Replica Resource

Recently we have been encountering quickly built designer replica watch sites being published in order to deceive the consumers into purchasing low quality fake watches. Please read our reviews and check back before putting your credit card and personal information at risk with fraudulent replica watch sites.

Switzerland’s mechanical watch boom has brought a surge in watches bearing a special designation on the dial: chronometer. What are chronometers? How are they different from regular watches? Why are they important? Why are they mostly mechanical watches? And what should you tell customers about them? For the answers to these and other questions, read on.

• What is a chronometer?
• What does a watch have to do to earn the title of chronometer?
• Who conducts the tests?
• What tests are run on the watch?
• How many movements does COSC test each year and how many certificates are issued?
• Why are most chronometers mechanical watches?
• Do many companies apply for chronometer certificates for their watches?
• How is the demand for chronometers?
• Which firm is the leader in production of Swiss chronometers?
• What is the difference between a chronometer and a chronograph?
• So what is a marine chronometer?

1. What is a chronometer? A chronometer is an extremely accurate watch or clock. It takes its name from the Greek words (chronos + metron) meaning to measure time. A Swiss chronometer is a watch, usually mechanical, whose precision has been tested and verified by an official Swiss watch testing bureau. The watch comes with a ratings certificate issued by the institute. The chronometer designation is a badge of honor, proof that the watch is of superior quality.

2. What does a watch have to do to earn the title of chronometer? The watch’s movement must pass a battery of severe tests conducted for 15 days and nights. The movement’s accuracy is checked in five different positions and at various temperatures which simulate conditions under which the watch will be worn.

3. Who conducts the tests? The Swiss Official Chronometer Control (Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometeres, or COSC, in French). COSC is an independent association governed by the Swiss Civil Code.

Watch companies desiring the chronometer designation on their best pieces send movements to COSC. (COSC tests uncased movements; the companies case the movements after the tests.) COSC issues a performance certificate for each timepiece which successfully passes the tests.

There are three COSC centers in Switzerland where watch companies send movements to be tested–in Geneva, Bienne and Le Locle.

Switzerland has been officially testing chronometers since 1878. COSC as it exists today was founded in 1973.

4. What tests are run on the watch? COSC conducts elaborate precision tests on the movements using cameras and computers, which analyze the data. COSC performs seven different tests. Failure to meet the minimum standard in any one of the tests means that a movement is rejected. The tests are complicated. Here is an attempt at a simple summary:

• Test 1: Mean Daily Rate: After 10 days of tests, the mean daily rate of the movement must be within the range of -4 to +6 seconds per day. COSC determines the mean daily rate by subtracting the time indicated by the movement 24 hours earlier from the time indicated on the day of observation.
• Test 2: Mean Variation in Rates: COSC observes the movement’s rate in five different positions (two horizontal, three vertical) each day over 10 days for a total of 50 rates. The mean variation in rates can be no more than 2 seconds.
• Test 3: Greatest Variation in Rates: The greatest of the five variations in rates in the five positions can be no more than 5 seconds per day.
• Test 4: Horizontal and Vertical Difference: COSC subtracts the average of the rates in the vertical position (on the first and second days) from the average of the rates in the horizontal position (on the ninth and tenth days). The difference must be no more than -6 to +8 seconds.
• Test 5: Greatest Deviation in Rates: The difference between the greatest daily rate and the mean daily test rate can be no more than 10 seconds per day.
• Test 6: Rate Variation Due to Temperature: COSC tests the movement’s rate at 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit) and at 38 degrees C (100 degrees F). It subtracts the cold temperature rate from the hot temperature rate and divides by 30. The variation must be no more than 0.6 seconds per day.
• Test 7: Resumption of the rate: This is obtained by subtracting the average mean daily rate of the first two days of testing from the mean daily rate of the last test day. The resumption of rate can be no more than 5 seconds. Simple, isn’t it? If a movement meets the standards, COSC issues a certificate designating it as a “chronometer.”

5. How many movements does COSC test each year and how many certificates are issued? In 1995, COSC tested 844,043 movements. That was down slightly (-4.5%) from 1994 when a record 883,714 movements were submitted for testing. The vast majority of the movements sent in for testing pass. In 1995, COSC issued 814,868 certificates, 96.5% of those submitted. That means chronometers represent about 2% of Switzerland’s total production of complete watches.

6. Why are most chronometers mechanical watches? Just one-third of 1% of the movements submitted for testing in 1995 (3,026 total) were quartz movements. That’s because electronic quartz technology is by definition an ultra-precise form of timekeeping and there is less need to demonstrate a quartz watch’s accuracy. That’s not the case with mechanical watches. Even so, COSC has developed stringent regulations which quartz watches must pass before they can be called chronometers. Worth noting: by far the leader in Swiss quartz chronometers in 1995 with two-thirds of the total certificates issued was Krieger Watch Corp. of Miami Beach, Fla.

7. Do many companies apply for chronometer certificates for their watches? More than 60 firms submitted movements to COSC in 1995.

8. How is the demand for chronometers? Despite the drop in requests in 1995, there has been a surge of watch company applications for chronometers in this decade. COSC data shows that the number of movements submitted bottomed out in 1976 at 225,712. Requests did not pass the 300,000 unit mark again until 1984. It rose steadily throughout the late 1980s but has soared in the 1990s, reflecting the strength of Rolex, in particular, and the general revival of Swiss mechanical watches on world markets. In 1990, the number of movements submitted to COSC passed the 600,000 unit mark for the first time. By 1994, the number had reached 883,714, an increase of 43.5% over 1990.

9. Which firm is the leader in production of Swiss chronometers? Rolex is the undisputed chronometer king. An amazing 83% of all chronometer certificates issued by COSC in 1995 went to Rolex–more than 675,000 of them. You get some sense of Rolex’s dominance when you realize that only five firms (one of them a group, really) produce more than 6,000 chronometers a year. The second largest producer of chronometers is TAG Heuer (51,638 certificates in 1995), followed by Omega (31,135 certificates), the Cartier Group (6,393) and Bulgari (6,056).

10. What is the difference between a chronometer and a chronograph? The terms sound similar but they have nothing to do with each other. A chronometer, as we have seen, is a superior timekeeper. A chronograph is a watch with a stopwatch function.

11. So what is a marine chronometer? A marine chronometer is an instrument used on a ship at sea to determine the longitude by measuring the time. It was developed in the 18th century.

Automatic designer replica watches are extremely popular in the United States. Between 1999 and 2005, imports of luxury automatic Swiss replica watches in the United States have increased 95%. We have compiled the Q and A list below to help you better understand how automatic replica watches function, their accuracy and maintenance requirements.

• What is an automatic replica watch?
• Is that the same as a hand-wound replica watch?
• Why is it called an “automatic replica watch?”
• Is there a difference between an automatic a perpetual and a self-winding replica watch?
• How does an automatic replica watch work?
• Who invented automatic replica watches?
• How popular are automatic replica watches in the United States?
• Why are automatic replica watches so popular?
• How much motion does an automatic replica watch need to work properly?
• How often does an automatic replica watch need to be serviced?

1.What is an automatic replica watch? An automatic replica watch is a mechanical watch whose mainspring is by the action of the wearers’ wrist.

2. Is that the same as a hand-wound replica watch? No. Hand-wound replica watches are wound by regularly turning the small circular crown on the side of the watch.

3. Why is it called an “automatic replica watch?” It’s called an “automatic replica watch”, because it uses the motion of the wearer to wind itself “automatically”, rather than by hand.

4. Is there a difference between an automatic, a perpetual and a self-winding replica watch? No. The terms are synonymous. A self-winding replica watch means the same thing as an automatic or a perpetual replica watch. (A perpetual calendar on a replica watch however, is something else.)

5. How does an automatic replica watch work? Inside an automatic replica watch, there is a metal weight attached to a rod on an axel called a rotor. The actions of the body cause the rotor to swing back and forth in a circular motion winding the mainspring, a flat coiled spring which provides the power used by all mechanical replica watches.

6. Who invented automatic replica watches? The modern rotor system used in automatic replica watches was developed and patented by Rolex in 1931. The first Rolex designer watch featuring this mechanism was called the “Oyster Perpetual”. The invention of the modern rotor system has often been credited to Emile Borer, Rolex’s technical chief at the time of its development. The real inventor of the modern rotor was Abraham-Louis Perrelet (1729-1826), one of Switzerland’s most revered watchmakers, long considered the father of the automatic watch. Perrelet was way ahead of his time, developing the concept in 1770, an era when pocket, not wrist watches were in style. Because of the limited motion of pocket watches, the rotor didn’t wind the mainspring sufficiently and the design didn’t seem practical.

Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823) continued the development of automatic watches; he called them “perpetuelles” (the insipration of Rolex’s “perpetual” model). The concept was further developed throughout the 1900’s. With wrist watches becoming increasingly popular throughout the 1920’s, and Rolex finally perfecting the system in 1931, automatic watches became part of the mainstream.

7. How popular are automatic watches in the United States? Automatic watches continue to increase in popularity. Imports of automatic Swiss designer watches in the U.S. increased 95% in units and 87% in value, between 1999 and 2005, according to the American Watch Association.

8. Why are automatic replica watches so popular? During the 1970’s, high accuracy electric quartz watches were the pinnacle of watch technology. As hundreds of millions of watches were sold and the novelty wore off, normal people and watch enthusiasts alike began to appreciate the innovation and craftsmanship behind an automatic watch, and they’ve made a significant comeback in the last ten years. People liked knowing that the watch technology involved small complex moving parts and was hundreds of years old but still kept such accurate time. Some people liked the fact that automatic watches don’t have batteries that are harmful to the environment and must be replaced rather than working on natural momentum.

9. How accurate are automatic replica watches? Mechanical replica watches are of course less accurate than quartz watches but are sufficient for daily time keeping. A normal automatic replica watch is accurate to within +30/-5 seconds a day.

10. How much motion does an automatic replica watch need to work properly? The normal day to day activity of a person is usually sufficient to keep most replica watches wound. Usually, only inactive, elderly or people who don’t wear their watch every day need to wind them. Normally a fully wound automatic watch will keep running between 36 to 48 hours, however, Frederic Piguet, a Swiss watch movement manufacturer who specializes in extremely complex movements, produces an automatic watch that can store 100 hours of power. Bernhard Stoeber, vice president of technical services at the Movado Group, recommends winding an automatic watch whenever you take it off to decrease the possibility of the watch winding down and to keep the oils distributed and the watch lubricated properly.

13. How often does an automatic replica watch need to be serviced? Automatic replica watches should be checked and re-lubricated every three to five years. Water-resistant automatic replica watches should have their seals checked annually.

Based on our years of experience, we have assembled some basic guidelines for selecting the highest quality replica Rolex watch.

1. A higher quality replica watch that will have a holographic image on the back, not just a green sticker.
2. The glass covering the watch face should be hard enough to resist scratching. If you can run a key across the face without leaving a mark, it’s quality glass.
3. The second hand should sweep instead of ticking.
4. The wristband should be secured to the watch tightly with screws instead of pins.
5. There should be engravings of serial numbers on the watch where the hinge meets the band.
6. If the watch displays the date, it should fit perfectly inside the window, even while displaying wide numbers like 30.
7. The glass face of the watch should contain a small bubble for magnification.

These small details are often enough to determine the amount of time and craftsmanship put into a replica, and therefore the overall quality of the watch.

1. What are replica watch crystals?
2. What are replica watch crystals made of?
3. What are the good and bad aspects of the various materials?
4. Can you tell the type of replica watch crystal by looking at it?
5. How new are scratch-resistant replica watch crystals?
6. Is synthetic sapphire the only scratch-resistant replica watch crystal?
7. What do the terms “lunette,” “bombé”, “chevé” and “boule” mean?
8. What are “anti-reflective” or “glare-resistant” replica watch crystals?
3. How much does it cost to replace replica watch crystals?

1. What are replica watch crystals?
Replica watch crystals are the clear glass covering over the face of the watch. Because quartz crystals are used as oscillators in quartz watches, it’s important to note that quartz crystals and watch crystals are separate in function as far as the watch is concerned.

2. What are replica watch crystals made of?
Replica watch crystals can be made of three materials:
Plexiglas-, a transparent, lightweight plastic.
Regular glass - like that used for windows, and usually referred to in the watch business as “mineral glass”.
Synthetic sapphire- an extremely hard, transparent watch glass formed by the crystallization of aluminum oxide at very high temperatures. Synthetic sapphire is chemically identical to the natural sapphire used in jewelry it only lacks the coloring materials.

When heated, the synthetic sapphire forms into round masses that are sliced into disks with diamond-coated saws. These disks are then ground and polished into watch crystals. The use of expensive diamond saws are a large reason for the high cost of replica watches with synthetic sapphire crystals.

Sapphire, is one of the hardest natural or synthetic substances on earth. Measuring 9 on the Mohs scale, which is the scientific system for rating the relative hardness of various materials. Diamond is the hardest, measuring 10, the highest hardness rating. synthetic sapphire watch crystals are referred to as “scratch resistant”, meaning they are difficult, but not impossible, to scratch. Diamonds or man-made materials that contain silicon carbide can scratch them as well as materials with a Mohs rating of between 9 and 10.
There are watch crystals are made of both mineral and sapphire glass. Seiko manufactures some watches with watch crystals made of mineral glass covered with a layer of synthetic sapphire called “Sapphlex”.

3. What are the good and bad aspects of the various materials?
Plexiglas replica watch crystals are the least likely to break and the most likely to scratch. They are also the least expensive. Although mineral replica watch glass has been hardened by a tampering process, it is more likely to break and less likely to scratch than Plexiglas The most expensive and scratch resistant replica watch glass crystal material, is synthetic sapphire. Because it is so hard and scratch resistant, it is also most the most brittle and likely to shatter.

5. Can you tell the type of replica watch crystal by looking at it?
Although you can generally distinguish a Plexiglas replica watch crystal, only the scratch test will separate mineral replica watch glass from sapphire replica watch glass. When subjected to the scratch test, only the mineral will scratch, according to Johann Jorgo, technical director at Baume & Mercier Inc.

6. Are Scratch-resistant replica watch crystals new?
Synthetic sapphire was invented in the 1800’s. It was first used in designer watches in the 1960’s and now, almost all expensive designer watch brands, as well as high quality designer replica watch manufacturers use synthetic sapphire in at least a few if not all of their models.

7. Are all scratch-resistant replica watch crystals made of synthetic sapphire?
No. There are some types of mineral replica watch crystals that are called “scratch resistant”. These generally have an additional coating to increase their resistance to scratches, but the actual replica watch crystals themselves are not truly “scratch resistant”.

8. The terms “lunette”, “bombé”, “chevé”, and “boule” are sometimes used to describe watch crystals. What do they mean?
These are French terms that refer to the shape of the replica watch crystal. “Lunette” means round and is derived from the French word for moon which is “lune”. Bombé, chevé and boule are all terms that refer to concave, or dome-shaped replica watch crystals. Other terms include: “raised” which refers to replica watch crystals that are flat on top, but elevated above the edge of the face with sides. The term “Shaped crystals” refers to replica watch crystals that are non circular in shape. For example, square, rectangular and oval shaped replica watch crystals are the most common. “Cocktail” shaped replica watch crystals, refers to exotic shapes such as octahedral or elongated oval shapes.

9. What are “anti-reflective” or “glare-resistant” replica watch crystals?
”Anti reflective” or “Glare resistant” replica watch crystals have been coated on one, or both sides with the same material used on glare resistant sunglasses. Only mineral or synthetic sapphire replica watch crystals have this feature. The material is often unapparent when viewed directly from the front. Only when viewed from the sides, where it reflects unwanted light, is the material visible. Some types of ”Anti reflective” or “Glare resistant” replica watch crystals have a bluish tint which is more apparent on replicas with lighter colored dials.

10. How much do replica watch crystals cost to replace?
The price for replacement replica watch crystals ranges from $20 to $135 depending on the material and the shape. Exotic shaped, glare resistant and high quality replica watch crystals are obviously more expensive then non glare resistant Plexiglas ones. Generally, the more you pay for a replica watch, the more you’ll pay to replace a damaged crystal.

The best way to distinguish a Breitling replica watch from the genuine article is the movement of the second hand, and the functionality of the chronograph. The movement should be automatic, meaning that the second hand slowly sweeps from second to second rather than ticking. The chronographs should be controlled by pressing the little buttons and should be able to function as stop watches rather than just counting seconds, months, and days. Low Quality replica watch chronographs either don’t work at all, or don’t functions as stop watches.

Chanel, Tag Heur, Cartier, Gucci, Omega, Louis Vuitton and other desiger replica watches more difficult to distinguish from the real thing. Due to the extremely detailed design and construction of genuine Rolex watches, even the best replica watch manufacturers cannot match every fine detail. That is why we recommend getting a picture of a genuine Rolex watch to use for comparison when looking for the real thing, or even just a high quality replica Rolex watch. In doing so you’ll notice at least some small details missing when you compare the genuine picture to replica watch. Cartier replica watches for example, generally have roman numerals that are larger than on the real thing. In fact, size is by far the simplest flaw to look for. Almost every Rolex replica watch in the world, even the ones with correct engravings, will have some error involving the size of the characters. Usually the roman numerals or the luminescent markers are smaller, or more commonly, the minute/hour hands are not the same size and shape on the replica watch as on the real watch.

The following recommendations are for people interested in either high quality Rolex replica watches or the genuine thing.

• PURCHASE GENUINE WATCHES ONLY FROM AN AUTHORIZED DESIGNER WATCH DEALER, they are carefully picked out by the watch companies and is the only way to guarantee you will be getting a 100% authentic item.
• AVOID purchasing genuine or replica designer watches from auctions or estate sales. Or eBay. avoid dealers who put a “disclaimer” in their auctions.
• Make sure the website you buy the watch from has a good return policy.
• If it looks too good to be true– it probably is! Fraudulent or low grade replica watch sites offer amazing deals on watches you can’t return or will never even receive.
• Get a certificate, a box, AND all booklets with your watch, replica watches normally only come with the certificate and box, not the booklets.
• WHEN IN DOUBT, DO NOT PURCHASE THE WATCH!

Slight Variations

One major problem found on most replicas is that each replica may be slightly different. This is regardless of whether it is a Swiss, Japanese, or even Asians. Some are made with more markings than others; some are made with more gold plating than others. We will state below what some possible variations are, and how to ensure you get a good one.

The majority of replica watches in this category are modeled after each other. So that means that the luminescent markers all look very similar. The second and minute hands are very similar as well on certain watches. The same goes for the screw-down crowns without engravings. To minimize manufacturing costs, many parts on the watches are re-used on other watches. So don’t be surprised to find the exact same second/minute hands on a Rolex as you do on a Tag replica.

Automatic designer replica watches are extremely popular in the United States. Between 1999 and 2005, imports of luxury automatic Swiss replica watches in the United States have increased 95%. We have compiled the Q and A list below to help you better understand how automatic replica watches function, their accuracy and maintenance requirements.

1. What is an automatic replica watch?
2. Is that the same as a hand-wound replica watch?
3. Why is it called an “automatic replica watch?”
4. Is there a difference between an automatic a perpetual and a self-winding replica watch?
5. How does an automatic replica watch work?
6. Who invented automatic replica watches?
7. How popular are automatic replica watches in the United States?
8. Why are automatic replica watches so popular?
9. How much motion does an automatic replica watch need to work properly?
10. How often does an automatic replica watch need to be serviced?
11. How accurate are automatic replica watches?

1.What is an automatic replica watch?
An automatic replica watch is a mechanical watch whose mainspring is by the action of the wearers’ wrist.

2. Is that the same as a hand-wound replica watch?
No. Hand-wound replica watches are wound by regularly turning the small circular crown on the side of the watch.

3. Why is it called an “automatic replica watch?”
It’s called an “automatic replica watch”, because it uses the motion of the wearer to wind itself “automatically”, rather than by hand.

4. Is there a difference between an automatic, a perpetual and a self-winding replica watch?
No. The terms are synonymous. A self-winding replica watch means the same thing as an automatic or a perpetual replica watch. (A perpetual calendar on a replica watch however, is something else.)

5. How does an automatic replica watch work?
Inside an automatic replica watch, there is a metal weight attached to a rod on an axel called a rotor. The actions of the body cause the rotor to swing back and forth in a circular motion winding the mainspring, a flat coiled spring which provides the power used by all mechanical replica watches.

6. Who invented automatic replica watches?
The modern rotor system used in automatic replica watches was developed and patented by Rolex in 1931. The first Rolex designer watch featuring this mechanism was called the “Oyster Perpetual”. The invention of the modern rotor system has often been credited to Emile Borer, Rolex’s technical chief at the time of its development. The real inventor of the modern rotor was Abraham-Louis Perrelet (1729-1826), one of Switzerland’s most revered watchmakers, long considered the father of the automatic watch. Perrelet was way ahead of his time, developing the concept in 1770, an era when pocket, not wrist watches were in style. Because of the limited motion of pocket watches, the rotor didn’t wind the mainspring sufficiently and the design didn’t seem practical.

Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823) continued the development of automatic watches; he called them “perpetuelles” (the insipration of Rolex’s “perpetual” model). The concept was further developed throughout the 1900’s. With wrist watches becoming increasingly popular throughout the 1920’s, and Rolex finally perfecting the system in 1931, automatic watches became part of the mainstream.

7. How popular are automatic watches in the United States?
Automatic watches continue to increase in popularity. Imports of automatic Swiss designer watches in the U.S. increased 95% in units and 87% in value, between 1999 and 2005, according to the American Watch Association.

8. Why are automatic replica watches so popular?
During the 1970’s, high accuracy electric quartz watches were the pinnacle of watch technology. As hundreds of millions of watches were sold and the novelty wore off, normal people and watch enthusiasts alike began to appreciate the innovation and craftsmanship behind an automatic watch, and they’ve made a significant comeback in the last ten years. People liked knowing that the watch technology involved small complex moving parts and was hundreds of years old but still kept such accurate time. Some people liked the fact that automatic watches don’t have batteries that are harmful to the environment and must be replaced rather than working on natural momentum.

9. How much motion does an automatic replica watch need to work properly?
The normal day to day activity of a person is usually sufficient to keep most replica watches wound. Usually, only inactive, elderly or people who don’t wear their watch every day need to wind them. Normally a fully wound automatic watch will keep running between 36 to 48 hours, however, Frederic Piguet, a Swiss watch movement manufacturer who specializes in extremely complex movements, produces an automatic watch that can store 100 hours of power. Bernhard Stoeber, vice president of technical services at the Movado Group, recommends winding an automatic watch whenever you take it off to decrease the possibility of the watch winding down and to keep the oils distributed and the watch lubricated properly.

10. How often does an automatic replica watch need to be serviced?
Automatic replica watches should be checked and re-lubricated every three to five years. Water-resistant automatic replica watches should have their seals checked annually.

11. How accurate are automatic replica watches?
Mechanical replica watches are of course less accurate than quartz watches but are sufficient for daily time keeping. A normal automatic replica watch is accurate to within +30/-5 seconds a day.

1. Replica retail web sites that will only accept Western Union payments and COD/Money orders: When a replica site only accepts CODs, money orders, Western Union Money Gram, or wire transfers, it’s usually because there is no way for the consumer to get reimbursed if their merchandise is damaged or of unsatisfactory quality. Only a credit card purchase can be reimbursed without the sellers’ efforts or approval. We have even heard cases of people receive empty boxes from these sites.
2. Bad customer support/service: Before purchasing a designer replica watch, you should make sure that the replica website has an adequate customer support system. Try sending an email with a question about one of their replica watches, and see how quick their response time is. If they have a customer service number (which they should), call it and see if you get a real person and if so how long you spend on hold. These things will be a good indication of the quality of their products as well as the legitimacy of their business. If they sell high quality replica watches and intend to continue doing so, they will have good support. If not, they are probably out to take your money and run.
3. Web sites that claim to have High quality watches for discount prices: There are several replica designer watch dealers online that offer “discount” or “wholesale” prices for Grade 1 watches. Keeping in mind that NO Grade 1 replica watch will ever retail for less than $700.00, Therefore, once the cash transaction has been made, it is unlikely that any of these replicas will actually meet the high quality standards you would expect from a Grade 1 replica in fact, it’s more likely you’ll receive an Asian street grade replica watch or nothing at all.

By using these three tips when considering potential replica watch retail sites to order from, you should be able to narrow your selection down to only the legitimate replica sites, and come away with the high quality replica you were looking for.