Whilst chatting to Eric Loth, the founder of Graham, I noticed he was wearing a handsome Graham Chronofighter 1695 steel copy watch with a black dial. I thought the watch replica deserved closer examination. I believe car salesmen and hotel porters employ the same strategy. It seems our shoes and watches can also provide an insight into our social standing and pecuniary means.
I have a confession to make. Invariably when I meet a fellow male, I first look at their shoes and then their watch. It may sound a strange thing to do, but it often reveals much about the character of the individual in question.
Eric’s choice
Earlier this year I sat chatting to Eric Loth, founder of Graham-London, and noted his sartorial elegance, but not until I had surveyed the timepiece on his wrist. Indeed, it is always interesting to see what the head of a watch replica company chooses to wear.
If you can imagine being at the helm of a watch replica company and having a free rein to select any model from an extensive catalogue, you may expect them to choose a complicated tourbillon or perhaps a gold watch replica laden with gems. It was therefore surprising to see Mr Loth wearing one of the more accessible models within the range.
Chronofighter 1695 – gold or steel?
Clearly there is much in common with both models. They share the same dimensions, movement and functions. Both models share an image of the Greenwich Observatory on their casebacks, albeit the gold version is hand engraved. Yet, there is a distinct difference in character between the two models.
In 2012, I wrote about the Swiss made fake Graham Chronofighter 1695 presented in red gold and must admit I fell for its rich golden hues. However, this year I saw the Chronofighter 1695 Steel adorning Mr Loth’s wrist, on a steel Milanese bracelet, and it conferred a very different character to the watch.
The black dial has a darker personality, yet provides a wonderful canvas on which to express time. It looks all knowing. Infinitely wise, it says it has seen a little of life and dare I say, lived a little.
Whilst the red gold variant is warm and has a slightly chaste appearance to its face with a silvery white dial, the steel version on Mr Loth’s wrist had a very different temperament.
The steel case has a cool persona. I don’t mean cold or aloof, but certainly more business-like. Ironically, whilst the watch replica exhibits an air of wisdom with its dial, it also appears youthful. The Milanese bracelet further reduces the ambient temperature and looks slightly more sterile than the strap, however, in my opinion this is no bad thing as it sates my obsession for hygiene and bestows a very clean appearance.
What does your watch replica say about you?
I look forward to seeing the timepiece that adorns Mr Loth’s wrist when next time we meet.
This raises a question, “Has my personality changed or do I have a split personality?” Alternatively, is it the case that we choose to wear a watch replica which reflects our mood at a certain snapshot in time? I admit, I don’t have all the answers but I think that one thing is certain, a change of: dial, case material, strap or bracelet can radically alter the personality of our watch replica and the image it portrays.As I mentioned before, I adore the appearance of the gold version of the Chronofighter 1695 but now find myself drawn to steel variant on Milanese bracelet.
Technical specification
- Model: Graham Chronofighter 1695 steel
- Case: Stainless steel; 42.00 mm diameter; water resistant to 5 bar (50 metres); sapphire crystal to front with antireflective coating on both sides; engraved caseback with sapphire aperture.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; date; subsidiary seconds; chronograph
- Movement: Calibre G1745: Self-winding; Frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz); power reserve 48 hours; 25 jewels.
- Bracelet: Stainless steel Milanese bracelet
Yes, colour and textures can make a huge difference to the appearance of a watch replica and by default appeal to different purchasers. As a watch replica buying public we tend to gravitate to best fake Graham watches that we feel emulate our own character.