March 28, 2024

Its funny how sometimes you can come across a replica watch brand that has history dating back to 1881, yet have never heard of it. With the amount of replica watch brands out there though, it’s just hard to keep track of every one, no matter how old they might be. That brings me to the replica watch and brand I am reviewing today, the Aubert Freres Durand. Aubert Freres has quite a history as well. Here is the link to some of the company’s history: http://www.aubertfreres.com/about-af/ If you read that, you will see that the company had quite the prestige. Aubert Freres is not exactly the same company it was more than 100 years ago though, but they are still producing replica watches in Switzerland, albeit some with Asian movements.

The Durand model is a sport chronograph in a gunmetal ip coating with a sapphire coated mineral and a leather strap. There are a few color variations of this model, with the black and blue dial the one being reviewed here today.

Aubert Freres Durand Full Specifications:

  • – 46mm x 54mm x 14mm Case Size
  • – Surgical Grade 316L Stainless Steel Bracelet Case, Bezel, and Buckle
  • – Unidirectional Ion Plated Stainless Steel Beze
  • – Japanese Quartz Movement (Miyota OS11)
  • – 5ATM or 165 Feet
  • – Visible Calendar Date Window
  • – Real Time 60 Second Subdial
  • – Two Stainless Steel Chronograph Pushers
  • – Genuine Leather
  • – 198mm x 22mm Bracelet Size
  • – Anti-Reflective and Scratch Resistant Sapphire Coated Crystal
  • MSRP: $1100.. (The brand is heavily discounted, and usually sold on Amazon)

First and foremost, I want to say look wise, I think the Durand in this color combo is an attractive, sporty timepiece. I do not have exact pricing for this model as it is an upcoming model on the website as I am writing this. I have been told the replica watches usually run from $150-$400. I would hope this ranges in $150-$200 range, considering its specs.

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The website lists it at 46mm, I measured 44mm. The gunmetal ip case is mostly satin finished, with some high polished accents, most notably the crown and pushers and parts of the bezel edge. The crown and pushers are done in a black ip, giving a slight contrast in dark finishes.

I never beat around the bush, and the Aubert Freres Durand I would classify as a fashion replica watch. If you are familiar with the replica watch world, you will know what I mean. The specifications are not that of a mid to high end replica watch, but they are not exactly low end either. A sapphire coated mineral crystal is a good compromise between hardness and scratch resistance, and Miyota has become very well known for their tough, dependable movements, and the OS11 chrono quartz movement is no different.

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The dial is my absolute favorite aspect, with the “floating” applied numbers and markers, the 2 eye chronograph and the deep turquoise racing stripe and accents on the dial. The color of the blue on the dial and bezel markers is what is really unique to me, and initially not something I thought I would like, but eventually really grew on me. Something I do not care for though is the use of the word “date” on the dial, with an outline pointing to the date. Its distracting and not needed at all.

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The case back is standard, with the brand name and logo laser etched in a somewhat jumbled pattern. The case back is the only portion that is not ip plated as well.

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The leather strap is 22mm in width and tapers to 20mm, and is padded and lined in suede. Honestly, the strap has a lot to be desired. The leather that covers the padding is thin and has a cheap look to it. A nice black rubber or more premium leather strap would really step it up a notch.

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On the wrist, it fits comfortable, though like I said a better strap would make it feel even better. It is not an oversized replica watch, and wears like a 44mm dive replica watch.

While I do not believe the Aubert Freres Durand will set the replica watch world on fire, it is a nice sporty timepiece and if picked up for the right price, would be a great replica watch for a graduating high school or college student or maybe that nice weekend sport replica watch.

Thank you for reading, as always I look forward to any comments.