this is what I'm planning on wearing:

The closest stock replica to this watch is probably this Calatrava:

I haven't seen a replica Patek which looks like this, but honestly, this looks like a Timex with a redone dial. A dressy Patek with lumed hands is just wrong on so many levels. I think the only Pateks with lumed hands are the Nautilus and Aquanaut.

You can get a preowned gen Vacheron Constantin Overseas (older style) for under $5K. This is however such a rarified level of high-end dressy sports watch that your three "watch buffs" might not appreciate it. Look, Rolex is a nice watch, and has contributed more to horology than many watch snobs are willing to give credit for, but to me, anyone who believes there's nothing better than a Rolex knows nothing about truly high end brands. Actually, I think that your original idea of a preowned JLC Reverso ultra thin is fantastic, it is a real dress watch, classy, understated, timeless, and elegant. More importantly, it is truly an iconic watch, and real watch enthusiasts will approve wholeheartedly of it. I don't however think that your three "watch buffs" with their Bvlgari will recognize the awesomess of a JLC Reverso. You need to start hanging out with people who truly appreciate fine watches. Get the JLC Reverso, or a Vacheron Overseas, or some other nice dress watch that you'll want to hold on to after the formal event. I wouldn't waste money on a watch which wasn't timelessly elegant just to impress a bunch of know nothing "watch buffs." But, make sure to get a two or three hand watch, without a chronograph, dress watches should be simple and understated. Anyhow, this is a review of the older Vacheron Overseas. http://www.tp178.com...nsVCreview1.htm

I like it a lot, very solid, and the domed sapphire crystal is a nice touch. The dial is nicely finished, even under a loupe. The SS bracelet has a very substantial double deployant with button release, and it looks like it'll last. One thing is that the links are huge, and thus, so are the half-links, which makes it a bit more difficult to get a perfect fit to the bracelet. For example, on my 6.75" wrist, I use 4 links on one side, and 3.5 links on the other side. Excellent value for the $129 I paid for it.

I just received this Calibre de Cartier replica from Robert. It seems nicely made, and very substantial. A few quick observations: 1. The crystal on the front is domed and appears to be sapphire (by the water drop test). 2. The links have screws (small, and easy to lose, ask me how I know...) on each side, and a bar in between, with two half links for adjustment. I removed 1.5 links to fit my 6.75" wrist. 3. The date is very slightly obscured by the arrow in the middle of the date aperture when looking at the watch face on. 4. The hands are lumed (weak), and only the four indices at 12, 3, 6, and 9 on the chapter ring are lumed. 5. The rehaut is fluted, like the gen. Compared to the ETA version from the cartel, the petite seconds subdial appears to be more correctly placed, as it is not supposed to intersect the chapter ring. The movement in the display caseback is a clear tell, but I guess the same could be said of the ETA movement, although a silver colored sandblasted asian 21j movement might have been less glaring than the gold tone 21j movement that this watch has. Okay, now to some quick wrist shots.

That is an amazing build, congratulations.

I chanced upon photos of a genuine Patek Philippe 5711/1A, and wanted to share it with everyone. For photos of other high-end genuine watches, you should browse the following website: http://www.minutemachines.com/

The color of the white dial is very close, the main difference is the depth of the guilloche. I'm still not certain that the gen has AR coating, maybe just on the inside, or it could be that the sapphire crystal is much higher quality and hence clearer and less reflective. If there is AR on the gen, it is colorless. Anyhow, single or double AR should improve the replica quite substantially.

Yes, but a few members have purchased that watch, and reported that it is currently coming with a black date wheel. You could try asking Angus if he'll be able to get you one with the white date wheel, but he might just end up getting you the cartel version instead.

Honeybear is my handle on RWI and RWG. I posted similar photos here: which was a comparison between the gen and the cartel version... Actually this particular watch was a mix of the cartel dial with too short second hands, and a somewhat lower quality bracelet, in that the shiny bevels between the links was at the wrong angle. The crown was also too thick, the Maltese cross and the arabic numerals were too small. I've since sold this, and replaced it with a better version, which I purchased from puretimewatch.com: http://www.puretimewatch.com/product/overseas-automatic-ss-white-dial-eta-2824/ It seems to be the Silix-Prime version, but without the double AR. This is a photo of this version: The black dial version apparently comes with a black datewheel at the moment, which is incorrect. You'll also need the AR treatment more urgently with the black dial version. There is a wonderful comparison of the SIlix and cartel versions here: http://www.replica-watches-guide.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=141

I have the blue dial, and I think it is a bit off, It could be a bit darker, and more bluish, but it's okay. Get the black dial if it bothers you.