On Fakes, Clones, and other crap
Can you tell the fake watch from the picture?
The market is flooded with watch clones that comes in a variety of finishing and quality. We all know that it is getting harder to spot these fakes as their quality and resemblance to the original watches they mimic is getting closer to 100%. You can just search YouTube for some examples.
One of the Chinese factories manufacturing super clones is VSF factory. It is known for the better ‘quality’ clones it produces. Recently I was able to put my hands on a super clone (or at least that what they told me) of a Panerai PAM01616 manufactured by VSF factory. I must admit that I was curious. As the owner of a legitimate PAM01616, which I really love, I wanted to test for myself how close these clones are getting.
It is important to note that most of the focus of these clone manufactures is on watch brands and models that sale like hot cakes. This is why the Rolex clones are the most advanced. As per Panerai, I was told that the PAM01232 and the PAM02979 are amongst the highest requested clones (as simply they were missing from the ‘shelf’ due to high demand).
The cloning industry has come a very long way. They can provide you with an ‘original’ box and papers and if you wish they can also produce a fake purchasing receipt from one of the big watch retailers in the US. The problem is that it looks 100% legit.
The fake watch industry is a huge problem. I don’t buy the argument that it allows someone to try before they buy, or to use a fake when they go abroad and are afraid of being robbed (you can get killed even when they take your fake watch). All those excuses are not a legitimate reason to buy a fake watch.
So, let’s get into the details of the super clone of the PAM01616 and the differences from the original.
On the left, PAM01616. On the right a super clone
Aesthetics
The clone watch is 50 grams heavier (160 grams) than the original (at 110 grams).
The ‘carbotech’ lines on the clone case are much more pronounced.
The blue color on the hands is different than the color on the dial. The color on the hands matches the blue color on the seconds dial, but not to the rest of the dial.
The clone is thicker.
The thickness of the original vs. the clone
Movement
The lever of the crown guard is very loose. Feels like a toy.
The crown is flimsy and feels plasticky to touch.
There is no ‘click’ noise when adjusting the hour using the hour hand.
When you adjust the hour, the minute hand ‘jumps’ in place.
There is no ‘rattling’ noise when you ‘shake’ the watch.
You can hear the watch ticking a little bit louder on the clone.
Strap
The buckle is rougher to touch on the clone.
The blue on the original rubber strap is a slightly deeper shade of blue.
On the original buckle there is an engraving of ‘PRAI-TI’ while on the clone it is ‘PRPI’.
The text on the original uses a thinner print. On the longer side of the strap it reads ‘Made in Italy’, while on the clone it reads ‘OFFICINE PANERAI ITALY’. (might be related to changes in the strap manufacturing as well).
Original strap vs. clone strap
The back side of the straps
Case Back
The case back is nearly flat on the original while the clone is not completely.
The fonts are different between the two. They are smaller on the original.