Pam Carbotech :-)

[PostmanPat]

Im looking at the pam 1661 CarboTech and Ive seen them on a few sites. I cant tell the difference. But curious if reps are generally made by the same factory etc?

I have to say I have a bit of an attraction to this watch. I love my Omega Seamasters, but this is something a bit different

 

[PostmanPat]

Oh no, Ive done it to myself, I have a burning want for CarboTech's now.

I equally love the GoldTech but in a different way.

It appears the Rep uses the same materials as the Original. Very nice marine watches (or for whatever use)

 

[mclarendude]

Panerai reps are made by several different makers/factories. I prefer VSF.

 

[DiggerOfWatches]

Another for VSF:

 

[JayBee0815]

Im looking at the pam 1661 CarboTech and Ive seen them on a few sites. I cant tell the difference. But curious if reps are generally made by the same factory etc?

Yes, the 1661 is (like all CarboTech-Reps*) only made from a "factory" called VSF. You may find some cheaper so called AAA models on Aliexpress or DHGate, but if you want a quality Rep the only choice is VSF.

* you might find some carbon models from XF and SBF too, but these are just different "brand names" for VSF.

Oh no, Ive done it to myself, I have a burning want for CarboTech's now.

I equally love the GoldTech but in a different way.

It appears the Rep uses the same materials as the Original. Very nice marine watches (or for whatever use)

Yes they do. The supplier for VSF uses real carbon cases. Cheaper AAA-models only have parts made of coated steel.

 

[PostmanPat]

I totally get the hobby now.

So how close are the replicas to the Gens? Is there anything missing on the face that gives them away for example?

To me they look amazing

 

[bhehe6813]

I totally get the hobby now.

So how close are the replicas to the Gens? Is there anything missing on the face that gives them away for example?

To me they look amazing

Panerai reps are really good. I like my carbotech one, it’s a neat watch and surprisingly good quality.

Get any made by VSF, I have the PAM 960 it’s a 42mm (most panerai are 46mm and that’s too big for my wrists). The rubber strap is also quality, generally rep straps feel really cheap.

In terms of flaws, they’re generally pretty minor, depends on the model. Panerai is one of the few brands where the reps are actually all pretty good, they’re easy to fake.

I find the trustytime website search (look in td section for link) to be the best at searching by size, I.e. search “Pam 42mm vsf”. I don’t personally order from TT though.

 

[PostmanPat]

I think one of them will be my gateway as they look good in sports, on my bike, on/in the water etc. Im sure I saw a site that has the canvas strap along with the rubber strap as well.....

 

[susnet]

Another for VSF:

These looks great. My collection is getting out of control

 

[DiggerOfWatches]

@Sunset this is just the beginning

Maybe the greatest panerai collection ever assembled

Hello everyone I wanted to share my collection with you all one more time. It has revolved and is finally complete. So many rare models and frankens, it’s been a lot of work to get to this point. Although I will now be breaking it up and selling half of it off it’s been amazing to put this...

forum.replica-watch.info

And there's Pops (@p0pperini ) has a 'mild' sub collection

A Substantial Shoal of Subs

I’m not even sure I should admit to this, but here goes… Confession: A little over two years ago, I had no idea what a Rolex Submariner was. I wasn’t even aware that they existed; and as far as I was concerned, James Bond’s watches were just black watches fitted with gadgety bits. My interest...

forum.replica-watch.info

Just a smidgen of 'getting out of control', but hard to define

 

[susnet]

@Sunset this is just the beginning

I'm intrigued, roughly how many watches in your collection?

 

[DiggerOfWatches]

Less than some, more than others!

I've been told numerous times too many - but by who's standard?

 

[brahmabull]

@Sunset this is just the beginning

Maybe the greatest panerai collection ever assembled

Hello everyone I wanted to share my collection with you all one more time. It has revolved and is finally complete. So many rare models and frankens, it’s been a lot of work to get to this point. Although I will now be breaking it up and selling half of it off it’s been amazing to put this...

forum.replica-watch.info

And there's Pops (@p0pperini ) has a 'mild' sub collection

A Substantial Shoal of Subs

I’m not even sure I should admit to this, but here goes… Confession: A little over two years ago, I had no idea what a Rolex Submariner was. I wasn’t even aware that they existed; and as far as I was concerned, James Bond’s watches were just black watches fitted with gadgety bits. My interest...

forum.replica-watch.info

Just a smidgen of 'getting out of control', but hard to define

thanks for sharing the link to pop’s collection. What an incredible read

 

[shyreplover]

If I'm not mistaken, pam1661 is the most accurate rep in the 44mm range in terms of thickness, so OP made good choice

 

[Andrea_79]

I’m almost ready to buy a VSF Carbotech rep.
But I’m still worried about this material resistance to scratches or impact.
I’m sure some here has a quite long experience on VSF Carbotech: can someone share info after daily usage?

Comment on 1661: it’s on top of my list

 

[TESLA760]

I’m almost ready to buy a VSF Carbotech rep.
But I’m still worried about this material resistance to scratches or impact.
I’m sure some here has a quite long experience on VSF Carbotech: can someone share info after daily usage?

Comment on 1661: it’s on top of my list

Very similar to gen. Don't drop it.

 

[Andrea_79]

Very similar to gen. Don't drop it.

For sure the impact is the big problem with this material…
What about scratches resistance?
Is VSF Ceramic similar or better/worse?

Other limitation from my point of view is that almost all VSF Pam rep in Carbotech or Black Ceramic have a caseback black coated and I saw that simple scratch reveals the metal steel beneath…

 

[TESLA760]

Never had an issue with scratches on it. How would you possibly scratch a caseback while wearing it ?

 

[Andrea_79]

For sure the impact is the big problem with this material…
What about scratches resistance?
Is VSF Ceramic similar or better/worse?

Other limitation from my point of view is that almost all VSF Pam rep in Carbotech or Black Ceramic have a caseback black coated and I saw that simple scratch reveals the metal steel beneath…

In fact my question is more focused on the resistance of the case.
Better VSF Ceramic or Carbotech?

 

[locvs]

In fact my question is more focused on the resistance of the case.
Better VSF Ceramic or Carbotech?

Better for what? Ressistant to what?
Both materials have their strenghts and weaknesses.

Ceramic is almost impossible to scratch, but heavier and can chip.
Carbotech is light, more prone to scratches and dents.

Buy the model you want. Or the material you want. There isn't a model available in both materials, so just pick one.