VS Factory Super Clone Panerai Submarine MIKE HORN Edition Replica Watch Reviews

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As an avid watch enthusiast and collector of high-quality replicas, I've had the pleasure of examining numerous Panerai replicas over the years. Today, I'm thrilled to present my comprehensive review of the VS Factory Panerai Submersible PAM00985 Mike Horn Special Edition - arguably one of the most impressive Panerai replicas currently available in the market.

Introduction to the PAM00985​

The genuine Panerai Submersible PAM00985 is a limited edition timepiece (only 19 pieces worldwide) created in collaboration with legendary explorer Mike Horn, who has served as Panerai's brand ambassador for over 15 years. This special edition watch embodies Panerai's commitment to environmental conservation, featuring innovative Eco-Titanium™ construction and a strap made from recycled PET plastic.
VS Factory, known for producing some of the highest quality Panerai replicas, has meticulously recreated this exceptional timepiece with astonishing accuracy. Let's dive into the details.

Case Construction & Materials​

The VS Factory PAM00985 replica maintains the genuine watch's substantial 47mm diameter case size, crafted from Eco-Titanium™ - an environmentally friendly titanium alloy. The case features:

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• Precision finishing: Excellent brushing and polishing that matches the genuine article
  
• Reduced thickness: VS Factory has managed to slim down the case slightly compared to earlier replicas, improving wearability
  
• Crown guard: The iconic Panerai crown protection bridge is faithfully reproduced in Eco-Titanium™ with proper functionality
  

The unidirectional rotating bezel with engraved numerals is particularly impressive, featuring:

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• Accurate tactile feedback when rotating
  
• Correct depth of engravings
  
• Proper lume pip at 12 o'clock with strong blue luminescence
  
  
  
  

Dial & Legibility​

The dial is where VS Factory has truly excelled:
Sandwich Construction: The classic Panerai sandwich dial is perfectly executed with:

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• Upper layer with precisely cut hour markers and numerals
  
• Lower layer filled with luminous material (blue Super-LumiNova®)
  
• Excellent depth and dimensionality
  

Floating Logo: VS Factory replicates the genuine watch's unique feature where the "PANERAI" logo appears to float between the dial and crystal. This is achieved through precise silk-screen printing on the underside of the sapphire crystal.
Lume Performance: The lume is exceptionally strong and long-lasting, matching the genuine watch's blue emission color. Both the hands and hour markers glow brightly in low-light conditions.
Subdials & Date:

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• Small seconds at 9 o'clock with proper sandwich construction (a rare feature even in genuine Panerai watches)
  
• Date window at 3 o'clock with correct magnification and font
  
  
  
  
  

Movement: VS Factory P.9010 Clone​

The heart of this replica is VS Factory's in-house developed P.9010 clone movement, which represents a significant advancement in replica watch technology:

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• Genuine-like functionality: Hour hand can be adjusted independently (useful for time zone changes), while the GMT hand moves with the hour hand (just like the genuine)
  
• Correct hand-winding and automatic winding operation
  
• Improved stability: VS Factory has addressed previous issues with movement reliability, significantly reducing instances of "stalling" or "stopping"
  
• Correct balance wheel position: Earlier replicas often got this wrong, but VS Factory has positioned it accurately at 7 o'clock
  

While not 100% identical to the genuine P.9010 movement internally (the genuine has one regulating screw while the VS has two), the visual appearance and functionality are remarkably close - enough to fool all but the most trained eyes.

Caseback & Engravings​

The caseback features:

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• Mike Horn's signature
  
• Marine life engravings
  
• Proper depth and detail in the engravings (though some minor differences in depth compared to genuine)
  

The caseback is screw-down and provides the claimed 300m water resistance (though we don't recommend testing this with a replica watch).

Strap & Clasp​

The replica comes with:

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• PET resin fiber strap (made from recycled materials like the genuine)
  
• Accurate color and texture
  
• Comfortable wear with proper flexibility
  
• Correct titanium buckle with appropriate engravings
  
  
  
  
  

Wearability​

Despite its substantial 47mm size, the watch wears comfortably due to:

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• Lightweight titanium construction
  
• Reduced thickness compared to previous Panerai replicas
  
• Well-balanced weight distribution
  
• Soft, flexible strap that conforms to the wrist
  

Comparison with Genuine​

After careful side-by-side examination, here's how the VS Factory PAM00985 stacks up against the genuine:
Visual Similarity: 95% or better - only microscopic examination reveals differences
Functional Similarity: 90% - all functions work identically to genuine except for minor movement differences
Material Quality: 90% - the Eco-Titanium™ finish is nearly identical, though some purists might detect slight differences in sheen
Lume: 95% - color intensity and duration are virtually identical

Pros & Cons​

Pros:

• Exceptional attention to detail
  
• High-quality materials matching genuine specifications
  
• Reliable movement with genuine-like functionality
  
• Comfortable wear despite large size
  
• Outstanding lume performance
  
• Faithful reproduction of limited edition features
  

Cons:

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• Minor differences in caseback engraving depth
  
• Movement regulation system differs slightly from genuine
  
• Limited availability (like the genuine watch)
  

Final Verdict​

The VS Factory Panerai Submersible PAM00985 Mike Horn Special Edition represents the pinnacle of Panerai replica craftsmanship. With its faithful reproduction of the genuine watch's unique features, high-quality materials, and reliable movement, this replica stands as one of the most convincing Panerai replicas ever produced.
For collectors who appreciate the genuine PAM00985's environmental ethos and distinctive design but can't justify (or obtain) the $40,000+ price tag of the limited edition genuine watch, the VS Factory replica offers an astonishingly good alternative at a fraction of the cost.
Rating: 9.5/10 - One of the best Panerai replicas currently available

Would I recommend it? Absolutely - this is a replica that even seasoned Panerai collectors would have to examine closely to distinguish from genuine. The VS Factory PAM00985 is a testament to how far high-end replicas have come in terms of quality and attention to detail.