Okay, so let’s talk about this Patek Philippe Grand Complications 5320G-011 I got my hands on. I’ve always been a watch guy, and Patek Philippe, man, that’s the dream, right? This particular model, the 5320G-011, it’s a perpetual calendar, which is just a fancy way of saying it keeps track of the date, even leap years, without you having to mess with it. Pretty slick.
So, how did I end up with a replica? Well, let’s be real, a genuine Patek like this is way out of my league, price-wise. We’re talking major investment. But I really wanted to experience that classic Patek look and feel. That’s where the replica comes in. This one I found, it’s what they call an “original order” replica. Sounds important, doesn’t it? Basically, it means it’s made with a lot of attention to detail, trying to get as close as possible to the real deal without actually being the real deal.
First thing I did was, I spent days, I mean, days, looking at pictures and videos of the real 5320G-011. I wanted to know every little curve, every detail, so I could compare it to the replica. I checked out how the light hits the real one, the way the numbers look on the dial, the little details on the hands, everything. I printed out high-resolution pictures, I scrutinized and I memorized them all, just like a crazy person.
When the replica finally arrived, I was like a kid on Christmas morning. I ripped open that package and there it was. First impression? Not bad, not bad at all. It had a good weight to it, felt solid in my hand. The case, it’s white gold-plated, of course, not solid gold like the original, but it looked pretty darn good. I put it under a bright light and turned it over and over again. It reflected pretty much the same way, but the shine was slightly different. I think it was the material that they used. The reflection was not as sharp as the original.
I then compared it to those pictures I’d been obsessing over. The dial, that creamy color, they nailed it. The layout of the day, date, month, moon phase, it was all there, just like the original. The little windows, the font they used for the numbers, it was all super close. They even got the little leap year indicator right, which is a tiny detail, but it’s there. They really tried to get all the details down.
- I checked the crown, the little Patek logo on it, looked good.
- I wound it up, listened to the movement. Obviously, it’s not a genuine Patek movement, but it ticked away nicely. It was making a slightly louder sound, but it’s not too bad.
- I set the time, the date, played around with the pushers to adjust the calendar functions. Everything seemed to work smoothly. Not as smooth as the videos of the original that I watched, but close.
- I wore it around for a few days, just to see how it felt on the wrist. It was comfortable. I would say it is 99% similar to the feeling of wearing a real one, as I have a friend who owns one.
- I got a few compliments, people noticing the watch. Nobody could tell it was a replica just by looking at it. They would have to be an expert and probably examine it very closely to know the truth.
The Verdict
Honestly, for the price, I’m happy with it. It’s not a Patek, and I’m not trying to fool anyone into thinking it is. But it gives me a taste of that Patek style, that classic design, without breaking the bank. It’s a good-looking watch, it functions well, and it’s a fun piece to wear. If you’re into watches and you’re looking for a way to experience a high-end design without the high-end price tag, a good quality replica like this might be something to consider. But like, always be upfront that it’s a replica. There is no shame to admit it. It’s a hobby, and it’s meant to be fun.
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