Hands-on With MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual Calendar Mens Replica

Hands-on With MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual Calendar Mens Replica

Hero of the luxury replica watch maker independents, and master of marketing and product, Geneva-based MB&F will now release the brand’s first perpetual calendar timepiece with the Legacy Machine Perpetual. This newest member of the MB&F Legacy Machine replica watch collection family was produced in collaboration with Irish-born replica watchmaker, Stephen McDonnell, who is one among that rare breed of super-talents behind the scenes. McDonnell designed the manually wound perpetual calendar movement inside of the Legacy Machine Perpetual from the ground up as a fully integrated new perpetual calendar mechanism totally distinct from everything else out there. Set in the same 44mm wide Legacy Machine case as the original LM1, the Legacy Machine Perpetual Calendar is, perhaps, MB&F’s most direct competition to the storied product collections of Switzerland’s largest and oldest replica watch “maisons” to date.

Hands-on With MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual Calendar Mens Replica

The MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual doesn’t break the mold of previous generation Legacy Machine luxury replica watches, but it does a unique look with a skeletonized dial and fully populated face given the amount of indicators required for the complicated movement. Also, the polished bezel mixed with the light reflections off visible parts of the movement make for a much more “dazzling” look while on the wrist.

Designed and produced exclusively for MB&F, the Legacy Machine Perpetual movement is produced from 581 parts operating at 2.5Hz (18,000 bph) with a power reserve of 72 hours. Intended to resemble legacy 19th century pocket replica watch movements in aesthetic style, there is very little which is actually retro about the movement, aside from how it looks, with its swoopy lines and hand finishing. McDonnell was careful to match the thematic aesthetics applied to the Legacy Machine as set forth by Jean-Francois Mojon and Kari Voutilianen, even though the movement of the Legacy Machine Perpetual does have a more modern feel to it.

Hands-on With MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual Calendar Mens Replica

One of the most special design elements of the movement will likely be easily overlooked by most because it isn’t obvious. Like all LM replica watches, the Legacy Machine Perpetual’s dial emphasizes the large, floating balance wheel that, so far, helps to visually and mechanically define the collection. Follow the hand-polished bridge to the balance wheel and hairspring and you may see something missing. There is no escapement. Well, there is, but you can’t see it from the dial. MB&F and Stephen McDonnell designed the system with what might be the world’s longest balance wheel pinion rod that goes through the movement and connects to an escapement system which is visible through the rear of the replica watch.

Hands-on With MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual Calendar Mens Replica

Enthusiasts should understand that considerable engineering effort was require for this and other elements of the Legacy Machine Perpetual. It is common in such artistic and complicated replica watches for a considerable amount of the timepiece’s expense to be attributed to designing the movement to match a particular aesthetic dream versus building the aesthetics around the movement.

Show You The Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Mens Replica

Show You The Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Mens Replica

In anticipation of Baselworld 2016, we see the re-release of the Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman, a purpose-built diver that was the choice of the U.S. Navy in the first half of the 20th century for its tactical dive teams. It was also an important model in the history of Hamilton on the silver screen, being the first Hamilton mens replica watch from the brand to appear in a motion picture. The movie was, fittingly enough, The Frogman, a 1951 release about the U.Show You The Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Mens ReplicaS. Navy’s Underwater Demolition Team.

The flagship version of the Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman re-release has a 46mm titanium case with a red, unidirectional rotating bezel marking out 60 minutes and ten-minute integers in a clear, retro-militaristic font, with a triangular indicator replacing the zero/sixty marker. The Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman has a black dial with applied indexes with Super-LumiNova luminescence. The hour and minute hands are sizeable and feature the same luminescence as the dial, and there is a small date window between four and five o’clock. The crystal is sapphire with an antireflective coating. Immediately noticeable is the locking crown guard which, in addition to the black rubber strap, hints at serious diving abilities.

With water-resistance to 1,000 meters, the Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman replica watch lives up to the promises its design makes for it. It also features a helium escape valve for regulating internal/external pressures experienced while diving. The Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman replica watch is powered by the H-10 automatic caliber movement and has an 80-hour power reserve.

Show You The Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Mens Replica
Obviously, the market for dive replica watches is incredibly dense and Hamilton is going head-to-head with a number of different capable manufacturers with this replica watch. The Tag Heuer Aquaracer, while only water-resistant to 300 meters and priced higher, has a more subdued design which could allow it to be worn more casually in environments where the Frogman would stand out. It is a similar story with the Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman and the Tudor Pelagos or one of the Tudor Heritage Black Bay replica watches. These could potentially be unfair comparisons because of the price differences, but since this is the territory Hamilton is entering with their dive replica watches, it will require a hands-on to see how the build and design compares to the Swiss rivals. The Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman can also be compared to dive replica watches from Oris and Squale priced at or below the Frogman with similar technical features and attractive designs.

Show You The Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Mens Replica

Show You The Louis Vuitton Voyager GMT With 41.5mm Mens Replica Watch

Show You The Louis Vuitton Voyager GMT With 41.5mm Mens Replica Watch

he LVMH group that owns Louis Vuitton mens replica also owns a series of replica watch makers such as TAG Heuer, Bulgari, Zenith, and Hublot. It is arguable that Louis Vuitton as a brand doesn’t need to also make replica watches – but they do, and for the most part, they are very nicely done. Louis Vuitton’s best replica watch craft comes from their in-house La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton facility. The brand today makes a small number of replica watches (comparatively speaking) and they range from everyday models with quartz movements for women to very exotic tourbillon-based timepieces at the uppermost end of the spectrum. Today, we are looking at the new-for-2016 Louis Vuitton Voyager GMT replica watch collection.

The Louis Vuitton Voyager GMT offers a novel case design which is somewhere between round and cushion-shaped. I haven’t worn it myself yet, but I am curious about how it looks on the wrist. Like the famous Tambour case that Louis Vuitton is known for, this new Voyager case design benefits from being both comfortable-looking and distinctive. It is hard to tell from images alone what it will look like on the wrist, but I’m open-minded and optimistic about it.

I just had to re-write the below paragraph because I initially worte it after reading Louis Vuitton’s materials on the replica watch – which didn’t even include the proper name of the replica watch. For that reason you might see this timepiece out there referred to as the “Louis Vuitton GMT” without the Voyager part of the name. What I said is that I almost felt that Louis Vuitton utterly didn’t have replica watch enthusiasts in mind when coming up with this personality-free name for an otherwise interesting collection if the name was just “Louis Vuitton GMT.” As you likely know, “GMT” is the term for a complication, and it also refers to “Greenwich Mean Time.” GMT is the name typically given to any timepiece which offers a second time zone in 24-hour format. If a replica watch offers a second time zone in 12-hour format, it is just a “dual time zone” replica watch, and frankly, brands get this confused a lot.
Show You The Louis Vuitton Voyager GMT With 41.5mm Mens Replica Watch

Yes, it is correct that these replica watches have a GMT function. With that said, is that enough to give this collection any manner of personality? It would be like calling a new truck the “Ford 4×4.” All that does is explain some of the functionality that the product has – which is functionality shared by others. Louis Vuitton is by no means the only company on the market to make GMT replica watches, and this isn’t the only GMT replica watch that Louis Vuitton makes. So knowing that, you can understand why I was irritated to receive documentation that simply called it the GMT. Rather, these replica watches are the Louis Vuitton Voyager GMT.

The Louis Vuitton Voyager GMT case is 41.5mm wide (water resistant to 50 meters) and available at launch in either a steel case or an 18k pink gold case. You also see three different strap options which include a steel bracelet, textured gray “taurillon” calf leather strap for the steel case, or a blue alligator strap for the 18k pink gold model. I am happy that a bracelet exists. Louis Vuitton offers bracelets on a number of their replica watches in addition to straps, which is a good sign. Bracelets are difficult to engineer and often work only with particular cases. That means Louis Vuitton puts the effort into making them in order to have a more complete replica watch design experience – and I approve of that, of course.

Show You The Louis Vuitton Voyager GMT With 41.5mm Mens Replica Watch

Detailed Review With The Avi-8 X Worn&Wound Replica Watches

Last summer we released the AVI-8 x worn&wound replica watch edition 1. It was a huge success, with all 150 units selling out within a couple of months. So, we decided to bring it back, mixing things up a bit to give the new version a different feel from the last. The AVI-8 x worn&wound edition 2 takes the same military inspired design of the first, drawing from classic pilots and fields yet establishing its own unique look, and goes a more modern, sleek direction with a semi-sterile dial and crisp BGW9 lume. We kept the Miyota 8245 automatic movement and domed sapphire crystal, and packaged the watch with an array of straps and accessories including one of our American-made Model 2 Premium watch straps.

Case: Two-tone, black PVD/brushed steel
Movement: Miyota 8245 Automatic
Dial: Charcoal Gray and Matte Black
Lume: BGW9 SuperLuminova
Lens: Domed Sapphire crystal
Straps: 2 x nylon Mil-Strap, 1 x w&w Coal Model 2 Premium
Water Res.: 50m
Dimensions: 42 x 48 mm
Thickness: 13.5 mm
Lug Width: 22 mm
Crown: 4 x 6 mm
Case: Padded Cordura Watch Replica Wallet
Warranty: 2 years through AVI-8
Price: $399

Dial

This year, for the dial, we went with a two-tone approach using a matte charcoal gray for the main surface and matte black for the small seconds at 6. For the primary index, we went with large applied markers, rectangles for the hours, triangles at 12 and 6 and numerals at 3 and 9. The combination of markers speaks to both pilot and field watches, but balances out making for a highly legible design. Each of the applied markers is also coated in BGW9 lume, appearing clean white in daylight, icey blue in the dark.

Off of the hour markers are small white numerals for the minutes at intervals of 5. This too aids in at-a-glance legibility, and speaks to some of our favorite German military watches from the 80’s and 90’s. At 6, you’ll find a sub-seconds counter in matte-black, subtly distinguishing it from the surrounding area, with white markers for the seconds and numerals at the quarter minute.

From here, things change a bit more. For the individual minute markers, which run between the hours, the cross-hairs and the logos under 12, we’ve gone with black print. On the gray background, it’s very subtle, appearing more as a texture than anything else. In some light, these added details come through, building on the design. In others, they disappear completely, giving the dial a stark, sterile (no-branding) appearance. Overall, this gives the watch a more modern and aggressive feel.

In keeping with the modern direction, we changed the hands from the blunted style of the first, to sharper straight swords in polished steel. To increase legibility and ease in distinguishing between the hands on the fly, the minute is split laterally across its middle. The second hand is then a small straight sword with edge to edge lume.

Case

We kept the same case as the first model, as we felt in perfectly suited this concept. Based on AVI-8’s Flyboy models, the 42 x 48 x 13.5mm (to the top of the domed sapphire) case is rugged and well balanced. At 42mm, it has solid presence and ample dial real estate, while the 48mm lug-to-lug keeps it manageable on top of the wrist. We’ve also kept our unique finishing concept, with a brushed steel bezel, PVD mid-case and steel, knurled crown. The alternating finishes create an interesting visual effect, while the PVD mid-case also helps temper the 42mm diameter, and adds some stealthiness overall.

For the caseback, we kept the display window with etched details on the surrounding area. On the display window, we proudly have our w&w diamond logo electroplated dead-center in a mirror finish, one of our favorite details. Behind our logo you get a full view of the 21-jewel Miyota 8245 automatic movement inside. The 8245 is a utilitarian caliber with some light cote de Geneve on the winding plate and balance cock, as well as a skeletonized rotor. What it lacks in artistry it makes up for in a certain rugged appeal that stays true to the watch’s character.

Straps and Accessories

One of our favorite things about this collaboration is that we get to go all out on the accessories, outfitting the watch the way we want it. For this edition, we went with two custom nylon Mil-Straps and one of our Model 2 Premiums. The Mil-Straps are manufactured by AVI-8 Mens Replica to our exact specifications in terms of size and color. One is a dark charcoal gray. It’s a bit softer than black would be, playing in with the mix of tones from the dial and case. The other is a gorgeous teal/blue, often called “thalo” blue in paint terms. It’s bright and rich with an intense color that makes everything pop. It might just be the nicest blue nylon Mil-Strap we’ve come across (self-congratulating, I know, but still…that blue).

For the leather option, we included one of our new American-made Coal Model 2 Premium straps, which retail for $89. The Model 2 Premiums are an evolution on our previous Model 2 straps, combining Horween uppers with Wickett & Craig vegetable tanned lining leather, which helps prevent stretching and makes the straps wear better for longer. We then finish the straps off with painted edges and hand-stitched details. For the AVI-8 x w&w collab, we chose used our Coal leather, which is a Horween chromexcel nubuck with a soft, matte finish. Combined with black edges, stitching and lining, it’s the perfect complement to the watch.

With all these straps, you’ll need a way to swap them in and out, so we’ve included one of our handy capped spring bar tools. The fact that it’s black aluminum and has a tactile appeal of its own only further complements the set. Lastly, to carry this all around on the go and keep it organized at home, we’ve included a custom, padded carrying case made of gray Cordura.

Available Now

The AVI-8 x worn&wound edition 2 is available now in a limited edition of 300 pieces exclusively at shop.wornandwound.com and at select retailers, such as Ajax Shoppe in San Diego. The price for the whole kit including the watch, 2 nylon Mil-Straps, 1 Coal Model 2 Premium, a strap changing tool and the Cordura carrying case is $399, which includes free shipping in the US and Canada. Head over to our shop today to get one while they last.

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Girard-Perregaux Chamber of Wonders With 40mm Case Mens Replica

Girard-Perregaux Mens Replica Chamber of Wonders collection is expanding with three replica watches that are adorned with magnificent dials that either celebrate the earth as seen from space, or space as viewed from earth. A trio of numbered pieces was unveiled at Baselworld 2016 to honor the philosophy and visions of famous scholars. These timepieces are housed in a 40.00 mm pink gold case and are powered by the GP03300-0060 caliber, a mechanical movement with automatic winding,  displayong the hours and minutes functions, and offering a 46-hour power reserve. Each swiss replica watch is fitted with a stitched black alligator strap, secured by a pink gold pin buckle.

Girard-Perregaux Chamber of Wonders Celestial Globe

Cartographic Masterpiece: Girard-Perregaux Chamber of Wonders Collection

This exceptional timepiece is inspired by the Vincenzo Maria Coronelli, a Franciscan monk, an Italian cosmographer, cartographer, publisher, and encyclopedist known in particular for his atlases and globes. His legacy lives in two giant globes he created in Paris to demonstrate his respect to Louis XIV. One globe is terrestrial, the other celestial, depicting the sky as it was seen at the time of the monarch’s birth, on September 5, 1638. On the 1,880 celestial bodies that it depicts, 72 constellations adopt the forms of whimsical animals and mythological figures. The completely blue-toned work, comprised of twelve equal areas symbolizing the seasons when the sun crosses the zodiac constellations, was painted and illuminated by Jean-Baptiste Corneille. The domed sapphire dial of the Celestial Globe timepiece is painted by hand and its engraved grooves are filled with gold powder.

Girard-Perregaux Chamber of Wonders Center of the Universe, Earth

Cartographic Masterpiece: Girard-Perregaux Chamber of Wonders CollectionThis model draws its inspiration from the work of Greco-Roman Ptolemy, an astronomer, mathematician, and geographer, known for his geocentric (Earth-centred) model of the universe. The timepiece was created with the help of the method of stone marquetry and was decorated by skillful miniature painters. The depth which was rendered by stone, is cut into thin disks, which are then polished and positioned like a jewel. This sets the scene for materials capable of representing different shades of blue, such as lapis lazuli or aventurine, or reflecting warm white tones, such as extra-white mother-of-pearl. The stretches of sea and boundaries of unknown territories are formed in this manner, before brushes dipped in gold powder delicately caress the colored surfaces.

Girard-Perregaux Chamber of Wonders Center of the Universe, Sun

Cartographic Masterpiece: Girard-Perregaux Chamber of Wonders Collection

To pay tribute to the vision of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, who suggested that the Sun was a fixed point in the universe around which celestial bodies revolve, Girard-Perregaux creates “Center of the Universe, Sun” replica watch. The watchmaker has chosen aventurine and gray jade and combined those with alternating shades of dark and pale orange jasper, to demonstrate the 24-hour renaissance.

Take A Look At The Corum Bubble Dani Olivier Replica

Take A Look At The Corum Bubble Dani Olivier Replica

Paris-based photographer, Dani Olivier is specialised in “abstract and psychedelic nudes”, human bodies covered in striations of coloured light. Olivier’s portraits are real photographs, not the result of digital manipulation. Dani Olivier accomplishes the effects by projecting light patterns onto nude bodies set against a jet-black background, creating completely surreal forms.
In a collaboration that began in 2015, Corum Mens Replica has miniaturized Olivier’s art, transferring two of his most distinctive photographs on the dials of its Bubble wristreplica watch.

Take A Look At The Corum Bubble Dani Olivier Replica

Care has been taken to ensure that the Bubble is a fitting canvas for Olivier’s art, with even the Corum key logo at three o’clock being applied in the same vivid colours as the portraits. And the rhodium-plated hands have been filled with matte black lacquer, allowing them to stand out enough to be legible, while not distracting from the artwork behind. And to match the deep black background of Olivier’s portraits, the signature, 47 mm Corum Bubble replica watch case has been coated in black PVD.
Both of the Bubble Dani Olivier editions are limited to just 88 replica watches each, with the final, 88th timepiece in each edition being a one-off, unique piece. The 88th wristreplica watch features the same artwork on the dial, but is distinguished by a red gold bezel that serves as a frame for Olivier’s photographs.

Take A Look At The Corum Bubble Dani Olivier Replica

Detailed Review With The Breitling Chronomat 44 Replica

Detailed Review With The Breitling Chronomat 44 Replica

Breitling Mens Replica is the yeast extract-based spread of replica watchmaking. Some people can’t get enough of them, others wouldn’t even wear one on a bet, but either way we’ve all heard of the brand. Pre-quartz revolution, Breitling replica watches were the go-to tools of the experts, found on the wrists of pilots, engineers, scientists and even astronauts, but post-quartz revolution, well—let’s just say that Breitling seems to have taken a little longer than most finding its groove.

Detailed Review With The Breitling Chronomat 44 Replica

The result of this was an abundance of confusingly similar models, leaving newcomers with a muddle of replica watches to choose from. Breitling has recently managed to consolidate its lines, leaving some that honour the brand’s illustrious past and others that look to future. The cherry on the cake was the brand’s first new in-house chronograph movement since the quartz revolution, the B01. That was launched five years ago, and it was released to a rumbling of questions: Is it going to be expensive? Will it be reliable? Is there enough demand for it?

Detailed Review With The Breitling Chronomat 44 Replica

Breitling Chronomat Replica here exhibiting slick detailing throughout. Finishes are reference level, tolerances millimetre perfect, the balance of luxury well-judged. On paper, the Chronomat 44 is the ideal flagship for Breitling’s range, carrying a proud heritage forward. Pricing is about right, too, sitting £1,000 less than Rolex’s Daytona.

But it’s not all cake and party hats, because it seems that Breitling still hasn’t been able to shake the last of its uncertain years. Where some details impress, others confuse. Why does the crown guard bulge and dip towards the pushers in such an awkward way? Why is there a square in the middle of the dial made up of lines, one edge of which steps around the logo? And who on Earth picked that retro-futuristic space-age font for the bezel? Erase that shaky judgement with the mind’s eye and you’ll see a very handsome replica watch, but unfortunately reality must be faced: those niggling little foibles really are there.

Detailed Review With The Breitling Chronomat 44 Replica

Still, it’s a step in the right direction and if, while we wait for the flagship Chronomat to take on a more resolved form, we still have a hankering for a Breitling with that excellent B01 inside, there’s the vintage-inspired Navitimer 01 to tide us over. Breitling’s time is yet to come, but be patient—it’s coming, and it’s coming soon.

Limited Edition Watch Series:A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Time Zone Como Mens Replica

Limited Edition Watch Series:A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Time Zone Como Mens Replica

When it comes to exclusivity, the A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Time Zone Como Replica Edition by A. Lange & Söhne has to rank fairly high in the league tables. The piece isn’t for sale, but is instead created just once per year as a prize for the winner of ‘Best of Show’ at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

Limited Edition Watch Series:A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Time Zone Como Mens Replica

The event, which has taken place every year since 1929, is held to showcase some of the most rare and elegant vintage cars. The boutique German brand has been a sponsor of the event since 2012, and created the limited edition Lange 1 Time Zone specifically to be awarded in commemoration of the stand-out automobile of the show.

The Como Edition is distinct from other A. Lange & Sohne mens replica watches in the series thanks to two unique features. Instead of Berlin representing Central European Time on the timezone ring around the edge of the dial, this version uses Como, Italy in commemoration of the location of the event. This model also features a ‘cuvette’—a hinged and hand-engraved dust cover on the side of the movement.

Enclosed in a classically sophisticated solid silver case, this piece makes use of the beautiful in-house calibre L031.1 movement, which beats at 21,600vph and features a twin barrel mainspring.

Take A Look At The Orient Mako USA II Giveaway Replica

A few weeks ago we took a close look at the updated Orient Mako USA II Replica. And today, we’re giving it away! If you’re interested in a chance to win, just enter your email below. And as always, a big thanks to our friends at Orient USA for supplying the best replica watch.

To stay up to date on future worn&wound giveaways, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

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To be in the running for the Orient Mako USA II Replica giveaway, all you have to do is: Enter your email into the box above before the giveaway is over on Aug 25th, 2016 at 11:59pm (EST). You must enter a valid email address in the form. After Aug 25th, a winner will be chosen at random and then contacted by us. In addition, the following rules apply. You can only enter once. You must submit with a valid e-mail address where you can be reached. You must complete the objectives to be considered. You are responsible for providing your contact shipping information if you are chosen. All submissions made after the end of the giveaway period will not be considered. If you are chosen as a winner you then have 24 hours to ensure receipt of your full shipping information or an alternative winner will be chosen. The giveaway is open to entrants internationally as noted in the terms and conditions (international winners will be required to pay shipping and any taxes, customs or other fees associated). For the full terms and conditions, please click here.

Detailed Review With The Gavox Avidiver Diver Mens Replica

When it comes to swiss best replica watch design, combining cues from different watch types can often lead to unfortunate compromise. Trying to do two things at once usually means that neither one is done particularly well, and there’s a pile of dress divers and the like that can attest to that fact. So when the Gavox Avidiver was first announced, my initial reaction was one of skepticism.

But somehow the Avidiver’s mash up of pilot and dive replica watch cues is like mixing chocolate and peanut butter—it just works. Divers and pilot’s replica watches are both traditionally rugged, utilitarian machines. Mixed together the way they are here results in something that appears modern and playful, yet still totally useful. On the wrist, The Avidiver feels like an all-terrain tactical instrument, and with 200 meters of water resistance and a unique take on a “Super Compressor” style internal bezel there’s utility for days. Coming in at $720 ($610 w/o VAT), it’s a hell of a watch for the money. We got our hands on the black and white-dialed variants, so let’s take a closer look.

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$610

Gavox Avidiver Replica Review

Case316L stainless steel (optional PVD)MovementMiyota 9015DialBlack, white, and blue (not shown here)LumeBG-W9 (black/blue), C3 (white)LensSapphire with ARStrapSilconeWater Resistance200mDimensions43mm x 50.8mmThickness12.8mmLug Width22mmCrown5mm x 3mmWarranty2 yearsPrice$610

Case

Unique and more complex than initially meets the eye, the case of the Gavox Avidiver cuts a modern, utilitarian profile on the wrist. The 43mm size is hefty, but not quite overwhelming, helped in part by aggressively curved, almost hooked lugs that are set a broad-shouldered 22mm apart. The style here cleaves closer to the pilot side of the pilot/diver combination.

In terms of geometry, the case design is extremely straightforward, with straight sides and only a small, simple bevel on the bezel to break up the lines. While that might sound a bit straightforward or dull, it actually helps sell the purposeful, military feel of the replica watch far better than a more ornate case would. This is further underscored by the finishing, which is either in light all-over brushing or a Spec Ops-worthy black PVD coating. No fancy polishing or mixed surfaces here–it’s all business.

Of course, what really jumps out are the two Super Compressor-style screw-down crowns at two and four. The slightly undersized pair is flanked by squared off crown guards, which balance out the crowns and add some visual heft to that portion of the case. With deep, sharply cut teeth and a crisp, tall signature, the machining on the crowns is impressive, especially at this price point.

While the four o’clock main crown is signed nicely with a Gavox “G,” the two o’clock bezel instead gets marked with an orange triangle. It’s a great example of instant visual communication—the crown with the orange triangle controls the orange triangle of the inner bezel. Clean, graphic, and brilliant. Given the replica watch’s aviation vibe, there’s also another little (possibly unintentional) aeronautical nod to the orange triangle formerly used as a roundel by the Dutch Air Force.

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One complaint about the main crown, however, is the lack of distance between crown settings. It can take several tries to pull out the crown to the quick-set date position without accidentally overshooting and jumping to the time function.

Around back, a medium-sized display window gives a glimpse of the Miyota 9015 heart. The movement is well decorated, with Côtes de Genève and a thin, laser-etched rotor signed with the Gavox winged V emblem. The simple addition of a display back to a 200-meter rated dive replica watch is no small feat either, and speaks volumes about the quality of the construction at a price point that comes in well under $1000.

Dial

The dial of the Gavox Avidiver is a mix of pilot and diver cues, and like the case, it too leans more toward the aviation side. The sandwich design has the hour markers shining through the main layer of the dial, rendered entirely in a generous helping of Super-LumiNova. Paired with the vibrant handset, the Avidiver (especially the white-dialed variant) glows like a torch.

The Arabic numerals at three, six, and nine are a classic pilot touch, but feel fresh and modern here thanks to Gavox’s streamlined, simple font. I’m not usually a fan of numbers on a dial, but here it feels slick and rightly tuned in to the overall feel of the watch. The other indices are simple tapering rectangles, except for the 12 o’clock position that is rendered in a wide V. The use of negative space is clever here, as the orange pointer of the inner bezel (more on that later) is framed perfectly by the marker when zeroed out at 12. These two elements form an attractive, dynamic focal point for the dial.

Speaking of the inner bezel, the wide, deeply sloped outer ring seems like the obvious candidate for rotating bezel duty, right? The Avidiver is a bit more innovative than that. The orange triangle just inside the ring moves independently, and allows the Avidiver to be used either as a traditional dive replica watch with a countdown bezel or as a Zulu bezel to track a second time zone. It’s a stylish, unique approach that calls to mind both aircraft cockpit instruments and one of my favorite replica watches, the Seiko 6139 Pogue.

In terms of dial text, the Avidiver offers only the Gavox logo along with a depth rating and “Automoatic” script at six, allowing the oversized hour markers some breathing room. An unobtrusive date window at four completes the package.

GAVOX_AVIDIVER_DIAL_7The handset is certainly classic pilot—a pair of broad Roman swords. Gavox, however, takes a unique approach here, surrounding the healthy lumed areas in a border of bold contrasting color—orange on the white dial and a more subdued white on the black. Especially on the white dial, this border adds some personality and contributes to the immediate legibility of an already easy-to-read design. The orange-tipped seconds hand, with its winged V counterweight, also falls more on the pilot side of the spectrum. Although this would be a minor problem for most potential owners of the Avidiver, I should note that the seconds hand is without lume, which hurts the Avidiver’s functionality as a dive watch.

Movement

Powering the Gavox Avidiver is one of the mainstays of the micro brand industry, the Miyota 9015. While some may turn up their noses at a Miyota in favor of other nameplates, let’s not forget why the 9015 is the venerable workhorse it is in the first place. Hacking, hand winding, a robust power reserve, and a smooth 28,800 bph sweep are all great features, and the 9015’s ubiquity makes it cheap and easy to fix if anything ever goes wrong. It’s a solid dependable choice, and a great option for this replica watch.

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Straps and Wearability

The strap choice is definitely one place where the Avidiver flaunts its aquatic side. It comes paired with a seamlessly molded silicone strap in either black, orange, or blue. The strap is soft, flexible, and very comfortable, a rugged go-anywhere choice that feels right at home in the water or on the trail. The strap continues the visual cues of the dial and handset with a winged-V shaped groove that runs between the lugs before tapering into a line that runs the length of the strap. Other little touches like the signed inner side and the thick, deeply etched buckle really help lift the quality feel of the strap.

GAVOX_AVIDIVER_WRIST_1Given the military design cues at play here, however, this replica watch would be great on a nylon single pass strap or a rugged leather two-piece. In terms of wearability, the 43mm size and considerable heft result in a piece that definitely has some presence, but it never overwhelmed my 6.75-inch wrist. That said, the sharply down-turned lugs did at times dig into my skin, but this stopped being a problem when I wore the watch a bit tighter against my wrist.

Obviously, this is a very casual replica watch, but what it lacks in formality it makes up in general versatility as a sports watch. You might not be able to wear it in the boardroom, but it’ll handle muddy trails and seawater just fine.

Conclusion

As I mentioned in the beginning of this review, mashing together two very different styles rarely creates something as good as the parts of the whole. When it works, however, the result can be pretty incredible. The Gavox Avidiver is more than the sum of its inspirational parts, perfectly blending some familiar cues and features of both styles of replica watch to create something rugged, handsome, and completely unique. It never feels compromised. As a new take on the affordable modern sports replica watch, the Avidiver is a complete success. If the styling speaks to you, it’s a hard one to say no to. To purchase an Avidiver, click here.

To read our coverage of Gavox’s other replica watches, check out our reviews of the Aurora, Squadron, Legacy Navy, and the Curtiss P-40.