Bokey TimePreface:In 2018, ZF became the first to replicate Jaeger-LeCoultre’s “true moon phase” function – accurately simulating the lunar cycle (waxing and waning), which is synchronized with the original (unlike VF’s version, which shows a rising and setting moon, an obvious fake). This breakthrough made ZF an instant hit in the market, highly sought after by business-oriented watch enthusiasts, and hailed as the “most recommended dress watch of 2018.” For a time, the watch was extremely difficult to obtain, even leading to price speculation by dealers (a common phenomenon in the genuine market but rare in the replica market), demonstrating its immense popularity. In April 2019, GF Factory boldly challenged the traditional leading manufacturer ZF by launching a replica of the same Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Moon Phase. Now, let’s examine how GF’s new Jaeger-LeCoultre Moon Phase compares to the genuine model in terms of authenticity and whether it addresses some of ZF’s previous shortcomings.
Official spec: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master 1368420 watch
From the overall point of view, there is no difference in size and color, and the texture is the most important piece of overall contrast, and there is no difference between the two.
GF Jaeger-LeCoultre moon phases are placed in the same picture as the original, and it is difficult to distinguish between male and female (the bottom of the genuine literal calendar is damaged due to R&D testing) The mirror material is also sapphire, the transparency is the same as the original, and the use of the moon phase and calendar functions is also completely consistent, the date hand is adjusted by the quick button on the right side of the case, and the moon phase display is adjusted by the button on the left.
Through the disassembly, it can be known that the GF factory adopts the same split case process as the original, and each part can be replaced with the original.
Literal detail comparison, from top to bottom, the details of the big picture are in order, the central axis of the calendar is the same as the original, it is solid polishing, but it is relatively a little more convex and larger than the original. The moon phase in the moon phase disc is a three-dimensional convex effect, the texture is the same as the original, we can see that the original will be slightly dim, this is due to the disassembly of the mold, the end of the second hand and the minute hand have a curved curve.
In terms of size, the diameter of the GF factory is 0.11mm higher than that of the original, which can be ignored in the size of the watch, and the two can be said to be the same size. In terms of thickness, the GF factory moon phase is 0.14mm thicker, which is also negligible, and the difference between the two will not have any visual effect, the background color of the moon phase disc is blue, and the CD pattern on the date panel is clearly visible. The hands are half matte and half polished, which we call the “yin and yang needle”, and GF is also a perfect detail for this detail.
In terms of the dial, the literal surface of the genuine product is not flat, and the second-hand has a downward curved arc around the scale nails, so the tip of the scale nail looks like it is warped, which GF also restores the bending arc of the genuine product, with high process difficulty and high scrap rate. The literal surface of this model is covered with transparent glossy oil, so it shows a unique luster in the light. If the light is darker, you can also see the sunburst streaks.
Compared with the overall shell cover, GF is quite delicate in terms of structure, arc or lettering, and the workmanship is quite delicate and powerful
The back of the Jaeger-LeCoultre moon phase is more difficult to reproduce because the lettering is directly engraved and polished directly on the back of the 9015 machine, rather than with a deck. The GF lettering is beautiful, the fish scales are polished under the balance wheel, and a skeleton barrel is polished on the upper part of the movement, and the balance wheel is also galvanized in K gold, which is infinitely close to the original.
The original strap is made of alligator leather, GF replaces it with Italian cowhide crocodile pattern, and the clasp logo is also suitable for inlay. The clasp is designed with a quick-release pusher, which is the same as the original.
