For the fake Grand Complication 720.025 v5, the core buying advice is simple: pay for working functions, not for the label. A v5 tag means the seller claims a newer batch, but it does not guarantee that the perpetual calendar, chronograph, moonphase, or any repeater mechanism works at all. Before you commit, ask for a live video that shows each subdial moving, the crown changing the date, and the pushers starting and stopping the chronograph. If the seller cannot show those functions, treat the watch as a cosmetic replica and value it with that in mind.
Fake Grand Complication 720.025 V10: What the Code Hides and What to Check
What the v5 label means
Version numbers in the replica market often track small updates to case shape, dial printing, hand finish, and movement decoration. A v5 may have a better date font or a smoother bezel profile than a v4, but the underlying movement may be the same. Ask which factory made the watch and which movement is inside. For a Grand Complication style watch, the movement is the main cost driver.
Movement and complications
Grand complication watches combine several mechanisms. In a replica, some functions may be decorative. Common setups include a working chronograph with a faux perpetual calendar, or a moonphase that changes with a pusher instead of the date. If the listing claims a minute repeater, expect a thick case and a high price. Test the repeater slide only if the seller allows it. A repeater that sounds weak or uneven is a sign of poor assembly.
Case, dial, and feel
Check the case finishing under angled light. Look for sharp lug edges, uneven brushing, and polish that spills onto brushed surfaces. The dial should have aligned subdials, clean printing, and hands that point at the markers. A good v5 should have a date window that sits level with the dial and a crown that threads without grit. Weight and thickness matter. A Grand Complication replica often feels top heavy, so a case that sits flat on the wrist is a better sign than one that flips.
Parameter bands to compare
- Case diameter: 40 mm to 42 mm for most modern Grand Complication homages. Smaller than 39 mm can look cramped with multiple subdials.
- Thickness: 12 mm to 15 mm. A working chronograph or repeater adds height. Anything under 11 mm may be a simple dress watch with fake subdials.
- Lug width: 20 mm or 22 mm. Straps in those sizes are easy to replace.
- Weight: 90 g to 130 g on a leather strap. Too light can mean a hollow case or thin plating.
- Water resistance: treat any claim above 30 m as marketing unless the caseback gasket and crown seals are shown.
What to look for in seller QC
Ask for photos and video on a timegrapher if possible. Request close ups of the dial, date wheel, caseback, and crown. A seller who sends only stock photos is a risk. Confirm the return window and whether the seller covers movement failure on arrival. For a complex replica, a short warranty matters more than a lower price. Avoid listings that use terms like AAA or mirror quality without movement details. Those labels are not standard and often hide a low grade build.
Common pitfalls
- Fake subdials: the hands are glued or driven by the main gear train and never change on their own.
- Misaligned date wheel: the date sits high or low in the window, a common flaw on complex dials.
- Poor plating: rose gold or yellow gold finishes wear through at the lugs and crown.
- Noisy rotor: an automatic movement with a cheap rotor can rattle and feel loose.
- Stiff pushers: chronograph pushers should click and reset to zero without sticking.
- Water damage: never swim with a replica Grand Complication unless it has been pressure tested.
FAQ
Does the v5 version have better functions than v4?
Not always. The v5 may improve cosmetics such as dial texture, hand polish, and case shape. Function changes depend on the movement, so ask for a video of every complication before you buy.
Can I service a fake Grand Complication 720.025 v5?
Some watchmakers will service clone movements, but parts are not standardized. A complex replica may be difficult or expensive to repair. Factor that risk into your decision.
Will it pass as a real Grand Complication?
From a distance, a good v5 can look convincing. Up close, experts may notice finishing differences, movement decoration, and function behavior. Buy for your own enjoyment, not for authentication.
What is the most important check?
Function. A beautiful case with dead subdials is a costume watch. A less perfect case with working complications is the better replica.