As you might have already observed, we put a lot of emphasis on Rolex watches in this blog. Every one of its pages includes at least a couple of articles dedicated to Rolex fabulous collections. This is because there is so much to tell about the remarkable brand that has made and still makes history every other year.
But, we have to be honest and pay homage to other watchmaking brands that are, by no means, less reputable and quintessential. When it’s to classics, some watchmaking houses can’t be disregarded and it’s our moral duty to let you know about them since they represent the fundament of the classic watch concept. We can name at least 5 iconic watchhouses with fabulous classic devices that are simply timeless. Picking any of them will never make you regret your choice. So here they are:
-Panerai Luminor
-Cartier Ballon Bleu
-Patek Philippe Nautilus
-IWC Portuguese
-Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Below, we will describe them in detail, referencing both genuine and replica versions. We hope you find them as phenomenal as we do.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Replica
Going back in time, the first mention of this brand appeared in 1881. This means that the Audemars Piguet watchhouse has transformed its watchmaking activity into science for more than a century. All the collections of this brand revealed a higher and higher talent in creating phenomenal timepieces. Among them, the Royal Oak has a specific meaning.
This line encompasses all that classics mean. The particular design and unbelievable technical construction are the key elements making this collection unique and remarkable. This is proved by its constant demand and expensive price on the market, even though the timepiece is made of stainless steel. In fact, the price is approximately identical to those of luxury gold watches. Therefore, the astonishing design and technical architecture play a significantly higher role than the watch material. Another curious fact is that while some watch brands can spend up to several years designing a certain model, the concept of this one has been created overnight.
Why so attractive?
One of the most attractive specifics of the Royal Oak is the untraditional form of the bezel. Unlike most watches, this one is octagonal housing eight hexagonal screws integrated into it. Besides that, the watch draws attention through the alluring and highly elegant pattern on the dial: the Grande Tapisserie. Such kind of pattern features tiny symmetrical squares, providing an exquisite and refined look. In addition, you can observe that the concave part of the dial comes with a textured pattern, while the convex squares feature a line pattern. Such type of pattern looks phenomenal in black, blue, or grey colors, suggesting the high-level creative artistry of the brand’s designers.
The replica version of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak looks similarly phenomenal. Replica manufacturers professionally reproduce the particular design of the watch, preserving the same symmetry, chromatics, and attention to detail. The bracelet of the replica watch, like its genuine version, conveys a bold and temperamental charisma, making remarkable the style sense of its owner.
Concluding the main benefits of this stunning timepiece, versatility and exceptional aesthetic look are the primary strong points. No matter the occasion, the owner of such a watch looks magnificent, regardless of what he wears.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Replica
Unlike Rolex, the Patek Philippe brand is not so obsessed with marketing. This is why it is improbable to spot the brand on load advertising campaigns. But this does not mean that it is less remarkable in watchmaking craftsmanship. On the contrary, the Patek Philippe house like no other can create magnificent classic watches, simply because “classic” is its synonym. To prove that, just take a look at the Nautilus line.
Historically speaking, the Nautilus term comes from the literature masterpiece “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea”. Being inspired by the novel, the brand transposed all its creativity into the distinctive design of the watch. Similar to the Royal Oak concurrent, the Nautilus features an impressively unconventional shape, becoming its distinctive signature. With this watch, we see again the octagonal bezel, but this time, it is more rounded and curved on the edges.
Similar to their original models, the replica versions of the Nautilus feature specific horizontal grooves on the dial, transiting delicately from bright to dark shades. The bold and temperamental bracelet comes to add a sort of severity to the overall watch aspect, making it look both gorgeous and solemn. The replica version of `Patek Philippe Nautilus is predominantly chosen by solid watch enthusiasts to complement their evening wear as well as by mature customers loving the casual style. Being between a sports and classic timepiece, the Nautilus confirmed once again how creative and passion-driven is the conservative Patek Philippe brand.
Cartier Ballon Bleu Replica
This model discovered the audience’s appreciation in 2007 when it first appeared. At that time, the brand marketed it as the largest round timepiece from the whole catalog. The distinctive particularities of the line include the outstanding technical architecture providing impeccable precision and passionate sensuality borrowed from the brand’s jewelry.
If you had a series of round watches in front of you including this one, it would be impossible to not remark on it. It draws attention through the delicately integrated crown guard slopes over the sapphire cabochon crown. On top of that, the lavish watch size is probably the main factor making this timepiece suitable for both ladies and men. Not to mention that the design versatility makes the watch compatible with a variety of styles and tastes.
Needless to mention that this line is in the top most relevant collections in the brand’s catalog, keeping in extending the number of iterations. Each new iteration introduces new phenomenal technical changes and design improvements.
Well, nothing surprising, in fact. Every time it’s about Cartier, then it’s about exquisiteness and astonishing design approach. It’s highly improbable to NOT find a suitable timepiece in the Cartier collection, regardless of how demanding your preferences are.
IWC Portuguese Replica
Throughout its long history, the IWC Portuguese underwent plenty of changes but always remained loyal to its customers. Being born in 1939, the first concepts featured no more than 33 mm cases to meet the “trends” of that period. Along the way, the watch became significantly larger, reaching sizes up to 43 mm. Regardless of the sizes, all watches from the series had and still have specific features, turning them into highly versatile, attractive, and unique pieces. Each new iteration comes with even more complex constructions, reflecting the innovative and ambitious spirit of the brand. Nowadays, the Portuguese line stands in front of all other brand’s collections.
The Arabic numerals and the streamlined dials of these watches convey a strong classic spirit. On the other hand, the two additional subdials added on the go began to unleash the versatile side of these watches. Nowadays, the various complications and diversifications in design make the Portuguese the most recognizable pieces from all IWC collections.
Panerai Luminor Replica
This brand has a highly curious and interesting history. Until 1993, it supplied with time-devices the Italian army exclusively. In that year though, the brand introduced the first Luminor Marina to the general audience, receiving nothing but astonishing appreciation and admiration. The audience fell quickly in love with the sandwich dial and the generous semicircular crown bridge.
But the big success was yet to come. With the expansion of the collection, Panerai discovered new success horizons. Currently, it is one of the most remarkable watchhouses in Italy and the whole world. The brand also released several other collections to enrich its portfolio. Luminor, being the first one, has remained the essence of Panerai.
Final thoughts
So, here they are the top five most iconic timepieces except for Rolex. Each one of them is a direct competitor for the Rolex timepieces considering the craftsmanship invested by their brands. Rolex is always a great option. And it will always be. But, given that so many customers opt for Rolex replicas, these have become slightly “too abundant”. Therefore, you can opt for another timepiece from these 5, while being sure that it is as superior as Rolex.