To be honest, it is my 12th consecutive watch fair, so you’d think I’d be used to it by now. But once again, the pace of our unforgiving SIHH 2018 schedule, the endless tracking around in circles at the Palexpo opposite Geneva Airport, and the maelstrom of releases left me – on day four – somewhere between giddy in love and carsick as hell.
However, that’s just my taste, and Felix and I were still debating our choices right down to the last minute. I was far from resolved, and I don’t think he was either. Therefore, let this be another version of my usual preface that these were just the first replica watches to leave a strong impression. There will be many more to unveil during the year.
The replica Panerai Luminor Due GMT 45mm – Grey starburst dial, beige lume on the sandwich dial and the hands, lush brown strap, cream contrast stitching, high-polished finish on the case and crown guard … this is just a symphony of perfectly integrated design elements powered by an in-house movement. 
The fake Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Bronze – Again, this was just pure chemistry when the raw leather cuff of the Bund strap wrapped around my wrist on day one. What sealed the deal was all the warm, but still crisp details of the bronze case, gilt gold hands, spherical globes on the dial, and painted numerals. Some complication for the money too, those globes rotate, giving you international times at a glance.
Well, the replica A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Moon Phase Pink Gold – Yeah, ran out of words on this one. Pink gold, black dial, super inky navy blue sky on the moon phase, and the most micro-millimeter perfect execution of every element in harmony. Beyond lovely.
The superb move by replica IWC, to upgrade the movement in such a famous model and then NOT jack the price. And who would blame them for making the case-back clear to show it off? Besides, Bravo to our shooter Marcus for nailing these shots.
