It's that time of the week again, and you're in luck, as it's been one of the better vintage fake watch hunting weeks in recent memory. Unconventional timepieces are plenty in this week's roundup, with the inclusion of a rare Cartier pocket watch, a large date-equipped "Cornavin," and a Jaeger-LeCoultre that's actually not a fake watch at all, but a camera. To ensure we remain rooted in reality https://www.replicawatches.live, there's a rare Oyster Perpetual in yellow gold, and one of the unsuccessful contenders of NASA's Moonwatch testing process from Wittnauer. Let's get right into it.
Cartier 'Guillotine' Ref. 1200Our next fake watch of the week is unlike most you'll typically find featured in the column, in that this is no wrist-mounted timepiece. Though it goes without saying that pocket replica watches don't have the widespread cachet that they once did, I've always considered pocket replica watches to be the ultimate value plays for collectors in search of true mechanical sophistication. If your sole interest as a collector is acquiring and appreciating fine complications, and you don't necessarily feel the need to flex something from the wrist on the daily, there are some seriously good deals to be had. No joke, there are perpetual calendars and minute repeaters to be had for under the ten thousand mark. As I said, these are seriously good deals.
The pocket fake watch in question today however, is not complicated in a way you'd expect, though it could be argued that this is to be expected from Cartier, who at the time wasn't known for the production of grand complications and the like. While its movement displays the time alone, complexity enters the equation by way of a unique "guillotine-style" mechanism which conceals and reveals the dial. Simply press down on the pusher found within the crown, and fake watch as the two blades retract to display the current time.
If you've never seen such a timepiece from Cartier before, that's because this particular reference is exceedingly rare. To date, I've only ever come across one other example, which was rather attractively finished with monogrammed blades, and an ouroboros engraving which surrounded the dial opening. Though this fake watch is not the example in question, you can see pictures that show how it works here, displaying just how this fascinating complication of sorts functions. I can only guess where this fake watch will end up, though I'd love to see it in an important Cartier collection, or in the hands of a pocket fake watch collector who understands its unique significance.
Should you wish to make this Cartier yours, head on over to Ebay where you'll find it being offered by a seller in Broomall, Pennsylvania. The asking price is $16,740, though you have the option to make an offer, as well.
ADVERTISEMENT Wittnauer Professional Ref. 242TIf you're reading this site, or if you've ever stepped foot into an Omega retailer, you're likely aware of how the Speedmaster came to be the Moonwatch as we know it today. If you're reading this column, chances are you're also aware that the Speedy wasn't the only contender in the race, with several other chronographs having been tested by NASA. Of the bunch, it could be argued that this next piece was the most aesthetically impressive, and perhaps more so than the Speedmaster itself ?though that's just my opinion. Before I go on elaborating that last point and ruffling too many feathers, let's take a closer look at this stunner of a Wittnauer.
This is what's known as the Ref. 242T, which I do believe we've discussed before at length. With that said, sometimes an example so nice comes along that it warrants the revisiting of a story ?this is one of those examples. It was once believed that this chronograph may have been in the running to be NASA's designated timepiece for the Moon mission, though in the end, it wasn't capable of withstanding the same sort of forces as Omega's revered Speedmaster. It's come to light that it was in fact another model, the 235T, that was submitted to NASA for testing. But it's easy to see why it was assumed it was the "other moon watch," because the 242T possesses all the right the right stuff to be considered one of the front runners in tis era of capable and sporty chronographs.
With regard to present condition, there's quite a bit to get excited about here. For starters, this example has an unpolished case, with sharp lines displaying the sort of surface scuffs you'd expect to see on a fake watch of this age. Moving in towards the dial, there is not a flaw to be found, and best of all, the luminous compound has aged evenly. If you're still not sold, consider the fact that this example's Valjoux 72 movement has just been serviced, easing the concerns of anyone looking to buy a watch, not a headache. If a 242T is what you're after, I'm really not sure you'll find a better example than this.
An eBay seller based out of Canyon Country, California, has this example listed currently with an asking price of $10,000. Considering that these don't pop up for sale all that often, I'd advise acting accordingly if this one does it for you.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Compass CameraJust as those interested in classic cars often have an interest in vintage watches, the same could be said of camera lovers. Apart from the most obvious connecting factor of the two worlds, an appreciation for all things artistic, many would suggest that the link comes as a result of an interest in mechanical devices intended for the ordinary, but executed in an extraordinary manner. This spirit of extraordinary execution was certainly understood by Jaeger-LeCoultre, who not only manufactured outstanding wristwatches, but an outstanding camera, as well.
Back in 2017, our own Jack Forster published a comprehensive analysis of the Compass Camera, which Jaeger-LeCoultre manufactured back in the late 1930s. Though I was grateful for Jack's article as it brought the Compass Camera to attention, it also started a personal hunt that has rather frustratingly yielded zero notable results over a two year span. Then, almost serendipitously, one came up for sale not too long ago.
To give you the long and short of it, this is a seriously sophisticated piece of kit, especially considering when it was originally released. Not only did it shoot 35mm film ?a relatively new format for photographic use at the time ?but it made use of a rangefinder, and boasted a built-in ground glass viewfinder and exposure meter. All of this folds up neatly into a tiny little aluminum package, which I guess is par for the course when you task a watchmaker trained in micro mechanics with building a camera. Though this admittedly isn't the most functional or cost-effective choice for film shooters of the modern age, there's no denying the impressive nature of the camera, and the innate cool factor that comes as a result of Jaeger-LeCoultre having manufactured it.
Amsterdam fake watch Company, based out Amsterdam as you might've guessed, is offering this uncommon camera with an asking price of ?,750. Considering what Leica cameras of a similar vintage trade for, and that this is a JLC camera (!!) this number feels rather reasonable. Check it out here.
ADVERTISEMENT Cornavin DatocorSeeing a notable brand name upon glancing down at your wrist is nice and all, but every now and then it's nice to know that what's on your wrist isn't on that of the next guy. This is why I personally choose to focus on the oddballs of the vintage fake watch world, so to speak, as I'd rather let the hunt teach me something new, rather than reinforce what's known. Having said that, few eccentricities still enjoy their once unknown status, as increased interest in vintage replica watches has fueled further investigation of the market's secrets. Today I'd like to share a strange one that's likely still unknown to most.
This is what's known as a Datocor, produced by a brand by the name of Cornavin. Though neither of these names roll off the tongue particularly well, together they represent quite the appealing watch, which proudly displays the date using two windows. For my fellow large-wristed readers, this probably isn't the fake watch for you, considering it measures just 32 mm across, though I think it'd look awfully tasteful as a dress piece on someone with the wrist to pull it off. That said, it's worth noting that the fake watch probably wears a bit larger than you'd expect, given the presence of those funky, stylized lugs.
Here's the funny part, depending on your definition of funny. Cornavin wasn't a manufacturer of ultra high end wristwatches, and the Datocor is no exception. This isn't to say we're promoting a bad fake watch here, though its quirks should be considered. Coming in at first place on the list of quirks is the fact that its date function doesn't automatically reset to 1 after reaching 31 at the end of the month. I've heard stories of collectors waking to find out it's the 32nd of July, or whatever month it might be, meaning that you must manually advance the date to account for the shortcomings of the movement. In my eyes, this isn't exactly a total dealbreaker, especially considering that these aren't exactly wildly expensive watches.
If your wrists and patience can accommodate this Cornavin, head on over to Auktionhaus Rotherbaum of Hamburg, Germany, where this piece will be offered on Saturday with a starting bid of just ?80.
1966 Replica Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1013To wrap things up for the week, we've got a Replica Rolex that at might appear common, but is anything but. Our last piece is an Oyster Perpetual, but an oversized example which corresponds with the reference number 1013. Unlike most other standard Oyster Perpetual references, the 1013 is set apart from the pack thanks to its 36 mm case, which to the best of my knowledge was produced solely in precious metals. This makes it the anti-Oyster Perpetual in a sense, in that the majority of references produced under the Oyster Perpetual name were produced in stainless steel in an effort to maximize affordability and mass popularity.
To begin with, the 1013 is a tricky reference to track down due to its limited production numbers. I'd guess that its limited production came as a result of poor sales, as ultimately, this reference makes little sense in the Oyster Perpetual lineup. Though you and I might see it as an impossibly good-looking watch, I can see why most would've opted for a Datejust or Day-Date back in the '60s. With the original pricing of the three replica watches being so similar, more functionality for roughly the same cost would likely have been an appealing pitch for most. Today, however, I'd advise opting for something along these lines, as you just don't see them everyday, and they really live up to the oversized title. Seeing as there's no intrusive date window in the mix, this piece feels slightly larger than a Ref. 1601 Datejust or Ref. 1803 Day Date of the same vintage.
Speaking specifically to this example, it could not have aged more gracefully. In addition to the spotless dial that retains all of the original luminous applications, you'll notice the case remains unpolished and thick. I'd wager that this one spent the bulk of its lifetime to date inside the confines of a dark safe, judging by just how well it's held up over the years.
The Los Angeles based dealer Craft & Tailored is offering this oversized rarity of the Replica Rolex back catalogue with an asking price of $6,250. Find the full scoop on their website.
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