Today I will talk about Panerai replica watches. Frankly speaking, I don’t really resonate with this brand, I’ve said that in previous articles. But a few days ago, I returned from my little vacation in Venice. Coincidentally or not, I came across an original Panerai boutique.
As you can guess, I couldn’t pass it by without stopping and analyzing each watch in detail. I have never had the opportunity to interact with an original Panerai boutique before. All of the original watches I had seen somehow ended up on my hand occasionally, either our manager would show us one, or I would meet people who owned these watches. Being in the original boutique somehow changed my view on these watches. I saw them up close, I analyzed their every detail, and I saw the latest models that seem so different from what I knew about Panerai.
Perhaps…
The reason is that I was in the very country of origin of these watches, namely Italy. Or maybe the assistant was so kind to decipher everything about these watches for me, that I rediscovered them. Either way, I think it was not in vain that I came to meet them. By the way, I also found two Rolex and Audemars Piguet boutiques in Piazza San Marco. It was already very late, and Rolex was closed. The Audemars boutique was undergoing renovations and was due to open in a few weeks. I would have given anything to see those watches. But I hope that for my next trip, these stores will already be available.
Going back to Panerai watches, I want to say that I was surprised by the atmosphere of the boutique. I felt an air of novelty, progress, and upgrade. it’s hard to explain this feeling, but this is what I felt after glancing over all the models available. I mentally photographed all the details of the original watches. Returning home, I wanted to overlay everything I discovered in the original watches with what we have in AAAreplica stock. Respectively, the latest watch that we received from our manufacturer is the PAM 1226 model. I will do a review based on what I saw in Venice.
General description
The first thing that stands out about this watch is its imposing dimensions. The replica watch measures 44mm in diameter, being as large as the authentic model. A few months ago, I thought that 44mm is way too much for a watch. In this context, I couldn’t even look at the 47mm Submersible watches, which seemed gigantic to me. However, that changed with my visit to Venice, where the assistant was very kind to put Panerai watches on my wrist. What I want to say is that I was wrong about the 44 mm models. The 44mm Panerai watch indeed looks solid and imposing, but not exaggerated. In addition, it gave me a comfort that I would never have expected from a square watch.
However, the Submersible 47mm seemed too big for my wrist anyway. But I assume that on a more massive wrist, it would look great.
A gratifying aspect for me was to find that the 44mm replica watch reflects the same fresh and pure vibe as the authentic watch. This is due to the refreshing design of the model, which the manufacturers executed with great accuracy. The Panerai knockoff benefits from a clear and clean face. The bright face harmonizes wonderfully with the stainless steel case, keeping the motif of revival. Another detail that adds freshness to the replica watch is the green band. In the original boutique, the watch was offered with a black rubber band. But honestly speaking, I find the green band more lively and dynamic. The black band option turns the watch into a more solid accessory, and more common at the same time. Either way, both band options have their meaning; it all depends on your personal preferences.
The case of the PAM 1226 replica watch
The case of the replica watch stands out for its very decent finish. The surface of the bezel comes with a brushed finish that is very soft to the touch. It is possible that the pictures you see here do not convey the fineness of the texture, but you should know for sure that it is a very decent brushing. All the edges of the case feel smooth to the touch. Having the opportunity to interact directly with an authentic watch, I must admit that brushing on the authentic PAM 1226 is perfect. Touching the texture of the watch, I understood why it costs over 10,000 Euros. Even if the replica watch benefits from a very similar aesthetic of the finish, I’m afraid that to the touch, the difference feels quite pronounced.
Both the bezel and the dial benefit from lume coating in the replica watch. Lume on the dial is much stronger compared to the pearl lume on the bezel. Both reflect slightly blue light.
The outer edge of the watch bezel is supposed to be fluted. And it is in both models. The problem is that the bezel teeth are more “aggressive” in the replica watch, compared to the fine teeth of the original model. I remember precisely that the fluted bezel looks extremely refined and delicate because the assistant himself drew my attention to the perfect execution. Unfortunately, I don’t see the same execution in the replica watch.
The differences and similarities between the replica watch and the authentic one
After a thorough visual analysis, I found that the crown of the replica watch differs a little from what I saw in Venice. First of all, the execution of the bridge over the crown is much more rigid, maybe even a little thicker than it should be. For this reason, the authentic watch looks more elegant and more harmonious in proportions than the replica version.
At the same time, it seems that the manufacturers found it difficult to reproduce the size of the bridge, because there is more space between the actual crown and the bridge than it should have been, according to the original model. The ear above the bridge is noticeably more voluminous than in the authentic watch. I remember being in the original boutique, admiring how refined that ear was. Unfortunately, I do not see the same delicacy in the knockoff.
The good part of things…
…is that the date aperture looks amazing in the replica watch. I like the execution of the frame, and I like the font as well as the sizes of the date indexes. In the same context, I appreciate the execution of the watch hands, as well as the seconds subdial on the left side of the dial. The manufacturers strictly respected the silhouettes of the hour and minute hands. I also appreciate the execution of the hour indicators, even if there was nothing complicated to reproduce. Anyway, these dots-like hour indexes look good and have a rather refined outline.
One last difference that can be seen with the naked eye is the color of the green rubber bracelet. The authentic band comes in a slightly cooler shade and a bit matte. The replica alternative proposes a more vibrant green.
Technical specifications
Let’s move on to the most important part: the functionality of the replica watch. The watch operates on the basis of a super clone P.900 automatic movement. It comes with a solid caseback, for this reason, you don’t really have the opportunity to see this mechanism working. In general, this movement has a fairly decent reputation. First of all, it was created according to the architecture of the original movement. Secondly, the execution seems to be quite professional. The whole mechanism is indeed quite thick. Besides, the watch itself is quite thick, which could be a dealbreaker for some. Either way, what I know about this mechanism is that it provides a pretty weak power reserve capacity. So, the replica watch may require frequent winding. If the manufacturers solve this deficiency in the next releases, Panerai imitations will be like workhorses.
Water resistance profile
Of course, the Submersible line is everything a lover of aquatic activities wants. This is because genuine watches benefit from a water resistance profile of up to 300 meters. I have identified many dealers in the replica industry who sell Panerai knockoffs with the same water resistance. But do you really believe them?
Be very cautious when you come across such dealers. They talk about the resistance of the original watches, and they fail to tell you about the real capacity of the replica watch which is, in fact, 30 meters. Personally, I have not tested this Pam 1226 in terms of water resistance. So if you decide to get one, it wouldn’t hurt to do a pressure test. You know, for safety.
Pros and Cons of Pam 1226
To be honest, I am still under the influence of the beauty I saw in the boutique in Venice. It’s so nice to visit an original store, where you discover the latest models under the spotlight. I rediscovered the brand for myself and look at it with different eyes. If I didn’t really understand Panerai models before, now I see something special in them. Venice is to blame!
As for Pam 1226 replica watches, these, like all other imitations, have pluses and minuses. it all depends on which errors you accept and which are unacceptable for you in a replica watch. Let’s see summatively, what are the advantages and disadvantages of this replica model.
The benefits of the replica watch
- The basic advantage that I see in this replica watch is the similarity of the stunning case with the authentic model. Even if there are small errors, they are hardly noticeable at all.
- Another advantage lies in the balanced and comfortable proportions. Panerai fans love this brand, particularly for the imposing proportions of the watches, which give a tangible and visible presence on the wrist. The good part is that the replica watch accurately reproduces the proportions of the diameter and height of the original model. In concession, I feel the imitation is very comfortable on the wrist, even if many think that the crown and the bridge above it create discomfort. I didn’t feel any discomfort;
- The dial of the watch looks very good. All the details on it look identical to the genuine model, including the inscriptions below 12 o’clock and above 6 o’clock.
- Let’s not forget the cloned movement, which is also a strong advantage for this replica watch. I can’t wait for the manufacturers to improve the power reserve. And if they do so, the movement can be considered perfect. Don’t get me wrong; the current movement performs pretty promisingly. But, if there is room for better, why not take advantage of the opportunity?
- Last but not least, the replica watch is quite ok for a daily-wear watch. It looks stylish, present, and modern.
The shortcomings of the replica watch
It would sound too nice if I said that this imitation is perfect, wouldn’t it? But the replica industry is far from perfect and this watch, of course, has its “sins”. Let’s summarize them quickly.
- One of the obvious differentiating aspects is the green band font. As I said earlier, there is a slight difference in font compared to the original model, which is slightly more matte. In fact, you can solve this shortcoming very easily, by opting for the black band. Up to you and your chromatic preferences.
- Another shortcoming consists of the execution of the bridge over the crown of the replica watch. I would have liked to see it a little more accurately, including the ear above the bridge. But, let’s see what awaits us in the next release…..
- The last shortcoming I detected is the outer edge of the bezel and its too-sharp teeth. It doesn’t look bad, actually, but it’s not what it should be according to the authentic model.