A lot of people – even seasoned collectors – can find themselves confused when trying to distinguish between original and authentic watches. The trick? Stop thinking of the words as synonymous. In this guide, you’ll learn about the big differences between these two categories of luxury watches and how it can help you be a more educated shopper and collector.An authentic watch is undisputed in origin, and not a replica or copy. This means that in order for something to be authentic, it has to be 100% real. Authentic watches are genuine pieces from brands – think of the big players like Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Patek Philippe and more.We use the word authentic in the industry to distinguish between genuine timepieces and fakes that are widely copied and sold. When a dealer gets their hands on a watch, the first thing they are going to do is check the authenticity of the watch; and as a buyer, you should be doing the same. As a buyer, the first step in guaranteeing you get an authentic watch is by always buying directly from the brand or a trusted and reputable dealer who can ensure that the watch is authentic.But how can you tell whether a watch is authentic? Well, we’ve created some great guides to help educate buyers and collectors – both on what’s real, and how to spot inauthentic details. Head over here to check out our official guide on the Top Ways To Spot A Fake Rolex.To be an original watch, the timepiece has to be an authentic watch. Because when you see a watch listed as original, it means that it is both a genuine timepiece from that brand, and one that has not had any later-era updates or alterations since it was manufactured and originally sold.Original watches are:Authentic Have not had parts replaced with later-era equivalents or been modified/altered in any way Sometimes in the industry, we also refer to original watches as ‘honest’ watches. And when we look at pre-owned timepieces – especially vintage watches, we often look for originality. This means we look for things like correct factory-installed parts, whether they’re scratched, chipped or faded.We also look for things like custom details that were added after purchasing, like diamonds or enhanced bezels which were later-era additions and unoriginal to the piece. There are even many buyers and collectors who will favor watches that have never had a polishing or servicing that could have hindered the natural aging process of the timepiece.
Are they likely to issue a Coke at some point in the future? It is impossible to tell, to be honest. There is already a decent amount of color in the range, with the blue and black ‘Batman’ pieces and the pair of ‘Root Beer’ examples. And with there actually being a total of three Pepsi’s – one in steel and two in white gold – maybe Rolex has decided that’s enough.That being said, the Fat Lady (that ref. 16760 original) turns 40 in 2023, and as already discussed, the brand loves a birthday. So, just maybe…Until then, we will have to content ourselves with the references available on the pre-owned market.Just about the rarest thing in the world (the world of horology at any rate) is for Rolex to succumb to audience pressure. Yet, in 2009, that’s exactly what happened when that venerable old warhorse, the Datejust, was issued in a new 41mm size. The largest Datejust option had been 36mm model since before the Earth cooled, but the trend for ever-increasing watch sizes was one the brand could only ignore for so long.However, the so-called Datejust II not only added a significant 5mm but also changed the proportions of the watch’s individual elements. The bezel grew broader, and while the case got wider, the bracelet didn’t, leading to thicker lugs. Overall, it traded the former model’s graceful, sweeping lines for a more muscular sporty profile, adding bigger hour markers on the dial to fill up the extra room.
First of all, the case size is 40.9*12.3mm which is almost as the same the per original, not only because it is made out from a 1:1 case but also because the team conquer so many difficulties to develop a replica A79350 movement. Some editions are not able to do the same size case as original edition is because it is limited by the movement inside of it, some factories are not able to copy the original movement. Then let’s move to the dial, the craftsmanship and fine details are just the same as original. IWC’s logo is very clear, and the character size is the same as original, there is no difference by looking at it. The outside markers for chronograph second function is also copied greatly. The blue long needle is for showing chronograph second, and sub-dial at 12:00 position shows chronograph minute. Sub-dial at 6:00 position together with two hands in the middle to show the time. Time Markers are numeral. Look into carefully, even the axis to hold those three hands are done as well as per original, perfectly in details! Both V6 edition and original’s front glass are made of sapphire crystal, this is a easy job for ZF to follow. Look at the case side, no matter the polish or matt work, they are exactly the same as the genuine. On the crown and the buttons for adjust functions, they are looking the same in shape and engraving logo on it, but V6 edition’s is painted with blue coating which is for protecting them from the scratch. For the strap, the original one is using crocodile leather, V6 edition’s standard strap is real cow leather but Z factory also offer crocodile leather with extra pay.
The helium valve button on both factories do not work. While I think AR makes the helium valve button correct because they do a better finish on the button.Both AR and Noob use 904L stainless steel to make the bracelet. While I think that the 904L stainless steel used by AR is the best in entire watch market. The first touch feeling which AR Rolex gives you is excellent, whether on the case or bracelet, the finish on AR 126600 is superior. On AR 126600, if you check the first link of the bracelet that connects the case, its compactness with the links on both sides is made better, Noob’s has a small gap. The crown logo on the buckle looks more three-dimensional on AR 126600. So, about This is the only advantage of Noob factory, because Noob offers a 3235 movement option for this Sea-Dweller 126600. I did not say the Asia 2824 on ARF is not good, it is also a very good movement, even more stable than the clone 3235 and Asia ETA 2836 used by Noob 126600.Whether in material or finish, ARF Sea-Dweller Single Red 126600 is the best. About the movement, I still vote for ARF, because the Asia 2824 movement is more stable. Now, AR factory almost has occupied the entire market of Sea-Dweller 126600, about the after-sale service, Noob’s repairing service is very slow, this is also a big reason why I do not recommend Noob here.Photos and video of Noob 126600 Now, Daytona is the proud of Noob factory, it has become the flagship model of Noob, which is more popular than their Submariner 116610LN and 116610LV. Since the usage of 904L stainless steel in replica watches industry, the emphasis which every factory puts on is the development of replica Rolex, especially the production of Daytona, which directly affect the competitive relationship between Noob and ARF.In my last post, I said Noob is ready to release two yellow gold Daytona watches, now both watches are available. Here I will give a short review one of them, it is the yellow gold one with green dial.The case of this yellow gold Daytona is 12.5mm, which almost has the same thickness as original. Thanks to Noob’s newly developed 4130 movement, so the thickness of the entire case has been reduced, at the same time, the movement can also achieve all functions of original. The inner case material is 904L stainless steel, while the outside yellow gold coating is up to 5 mils thick.Green dial is my favorite, it makes the Daytona suitable both for men and women. Every small dial works very well, each features a red circle inside. The small second hand is on the subdial at 6 o’clock, other two small dials are for minute and hour chronograph display. To reduce the probability of failure, we suggest you do not operate the chronograph buttons too often, this is true for Daytona from Noob and ARF.
