The replica watch industry isn’t perfect. Neither is the “genuine” one. So, now at the end of 2022, it’s the best moment to make a wish. We all have lots of expectations for next year. We all want to try the page beginning with new ambitions and see them all accomplished by the end of the next year. Here at AAAReplica, we all are passionate about watches, be they genuine or imitations. We embrace the whole watch realm and breathlessly follow the news, releases, and new concepts. At the same time, we objectively and subjectively share opinions and plant expectations, especially regarding the replica industry.
Why the replica, in particular? Because the genuine watch industry is so close to perfection, while the replica field still has a lot to work on. And believe me, we are the first critics to judge the industry as we want it to improve and grow, evolving more and more in its technical and design aspects.
So, there is a long wish list for 2023 that we would like to send to Santa. Even if not much depends on us directly, as we are just simple intermediaries in the whole system, we would like to see higher performances to enjoy the customers’ satisfaction. You are free to join our wish list and complete it with your own expectations. We hope Santa will be receptive this year.
A bit more creativity
To begin with, I wish the replica industry would become more creative in the new year. I know, it doesn’t design its own watches, it just reproduces the concept of the big watchmaking brands. And if there is someone who can directly influence creativity, it must be the genuine brands, right? Still, let me explain what I particularly mean.
First of all, I’d like manufacturers to find enough creativity to reproduce watch models that we have never seen before in the replica industry. Imagine a Carl F Bucherer Manero Central Counter, a Chanel Mademoiselle J12 La Pausa, or a Moser Endeavour Centre Seconds Concept- available in their replica versions! That would be magnificent, as the replica watch community could try something new art from the traditional Rolex, Omega, or Patek Philippe imitations.
Second, I expect to see a little bit more creative approach in imitating complex models. To make myself clearer, I’ll take the Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Grande Sonnerie replica as an example. To be honest, I didn’t like what I saw in the replica watch. And it’s not only about the doubtful movement inside but about the physical aspect overall. The genuine model is thought to be one of the most complicated timepieces ever. It’s intricate, it’s powerful, and it’s a crazily vibrant watch. None of these characteristics were present in the replica version. And it’s so sad when an imitation chips off the charisma and the vibe of the genuine model.
So, that’s what I mean by referring to creativity. By improving this aspect, the whole replica industry will improve.
More ultra-thin replica watches
In my opinion, ultra-thin watches aren’t for daily use. These are to be worn in exquisite circumstances as they are usually associated with modern refinement. In addition, they are more like a demonstration of a brand’s ability and competencies to integrate technical wonders into thin cases. And that’s a true talent, actually. Now, I think the replica industry is ready to take the challenge and show its ability to make ultra-thin imitations. More ultra-thin imitations. Customers love them and want them.
The replica industry has kind of stuck lately in the variation of watch models. I know there are many reasons for that, one of which is the limited technical instrumentarium. But, if I look at the latest Rolex replica releases, I can’t avoid complimenting the great job the factories did. And if I recall well, imitations from about three decades ago were simply… disastrous. What I want to highlight here is the progress the industry has performed throughout the years. It speaks about the fact that it’s possible to set high ambitions and achieve them. So, why not aim at ultra-thin models? Gradually, the industry will improve in this direction and we will have pretty nice and MANY ultra-thin imitations that the community adores. In this context, I’m so eager to someday see the Arnold & Son Ultra Thin Tourbillon watch in its replica version.
Tested Waterproofness
To be honest, every time we get a new replica watch tranche, we test its waterproofness in our office. Of course, not all the imitations, but a couple of samples. Why is that? Just because many replacement watch factories simply say that the watches “are about 50 meters/about 100 meters waterproof/resistant”. The point is that the factories don’t test the imitations before selling them. Most of them are manufactured on assembly lines, packed, and sent to be sold. It doesn’t take long until the replica watch forums are invaded with complaints about poor water resistance, moisture problems, and condensation issues. Maybe it’s time to change the tactics, isn’t it?
While the other wishes sound more like “caprices”, this one is a real need to solve a real pain. I think that the replica watch community is ready to accept the same models and the same movements in 2023. But, not the same water resistance profile, for sure. The problem is that many dealers don’t cover water damage with their warranty. But, why, if the watches are supposed to be waterproof?! So, for the sake of all, it would be splendid if the replica industry finds solutions for the waterproofness of the watches. Do you agree?
Higher informational transparency
How many times did you come across replica online stores with poor information about the replica watches? If it’s about stainless steel, dealers don’t tell exactly what type of steel it is. Or, if it’s about waterproofness, no one writes a word about the exact depth. What if we receive the watches with some additional instructions/booklet specifying absolutely everything about the watch? And if the information doesn’t correspond to reality, we just send the watch back, receiving a full refund? Huh? How does it sound to you? I think such a step would solve so many issues.
I think such a strategy would completely irradiate negative experiences like those when a customer pays for a 904 steel watch, but receives a 316 one, or when he pays for a Swiss-made movement and gets a Chinese one. And the worst of it is that no one takes responsibility for that. Of course, everything would be solved easier with an official regulatory body, but we all know it’s impossible.
Final thoughts
I’m sure that we will see improvements in the replica industry next year. We all love watches and will remain loyal to the field. In case I’ve missed something, please feel free to complete the list. Be sure that all of them will be sent to the factories we are partnering with and Who knows? We might see these improvements much earlier than expected.