Two Recent Improvements from PPF (also known as ZF)
At the beginning of this month, PPF announced updates to two of their most popular models: the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712 and the Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4500V. Both watches have been fan favorites, especially the Nautilus 5712, which has consistently been a best-seller in recent years. The improvements are now complete, and in this post, I’ll break down what’s been changed on each model.
1. Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712
This model remains labeled as the V3 edition, although it now features an important new upgrade. For context, previous versions already included key improvements:
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V2: Introduced a functional power reserve indicator.
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V3 (initial release): Updated the clasp design.
Now, PPF has enhanced the movement by deepening the golden engravings. If you compare the latest version to the older one, you’ll notice a clear difference. On the earlier version, the gold lettering on the movement appeared flat and printed. In the updated version, the engravings have visible depth and texture, giving the movement a much more premium and authentic look. You can see this clearly in the side-by-side comparison photos below.
2. Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4500V
The update for the 4500V also focuses on the movement. PPF has repositioned the balance wheel, which now sits closer to the 7 o’clock position—almost at 8 o’clock—bringing it closer to the genuine watch’s layout. You can refer to the V1 vs. V2 images below for a visual comparison.
However, this change also comes with a slight increase in case thickness:
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V1: 11.2mm
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V2: 11.5mm
Additionally, the way you adjust the date has changed.
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On the V1, rotating the crown clockwise would change the date.
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On the V2, it’s the counterclockwise rotation that adjusts the date.
Some users have mentioned that the date font appears thicker on the V2 version, though in my own observations, the difference is minimal or not very noticeable.
