Japanese Replica Watches Including Rolex, Panerai and the Omega Replica Watch

The replica guide is designed to help you navigate the internet replica watch business so that you can make secure and informed online purchases. How can you tell a high quality replica from a low grade knockoff? How can you tell a viable, honest retailer from a scam? These are essential questions to ask before making any online purchase. Our replica guide will give you the knowledge necessary to avoid disappointment when buying replica watches online. As long as you inform yourself, there’s no reason to feel uneasy when making online purchases.

General Advice: Take the easiest, yet often overlooked, first step. Once you've narrowed your search down to a few watch models and a few possible retailers, visit some other websites! Pay attention to the pictures and specifications provided for your watch of interest and compare. How can you tell if you've found good Rolex or Panerai replica watches if you can't compare features and appearances? Keep this in mind as you go through the sub-sections in the guide to follow. The more sites and guides you visit the more informed you will be. Remember: the measure of a good replica is how closely it resembles the original. Know the retailer you're buying from. Anyone can uncover a dishonest online dealer; you only need to test them. Your impression of the site should be your first clue. How is the quality of the site design and presentation? What is the quality of the writing and information available? Do they display professional and useful photos of the products? If the site has been thrown together and if the photos and writing are terrible, it's quite likely to be a bad business or scam. Your inquiry should start with, but not be limited to, these questions. We all know a glamorous presentation can sometimes mask the ugly reality. Don't be fooled by a company with a beautiful website and horrible products. Contact them. Reliable telephone and online customer support are invaluable aspects of a reputable company. Are the photos they provide of their own watches or were they stolen from another site? Do they guarantee delivery and the quality of their watches? How long have they been in business? These types of questions are an excellent way to uncover scammers who change sites regularly to avoid prosecution, and to find the opportunist retailers who don't know the replica business well enough to provide quality products and customer service. Are their claims and prices realistic? Reading the following replica guide will, above all, allow you to answer that final important question. If you know the truth about the manufacture, materials and grades of replica, you will be able to spot outrageous claims and find a fair price. This replica guide is focused on Grade One replicas with Japan-made movements. As Watch City is our Rolex replica site, the guide is specifically geared toward Rolex buyers, but includes all replica watches to give you a knowledge base of the overall business. It will help you decipher between the three grades of Asian-made replicas. If you're reading this we'll assume you're looking for Grade One Japanese Rolex replica watches, which are the type found on watchsir.com. These are the most popular replicas overall because, for a lower price, they are nearly as exact as Swiss replicas. First, you need to be aware of dealers that sell Japanese replicas and claim that they are Swiss. (Please visit our Swiss guide on Swissexpert.net for further information regarding Swiss replicas). If you read the guide below you should know what to expect of a top quality Japanese replica in the $200-300 range. Second, and perhaps more important, be aware of dealers selling low-grade Asian replicas and calling it genuine Japan-made. The differences can be immense, and so will your disappointment if you receive a junk watch in the mail. Essentially, after reading the information below you will be able to distinguish the difference between the 'street merch,’ or low-end replicas, and the Grade One quality replicas that are nearly exact to the originals. Save yourself the disappointment. What Does a Top Quality Japanese Replica Entail? Markings/Engravings The average person may be fooled by replicas that lack some of the more minute markings of a genuine designer watch. Collectors; however, and those accustomed to seeing the originals will easily reveal your watch as a fake if the fine details differ from the original. A genuine Grade One replica will always have the exact markings of the original. There are too many specific markings on the thousands of replicated watches out there to go into detail about each one. It is always up to you to research the particular watch you are interested in. What follows is a guide to the most common engravings that will help you distinguish cheap from quality replicas. Rear Cases: The first thing you need to watch for here are markings and engravings on replica watches that aren't actually on the original model. For instance, apart from a few special edition exceptions, Rolex does not engrave the rear case of their watches. Genuine Rolex watchesare either: solid, unmarked or have a green hologram sticker on the rear case that displays the Rolex logo and serial number. Watch for green stickers that are not holograms. Also look out for cheap replicas with engraved rear cases like these below: Cheap Replica Another common giveaway is a see-through rear case, called a skeleton case that allows you to see the watch's movement. Rolex has not to date made a watch with a transparent rear case: Cheap Replica Pay attention; however, because some other commonly replicated watch dealers do make watches with engraved or see-through rear cases. For instance, watchsir.com carries quality Omega replica watch models like the Omega Speedmaster pictured below. A common mark of Omega and Breitling watches is an engraved picture and serial number on the rear case. Watchsir.com The Audemars Piguet Jules model pictured below is an example of a watch with a transparent back. Always find out what the rear case should look like before purchasing a replica. Watchsir.com Case, Crown, Dial and Bracelet Engravings: The Bracelet and Case All genuine Grade One replica Rolexes will have a Rolex crown logo engraved on the clasp and a laser-etched Rolex crown on the crystal above 6 o'clock whenever the original model does. Most Rolexes have the model number engraved at the 12 o'clock position on the case between the lugs. The serial number is engraved under the 6 o'clock position. Many of the watch models with stainless steel bracelets have specific engravings on the bracelet clasp. On Omega stainless steel models the clasp is always engraved with the Omega logo. The Rolex crown logo is engraved on the clasp of many Rolex models such as the Daytona below. Ensure that this marking is on the watch you purchase. watchsir.com The Crown/Winder The crown is the knob used to set the time on a watch. The crown of a Rolex watch will either have the Rolex crown engraved or a jewel set directly into it. Rolex uses a one piece crown with the Rolex logo at the end. On a cheap replica the logo is glued on after the watch is made. This creates a visible seam between the crown and the glued cap. Current Rolex watches have three dots below the emblem on the crown indicating triple-lock capability. On some cheap replicas, the dots are missing as seen below: Genuine Rolex Cheap Replica watchsir.com Most Audemars Piguet models have the AP logo engraved into the crown. The lack of this marking will easily give away a fake: watchsir.com The Dial: The dial is the most prominent aspect of the watch; as such, replica dealers will put the most effort into making theirs look like the original. Still, the quality of the dial’s appearance and functions on different grades of replicas will differ tremendously. Don't be fooled -- the dial is the first thing you should examine. The way to decipher a quality replica from a cheap imitation is in the materials used and the fine details. Is the color of the dial exact to the original? Is the font of the date display exact? For instance, the numbers in the date bubble of a Rolex should be exactly in the center of the magnified Cyclops lens. On virtually all replicas the date will either be higher or lower in the date window: Genuine Rolex Cheap Replica watchsir.com As the date and day change on an original Rolex or a high quality replica, they snap into position. On cheaper replicas they slowly move into position. This means that as you get closer to midnight you'll start to see the date slowly roll to the next day. On Rolexes and quality replicas, the change is instantaneous. Are the hour markers correctly positioned, sized and styled? Cheap replica dealers will sometimes substitute components like this with materials from a different watch model to save money. It’s either that, or they just haven't done their research. The Daytona in the cheap replica picture below has hands from a Day-Date model, which are flat on the tip rather than rounded: Genuine Rolex Cheap Replica watchsir.com Look on other sites to find out what the dial should look like. Check also for embossments and logos that should be on the watch face. The length of the hands on a Rolex watch should reach the second markers. On many replicas it is short by 2-3mm. Also, the illuminated circle on the second hand should hit the top of the 12 o'clock triangle exactly. Movement/Mechanism There are Swiss, Japanese and Asian grades of mechanisms as well as automatic and quartz movement. Consider the mechanism as you would the engine of a car. It's what's under the hood that counts. There are a handful of movement grades. Swiss ETA is the best and Japanese is second. A Grade One Japanese Replica will have a genuine Japan-made Miyota 21-jewel automatic movement. The watches are either assembled in Japan or shipped to another part of Asia for assembly, but the watch mechanism is always Japanese. This is a 21-jewel automatic movement system. Beware of claims of 31 jewel or 33 jewel movement. It doesn't exist, and if it does it's not genuine Miyota. The amount of jewels in the movement refers to the microscopic increments in the gear that spin the watch hands. More jewels mean a smoother motion. (Think of the pixels in a computer image). Miyota movement creates a smooth sweeping second hand with no stop/start or tick-tick movement. The increments (like pixels) should be invisible far beyond the scope of the human eye. Another aspect of genuine Miyota movement is the hacking mechanism. When the crown is pulled out to set/adjust the time, the second hand stops moving. If the second hand keeps moving, then the watch doesn't have the hacking mechanism like the original. Watches that do not have a genuine Miyota movement may be unreliable. You won't know unless you know the company that manufactured them. The automatic movement could slow or speed up over time, or stop altogether. Miyota is a durable, precision instrument. This is one of the most important considerations when buying a replica. Some retailers will claim to carry watches with Miyota movement and actually have mechanisms made elsewhere in Asia. Find out first. You need to be able to contact the retailers, read what others have said about their products and get a guarantee. If they've shorted you on the mechanism your watch will stop working (perhaps within a year) and become useless. A genuine Japan-made replica will not only look magnificent it will work magnificently as well. Materials You can make your own judgments quite easily when it comes to materials using common sense. For instance, will a solid gold watch be on sale for $200? Never. Is it possible to make a fantastic replica using thick plated 18k gold? Yes it is. In fact, many of the authentic designer watches are actually made using triple wrapped gold. More than anything, materials affect the price of the watch. How important it is for you to have the real thing will help you decide which grade of watch replica you want. Your primary considerations when it comes to materials are how they affect the weight, appearance and durability of the watch. Don't forget that a good replica weighs exactly the same as the original model. Bracelet/Case Materials Gold: Things to consider when buying a gold watch are the color, weight and whether it's plated, solid or triple wrapped. Also be aware that Rolex and Cartier watches often use pink hued gold not the common yellow gold. A gold that is too shiny or the wrong color will give your replica away immediately. True gold should not fade, whereas plated gold that is too thin will eventually fade off to reveal the steel beneath it. A faded gold band will virtually render the watch un-wearable. Gold Grade One replica watches are thick plated with 18k gold which means the gold is 100% real and thick enough that it will not fade off. Two-tone refers to models with integrated stainless steel and gold bracelets. Two-tone Grade One replicas require less gold and should feature a thick 18k gold plating and solid stainless steel. All full gold models are plated with 18k gold. Remember that a solid gold watch would cost thousands of dollars to manufacture, and even luxury watch designers generally use triple wrapped gold unless it's a $25,000-$50,000 special model they're selling. Be careful of retailers claiming to sell solid gold watches. It’s not likely the case, and it reveals their dishonesty. Solid stainless steel Grade One replicas are durable industrial-grade stainless steel. This forged steel is a sturdy, weighted material. Lower grade steel will not have the exact weight and durability of the originals. Forged top-quality steel is virtually dent and scratch proof and can withstand intense underwater pressure. The first giveaway here is the weight. The density of the metal is what determines its quality. It is quite possible to make an excellent replica of exact weight and strength using industrial-grade stainless steel. On the cheaper end, some companies may use alloys (mixed metals) which can really affect the strength and appearance of the bracelet. Look for bracelets with too much shine, or conversely, keep your eye out for dull looking bracelets. Besides appearance, a weak, more malleable, metal will easily dent or scratch, and will be too lightweight. Some retailers will sell plated stainless steel that is loaded with weights and cheaper metals. If you're paying for a Grade One replica you shouldn't accept this. It has to be solid stainless steel. Bracelet Links A common shortcut taken by Rolex replica dealers is to use pins as links on the bracelet instead of threaded screws like the originals. This is extremely important, because not only will it give away the fake immediately, it also makes adjusting the bracelet size a terrible hassle. Genuine Japanese replicas have the exact threaded screws as a genuine Rolex. The screws can be easily removed and adjusted. Pins are a dead giveaway for cheap watches. Crystal The crystal is the dome over the face of the watch. The consideration here is whether or not it is genuine sapphire crystal or if it is mineral crystal which is a similar but weaker glass. A very cheap replica may have standard glass or even plastic. Sapphire crystal has a hardness rating only slightly less than a diamond. It is an exceptionally strong glass used by all the designer watchmakers and genuine Swiss and Japanese replica dealers. It is scratch proof, impeccably clear and glare resistant. When you first receive your watch, take it into a jeweler to ask if it is real sapphire crystal. Mineral crystal is a lower grade and many mid-grade replicas are made with mineral crystal. It's a question of degrees again -- the originals are made with sapphire crystal, so a top quality replica will be as well. The important thing is that you know what you're buying. If you expect the best then demand sapphire crystal. Features You will need to familiarize yourself with the special features of the watch model you are purchasing. You want to ensure that your replica will not only look exactly like the original, but also have the same functions. Water Resistance Top quality Japanese replica watches should be impermeable up to 30 feet. This is a plenty of water resistance to work with for the average person. The depth refers to the pressure the crystal, crown and seal components can handle before cracking or leaking. What's important to most people is to know whether the watch can sustain rain, dish washing and the shower. This is an essential aspect of a quality replica. You don't want to have a useless watch because you forgot to take it off in the bath. Pay attention to what the Web site states about water resistance. A watch retailer saying 'don't wear our watches in the shower' is honest, but not selling Japanese replicas. Every quality replica will have a form of rubber seal system around the lugs and crown. Inquire directly about this component. Without it water will seep in and damage the mechanism. Rolex models featuring the triple-lock crown (ie. Submariner, Sea Dweller and Daytona) utilize an extra seal within the threads of the winding crown's tube. This gasket resembles a black O-ring and is visible when the crown is fully unscrewed. This is a must for the watch to be water resistant. As shown below, many replicas don't have this seal, and instead feature rather basic screw down threads: Genuine Rolex Cheap Replica Watchsir.com Chronographs/ Tachometer Functions Many sport and professional models of designer watches have chronograph functions. Omega, Breitling and Rolex have developed very precise and complicated mechanisms for simultaneous time keeping. The original Rolex Daytona, for example, has three chronographs on the dial which measure distinct time intervals. A quality replica with a genuine automatic Japanese movement will have the correct functioning chronographs. Before you purchase a watch, inquire about the quality. It is possible to purchase low end Asian replicas with the chronograph dials just there for show. It all depends on what you want. If you're reading this you probably want a watch that has complete feature functionality. Keep in mind that specific professional models, like Breitling, Panerai, and Omega, are tested for use in deep ocean diving and trips to outer space. You will not find a replica anywhere with those same capabilities. An honest dealer will be up front about the functions of their watches. After all, not many of us are out there buying replicas for a trip to the moon. A Japanese replica will have highly advanced functions for everyday use. Again, as with the claims of solid gold replica watches, be realistic and look out for dealers with outrageous claims. If they say their watch will work in orbit, they know you won't be going there to check anyway. Luminox/Luminor Luminox is the Rolex name for self-luminescent or glow-in-the-dark hour markers. It comes from the Luminor technology developed by Panerai for high visibility in underwater darkness. Almost every Panerai model (and certain Rolex models) will have a Luminor or Luminox dial which will glow an iridescent green in the dark. In most cases Panerai has Luminor in the name of the watch model. Oftentimes, you can tell whether or not a specific replica dealer has luminescent dials by the pictures on the site. Take a look at the photo below. The 2 and 4 are well lit and white, whereas the 12 and 10 are beginning to glow green to counteract the shadow they are in. This is Luminor. In darkness this watch dial will glow bright green. On the level of Japanese replicas, you shouldn't settle for less. Watchsir.com Cyclops lens Many Rolex models have a magnification device over the date called a 'Cyclops'. This small lens makes the date easier to view at a glance. Due to the depth of the face from the crystal or poor magnification, some replica watches don't show a true 2.5x magnification. On a real Rolex and a quality Japanese replica the date should nearly fill the Cyclops lens. The Cyclops will also have a sharp edge where it meets the sapphire crystal. This is hard to see with the naked eye but can be felt quite easily by running your fingers over the lens. Genuine Rolex Cheap Replica Watchsir.com Summary Whether you’re buying a fake Rolex, Breitling Omega or a Panerai replica watch, you need to inform yourself before you make a purchase. When you put on a top quality replica watch no one should be able to tell it's not real. If it can fool a watchmaker, it's a good replica. This means that every component needs to be exact in feel, weight and appearance. Before making the investment you should follow the information above. Inform yourself, contact the company and do some online research. The company's claims should above all be realistic. If you're informed, you'll be able to see through outrageous claims. Remember to take advantage of the avenues you have to contact the retailer. If you can't contact them, don't deal with them! Making online purchases can be secure and easy if you're informed. Anyone can uncover a dishonest dealer -- you just need to test them!