The replica Patek Philippe 7118 blue dial copies the Nautilus 7118/1A, a 35.2 mm stainless steel watch with a blue dial, gold applied hour markers, and an integrated bracelet. Replica builds split into two broad groups: inexpensive quartz versions and higher end automatic versions that try to match the dial texture, case finishing, and bracelet taper of the original. On almost every example, the tell is in the dial and the bracelet, not in the overall shape.
What the Genuine 7118 Blue Dial Is
The 7118 is the smaller Nautilus, sized for wrists that find the 40 mm references too large. It is often catalogued as a ladies' model, though plenty of buyers wear it as a unisex piece. These are the specs people compare against when shopping for a replica:
- Case: stainless steel, about 35.2 mm across, with the rounded octagonal bezel and the side hinges that define the Nautilus line.
- Dial: blue with a horizontal embossed pattern, gold applied hour markers and hands with luminescent coating, date window at 3 o'clock.
- Bracelet: integrated steel bracelet with the Nautilus fold over clasp and a steady taper from the case to the clasp.
- Movement: self winding mechanical with a date, visible through a sapphire case back.
- Crystal and crown: sapphire front and back, screw down crown.
Why the Blue Dial Is the Hardest Part to Copy
A blue dial shows flaws faster than a black or white one, because the color shifts as the light moves across it. Cheap copies tend to look flat, slightly purple, or glossy in a way the original is not. On better replicas the embossed horizontal lines are even, the blue deepens toward the edges, and the printing stays crisp under a loupe.
- Color: the blue should read as a rich navy in shade and a brighter blue in direct light, not as purple or teal.
- Texture: the horizontal grooves must be evenly spaced and catch light in a continuous band.
- Printing: brand and model text should be thin, sharp, and correctly spaced, not thick or blurry.
- Markers: applied gold markers with polished edges and level lume fill, no glue residue around the feet.
- Date: correct font, centered in the window, with the same magnification as the original.
What to Inspect Before You Buy
Ask for close up photos in daylight and, if possible, a short video of the dial turning. Still images hide the two things that matter most: how the blue behaves in motion and how the bracelet articulates.
- Dial in motion: confirm the blue changes tone rather than staying flat.
- Marker alignment: check that each marker sits straight and level with its neighbors.
- Case finishing: brushed flats and polished bevels should meet in clean lines, with no soft or rounded edges.
- Bracelet and clasp: links should move freely and the taper should be gradual, not stepped.
- Crown and date: the crown should screw down smoothly and the date should flip cleanly at midnight.
- Weight and balance: a steel replica should feel substantial, roughly in line with a steel bracelet watch of this size.
Movement Options in Replica Builds
Most entry replicas use a quartz movement, which keeps the case thin and the price low but gives a ticking seconds hand that no Nautilus owner would have. Mid tier builds use a Japanese automatic, and top tier builds use a decorated automatic clone with a rotor that mimics the look of the original caliber. If the seller cannot show the movement through the case back, treat the listing as unverified.
Size, Fit, and Who It Suits
At roughly 35.2 mm, the 7118 wears smaller than the standard Nautilus and sits well on wrists from about 15 cm to 18 cm. The integrated bracelet means the watch hugs the wrist, so link count matters more than usual. Ask how many links are included and whether spare links come with the order, since matching a bracelet later is difficult.
Price Tiers and What They Buy
Replica pricing tracks the movement and the dial. Budget builds get you the silhouette and little else. Mid tier builds fix the dial texture and case finishing but often fall short on the bracelet. Top tier builds focus on the dial color, the engraving, and the decorated movement, and they cost several times more than the entry level. Decide which of those three things you actually care about before comparing quotes.
Red Flags to Avoid
- Photos that look like official press images rather than the actual watch.
- No movement photos and no option to request quality check images before shipping.
- Listings that promise the watch is identical to the original.
- Sellers who will not confirm the dial color under different lighting.
A Note on Legality and Expectations
A replica is not a Patek Philippe, and it will not hold value the way the genuine reference does. Counterfeit goods are restricted or illegal to import in various countries, and enforcement varies by jurisdiction. Check your local rules before ordering, and go in with realistic expectations about finishing at each price tier.