A fake Patek Philippe Nautilus 7118 is a replica of the ladies' Nautilus 7118/1A, a 35.2 mm stainless steel watch with a wave-pattern dial and an integrated bracelet. Replica versions run from budget quartz models to high-grade automatic copies that match the case shape, dial texture and bracelet taper. The gap between cheap and top-tier fakes is wide, so the details matter more than the label a seller puts on the listing.
What Is the Patek Philippe Nautilus 7118?
The 7118/1A is the women's Nautilus, introduced in 2016 as the replacement for the 7018. It keeps the rounded octagonal bezel, the hinge-like case sides and the integrated bracelet that define the Nautilus line. The steel version measures 35.2 mm across with a slim profile under 9 mm.
Patek Philippe fits the 7118/1A with calibre 324 S C, a self-winding movement with a 45-hour power reserve and a date window. The dial carries embossed horizontal waves with applied numerals and luminescent coating. Water resistance is listed at 60 m.
How Do Fake Nautilus 7118 Watches Differ in Quality?
Replica quality falls into rough tiers. Each tier changes the movement, the finishing and the feel on the wrist.
- Budget quartz: stamped case, flat printed dial, stiff bracelet. Costs little and looks wrong up close.
- Entry automatic: Miyota or Seiko movement, better case shape, acceptable bracelet flex.
- Mid-tier: ETA 2824 clone, closer dial texture, sharper bezel bevels, real screws and gaskets.
- High-grade or 1:1: cloned 324 S C style movement, correct 35.2 mm case, dial waves that catch light like the real dial, engraved clasp and the right date font.
Only the top tier gets the case profile and dial color right. Even then, polishing marks and movement finish behind the sapphire caseback give a fake away to a trained eye.
What Should You Check on a Fake 7118?
Work through these points before paying. Photos from other buyers help, but the watch in hand decides.
- Case size and thickness. The 7118 is 35.2 mm across. A 40 mm watch sold as a 7118 is not the same model.
- Dial waves. Real dials have embossed, three-dimensional waves. Flat printing shows under any light.
- Date font and centering. Check the numerals and the window position against reference photos.
- Bracelet taper and links. Nautilus links should flex and taper toward the clasp.
- Clasp engraving. Look at depth, letter spacing and the Calatrava cross.
- Movement. Behind the caseback, look for rotor finish, jewel count and engravings.
- Crown action. A gritty or loose crown points to a cheap movement.
Which Movement Comes in a Replica Nautilus 7118?
Three movement types show up in fake 7118 listings. The movement drives the price more than any other part.
- Quartz: cheap, light, and the seconds hand ticks instead of sweeping.
- ETA 2824 or clone: sweeps, winds and keeps time. Common in mid-tier builds.
- Clone 324 S C: decorated to look like the Patek calibre, with a gold-tone rotor and engraved bridges. This is the top tier.
Is Buying a Fake Patek Philippe Nautilus 7118 Legal?
Laws differ by country, and the US treats counterfeit watches as illegal goods. Selling or importing a watch that carries a protected trademark can lead to seizure, fines and civil claims. Buying for personal use carries less risk than reselling, but customs can still confiscate the item. This guide covers the market, not legal advice.
How Much Do Replica 7118 Watches Cost?
Prices track the tier. Budget quartz copies sell in the tens of dollars, mid-tier automatics in the low hundreds, and high-grade builds near or above one thousand dollars. A seller asking a low price for a super clone is selling a mid-tier watch with a better label.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a fake 7118 use real gold?
Most do not. The genuine 7118/1R is rose gold. Replicas use gold plating or PVD coating over steel, and the color shifts after wear on cheaper builds.
Can a jeweler tell a fake 7118 from a real one?
Yes, in most cases. Weight, dial texture, bracelet flex, clasp engraving and movement finish are the first things a professional checks.
Which dial colors exist for the 7118?
The steel 7118/1A came with a blue dial and a silvery white dial. Rose gold versions use different dial finishes and colors.
What Matters Most When Choosing a Fake 7118?
Pick the case size and dial first, then the movement. Ask for real photos, a video of the seconds hand and the date change, and the exact measurements. Skip any seller who hides the movement or shows only stock images.