In the circle of replica watches, if there is any watch that is “a battleground for military strategists”, then the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 is definitely one of the most popular. From the testing of PF factory in the early years, to the fierce internal rolling of 3K and BBF later, each company is simply “rolling” desperately for the thickness difference of a few tenths of a millimeter, or the correctness of the blue color on the disk. Recently, DDF Factory has entered the market with the newly opened 5711 and the legendary Dandong 324 all-in-one computer. Many cousin friends are asking: Is this a marketing gimmick, or does it really have hard power? Today we will not deal with the fictitious ones, but directly start the actual test to see how much “hard work” the DDF nautilus hides.
The texture of the disk surface: not just blue, but also a “breathing feeling”
Many replica watches look beautiful under the counter light when they are first obtained, but their true colors are revealed as soon as they are exposed to natural light. But this DDF 5711 is a little different. At first glance, it may seem quite satisfactory, but when you turn your wrist slightly and let the light sweep across the dial sideways, the mystery comes in.
The “flow of light and shadow” often mentioned in official propaganda is not a copywriting game on this watch. This kind of blue is not a rigid printing color, it has layers. Under strong side light, the bottom of the iconic horizontal embossed stripe grooves on the disk will have a delicate metallic luster. In jargon, this disk is “alive”, as if breathing with the light.
I deliberately used the eyepiece to look at it, and the bottom of the grooves with the horizontal stripes on the dial was the easiest place to reveal anything. Many low-end versions on the market have burrs here, or a “cloak” phenomenon caused by uneven oil pressure, which makes them look dirty. The DDF came out pretty clean this time around, with clear groove bottoms and sharp edges. This ultimate control over the hydraulic process directly determines the spirit of the entire watch, which does not look cheap at first glance.
Shell belt polishing: The overlooked “round R position” is the real skill
If the disk is the “skin” of the nautilus, then the lines of the case are its “bones”. Nautilus is difficult to make. The most difficult thing is not the rounded octagonal shape, but the seemingly simple line transition of the lugs, but in fact it is extremely difficult to make.
What impressed me most about DDF this time was that they stuck to an extremely tricky detail: the “circular R position” with four smooth edges at the ear. This word sounds professional, but actually you can understand it just by touching it with your hands. Most replica factories only focus on making the surface drawing thin when making the lugs, but ignore the four polished chamfers on the side. If it is not done well, it will feel like an unedged knife, which will be stiff and even cut your hands.
However, the four smooth edges of DDF are arc-shaped transitions that completely follow the natural arc of the ear. When you touch it with your fingers, it feels as smooth as touching a piece of warm jade, with no feeling of blockage at all. This kind of arc-shaped smooth edge requires a very experienced master to accurately control the strength and angle when polishing. If you are not careful, it will be ground into a flat surface. Coupled with the bright polishing treatment on the pillow edges at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock, the contrast between light and dark on the entire case is instantly enhanced.
Regarding the strap, DDF’s “sand texture” treatment is also worthy of praise. The drawing lines of each link are straight and consistent in depth, without the kind of broken lines caused by rush work. Especially the diamond bead in the middle, the facets are very sharp. When the light shines on it, each small facet reflects independently, giving it a full three-dimensional feel. It is no longer the bulging arc of the lower version.
Core soul: the “complete body” of Dandong 324 all-in-one machine
For a see-through watch like the 5711, the movement is its soul. No matter how similar the appearance is, if it turns over and shows its timidity, then all the previous efforts will be wasted. DDF unsurprisingly chose the currently recognized Dandong 324 open mold integrated movement this time.
Why is this movement so praised? There is only one core reason: thickness. It can control the thickness of the entire watch to about 8.3mm, which is almost the same as the original. This is decisive for wearing comfort and visual restoration.
Through the sapphire case back, the visual effect of this movement is truly stunning. The polishing of the automatic rotor has been comprehensively upgraded. DDF emphasizes that the bottom pattern of the automatic rotor is fine according to the first line of the new version, and the leaf pattern is exquisitely carved. Compared with the old version, this time the carvings are deeper and more three-dimensional. They are no longer the shallow carvings floating on the surface, with clear layers of light and shadow. The engraving and double P mark on the movement splint use deep engraving technology, not cheap laser engraving. Under a magnifying glass, the texture of metal cutting is completely different.
In addition, friends who have played replica watches know that some versions of the automatic rotor are too light, resulting in low winding efficiency and the embarrassment of “wearing it during the day and stopping it at night”. The weight of the automatic rotor of this DDF movement has obviously been precisely calculated. You can feel the smooth rotation of the rotor when you hold it in your hand. It has abundant energy storage and stable running time. Some watch friends’ actual measurements on the women’s model 7118 also confirmed this. After wearing it for 14 consecutive days, the daily error was basically within ±5 seconds, which is more accurate than many Swiss entry-level mechanical watches.
Summary: Is it worth buying?
Today’s replica market is no longer the shoddy one it was in those days. After the efforts of 3K and BBF, DDF entered the game with this 5711. It was obviously prepared, and it could even be said to be a “dimensionality reduction strike.”
Judging from actual measurements, DDF’s persistence in the radian of the lug circle and the details of the automatic rotor have indeed made it a very competitive player in the current Nautilus replica camp. It may not be 100% perfect, but in terms of the polished fineness of the steel, the light and shadow texture of the disk, and the visual restoration of the movement, this version of DDF definitely ranks first in the first echelon. If you pursue the ultimate in detail and feel, this watch is definitely worth your serious consideration. Playing with watches is all about paying attention to details.