Opening Acts: Testing Entry-Level Replica Watches from Rolex, IWC, and Panerai

In this triple-feature watch test our writer Alexander Krupp and photographer Nik Schölzel test a trio of entry-level timepieces fromRolex, IWC and Panerai that offer an entrance into the luxury replica watch world for a relatively modest price.

Not everyone with a passion for watches also has a fat wallet. Fortunately, most of the top brands offer reasonably priced “base” models around which an up-and-coming watch connoisseur can build his collection. Our comparative test pits three of these “entry-level” models against each other the Panerai Luminor Base Logo, IWC Portofino Automatic, and Rolex Air-King (Click here for our report on other “entry level” affordable Rolex watches.) A first look at these simple but highly dissimilar models raises several questions. Is a date display more important than a manufacture movement?  Is a small replica watch with a metal bracelet more comfortable than a large one with a leather strap? And is the most expensive timepiece necessarily also the best of the three?