These days, I have little time to read other replica watch publications. Seven or eight years ago, however, I was constantly bouncing between the most prolific watch blogs on the web. I’d do my best to keep up with the latest articles on Fratello, Hodinkee, WatchesBySJX, ABlogToWatch, and others. The recent announcement that Jack Forster is leaving Hodinkee for WatchBox caused me to reminisce on one of Forster’s early articles, “The Value Proposition: A Seventy-Five Dollar Watch That Looks Like A Million Bucks”. On the surface, the article serves the needs of budding super clone watch uk buyers clamoring for an easy path into the mechanical-watch hobby. But the writing went a layer deeper than that, which is why it echoes in my mind seven years later. Rereading it was a good reminder that Forster spins a good yarn, of course, but it also had me trying to figure out why it sticks with me to this day.
A clash of worlds
I reckon the article resonates as the strap on the Seiko 5 costs three times what the Swiss movement replica watch does, according to Forster. The rolled-edge crocodile strap elevates the plain-Jane aesthetic of the Japanese watch with a Malaysian movement. It’s the exotic leather that you often see paired with a Patek Philippe or F.P. Journe. The combination shouldn’t work on paper, but true to Forster’s word, the Seiko 5 “looks like a million bucks” as a result. Today, I find myself in a similar predicament where the strap is more costly than the replica watches for sale. Although it’s only 20 bucks more rather than three times as expensive, it’s still an unusual situation. Will it provide the same thrill of taking a watch upmarket?
The watch in question is the cheap replica Omega × Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch Mission to Neptune. I opt to use the full name as it’s often argued whether it’s an authentic Omega or only a Swatch. I suppose Swatch runs production, but the design is notably from AAA fake Omega UK (and it says so on the dial), so choosing the collaborative name is the safest option. By now, the MoonSwatch is relatively well known by the readership. Fratello has been at the forefront of unveiling the MoonSwatch and providing as many details as possible via text, audio, and video. But if you’ve been under a rock since March 25th, here’s the lowdown. Nick Hayek, CEO of the Swatch Group, was keen to promote the Bioceramic material utilized at Swatch. His shortlist included many brands and models to collaborate with, but the stories and iconic lines of the Swiss made replica Omega Speedmaster were too strong to ignore.
Top-secret mission
In secrecy, with only a few senior officials taking part, the best 1:1 fake Omega MoonSwatch was formed in eleven distinct executions representing eleven celestial bodies in the Solar System. The Bioceramic case has a powdery matte surface that follows the lines of the latest Speedmaster with caliber 3861. The 2021 Speedy bases itself on the fourth-generation Professional Moonwatch case that succeeded the straight-lug designs of the late ’50s and early ’60s. The AAA replica Omega Speedmaster MoonSwatch retains the classical cues such as lyre lugs, a dot-over-ninety bezel, and even the stamp (“S” in this case) in the center of the glass. It’s a fun accompaniment to Speedy owners and a gateway for potential buyers — if you can get a MoonSwatch, of course. But if there’s one component that owners agree is lacking on the super clone Omega MoonSwatch, it’s the Velcro strap.
The strap is similar in style to the previously announced Velcro strap for the Moonwatch. The high quality replica Omega strap was a scaled-down version of the ones astronauts wore over their spacesuits. The strap features the NASA “meatball” logo and has metallic hardware to hook and loop to the wrist. While the MoonSwatch’s strap shares the concept, the execution and feel are entirely different. As you should expect, at €190, nearly the cost of the MoonSwatch, the top fake Omega strap is far more substantial with neater stitching and better materials. Conversely, the MoonSwatch strap feels cheap and plasticky as the hoop is of the same Bioceramic material as the case. I understand the simple strap helps the high end replica Omega MoonSwatch remain attainable at $260, yet most wearers select an alternative option.