Are the diamonds on the watch real? The use of diamonds in replica watches

　　The diamonds used in most high-end timepieces are commonly known as 'Swiss diamonds', including those used in the majority of genuine watches. As for the other category of diamond-setreplica watch: these are replica samples sold in the past, where the stones set upon them were made of crystal material. This is also the so-called 'diamond' used by most replica watches today. Such materials are excluded from the classification of 'diamonds' and therefore cannot be measured by diamond standards.

　　Diamonds are actually a conceptual product. The expensive diamonds we frequently talk about are referred to in the diamond supply chain market as South African diamonds, followed by moissanite, with the remaining options being Swiss diamonds, Russian diamonds, apple diamonds, zircons, synthetic cubic zirconia, and similar products. In truth, these are merely commercial pitches devised through different commercial promotions for varying qualities of Swiss diamonds.

　　Everything described above falls under the category of diamonds, and the grading classification is also similar to diamonds. So, where do the differences among these three lie?

　　South African diamond

　　A natural material with very low availability, which is why it is so expensive. It is virtually never used in watchmaking—at least, as far as I have seen, no timepieces currently use South African diamonds.

　　Moissanite

　　Primarily based on synthetic materials, with the synthesis patent technology belonging to Charles & Colvard. This is an American company, and the synthesis technology is exclusively monopolised by them. This is one of the reasons for its high price. Charles & Colvard is also a moissanite supplier focused primarily on retail, targeting large-scale jewellery and accessory settings. Naturally, knowing this, I imagine no major watch brand would be willing to pay the absurd prices demanded by Charles & Colvard.

　　Swiss diamond

　　Its essence is cubic zirconia, which is a material free from patent protection. Consequently, one can collaborate with any commercial enterprise possessing relevant technology, put forward specific requirements and budgets, and commence production. Given that watchmaking is inherently an intricate craft, genuine watch manufacturers are exceptionally rigorous when it comes to material selection. Therefore, a fitting name used within the industry for top-grade cubic zirconia is 'Swiss diamond'.

　　Swiss stones are still kept consistent with diamonds. Regardless of the facets or clarity, although they are not as fine and natural as genuine South African diamonds, they still maintain a diamond-like structure. At the same time, top-quality Swiss stones have a higher refractive index than South African diamonds, which is why certain high-end watches from genuine brands sparkle even more than real diamonds under the light.

　　On the other hand, replica watches use synthetic crystal materials instead of diamond materials for setting. While this can achieve a similar effect, the refractive index and brilliance are completely different from those of diamonds. Through magnification, we can see that the internal cutting of the synthetic crystal material has no regular pattern, as it aims to create as many facets as possible to ensure its lustre. This is ultimately why gem-set replica watches always fall slightly short in appearance.

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