What a replica Jaeger-LeCoultre mechanical watch is
A replica Jaeger-LeCoultre mechanical watch is a copy of a watch made by Jaeger-LeCoultre. The copy uses a mechanical movement. The movement is either a clone of a Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber or a third-party caliber. The case, dial, and hands mimic the original design. The watch does not come from Jaeger-LeCoultre. Jaeger-LeCoultre is a Swiss watchmaker. The company makes watches in Le Sentier, Switzerland. Genuine models include the Reverso, Master Control, and Polaris.
Movement types in replicas
Replica mechanical watches use three movement types. First, a low-grade Chinese movement. This movement runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour. It has a power reserve of 36 to 40 hours. Second, a cloned movement. A clone copies the original gear train and bridge layout. Some clones use a Shanghai or Seagull base. Third, a Swiss ETA or Sellita movement. These movements run at 28,800 vph. Power reserve is 38 to 42 hours. A genuine Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 899 runs at 28,800 vph. Power reserve is 43 hours.
Case and dial materials
Case materials for replicas: 316L stainless steel, 904L stainless steel, or titanium. Some sellers claim 18k gold plating. Plating thickness is 3 to 5 microns. That plating wears off. Genuine Jaeger-LeCoultre cases use 316L or 750 gold. Dial printing on replicas uses pad printing or laser etching. Genuine dials use applied indices and faceted hands. Some replicas use flat hands.
Price tiers
Replica prices fall into three tiers. Tier 1: $50 to $120. These use a low-grade movement. The case has a mineral crystal. Tier 2: $150 to $400. These use a cloned movement. The case has a sapphire crystal. Tier 3: $500 to $1,200. These use a Swiss movement. The case has a sapphire crystal and AR coating. A genuine Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso starts at $7,500. A Master Control starts at $9,000.
Legal status in the United States
US law prohibits the import and sale of counterfeit goods. 18 U.S.C. § 2320 covers trafficking in counterfeit goods. Penalties include fines and prison. US Customs and Border Protection seizes counterfeit watches. A counterfeit watch can be seized. The owner can face civil penalties. Buying a replica for personal use is not a federal crime in most cases. Selling or importing for resale is a crime.
How to check a replica movement
Check the balance wheel. A low-grade movement has a balance wheel without a shock absorber. Check the rotor. A clone rotor has engraved text that matches the original. Check the beat rate. Use a timegrapher. A movement at 21,600 vph is a low-grade movement. A movement at 28,800 vph may be a clone or Swiss. Check the power reserve. Wind the watch. Let it sit. Note the hours until it stops.