A fake Patek Philippe Nautilus 7118 copies a 35.2 mm steel watch with an integrated bracelet. The genuine 7118/1A runs caliber 324 S C, an automatic movement with a 45 hour power reserve and a 4 Hz balance. Replica sellers ask $250 to $900. Above $900 the parts do not change. The tells sit in the dial texture, the date font, the bracelet taper, the caseback engraving, and the movement finish.

Reference facts on the 7118/1A

  • Case: steel, 35.2 mm, sapphire crystal front and back
  • Movement: caliber 324 S C, automatic, 45 hour power reserve, 28,800 vph
  • Functions: hours, minutes, center seconds, date at 3
  • Dial: horizontal embossed bars, applied gold numerals with lume
  • Bracelet: steel, integrated, fold-over clasp
  • Water resistance: 60 m on Patek's spec sheet

Six checks that separate a fake from the real watch

  1. Dial lines. The embossed bars run edge to edge and catch light in a straight band. Replica dials show shallow bars that fade near the center. Use a 10x loupe.
  2. Date font. Patek uses a wide numeral set with a beveled frame. Replica date wheels show a narrow font and a printed frame.
  3. Bracelet. Count the links and check the taper. Outer links take satin finish, bevels take polish. Replica bevels look rounded and the taper starts too late.
  4. Caseback. Sapphire window, deep engraving, reference and serial numbers. Replica etch marks sit shallow and wash out under light.
  5. Crown. Calatrava cross in relief. Replica crosses look soft at the edges.
  6. Movement. The real 324 S C shows Geneva stripes on the bridges, perlage on the mainplate, and a gold rotor with engraving. Replica builds use a Miyota 9015 or an Asian 2824 with a printed plate. A 6 beat per second sweep and a thin rotor show the swap.

Price tiers and what they buy

Replica pricing tracks the movement, not the finish.

  • $80 to $150: quartz or low grade automatic, painted dial, folded bracelet
  • $250 to $400: Asian 2824 clone, stamped dial, solid links
  • $500 to $900: Miyota 9015 or a decorated clone, better dial texture
  • Above $900: same factories, new label. Ask for a movement photo before payment.

Listing checks before you pay

  • Ask for a macro photo of the date window and the crown.
  • Ask for a caseback photo with the protective sticker off.
  • Ask for a 10 second video of the seconds hand sweep.
  • Get the return window in writing.

Legal status in the US

A replica sold as a genuine Patek is counterfeit goods. Customs can seize the shipment. Selling a fake as real violates federal law.

What no replica matches

Hand finishing on the case flanks, the movement parts under a loupe, and the service history. A replica has no Patek papers and no resale value.