This week obtains technical with an early Vacheron Constantin automatic, and a replica Rolex Daytona chronograph that comes with a stunning tri-color dial. You will also take a general view of one of the last classically-shaped Memovox from before the funky cases of the 1970s arrived. Besides, we end with an edifying Breitling franken-watch in end, a wannabe Sprint 2010 which indicates one of the worst dials we have ever had the joy of finding.
Vacheron Constantin Automatic with Original Papers 
The Vacheron Constantin replica was all about functionality in the 1950s, offering an automatic caliber and a screw-down waterproof case back. Its case measures a substantive 35mm across, while a large number of dial/hands combinations exist, true to the fake Vacheron Constantin’s form in that era. In a letter to its retailers dated back to the 1950s, the manufacture had actually indicated that it never released more than 24 examples with the same design, which explains the countless variations of indexes and handset shapes that can be found for the very same stuff.
It is said that the watch comes directly from the original owner and shows a perfectly preserved yellow gold case. The automatic movement is not described but it is either the elusive bumper caliber 477/1, only produced between 1950 and 1952 and cased afterward, or the caliber P1019 with the full rotor, produced from 1958. Given that the original papers indicate a sale in 1962, and imaging the fake Rolex watch did not stay in inventory for quite a long time, the presence of the caliber P1019 comes with a higher probability; both movements are very nice automatic calibers any way.
The Navitimer Rattrapante replica is the newest addition and it was released earlier this year at Baselworld. It features both a take on the original Navitimer dial and a split-seconds chronograph function and is the first time that the manufacture has made this complication entirely in-house. You may recall the Duograph from Breitling, a split-seconds chronograph from the 1940s, and this replica watch is now very collectible, so it is nice to see the fake Breitling referring back to its heritage.

Rolex watches which are a well-known status symbol have launched a meaningful counterfeit market. Replicas are often very nice and the differences between a real watch and a perfect replica could be difficult to find out. To show you assistance with this, please pay attention to the following guidelines. 
There are two interesting features on the side of the watch which could be of great help to identify a fake. To begin with, look for the serial and case reference numbers, which will be engraved on the watch’s side. The engraving on a real timepiece will be very good enough, with light-reflecting lines. On the contrary, the engraving on a replica watch will be sloppy and etched. Secondly, look for the winder. Fake watches will often have basic winders that move the minute and hour’s hands. The winder of a real Rolex will be finely crafted and include engravings and grooves.
Now, let’s look at the back of the watch: a true Rolex will have a smooth case back with no engravings, logos, or markings. If any of the former is present, this is not a real watch. Likewise, Rolex will rarely have a clear see-through back case (the exception being the new Prince model) – if you can see inside of the watch, it’s most likely not real.
A real Rolex has an even, smooth second-hand movement; there is no ticking noise. However, a counterfeit will, in contrast, have a stuttering second hand that jerks as it moves and may tick.
Look at the materials of the timepiece. The watch should be made of 24K gold, stainless steel, or platinum; it will never be gold plated, chrome, chrome-plated or two-toned. The quality of the materials used also means that Rolex is normally heavier than other replica watches. If you can, compare the weight of the watch with another fake Rolex Daytona. A true Rolex will weigh significantly more than a replica.
Whilst cheaper pieces are much easier to spot, expensive fakes are often much harder. If you are planning to purchase a Rolex that is over £400 privately, it is a great idea to have a watchmaker or certified appraiser check the piece over. He or she will be able to remove the back of the timepiece and verify its inner movements and authenticity.