⚡ Quick Verdict (TL;DR)
If you don’t have time to read the full 1,800-word review:
The VS Factory Panerai 661 is widely considered the “King of Carbon Replicas.” Unlike cheaper versions that use painted plastic, VSF uses genuine Carbotech composite material.
- Realism: 9.5/10 (The case texture and weight are indistinguishable on-wrist).
- Movement: It houses the Super Clone P.9010, which features the correct “independent hour hand” for setting the date—a feature rare in replicas.
- Wearability: At 119g, it is one of the most comfortable 44mm watches ever made.
Our Take: If you want a modern, high-tech Panerai without the $12,000 price tag, this is the best option on the market.
Watch Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Reference | Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 Carbotech (PAM00661) |
| Factory | VS Factory (VSF) – V2 Version |
| Case Size | 44mm Diameter |
| Case Material | Real Carbotech (Carbon Fiber sheets + PEEK Polymer) |
| Movement | VSF Custom P.9010 Automatic Super Clone |
| Functions | Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds, Date (Jumping Hour Feature) |
| Bezel | Fixed Carbotech Bezel |
| Crystal | Domed Sapphire with Colorless AR Coating |
| Strap | “Ponte Vecchio” Distressed Leather Strap |
| Water Resistance | Tested to 5ATM (Swim at your own risk) |
Introduction
The Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 Carbotech 3 Days Automatic—better known as the PAM661—is a polarizing watch. It breaks the traditional Panerai mold. It doesn’t use stainless steel; it uses Carbotech. It doesn’t have a clean, polished dial; it has “dirty” vintage markers and a bright blue seconds hand.
It is a watch that screams “modern military tech.”
For years, replica factories struggled to copy this watch. The material was too hard to fake, and the P.9010 movement was too complex to clone. That changed when VS Factory (VSF) entered the game. VSF is currently the undisputed leader in Panerai replica manufacturing, known for creating movements that function exactly like the genuine Swiss calibers.
In this in-depth VS Factory Panerai 661 review, we are going to dissect this replica. We will look at the carbon layering, put the movement through its paces, and see if it truly deserves the title of “Super Clone.”
Table of Contents
The Case: What is “Carbotech” Anyway?
The most critical part of this review is the case. If the case looks like cheap plastic, the whole watch fails.
The Science Behind the Material
Genuine Carbotech is made by compressing thin sheets of carbon fiber with a high-end polymer called PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) under controlled temperature and high pressure. VS Factory uses this exact same process.
When you hold the VSF 661, you are not holding a piece of injected molded plastic. You are holding a solid block of composite material.
- The Texture: The result is a matte, uneven, wave-like pattern that looks like wood grain or Damascus steel. Because the cutting process is random, every single VSF 661 case is unique. No two watches share the exact same pattern.
- The Tactile Feel: This is where it gets interesting. Steel feels cold. Titanium feels cool. Carbotech feels warm. It has a smooth, organic touch that is very pleasant against the skin. VSF has nailed this sensory detail perfectly.
The Weight Advantage
Panerai watches are notorious for being heavy “bricks” on the wrist. A steel Luminor 1950 can weigh over 200 grams.
The VSF Panerai 661 weighs only ~119 grams.
This completely changes the wearing experience. You get the bold, masculine look of a 44mm Panerai, but with the comfort of a lightweight sports watch. You can easily forget you are wearing it.
The Crown Guard
The signature Panerai crown guard lever is also made of Carbotech. On the VSF version, the lever action is solid. It snaps shut with a satisfying “click,” and the roller bearing allows for smooth operation when locking the crown.
The Dial: “Dirty” Lume and Sandwich Construction
The dial of the PAM661 is not pitch black; it is a very dark, matte carbon color that matches the case.
The Sandwich Dial
VSF utilizes the correct “Sandwich Dial” technique. This means the dial is made of two plates:
- Bottom Plate: Covered in luminous material (SuperLuminova).
- Top Plate: The black dial with the numbers cut out.
This gives the numerals actual physical depth. When you look at the watch from an angle, you can see the thickness of the top plate. Lower-tier replicas often just paint the numbers on, looking flat and cheap. VSF’s execution here is crisp and three-dimensional.
The “Faux Patina” (Ecru Lume)
Panerai aimed for a vintage vibe with the 661, using “Ecru” (creamy beige) colored lume markers.
- Daylight: The VSF markers are a warm biscuit color. They are applied evenly, without the “spillover” or messy edges seen on cheaper reps.
- Low Light: The glow is impressive. It burns with a strong green intensity that lasts for hours.
The Blue Seconds Hand
The splash of color at 9 o’clock is the defining feature of this model. The small seconds hand is painted a vibrant, electric blue.
Under a macro lens, the paint application on the VSF hand is smooth and glossy, providing a perfect contrast to the matte black dial. It is a sporty touch that modernizes the entire look of the watch.
The Crystal: Domed Sapphire Clarity
The PAM661 uses a domed sapphire crystal. VSF has replicated the curvature perfectly.
- Distortion: At extreme angles, the domed shape creates a slight, pleasing distortion of the numerals—this is accurate to the genuine watch and adds character.
- Clarity: Crucially, VSF uses colorless Anti-Reflective (AR) coating. Some factories mistakenly use a blue AR coating, which is a dead giveaway (a “tell”) that a watch is fake. The VSF crystal disappears under direct light, letting the dial texture shine through.
The Engine: VSF P.9010 Super Clone Movement
This section is for the watch geeks. The movement is usually the weakest link in a replica, but here, it is the strongest asset.
What makes it a “Super Clone”?
In the past, factories would take a generic Asian 7750 movement and glue “decorative plates” on top to make it look like a Panerai movement. The problem? The balance wheel was in the wrong place, and the watch was very thick.
VSF created a custom clone movement from scratch.
- Balance Wheel: It is positioned at 7 o’clock, exactly like the genuine P.9010.
- Thickness: Because it is not a “movement with a cover,” the watch thickness is much closer to the genuine spec.
- Decoration: The brushing on the bridges, the blue engraving, and the ruby placement are all meticulously copied. Even though the PAM661 has a closed caseback (you can’t see the movement), VSF still finished it to a high standard.
The “Jumping Hour” Function (How to use it)
This is the ultimate test of a good Panerai replica. On a standard watch, you pull the crown to the first position to change the date.
On the Genuine P.9010 and the VSF Clone, it works differently:
- Pull the crown out to Position 1.
- Turn the crown. The Hour Hand will jump forward or backward in 1-hour increments, while the minute hand stays still.
- To change the date: You must cycle the hour hand around the dial twice (24 hours).
VSF is the only factory that has successfully replicated this function. It makes the watch function exactly like a traveler’s GMT watch, allowing you to change time zones without stopping the watch.
On the Wrist: Strap and Comfort
The watch comes paired with a “Ponte Vecchio” style brown leather strap.
The Leather Quality
Replica straps are usually garbage—stiff, plastic-like, and smelling of chemicals. However, the VSF strap is surprisingly wearable. It has a distressed, vintage finish that looks better as it ages. It is soft and pliable right out of the box. The beige stitching is thick and matches the lume on the dial perfectly.
While it lacks the distinct “rich leather scent” of an OEM Panerai strap (which costs $300+ alone), it is excellent for a replica strap.
The Buckle
The buckle is made of coated titanium/steel to match the Carbotech case tone. It features the “PANERAI” engraving. It is sturdy and holds the watch securely.
VSF 661 vs. Genuine: The Micro-Analysis
If we put the VSF 661 next to a Genuine PAM661, can you tell the difference?
- The Carbon Pattern: This is the biggest tell, but only for experts. The genuine Carbotech layers are pressed slightly tighter, creating a slightly denser pattern. VSF’s pattern is 95% close, but under a microscope, the genuine looks slightly more refined. On the wrist? Impossible to tell.
- Rotor Noise: The Genuine P.9010 is almost silent. The VSF Clone uses a ball-bearing rotor. In a quiet room, if you shake your wrist violently, you can hear a faint “whirring” sound. It is not loud, but it is there.
- Caseback Engraving: The engraving on the back of the VSF is deep and crisp. However, the serial numbers are random.
The Verdict on Accuracy: This is widely considered a “First Class” replica. It is not a cheap imitation; it is a high-fidelity reproduction.
Pros & Cons
Here is a brutally honest summary of what we like and what we don’t.
✅ The Pros
- Accurate Material: Real Carbotech case that feels and looks premium.
- Superb Comfort: One of the most comfortable 44mm watches due to its light weight.
- Movement: The P.9010 clone is stable and functions correctly (Jumping Hour).
- Lume: Bright and long-lasting vintage glow.
- Crystal: Clear and distortion-free.
❌ The Cons
- Strap Smell: The leather strap is soft but lacks the rich scent of genuine Italian leather.
- Rotor Sound: Like many automatic replicas, if you shake it violently, the rotor can be slightly louder than the genuine (though silent on the wrist).
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
After spending a week with the VS Factory Panerai 661, the conclusion is simple.
If you love the look of the PAM661 but cannot justify spending over $10,000 on a watch that uses an ETA-based movement architecture, the VSF replica is a no-brainer.
Why you should buy it:
- You get the Real Carbotech Experience (lightweight, warm, unique pattern).
- You get a movement that functions exactly like the genuine (Jumping Hour).
- It is one of the most versatile, durable, and unique-looking watches in the Panerai replica ecosystem.
Why you might pass:
- You strictly prefer heavy steel watches.
- You have a wrist smaller than 16cm (44mm is still a big size).
Final Score: 9.5/10 – Highly Recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does the power reserve last on the VSF P.9010?
A: The genuine movement boasts 3 days (72 hours). The VSF Clone realistically delivers between 60 to 70 hours on a full wind, which is outstanding for a replica. You can leave it on your dresser for the weekend and pick it up Monday still running.
Q: Is the watch waterproof?
A: Out of the factory, VSF watches are usually sealed well enough for hand washing, rain, and splashes. However, we strongly advise against swimming with any replica unless you have taken it to a watchsmith to have the gaskets greased and pressure tested.
Q: Can I swap the strap?
A: Yes! The PAM661 uses the standard Panerai lug system. Any 24mm strap (rubber, canvas, or alligator) will fit this watch perfectly. Changing the strap is a great way to change the look.
Q: Will the black color scratch off?
A: No. This is the beauty of Carbotech. The case is black all the way through. If you scratch it, you just reveal more black carbon underneath. It is much more durable than PVD or DLC coated steel watches.