I know that watch lovers don’t really wear accessories with leather straps during summer. Alternatively, the public prefers something lighter with stainless steel bracelets for versatility and comfort. However, I can’t avoid talking today about a wonderful replica watch that we recently received in our AAAReplica stock. I am specifically referring to the latest release of the Calatrava model, which is a true classic marvel.
So, today’s review is about tradition and minimalism. It is possible that such a watch is not the number one choice for summer adventures. But if you have planned some elegant and formal outings, know that this model can fit you well.
Matter-of-factly…
I haven’t talked about the Calatrava line in a long time. The reason is that the replica factories have lately been mainly focused on Rolex knockoffs, which are always in vogue, especially in the summer. Besides that, of the few Patek Philippe models that the replica manufacturers produced lately, the Nautilus line was the one that prevailed. Apparently, the manufacturers began to miss something more classic and traditional, switching their attention to the Calatrava collection. And honestly speaking, I also missed the watches in this collection. I got a bit tired of sports and versatility. I miss the elegance expressed through minimalism and refinement in every detail.
With these in mind, today we are dealing with the Calatrava 5119G replica model. From the start, I must say that it is a watch for refined and elegant preferences. The traditional round shape of the case is full of delicate and fine details that only a die-hard watch lover will understand. Let’s discover together the benefits and shortcomings of this replica watch which is just right for stealing glances.
General description
This watch is addressed to men who can reveal refinement and delicacy through the prism of minimalism. The face of the watch looks extremely clean thanks to the abundance of white on the dial plate. This pure nuance makes the watch look visually bigger than it really is. Speaking of proportions, its diameter is 39mm, but when I first saw it, I was sure it had a diameter of about 41mm.
The matte white of the dial serves as a contrast for the Romanian black hour markers. I love the combination between black and white. It is so intense that no other decorative element is needed on the face of the watch.
The Roman 12 hours are illustrated in an extremely thin and refined silhouette, exactly as it looks in the authentic Calatrava model. To increase the degree of sophistication, the hour and minute hands have a silhouette as gorgeous and subtle as the hour markers. They are slightly convex at the base and extremely thin at the top. Such a silhouette intensifies the elegant and sophisticated spirit of this replica watch.
Calatrava bezel
Even though the watch has a conventional shape, i.e. round, it cannot go unnoticed. And this is due to the bezel with its elevated architecture. It has 2 rows of patterns on its entire circumference, demonstrating the impeccable execution technique of the manufacturers. By the way, both the case and the bezel of this replica watch are made of 904l stainless steel with a fine finish which is very soft to the touch.
I can say with certainty that the bezel plays the most important aesthetic role in this watch. While the dial is neat and minimalist, the bezel conveys complexity and temperament to this timepiece. The execution of the bezel intricate architecture deserves all the appreciation. In the same context, the crown sneaks delicately from the right side. It also has a fluted edge, seasoning the look of the watch with refined air.
I tested the functioning of the crown. I turned it back and forth a few times to see what sounds it produces and how comfortable the winding is. All I can say is that I got pleasure from the soft and satisfying sound that the crown produces. The hour hands change easily and nonchalantly at the slightest rotation of the crown. I had an extremely comfortable and pleasant feeling analyzing the functionality of this replica watch.
Leather band
As you can see from the pictures, the watch comes in combination with a black leather strap. The manufacturers proposed to deliver the same model but in golden case color and with a brown leather strap. To be honest, I was not content with that alternative. The gold/brown version looks way too over-sophisticated. You know that moment when “it’s too much”? This is exactly the feeling I had when I saw the gold/brown replica watch version.
As for the steel/black leather strap version, it is as classic and traditional as possible. Even though it is a formal watch, it looks simplistic and seems to have more versatility in its DNA than the gold/brown alternative.
The leather strap of this Calatrava has a very pleasant texture to the touch. The locking mechanism feels safe and quite compact. The leather is pretty soft and is not one of those that seem to crack in a short time. In addition, it has a shine that is neither too intense nor too pale. It’s exactly how a high-quality leather strap should look.
Technical details and water resistance profile
The beautiful part of things is that this Calatrava knockoff is a mechanical watch. This novelty will delight lovers of sophisticated accessories that adore manual winding. Many people prefer quartz watches today. This is because they find it uncomfortable to wind the timepiece regularly and prefer automatic and simple things instead. But this Calatrava is specifically for those who love horology in all its splendor. The internal mechanism provides pretty nice accuracy. I did not notice critical deviations in time running. So if you get satisfaction from a watch that needs your constant attention to wind it, go ahead for it. You will enjoy “playing” with it.
As for the water resistance profile, the manufacturers decided to launch it with a rather poor profile. This means that the watch is resistant up to 5 meters, that is, almost not water resistant at all. I’m not surprised by this fact, because the authentic watch is not from the series of divers either. This watch is for aesthetic enjoyment and not for water adventures.
I don’t think it will be a problem to wash your hands with this watch on your wrist. Stainless steel seems to be quite resistant and is unlikely to develop rust over time. But if you are thinking of more “serious” aquatic activities such as swimming in the pool or the ocean, please don’t forget to leave this watch at home. Otherwise, I’m afraid that the high humidity could affect the internal mechanism.