I didn’t expect VS Factory to continue releasing new Panerai replica. When VS discounted its Panerai inventory last time, I thought they probably would not release any more new models in the future. But just a few days ago, they released this PAM 1698.
This watch looks pretty much the same as the carbon-fiber Submersible models Panerai released over the past couple of years, with almost no real innovation. Maybe this is also one of the reasons Panerai has become much less popular in recent years. We simply haven’t seen many new models that are truly attractive or exciting.
Panerai used to be a fairly important part of VS Factory’s business, and their Panerai replicas sold very well in the past. But sales have dropped dramatically in recent years. I actually think VS should consider outsourcing its Panerai business to another factory or production team. After all, VS is now mainly focused on Rolex. If they outsourced the Panerai production, they could put more resources into developing their Rolex lineup and strengthening their position in this market.
Especially now that we have entered the era of free-sprung movements, other factories are becoming stronger and stronger in this area. In comparison, although VS used to have a very obvious advantage when it came to clone movements, its recent progress in free-sprung movements has not been as aggressive as I expected.
VS Factory has actually released quite a few carbon-fiber Submersible models before, including the PAM 1324, PAM 2231, PAM 961, and several others.
This green PAM 1698 comes with a 44mm carbon-fiber case, and the overall thickness is around 15mm. It has a strong military-inspired look, mainly because of the green color scheme.
The dial has a very high level of visual accuracy. The green surface has a slightly grainy texture and a noticeable gradient effect, with black around the outer edge that gradually transitions into green toward the center.
At 9 o’clock, the small seconds subdial features a white seconds hand, with an anchor logo printed underneath. The depth of the date window and the thickness of the date font are also carefully replicated to match the genuine watch.
The green nylon strap matches the dial very well and completes the overall military-style appearance.
This watch is equipped with the super clone P.900 movement. Sometimes I wonder about something: this movement has already been available for quite a long time, and other factories should also be able to get access to it now. So why don’t more factories make Panerai replicas?
