One of the most perpetual interesting topics for discussion on fake watch forums, at trade shows, at watch shows, at watch meet-ups and especially at any horological conclave you’d care to mention (real or virtual) is what depth ratings on watches really mean. You’ll hear all kinds of things – some say 100 meters is not enough for anything but showering, some say you should never shower with anything, even a dive replica watch, lest heat and soap do their devil’s work upon your gaskets, and pretty much everything in between. 
As it turns out, however, there are rather specific stipulations as to what the terms “Water Resistant” and “Diver’s Watch” actually means, and it may come as a little bit of a shock to learn that they’re not the same thing. Besides, that they’re controlled by two different standards – both of which are brought to you courtesy the good folks at the International Organization for Standardization, which has been reading the riot act to its audience of member nations since 1947. The overwhelming majority of the world’s nations are ISO compliant and in a fractious, fragmented, fiercely fraught world, its edicts are the closest thing we seem to have, to having something everyone can agree. Naturally, they’re headquartered in Geneva.
Now, if you know that the depth ratings of the replica watches are regulated at all, then you probably already know that dive watch depth ratings, as well as testing methods, and a host of other dive-watch relevant characteristics, are regulated by ISO 6425. We talked a bit about what this particular ISO means in a roundabout way in a recent story. Water resistance up to 100 meters is actually more than adequate for recreational diving. The watches are tested well past their actual depth ratings in the dive watch arena.
The actual text of ISO 6425 is only available via purchasing a single-user license from the good folks at the International Organization, and while the general outline of its requirements are covered perfectly in the Wikipedia article on dive watches, the ISO itself makes some interesting points.
Month: March 2013
Comex Rolex Sea-dweller Replica Models
In order to upgrade our profound review of the history of Sea-Dweller, we now explore some unique replica Rolex Sea-Dweller models—the COMEX editions. For the full back-story of the Sea-Dweller, please begin with our article on the Sea-Dweller Double Red Sea-Dweller and continue through all six parts. Maybe you have already read on and enjoy our last chapter of our Sea-Dweller history series.
As a matter of fact, this model is the French commercial diving company that commissioned the replica Rolex to create dive watches. COMEX needed watches which could plunge down to extreme depths, handle pressurized chambers, and survive ensuing decompression periods. Enter the Sea-Dweller. While this collaboration between COMEX and Rolex eventually gave birth to the Sea-Dweller collection for the public, there were special COMEX editions that were reserved for the companies’ employees only.
To begin with, these were especially issued to COMEX employees, therefore, never available to the public for sale. They were built as tool watches to get a job done. The watches the COMEX divers wore were an integral part of their gear. It’s important to stress that these divers did not have all the computers and technology we have today, so they were dependent on the functionality and reliability of their dive cheap replica watches. Since these watches were made to order, COMEX Sea-Dwellers replicas were manufactured in very small amount. As you can imagine, their non-availability to the public, coupled with low production numbers, makes these pieces some of the most coveted vintage Rolex watches for selling. 
Next, there are some common design details across all COMEX Sea-Dweller references. There’s certainly the obvious “COMEX” designation on the dial. What’s more, COMEX Sea-Dwellers have both the reference and serials numbers engraved on the interior of the caseback. In conclusion, COMEX had their issue numbers to keep track of which employees had which replica watches. These COMEX issue numbers are prominently engraved on the outside of the caseback encircled by other, more typical Sea-Dweller engravings.
Just like the non-COMEX Sea-Dweller, these Triple Six watches offered many enhancements. These improvements shared with better water resistance up to 4,000 feet, a bigger case to accommodate a more robust HEV, sapphire crystal, and the new Caliber 3035. There are two distinct dials of the COMEX Sea-Dweller as well. The first 50 sported matte dials and only two lines of text under the COMEX label. On the other hand, the remaining 150 watches had glossy dials and white gold surrounds on the hour markers. Besides, the “SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED” designation increased it to four lines of text rather than just two. A Triple-Six COMEX is pretty rare so when you get an opportunity, you should take it.
Replica Iwc Pilot Watches Double Chronograph Edition
Except that the blue Le Petit Prince models are some of their more recognizable special editions, Hands-On IWC has no lacking of aviation-related partnerships and associations. Nevertheless, also in cooperation with the Antoine de Saint-Exupery Youth Foundation, IWC published the tobacco with brown dial IWC Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Edition “Antoine De Saint Exupery” watch to gain the honor of watch with the Little Prince. Soon recognizable as an IWC Pilot’s replica watches but with a subdued twist, it’s also the only rattrapante, aka double chronograph, in the pilot’s watch line, which gives it a plenty of watch nerd points. Luckily and thankfully, this watch also abandons the triple date window that was discarded last year, opting for a day/date indicator.
For anyone who has no idea precisely about how a split seconds chronograph works, the watch features two chronograph hands as opposed to one. Both hands begin simultaneously when the chronograph is motivated, but the pusher at 10 o’clock stops just the second chronograph hand. Pushing this again moves the second chronograph hand to immediately synch up with the first one. With full function, the split seconds chronograph permits you to measure two events. 
I was so happy to find that the case measurement for this watch was a calming 44mm, the same as its Le Petit Prince model sibling (which still is saddled with the triple date window). However, I still pleasantly hesitated between the sizes of 38mm – 42mm for most of my daily watches. I feel that 44mm wide cases can generally offer a nice experience for most individuals. Another stunning feature is the way the double-AR-coated sapphire crystal appears almost invisible over the pilot chronograph’s high-contrast slate dial. This is a trait IWC is known for and something that’s playfully stressed by that blueish hue resulting from the AR coating that we know all too well.
Compared to the graceful and gorgeous elements you’d find on IWC’s Le Petit Prince models, the tribute to Antoine de Saint-Exupery on this replica watch is rather subtle. Inside of the sub-dial at 6 o’clock, you’ll find a single letter A. that is also a recurring theme in other Antoine de Saint-Exupery watches within the IWC line. It’s unobtrusive, tasteful, and is classically out of sight unless you really pay attention to it. Aside from the features outlined above, IWC also includes a soft iron cage under the hood, which serves to provide shock resistance and anti-magnetic shielding. There’s also just one strap option, and that’s the brown calfskin Santoni strap that looks beautiful.
As a whole, when talking about the point of design, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Edition “Antoine De Saint Exupery” is a success, as far as I am concerned. It’s completely exciting or revolutionary in any way, but it’s a collector’s piece and a prestige item for IWC, who certainly payed attention to the details. Just for some context, another 2017 release like the Sinn 910 Anniversary Limited Edition Split Second Chronograph serves up some pretty steep competition for IWC in terms of value but that’s not what the purchaser of this watch cares about.