I remember when I first entered the replica watch hobby about a decade ago. So naively, I was thinking I could get a super clone imitation for only $100. The market was supra-saturated with $100 fake watches. And I thought these were technically identical to those at $1000, only that dealers raise prices artificially to get some revenue. It took me a couple of dramatic experiences to realize that fakes costing up to $100 is just a 3-months rubbish (sometimes less than 3 months).
Either way, the idea is that high-quality imitations can’t be cheap. NEVER. Especially considering that the technology in the replica industry has significantly improved in recent years. So, currently pay more, but we can get really nice imitations. Like you, I hate seeing increased prices with every other replica watch release. On one hand, I’m delighted with the improved functionality of the fake watches. On the other hand, I’m frustrated with the ongoing price raise. Therefore, super clones Rolex can reach out to 1,5K bucks. So is Patek Philippe or Constantin Vacheron.
But…
I don’t want you to get sad about it, especially if you’re looking for your first replica watch. Don’t make bad conclusions about the replica industry, as not all imitations are that pricey.
Take into account that Rolex or Patek Philippe is by far the only imitations you can get. Consider, for instance, other famous brands instead, that would allow you to combine price with quality. Yes, that’s possible. You could get really great imitations paying no more than about 500-600$. And below I’m going to introduce you to some of them. I’ve inspected them from all angles and perspectives and all I can say is that the manufacturers have done a great job. So, here they are…
TAG Heuer Aqua Racer
You guys all look for reasonable prices and super quality. And I totally share this position, as I also do. So, that’s what I found in this imitation. We got this model from a new partner making fake watches. I was curious to see the new factory works. And honestly, I didn’t have many expectations when I heard that we were going to partner with a new replica factory. But, it turned out that it exceeded my expectations. So, what’s the output of this watch?
As far as I’ve been informed, this Chinese factory uses some genuine compounds, just like in the original model. For instance, the genuine Aquaracer runs on a Sellita SW 200. So is the replica watch. Therefore, this imitation falls under the “Swiss” replica timepiece.
Additional particularities
Apart from the promising movement, the imitation comes with a correct set of features (correct=identical to the genuine): 43mm case diameter and 12 mm thickness. There is only 1,5 mg less weight in comparison to the identical model, but this deviation is acceptable in the replica industry. The material is 316l stainless steel, whereas the bezel is ceramic. While the ceramic is black, the markers come in silver tone, repeating exactly the genuine model.
I love the combination of brushing and polishing finish on this imitation. They come in an obvious contrast in which the case corners and edges are masterfully finished. In addition, the finish of the metal strap deserves all the appreciation possible; it’s fine and homogenous. On the dial, you can find a horizontal pattern marked by baton-shaped hour numerals. All the components on the dial (except for the second hand) have a luminous coating, shining bright in the dark. In addition, a generous date window accompanies the 3 o’clock hour marker, making the watch suitable for daily wear.
On the whole, I’m pretty satisfied with what I see in this replica watch. The physical aspect amazes me, and its inner movement quality sounds encouraging.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer X Bamford
Here you have a similar technical construction, but a little bit different design. The Aquaracer X Bamford imitation also features the Swiss Sellita 200 movement, promising long-lasting and reliable functionality. Within our office, we already call it “the genuine Heuer” due to the genuine movement. We consider it so because none of the previous Heuer replicas ever ran on a genuine mechanism.
This model might be a bit more expensive than you expected, but trust me, it’s worth the money. It will delight you with its titanium construction, making it incredibly lightweight and comfortable. In addition, I hope you will love its sandblasted finish the way I did. It’s applied uniformly and professionally on the whole watch construction, giving it tough and solid air.
Similar to the previous model, the case of the X Bamford is pretty generous. It features a 43mm diameter with a beautiful polygonal bezel. The dial is calm and pretty minimalist, featuring a radar-circular pattern. Though, there is a couple of design details preserving the sports charisma of TAG Heuer: orange accents on the hands and baton-shaped hour markers. The orange hands echo harmoniously with the 12 o’clock orange triangle. The sand finish of the bezel also boosts the sporty charisma of the watch.
On the case back, you can see the remarkable TAG Heuer Aquaracer symbol, looking phenomenally similar to the genuine model.
The whole construction feels stable, compact, and steady, providing a comfortable feeling on the wrist. Apart from that, it promises reliable functionality due to its high-quality materials and components.
TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 Meteorite-Style Dial
Being completely amazed by the previous Swiss-movement Aqua Racer replicas, I was curious about other collections too. And I took a closer look at the Carrera model as its meteorite-style dial caught my attention. Generally speaking, TAG Heuer replicas are not as sought-after as Rolex. But, with the introduction of the Swiss-movement versions, I tend to think that the interest will increase significantly.
Unlike the previous models though, this one features an Asian clone 1887 movement. Despite that, it has an eye-catching design. Also, I must say, that the aesthetic job the replica manufacturer has done with this imitation is worth all the respect. At least, it seems accurately manufactured.
I have to let you know that the design is this model is specific. Some watch enthusiasts might like it, others might hate it. Those who hate it justify their opinion by the rocky aspect of the watch. Those who love it, including me, see the beauty of the meteorite-like look. The main colors of the watch are grey and black. The gray is mainly for the dial, whereas the black is for the bezel and strap. I might accept that the overall appeal suggests boldness and severity, due to the heavy chromatic. Still, I admire its intricate construction.
Additional Specifications
Perhaps, this is the biggest replica watch from this listing. If the previous Aqua Racers seemed big to you, know that this Carrera is 45mm large. Manufacturers used 316l stainless steel for the case and black ceramic for the bezel. Some would say that this timepiece looks “dull”. But, if you imagine it on a big wrist, I think it might look pretty masculine.
The grey dial plate houses two additional vertical subdials. In addition, there is one more small dial at 9 o’clock, but it’s not so evident. And I think manufacturers made it right by making it look sunken. If it was as expressive as the other two, the watch would have looked crowded.
Exploring the replica in comparison to the genuine model, I must say that I found a design error. It’s about the misplaced logo on the imitation. More than that, I might be wrong, but I think the date window frame is bigger than in the authentic model. In this respect, the manufacturers have screwed it up a little bit. If you inspect the replica version without comparing it to the genuine one, it looks good. But, if you look at it comparing it with the genuine one, you realize that the manufacturers could have done it better.
The rubber strap
The main role of the strap in this watch is to add a sporty vibe. And it does it successfully. The strap preserves the black vibe of the black bezel and features plenty of holes. I like that the holes are small and when you put the watch on the wrist, the skin is hardly visible through them. Just to compare, some rubber straps have such big holes, that they trigger my trypophobia.
Well, this is definitely a “love/hate” watch. But, I think that considering its affordable price, black color, and sporty look, enthusiasts will take it into consideration.
TAG Heuer Carrera Day Date
Even though you, guys, mostly prefer the Aquaracer replicas, I still want to show you some Carrera models worth considering. I embrace the Carrera chronograph line. Tough, I know it must be tough for the manufacturers to replicate the intricate genuine constructions. That’s why I didn’t talk much about the Carrera Chronograph imitations previously. Simply because there was nothing to talk about, as the available imitations didn’t amaze me at all. Now, thanks to our new replica partner, I have something great to share with you.
It’s about s Carrera day Date imitation, better said- imitations, because there are three of them. The main difference consists in their dial color varying between brown, black, and grey.
Detailed review
So, these beauties come with a real chronograph function, driven by the Asian Valjoux 7750 movement. In addition, a surprising feature that I’ve rarely met lately is the see-through sapphire crystal case back. Therefore, you can admire the whole mechanism working just in front of your eyes.
Many of our customers have repeatedly asked me about the reliability of the Asian Valjoux 7750. Forums are full of complaints about this movement. Sadly, no one is writing there about the way how they treat the watch but only criticize its mechanism. I took the challenge to interact with people complaining about these movements (in forums) and asked them a little more. As it turned out, most of them didn’t wind or use the watch accordingly, leading to its knockoff. What I’m trying to say here is that this movement has been in this industry for more than 10 years.
Therefore, it has tested stability and accuracy. In addition, it all depends on the factory that makes this movement. Ours has even added decorations on the movement plates to make them look similar to the authentic Cal. 1887 model. So, I find this mechanism pretty reliable, whenever cared for it accordingly.
Aesthetics
The Carrera 1887 replica comes with a 43mm watch. While some enthusiasts find this diameter generous, it is a conventional size of the TAG Heuer brand. Manufacturers brushed the case leaving the lugs to be polished. By the way, I have to mention how specific the lugs look featuring an expressive curvature, setting the model apart from others. A ceramic black bezel encompasses the case, showcasing the beauty of the polished tachymeter scale.
The watch dial is nothing but an ensemble of functions. The date, day, hour, minute, and chronograph- all of them look similarly harmonious on the three dial colors available. You can trigger the chronograph function by pushing the button at 2 o’clock down. Next to the 3 o’clock marker, a silver frame with 2 sections houses the day and the date indexes. Looking vertically, you will spot the 30 minutes chronograph at 12 o’clock and the 12 hours chronograph at the 6 o’clock marker. Complex, intricate, yet easily readable and logical- this dial is one of the most successfully replicated models I’ve ever seen in Heuer imitations.
The downside I spot in this imitation is its heaviness. Considering that it’s pretty big and fully made of stainless steel, I feel it “hard” on my wrist. Maybe, it’s because I have just tested the titanium version and it takes some time until I get used to it. Either way, I like this imitation the most of all the models I suggested here.
Final thoughts
Here you have some alternatives for expensive Rolex and Patek Philippe imitations. I hope you could find one to suit your demands and expectations. All of them have their advantages and disadvantages. It’s up to you to decide which of them corresponds to your budget, quality, and design requirements.