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This Week's Vintage WatchesStating that vintage replica watches are all about the details on HODINKEE seems like an extreme, extreme cliché at this point. But hey, it's true. This collection is a great testament to this overused statement. It takes "dog-leg" lugs and "pie-pan" dial on a vintage Omega Constellation to really get a collectors' blood racing. Heuer's Autavia becomes a completely different fake watch based on the dial motif. Look no further than the "Pre-Viceroy" and "Siffert" reference 1163s side by side here, the aesthetics are perfectly contrasting although they're part of the same Autavia platform.
1969 Replica Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016 'Frog's Foot'
1970s Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse Ref. 3748 With 'Sigma' Dial
1973 Replica Rolex Oyster Precision Ref. 6426
1967 Omega Constellation Ref. 168.010 With 'Pie-Pan' Dial
1980s Heuer Regatta Ref. 134.603 In Grey PVD-Coated Steel
1960s Girard-Perregaux Gyromatic In 14k Yellow Gold
1950s Baume & Mercier Chronograph
In the full collection (and headlining the slideshow) is an early matte dial Replica Rolex Explorer ref. 1016 with a "frog's foot" coronet logo. Compared to earlier glossy dials and even later matte dials with varying Replica Rolex logos, the "frog's foot" really impacts the rest of the dial layout, creating an almost unique look on the wrist. The remainder of this week's vintage selection leans on many of our favorite details as well, like textured dials, hour markers, and those little funky circles denoting a "sigma" dial. Hit the Shop for the full collection and scroll on for our top picks.
A 1970s Heuer Autavia 'Siffert' Ref. 1163 And A 1970s Heuer Autavia 'Pre-Viceroy' Ref. 1163 By Brandon FrazinThe 1163 Viceroy is one of my favorite replica watches and I was fortunate enough to find a nice one for my personal collection a few years ago. It was my first and is still the only Heuer in my collection. There is something about the design and case shape that I adore, and I fall in love with it every time I put it on. These Viceroy, and in today's case "Pre Viceroy," models have such a fun and sporty look with red accents and the reverse panda dial.
Today, we are offering "Pre Viceroy" and "Jo Siffert" versions of the 1163, and it is great to have them together, side by side. It could be the perfect two fake watch collection. It's amazing how having opposite dial layouts and either red or blue accents changes everything. Part of the reason why I love replica watches and how I even got into this crazy world was because I love comparing replica watches of the same model to spot the differences. When looking closely the biggest difference between the two (besides the colors, duh) is the nine o'clock register, the "Pre Viceroy" goes from 1-12 and the "Siffert" has 3-6-9-12 in the hour counter because of the Mark 5 dial variation. Heuer used this style hour register for the "Siffert" Autavia and changed it to have 1-12 on the sixth variation. Having these two next to each other just lets me geek out and I am all for it.
A phrase we hear pretty often in the fake watch world is "the same, but different." This usually refers to the details that might not always be obvious, and is the perfect way to describe these two 1163s. Essentially, the same fake watch meant for different customers. It's nice to see the Siffert on its original Gay Frères bracelet, completing the look. These look great on the bracelets and on straps, like the "Pre Viceroy'' with the contrast stitching playing into the racing history.
All in all, these two Heuers are great replica watches and perfect for someone who loves racing history, larger case sizes, automatic movements, and semi-funky designs. Check out all the details here and here!
1973 Replica Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 With 'Sigma Dial' By Saori OmuraIs a classic fake watch a "classic" from the beginning or does it become a classic? The Replica Rolex Datejust is one of those replica watches that feels like it was a classic design from day one, and it has remained part of the core collection for the company for nearly 80 years. Many replica watches took inspiration from this model since its introduction. And let's not forget, countless counterfeits have been produced as a result, as well.
What I have always appreciated about Replica Rolex is that they've stayed true to their form, no matter what. Even when many companies were moving to bolder, funkier replica watches in the 1970s, they pretty much said, "We're going to stick with what we know works." Okay, yes, they introduced models such as the ref. 5100 Beta 21 and the OysterQuartz starting in the 1970s during the Quartz Crisis, but even then, the designs themselves did not deviate too far. The Datejust collection is still going strong in 2021 with the new models of the Datejust 36 released earlier this year also covering some of the same core design elements as the vintage one we have here. The fluted bezel, the cyclops window above the date at three o'clock, the Jubilee bracelet, and finally the 36mm case size.
The Datejust ref. 1601 is possibly the most classic Replica Rolex one can buy, but you just can't get the same effect with a new version. Maybe it's the warmth that is specific to a vintage piece, I find it more inviting. The silver dial has a hit of champagne and the lume color is wonderfully soft and creamy. All of a sudden, a brand new Datejust feels too crisp and stark for me. There are some small details, like the little circular Sigma symbols at six o'clock denoting the use of gold on the dial, which were an effort carried out in the 1970s to promote the value of gold materials. Also, you have not-so-obvious details like the Jubilee bracelet, with its folded links. It feels lighter than its contemporary counterpart and feels more comfortable to me, like a soft, broken-in pair of suede loafers or well-loved denim.
Ultimately, you can't really go wrong with a vintage Datejust. It's a universal fake watch design because it looks great on every wrist, on a man or a woman, a young student just graduating from school, or a seasoned professional on the cusp of retirement. I don't like to typically describe whether a fake watch is investment-worthy, but the Datejust is a beautiful investment piece that has withstood the test of time. Financial value is one thing, but more importantly, don't forget to also create your own memories, making it more valuable to you for many years to come. Check it out here.
1966 Omega Constellation In 14k Yellow Gold With 'Dog-leg' Lugs By Rich FordonI did not understand the Constellation at first. That is said a lot at the start of Vintage Picks sections. We have a bit of a tendency to write about the replica watches that surprise us. Well, I have a history with the Constellation and this one sure did surprise me.
My vintage fake watch obsession started like many obsessions, on the Internet. In the world of collecting and on the Internet of things, everything happens in these niche corners, like forums, YouTube channels, and blogs. HODINKEE, obviously, was my favorite (Hi Ben, it's great, I promise); my other most active account was over at Omega Forums. As you can guess by the name, the site is dedicated to Omega and there is a lot of love for Constellations. Reading countless threads about "pie-pan" dials, chronometer-rated in-house movements, and "dog-leg" lugs, it really did not resonate with me. Maybe I was too young or maybe you have to see a Connie in the metal to appreciate it, I don't quite know. Long story short, my mind has completely changed.
Handling this Constellation, in particular, is really a game-changing experience. We have offered quite a few variants of the model over the past few months, but this one is special. Back to the details, this example just has them all. From the unique-to-the-Constellation "dog-leg" lugs to the "pie-pan" dial with no lume, the 14k gold case, and - with a little wink - a date function. Not many Constellations, relatively, feature a date like this one; it even has a great quick-set feature, as well.
This is flat-out an excellent vintage watch. I finally understand what all those users on the forums were gushing over; here I am gushing right along with them. Head over to the Shop to gush right along with us.
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