Amidst a flurry of recent releases in the horological market, V6 Factory unveils yet another noteworthy addition to its repertoire. The influx of new models spanning iconic brands like Rolex, IWC, Panerai, and Audemars Piguet has been remarkable. Adding to the excitement, AR Factory is poised to introduce upgraded versions of the vintage 16610 black and green Submariners, crafted from 904L stainless steel—a development eagerly anticipated by enthusiasts. However, the focus today lies on the unveiling of an IWC Aquatimer replica watch by V6 Factory, a special Charles Darwin edition crafted from solid bronze—a material seldom seen in the super 1:1 replica watch domain.
The timepiece exudes robustness, with a sizable 44mm round case (excluding the crown and chronograph buttons) boasting a thickness of 17mm, a characteristic that may polarize opinions among enthusiasts. While some may find the substantial build appealing, others may deem it overly thick. Nevertheless, the bronze case injects a dynamic flair into the watch, complemented by the black rubber strap. The weathered appearance of the bronze case adds character, akin to the patina seen on brushed bronze watches like the Panerai PAM 382. Notably, the solid case back features an engraved “Expedition Charles Darwin” motif in silver stainless steel, contrasting with the bronze case.
The black dial ensures excellent legibility even in dimly lit environments, courtesy of luminous hour markers and hands emitting a strong, enduring glow. The stark contrast between the black dial and the bronze case enhances the visual appeal. The intricately crafted subdials feature refined circular detailing, each serving a genuine function akin to the authentic timepiece. While the dial may not achieve absolute perfection, it’s imperative to scrutinize the alignment of hour markers and outer bezel markers meticulously. Imperfections are inherent in replicas; hence, attention to detail during selection is paramount.
Powering the timepiece is an Asia Valjoux 7750 movement, concealed beneath the solid case back, boasting a decorated auto rotor adorned with brand engravings. Customers have reported reliable performance from watches equipped with the Asia 7750 chronograph movement, suggesting fewer issues compared to movements like the A2824 or A2836.
