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Mini review Aquaracer Calibre 5 SS MKF 1:1 "Best Edition"

jovame

Known Member
29/3/12
135
86
28
So I went ahead and ordered the new Aquaracer Calibre 5 from MKF, after they corrected their f*ck-up with the tabs along the bezel (if you don't know what I'm talking about, see here: https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/newest-aquaracer-calibre-5-300m-2016-model.367693/).

They repped the 2016 model of this Aquaracer, which is 43 mm and has the new Tag logo. For the differences with the 2015 model, see this link:
https://www.calibre11.com/2016-tag-heuer-aquaracer-300m-calibre-5-ceramic-43mm/

It's available with a black or blue dial and bezel; I went for the blue one (Tag model WAY201B).
I never heard of the maker MKF before, but apart from the now resolved issue with the bezel tabs position they've done a great job I think. The look, feel and finishing make this one of the better reps I've encountered. Maybe it's not a super rep cause there are still some issues, like the fact that the 12, 6 and 9 markers are approx. divided in half by a metal strip in the rep but in the gen it's more like 1/3 vs. 2/3.

Some pics:

Very readable date and very neatly applied cyclops.


Screw-in crown with logo. Feels very stable when pulled out.


Ceramic bezel.


I'm no expert on metal bracelets, but these look like tight fitting end links to me!


It's certainly not a small watch, and weighs around 195 grams with 2 links removed from the bracelet.


Brushed deployment clasp with engraving, could have been a little more pronounced I think...


Horizontal striping on the dial makes for a nice effect in different lighting conditions.


Bracelet looks very good and is brushed all over. Links are not screwed but connected with pins, but I guess this goes for the gen also. Gaps visible between the links, not sure if that's supposed to be gen like.


Tiny date window when viewed directly from an angle. The cyclops gives a good magnification!


Good bicolor lume, a nice touch.

I really like what MKF have done with this Aquaracer, and can recommend this watch without reservations.
Two things to watch out for when checking the QC pics:
The silver paint of the bezel markings can be somewhat irregularly applied, and make sure the bezel is aligned correctly.
 
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WatchestoPlay

Timelord
12/8/16
1,798
75
48
Nice review! Looks like they did a good job on this one. How is the blue color compared to the gen blue?
 

pippo

Put Some Respect On My Name
10/1/10
3,613
189
63
Beautiful watch and very beneficial review. I am seriously tempted.
I will have to choose between this and the new released SMP-C.

Just one question: is there any micro adjustment system for the bracelet?

Thanks!
 

jovame

Known Member
29/3/12
135
86
28
Nice review! Looks like they did a good job on this one. How is the blue color compared to the gen blue?
I've not seen the gen so couldn't do a side by side comparison, but from what I've seen online the color is pretty close to gen. It's certainly better than that of the cheaper Aquaracer reps.
 

vicad

Renowned Member
14/6/15
571
80
28
Great review! The first i've seen for this watch, it looks better from your pics than from the td's ones. Thank you!
 
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Timmetje83

I'm Pretty Popular
7/4/13
1,056
65
48
Great review thanks! I'm thinking of ordering one and compare with my aquaracer non ceramic. Dial color seems to be the same.

Sent from the RWI App
 

jovame

Known Member
29/3/12
135
86
28
Great review thanks! I'm thinking of ordering one and compare with my aquaracer non ceramic. Dial color seems to be the same.

Sent from the RWI App
A direct comparison should be interesting, and yes I think the blue is very close to gen.
 

Bigjule111

Renowned Member
1/3/11
732
2
18
Nj
Great rep .. here's a few pics of my gen chrono .. the blue color changes drastically..on both.. the dial and the insert
ad29b24d3ae455b91c9fff345cae5b34.jpg
34e52a7530ebcd5699e779e3463e8465.jpg
752df4c589439c94cbc8abb19ba9921c.jpg
12242e54723c325fc9c91ee91e5af6a8.jpg
0847e654b1dbe6199a6f4b2033394814.jpg


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
 

Bigjule111

Renowned Member
1/3/11
732
2
18
Nj
Blue insert lighten up in sunlight Darkens up in the dark.. here it's in medium light
3fc66110991e5e9cb5188c21303d0e3b.jpg


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
 

jovame

Known Member
29/3/12
135
86
28
There is a new version from V6F but in 41mm version. It looks promising. It has the correct markers at 12, 6 and 9 hours with the division in 1/3 &2/3 like genuine and unlike the MKF that has incorrectly 1/2&1/2

The 41 mm V6F version is a rep of the 2015 model of the Aquaracer. It also has the old style Tag logo.

MKF have repped the 2016 model which is 43 mm and has the new logo. Another difference is that the text "300m/ 1000 ft" on the dial is white in the 2015 model and yellow in the 2016 model.
 

vdusanv

Renowned Member
16/1/15
921
57
28
Nice review, does anyone have a quartz chronograph version? I'm looking one for daily beater [emoji4], thanks

Poslano z mojega SM-T580 z uporabo Tapatalk
 

mark3

Renowned Member
27/7/14
759
0
16
The 41 mm V6F version is a rep of the 2015 model of the Aquaracer. It also has the old style Tag logo.

MKF have repped the 2016 model which is 43 mm and has the new logo. Another difference is that the text "300m/ 1000 ft" on the dial is white in the 2015 model and yellow in the 2016 model.

I would also like to note that V6F and all cheap quartz makers have made the 3, 6, 9, 12 hour markers lume the correct size (1/3 and 2/3 instead of 1/2 size) which MKF did wrong
 

fcb1900

I'm Pretty Popular
11/2/15
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Superocean7

Horology Curious
30/11/16
20
0
0
Great review and beautiful shots, thank you!

Since you mentioned the issue with the markers on 6,9,12 divided in half by a "metal strip" I was wondering which are the specific advantages of the MKF version compared to the V6F (apart from the obvious design differences to the 2015 version like the new tag logo, new 43mm size etc.)

https://www.intime01.co/tag-heuer/3...-dial-ceramic-bezel-on-ss-bracelet-a2824.html

https://www.intime01.co/tag-heuer/3...ial-ceramic-bezel-on-leather-strap-a2824.html

Want to pull the trigger but can't really decide which one to go with.