All watch lovers keep a close eye on the spectacular annual Watches and Wonders event. I’m no exception to this rule and I’ve been following the releases and presentations of the 2022 edition with rapt attention. This year, one of the watches that caught my eye was a Calatrava 5226G. I can’t say it’s a complex watch and different from what you know of Patek Philippe. But it was its simplicity with refined details and richly textured dial that captured my attention. I got down to business and looked for the replica version in our stock at AAAReplica. Today, I will talk specifically about this model, namely the three-hand model with a date window.
A short retrospective
I won’t go into much detail about the Calatrava collection. You probably know that it is one of the epics from the catalog of this fabulous brand and at the same time, the top collection of dress watches. Still, I will make a short retrospective, so that you can connect the dots.
It all started with the onset of the Great Depression in 1932. In that year, the Patek Philippe brand was taken over by the Stern brothers, who faced the risk of losing the watch house, due to the crisis that had affected all layers of the industry. The watchmaking house had already built a very good reputation for its highly complex timepieces. An example of this was the Packard pocket watch. However, the population was not ready to buy such complicated models as a result of the crisis. Thus, the company was on the verge of collapse.
The wind of changes
The watchmaking house was forced to adapt its collection of watches to less “deep pockets”. Consequently, the Stern brothers abstracted from complex constructions and expensive prices, to create light models, with a clean, but at the same time attractive design. Thus, the concept of the Calatrava 96 model was born. The watch appeared in a minimalist and complication-free design, but of a rare beauty thanks to the gold coating and the fine silhouettes on the dial. This model was like a lifeline for Patek Philippe that pulled the brand out of the financial impasse it was in. A similar history can be found in Audemars Piguet’s history, whose Royal Oak was the lifeline during the quartz crisis.
Patek Philippe 5226G – A modern alternative to the Calatrava 96
The 5226G watch is a modernized and sportier version of its predecessor from 1932. As expected, the brand kept many classic elements from the initial model, making only a few aesthetic changes.
Unlike the original model, the updated 5226G comes with a significantly more expressive dial. First of all, the color of the dial is much more intense than in the Calatrava 96 version. The color is reminiscent of the shade of charcoal and looks extremely attractive in combination with the fine-grained texture of the dial. The Arabic applied hour markers are covered with a beige lume layer, which illuminates with an effervescent green in dark conditions.
Another attractive side of the dial is the syringe-like hour and minute hands. These also glow brightly in the dark due to the lume layer on them. Only the beige second hand remains in its standard shape, long pointed, and elegant. Its shade perfectly harmonizes with the digits in the date window.
Referring to the 5266G replica watch, I can assure you that you will find the same delicate subtleties of the dial. The concept of the model is not at all difficult to reproduce by replica manufacturers. The watch does not have complex functions or complex particularities on the dial. Consequently, the replica version looks identical to the original model. I notice the same grainy texture of the dial in it, as well as the same impressive shine of the lume layer. The only difference is that the original model’s hands are made of white gold. They are probably made of stainless steel in the replica watch. Thanks to professional polishing, the hands shine as gorgeous as the white gold of the genuine watch.
The case of the Patek Philippe 5226G replica watch
Now that you know all about the particular dial of this watch, let’s look at the specifics of the case. The watch comes in more than perfect proportions, featuring a well-balanced 40mm case. The case is not as simple as it might seem at first glance, and to convince yourself of this you need to draw attention to its dorsal side. You will discover a special and rarely seen pattern, known as the “clous de Paris” motif. This type of motif is downright fabulous and brings an extra touch of elegance to the entire construction. In contrast to this motif, the lugs remain perfectly polished, keeping the minimalist and clean air of the entire horological architecture.
As much as I inspect the replica version of this model, I can’t find any flaws in the construction of the case. The surfaces are uniformly polished, and the “clous de Paris” pattern on the back is executed at the highest level possible.
Patek Philippe 5226G straps options
The beautiful part of things is that the Patek Philippe 5226G replica watch comes in 2 strap options. Both of them fit comfortably on my wrist and give me a feeling of extraordinary pleasure due to the fineness of the material. The straps have different colors and different textures. The first option is beige, extremely soft to the touch, and with a nubuck finish. The second version refers to a black strap with an embossed fabric pattern.
It’s hard for me to say which one is more comfortable and looks better on me. Each type of strap has its own charm. All I can say is that the beige option gives the watch a more elegant, refined, and “educated” style. In contrast, by pairing the watch with the black strap, it becomes significantly more versatile and sporty. Aesthetically, the beige option resonates better with my style. But still, I have to admit that the black strap goes more harmoniously with the grainy texture of the dial.
Final thoughts
To summarize, I leave here all the technical details of the replica watch in relation to those of the original model.
The difference between the case: white gold for the authentic watch, and stainless steel for the replica option. For sure, the dealers will try to convince you that the replica watch is also made of white gold. But, keep in mind that a white gold watch does NOT cost around $250, like a replica watch. At best, the imitation can be covered with a final layer of white gold, but it is by no means completely pure white gold.
The difference between the proportions: 40mm diameter for both watches. The height of the original is 8.53mm, and that of the imitation is 8.54mm (it may differ depending on the replica manufacturer).
The difference between water resistance: 5226G genuine is resistant up to 30m (tested and confirmed). In contrast, the replica watch withstands up to 5 meters (untested, unconfirmed). For a watch resistant up to 5 meters, it is recommended to avoid contact with water. I do not rule out that the imitation could be sensitive to humidity. For this reason, I would suggest you avoid saunas, hammams, and similar environments with increased air humidity.
The difference between the crystal: both watches have a slightly curved sapphire crystal both inside and outside.
I can only add that the 5226G model is a perfect player both in the field of classic watches and in that of au courant watches. What reasons do you have for not having one?