All our family friends know that my wife and I are replica watch hobbyists. Everyone knows about our passion which has lasted for more than 10 years. No matter how many times our friends tried to change our focus to authentic watches, everything was in vain. The replica watch hobby has become a fun activity for us.
In this context, friends already know that there is no better gift for us than replica watches. We are not very picky about imitations. We accept any quality because we are curious to compare them and draw conclusions about which factory is better or which grade of quality is more reliable (A, AAA, or AAAAA). Respectively, we are happy with any model and from any factory.
Recently, we celebrated our move to our new home. We also threw a small party on this occasion. The friends, of course, did not complicate things too much with gifts for the house, deciding to give us a pair of Breitling Chronomat replica watches, for me and my wife. You know, to mark a new milestone in our lives. We appreciated the gift of course. And we both waited impatiently for the party to end so we could put our replica watches on. What conclusion did we reach? Stay with me to see which replica watch proved to be more reliable, and why.
Short introduction
First of all, we both received as a gift a Breitling Chronomat replica watch, the authentic model of which appeared in 2020. So they are not exactly fresh models in the market, instead, they have a strong historical value. The watches relaunched in 2020 were a tribute to the models from 1984 when the brand celebrated its 100th anniversary. The Chronomat series gained public attention as soon as it became available to a wide audience.
These watches manifest themselves through a rich presence, exuding a mature air expressed through the most intricate features and architectures. Add integrated Rouleaux bracelets and you get a truly temperamental watch with a serious yet captivating personality.
As for the technical aspect of the revamped Chronomat timepieces, my wife and I knew that the Chronomat B01 42 for men was driven by Caliber 01 automatic chronograph movement, and the Ladies’ Chronomat Automatic 36 models were featuring a Caliber 120 automatic movement. Respectively, the authentic models promised a spectacular technical profile.
Even today, these models are considered all-purpose timepieces, regardless of whether they are worn by men or women.
Keeping the beautiful description of the genuine watches in mind, my wife and I were eager to find out how good the knockoffs of these models are. We had 2 scenarios in our heads: either we are disappointed in them, or we bring the ovations to the manufacturers.
Breitling Chronomat B01 42 replica watch: first impression
Even if I am very impressed with the authentic model, I will try to be as objective as possible with the replica one. To be honest, I am a fan of minimalist dress watches. This Chronomat is neither minimalist nor dressy. I mean, it has a dose of formality in it, but its formality is more inclined toward severity than elegance.
However, I had promised myself to be as open-minded as possible. Friends thought that the panda-style model would be the most suitable for me. Without considering the complexity of the replica watch, I admit that the panda dial captured me immediately.
Before putting the knockoff on my wrist, I rotated and twisted it in my hands to inspect it from all angles.
The finishing combination was among the first aspects that jumped out to me. The game between the brushed and finished textures is truly an instant win. Taking into account the dimensions, the weight, and the overall charisma of this replica watch, I started to feel its aristocratic air. But it is not about a pure aristocracy, but one intertwined with a strong sporty character.
Breitling Chronomat B01 42 replica watch design
The design of the dial revolves around steel and silver tones, with black accents. The black accents, in fact, are not only a design element but also a technique to improve the readability of the dial. Respectively, the first conclusion regarding this imitation is that it has a very clear and intuitive legibility.
The aesthetic appearance of the knockoff reflects strength and temperament. You can identify these aspects by the bezel with claw-style rider tabs on it, the bracelet with its pronounced Rouleaux architecture, as well as the onion-shaped crown. I’m not really the “panda guy”, but I have to admit that this “dresses” the replica watch with a retro-modern air.
As for the texture of the imitation, I said before that the finish creates a feeling of comfort to the touch. At the same time, the game of finishes gives the replica watch a luxurious, but also vigorous aura at the same time.
The tones of the dial, the shape of the crown, as well as the architecture of the bracelet, faithfully reproduce the concept of the authentic watch.
Breitling Chronomat B01 42 replica dial readability
I mentioned before that the replica watch is extremely legible, despite the dial being too busy (for me). But I would like to add something else to this topic. The legibility of the replica watch is due not only to the chromatic contrast. The execution of the hour markers and hands has a no less important role. The replica manufacturers have applied a wonderful polish to the hands of the watch.
In addition, they reproduced the faceted design of the hour markers so that they produce the necessary shadow and render the necessary visual depth. All these details as a whole stand out against the silver tone of the dial plate.
As for the chronograph, it is logical for the replica watch to have a red hand. Honestly, I never use the chronograph function in a replica watch. But I always test it to make sure it works as it should. Respectively, I activated it with the help of the chronograph pushers near the crown and it comes in handy for easy read-offs.
A small shortcoming of this imitation is the lume covering of the dial. I saw a picture on the Internet with the brightness of the authentic watch and I understood that my imitation is far from the truth. The lume nuance is in the same shade, but the brightness coefficient is significantly lower.
Breitling Chronomat B01 42 replica watch wearability
The fact that the imitation is all made of stainless steel 316 makes it quite noticeable on the wrist. Its diameter measures 42 mm and I admit that the construction adds visual volume to my wrist. I dare to say that this is a plus-sized knockoff. But, don’t get me wrong: it’s not one of those watches that are accompanied by a pathetic overhang. Keep in mind that the imitation has tapered and short lugs that make it fit compactly on the wrist.
I, being an ardent lover of Nautilus-like function-free watches, must admit that I came to befriend this replica chronograph effortlessly. All the complications work well and this adds a rich spirit to it, even if I am unlikely to use all its functions.
Chronomat Automatic 36 replica watch
These were my initial impressions when I first met my new Chronomat replica watch. I gave it a chance and said to myself that I would wear it as often as possible to see how it performed with the AAA-grade movement inside. Being quite satisfied with my gift, I switched my attention to my wife, who in the meantime had managed to analyze her gift from all aesthetic and functional perspectives.
First impression
Let me start with the fact that my wife has a delicate wrist and has a hard time finding suitable watches larger than 36mm. Respectively, by giving her a 36mm knockoff, our friends hit the target. What they didn’t fit was the Rouleaux bracelet, because they opted for the wider version. Replica manufacturers do not make this bracelet model adjustable, so either you have it too wide or you have it too narrow. On a slightly wider wrist, the bracelet would fit perfectly, leaving space even for good blood circulation. But in the case of my wife, we will probably order a leather strap alternative.
Chronomat Automatic 36 replica watch design
My wife was deeply affected by the fact that the bracelet did not fit her. From the entire construction of the replica watch, the bracelet was the main aesthetic accent. The Rouleaux architecture itself is enchanting. In addition, the manufacturers executed it very professionally, subtly playing between the 2 types of finishes on its surface.
To appease her, I took her knockoff in my hand and started to list other attractive aspects of it. This Chronomat has a very subtle and elegant design, among other things. Above each hour marker there is a so-called tiny diamond that adds an air of luxury to the replica watch.
The irony is that my wife hadn’t even noticed how subtle they were. More than that, my wife dislikes stones on watch dials. She says that these make them look cheap and flamboyant. However, the conclusion was completely different regarding this Chronomat knockoff. After looking at the dial more closely, she said that the diamonds are nondescript enough for her taste. Thus, she discovered the refined character of the Chronomat replica watch.
Of course, the diamonds are not genuine in this knockoff. But I admit that it looks like it is; for their small size, they reflect a rather strong and noticeable glow, which speaks of their quality.
Chronomat 36 replica watch legibility
My wife’s knockoff legibility is a breeze in comparison to the intricate dial of my Chronomat replica watch. I don’t have any complaints about it, and my wife doesn’t either. The manufacturers respected the sunburst finish of the authentic model, reproducing it identically.
The date aperture at 6 o’clock benefits from a frame as unobtrusive as in the original watch. The hour indicators are clearly visible from a distance, which is very important for my wife, who is short-sighted.
I appreciated the execution of the sapphire crystal on the dial. It has the same convex profile as in the genuine watch concept. As in my imitation, the Chronomat 36 knockoff has an anti-reflective coating that keeps the watch’s visibility perfect, regardless of sunlight.
Chronomat Automatic 36 replica watch wearability
Because of the strap, my wife didn’t really understand much about how well this Chronomat Automatic 36 wears. She is going to get the leather strap to better understand its vibe. But, being a woman with an increased aesthetic sense, she still made some conclusions regarding its wearability.
The first conclusion she drew is that this imitation pairs perfectly with a wide variety of outfits. Also, it suits any type of event and circumstance. Well, almost anyone, unless you intend to go to the gym with it.
The second conclusion my wife reached is that this watch has very versatile and at the same time elegant charisma. It looks good both on the wrist of a conservative and reserved lady, as well as on the wrist of a dynamic young woman, ready to explore the whole world.
Final thoughts on the Chronomat Automatic 36 replica watch
It is not easy to find a watch that is both all-purpose and elegant, but also slightly sporty at the same time. But this imitation offers them all. The only disadvantage identified by the wife in this knockoff is the fact that there are always fingerprints on the bezel. This is because the bezel has a polished finish. I don’t see a major problem in this unless the watch ends up in the hands of a lady suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder.
In the end, my wife forgot about the inappropriateness of the bracelet for her wrist, being enveloped by the beauty and versatility of its case. She had begun to appreciate its aesthetic charm and was already eager to receive the leather strap so she could wear it immediately.