Sometime during the last few years, I decided it was time for me to start building my own fantasy grail list based on everything I’ve processed over the three decades I’ve been covering Swiss made replica watches. I say “fantasy” because the prices of what I find myself coveting are beyond unrealistic, and even if I had the money, I’m not sure I could pull the trigger. But it’s fun to dream, and maybe, one day, I will own a Rolex “John Player Special” or a Patek Philippe Ref. 5950. In the meantime, I asked six real collectors, whose dreams are a little more within reach, to name their top grail fake watches for sale. Unlike me, most of them have a reasonable chance of fulfilling their wrist lists.
Alex Chen, California-based business owner
On Chen’s wishlist is the high quality replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Ultra Thin watches, Ref. 26586IP.OO.1240IP.01. This is the production version of the RD#2, a concept-only watch introduced in 2018 in platinum. (RD stands for Research & Development; The RD#1 from 2015 was a minute repeater and the RD #3, introduced this year, is an extra-thin automatic flying tourbillon, and one of our picks for the most collectible AAA copy watches of 2022). The production version of the RD#2 (collectors still call it the RD#2) came out in 2019 with a titanium case and bracelet, which makes it lighter, even though the center links and bezel are still platinum.
“It’s one of the world’s thinnest selfwinding perpetual calendar replica watches wholesale, with a 2.9 mm thick movement and a 6.3 mm thick case [thinner than some ladies’ quartz pieces, and thinner than the 8.3mm thick Jumbo],” says Chen. “I love it not only because of its amazing caliber (AP 5513), one of the thinnest selfwinding movements ever made, but this is a watch I could wear on a daily basis without being too flashy. It’s super lightweight. Also, instead of the tapisserie dial, it has something even more unique: a satin-brushed blue dial, with white gold applied markers, that I think is extra special. I also like that it’s not the traditional perpetual calendar with moonphase at six o’clock, but with the moonphase is at 12 o’clock.”
“It has everything I’d love to have in a Royal Oak,” says Chen. “It’s made by a manufacturer with an outstanding history in watchmaking yet is always thinking outside the box by combining the latest watchmaking techniques and craftsmanship into one modern high complication wristwatch.” How likely is he to score one? “An Audemars Piguet boutique is the only way to get qualified for one, and the current retail price is somewhere around $175,000,” says Chen. “AP doesn’t produce too many perpetual calendars, and each boutique usually only gets a few per year. It would definitely be difficult to get one at retail.”
Beth Jonas, Utah- and Florida-based retired scientist
Counting a Rolex Submariner, Sky-Dweller and Yacht-Master in her well-endowed collection, as well as perfect UK fake Patek Philippe references 5711 watches, 4947, among others, and at least one AP Royal Oak reference, Jonas says, “I am fortunate that I have my essential watches from the big brands, so in this competitive environment I am really excited about expanding my collection into the independents.”
Where to begin? Jonas already has an F.P. Journe Elegante, a DeBethune Starry Varius, and an Akrivia 06. “I really covet my husband’s Greubel Forsey super clone watches shop site, in particular his titanium Sport GMT. They truly are pieces of art for your wrist, but I haven’t found a piece from their collection that fits my wrist. So, I have two grails: One I wish was made and one that is real. For my first grail, I really wish Greubel Forsey would make a smaller watch, something below 40 mm. A woman’s watch from them would just be so cool.”
Back in the real world, “If price is no limit,” Jonas’s next holy grail is the new ladies’ automatic minute repeater from best Patek Philippe replica watches, ref. 7040/250G. “It has two classic gongs and a gorgeous transparent blue enamel dial with a beautiful diamond bezel. It is technically advanced and elegantly designed. Patek in my view is the best minute repeater manufacturer in the world. I understand the ladies repeater is about $450,000. It’s an application watch and apparently delivery would be some time next year.” Patek application watches are sold by application to Patek Philippe, often requiring a downpayment. But you need more than stacks of money. You must demonstrate an appreciation for Patek workmanship, and if you are a repeat flipper, you are likely to be denied access. Also, only repeat customers, who have already climbed the purchasing ladder, need apply.
“My husband and I are lucky as we are both long-term collectors with excellent connections with the key brands, as well as one authorized dealer with whom we have a great trusting relationship,” says Jonas. “In terms of access, we realize Swiss movements fake watches are currently sought by so many collectors and now investors, that obtaining a grail is not trivial.”
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