Introduction to Z Factory
Z Factory, also known as ZF, stands as a prominent name in our market, boasting a long-standing history in watch manufacturing. With the closure of several older factories like Noob, V6, VS, and JF, Z Factory has emerged as the leading watch producer. Despite the 2021 raids, the impact on this factory was minimal, which is fortunate since it allows access to high-quality replicas of IWC and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15400 and 15500. However, availability issues persist for some models such as the Royal Oak Extra-thin 15202 and the Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase 5712, which often require long wait times even when ordered directly from ZF.
Challenges with Patek Philippe 5712
Regarding the Patek Philippe Moon Phase 5712, its acquisition was tied to purchasing a Submariner from ZF. This bundle deal, possibly due to surplus Submariners, did not reduce the price and thus did not enhance Submariner sales. This bundling strategy seemed impractical, leaving many potential buyers displeased.
Market Dynamics and Anticipations
As the end of 2021 approaches and the new year looms, it's customary for factories to shut down temporarily to avoid raids, a practice likely to continue. This period has traditionally seen heightened enforcement actions, prompting closures as a precaution.
The Hublot Venture
Today, we're examining a Hublot watch, marking perhaps the first instance of Z Factory producing a replica from this brand. Previously, top-tier Hublot replicas were the domain of V6 factory. This model belongs to the Big Bang Unico series. Despite not being hugely popular among enthusiasts, ZF invested significant resources into this model. It raises the question of why they didn't focus on replicating essential Big Bang models, which seem to be in higher demand. The challenges of perfectly replicating the skeletonized dial of a genuine Hublot Unico persist.
Size and Pricing Considerations
This Hublot piece is quite large, with a 44mm diameter and a thickness of 17mm, making it a bold choice for many. The skeleton dial adds to its appeal but also highlights some of its flaws. Priced over 600 USD, this replica features an updated movement from ZF, bringing it closer to the authentic 1280 Hublot in-house movement compared to earlier versions from other factories.
