Spot someone with a Rolex on the wrist, regardless of the model, and presumably things are going well for them. But are there affordable Swiss made Rolex replica watches out there? Given it’s the watch brand people turn to most often to mark milestones or special occasions, such as a wedding, job promotion, birth of a child or a day when the trains run on time the perception is a Rolex needs to be expensive – but it’s not the case.
“There’s been a significant correction in the market and you can pick up a Rolex for less than you probably think,” says Christy Davis, co-founder at pre owned specialist Subdial. If you know what to look for there are a number of Rolex that are very affordable. Sure, if you have your heart set on a Paul Newman Daytona you’re going to need to empty a very large piggy bank.
Rolex pricing can be a bit of a minefield and with the modern day hype around new Rolex models getting the piece you want for the retail price isn’t as easy as it seems. If you want a current Daytona or Submariner for example you’re either going to have to wait several years for your name to pop up on the dreaded waitlist. Or you’ll need to buy a few other watches first to speed up the process. It’s why many people turn to the pre owned market. You’ll find the watch you want but it’s likely going to cost you a bit more. Therefore, we will need to look beyond the current catalogue to find the best affordable 1:1 Rolex fake watches.
So, where do we turn to in the quest for affordability? Enter the world of vintage. I like to think of vintage in two parts. The part you know and the part you don’t. What many of us know are the news headlines from auction results or the famous Rolex pieces from history. The Comex dial Submariners for example, or the auction of Paul Newman’s $17.8m Daytona, either of these ring any bells? We won’t find affordable high quality Rolex copy watches down that particular rabbit warren.
The other side of vintage is where the bargains can be found. Throughout its history Rolex has made great watches and there’s no shortage of them. “You can pick up some really interesting stuff if you’re willing to look at vintage pieces from the ‘60s/’70s,” says Davis. “They were much more loose with their design back then, so each piece feels unique in a way.”
What makes an affordable Rolex is about more than just the model or reference number. The condition, service history, box and papers all make a big difference. From his experience, Davis says redialed watches are worth looking out for. “Often people have painted over dial defects so whilst it might appear to be in good condition, it’s not original and should be avoided.”
Davis has more to say on the matter: “Damaged movements are also dangerous, Rolex don’t make these parts anymore so if you need replacement components it can be a difficult and costly process.” He recommends speaking to someone who knows what they’re talking about, and crucially is happy to be transparent with their knowledge and not over-charge you for it.
With Davis’s advice ringing in our ears, we’ve attempted to compile a list of the most affordable Rolex you can lay your hands on.
Replica Rolex Oyster Date Precision Ref. 6694 and 6426 Watches
Whilst no longer in production, the Oyster Precision range was cheap fake Rolex‘s entry-level watches for decades. First starting in the ’30s the Precision referred to the fact that the watch wasn’t officially certified for time keeping accuracy. This helped to keep costs down but shouldn’t be off putting as it still had the precision and accuracy of a Rolex. The ref. 6694 is the popular date model and is about as classic as Rolex can get. With its manual wind movement, 34mm case and three link steel bracelet it’s vintage Rolex at its affordable best. Prices will start from £3,000.
If you like your dials clean the CA top super clone Rolex Oyster Precision ref. 6426 watches is a no date version and can be found for around the same price. The famed ‘linen’ dials, a textured effect which looks like linen material, are the pick of the bunch across these two references.
Fake Rolex Air-King Ref. 14000 Watches
The perfect Rolex Air-King replica watches is a historically significant model. First appearing in 1945 it was introduced to celebrate the British Royal Air Force and its contribution to WWII. “The Air-King is often under-appreciated. It’s wearable and works for all occasions, but with a twist because it’s not one of the main Rolex models these days. It’s a brilliant first watch, and will be as appreciated in collector circles as it will down at the pub with your mates,” adds Davis.
The ref. 14000 is a more modern model by the standards of this list. This Air-King took flight in 1989 and remained until the early ’00s. It was the first Air King to receive a sapphire crystal and an automatic calibre. The scratch resistant sapphire crystal was a big upgrade and makes this a robust and affordable Rolex. You’ll find early models for around £3,250.
Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500 Replica Watches
Sticking with the AAA+ fake Rolex Air-King the ref. 5500 watches is the daddy of the collection. It took off in 1957 and as the longest running Air-King reference in history it didn’t finish its landing until 1989. Its classic design with smooth bezel and well proportion 34mm case kept it a favourite of Rolex buyers for decades and its influence is still present in the modern versions. Because of the 5500’s long running, there are a variety of dial options to choose from. Keep your eyes peeled for the Dominos Pizza dials with the logo at 6 o’clock. These will be more expensive than standard 5500’s which start from £3,300.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 67480 and 77080 Fake Watches
The Swiss movements replica Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches is like the origin story for all modern Rolex. Watches with the name Oyster Perpetual first appeared in the ’30s and combined Rolex two great innovations. The first waterproof case (Oyster) and the first automatic rotor (Perpetual).
The ref. 67480 is a model from the ’90s and was available in a variety of dial colours including black, blue, white and even pink. It is considered a ‘mid size’ watch at 31mm. At the time this size was considered a bit big for a women’s watch but a bit small for a men’s watch. It sort of sat in the middle trying to appeal to everyone but potentially satisfying no one. You’ll find them for around £3,500. For the same price you can also find ref. 77080. It’s the update to the 67480 with the only major change being a more modern movement. At chrono24.co.uk & chrono24.co.uk
Replica Rolex Cellini Ref. 5115 Watches
The Rolex Cellini replica watches sale was the essential dress watch in the Rolex line up for decades. Among collectors it has always commanded a lot of respect even though it never hit the heights of the more popular sports models. As a result several of the Cellini references can find their way into the affordable category. The 5115 was produced up until the late ‘00s so some more modern examples can be found but these get pricier. The real affordable versions are the earlier pieces from the ’90s. With yellow gold pieces available the Cellini is a great way to get yourself some precious metal bling for £3,500.
Fake Rolex Air-King Ref. 114200 Watches
The last of the true 1:1 quality reproduction Rolex Air-King watches is how you might describe the 114200. This was the final Air-King before the model was discontinued in 2014 only to be overhauled and redesigned for 2016. You can pick up a 114200 from £4,200. Across the 114200 there are multiple variations that catch the eye. You’ll find versions with roman numerals, Arabic numerals or simple baton hour markers. For something a bit different take a look at models with orange numbers. And if you prefer some texture to your bezel the rarer 114210 comes with an engine turned bezel. Essentially, these bezels are textured with a lined pattern rather than smooth polished steel.
Rolex OysterQuartz Datejust Ref. 17013 Replica Watches
The OysterQuartz is a reminder that even the crown isn’t immune to an industry disruptor. The quartz crisis threatened to make the mechanical watch obsolete in the ’70s. As a result Rolex hedged their bets and produced a number of quartz China fake Rolex watches. Although, in typical Rolex fashion these weren’t normal quartz pieces and instead they created their own fully inhouse quartz movement. The two tone OysterQuartz DateJust ref 17013 will cost approximately £4,250. With a distinct angular case and flattened integrated bracelet it shares a lot in common with the recent Land Dweller. At chrono24.co.uk
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref.116000 Fake Watches
The previously mentioned mid-size best-selling replica Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches can be a bit marmite, depending on your wrist size you’ll either love them or hate them. Thankfully if you prefer something a bit more substantial from the Oyster Perpetual collection then the 116000 might be the answer. This model weighs in at 36mm. Still not large but more inline with today’s case sizes. The 116000 was in production until 2020 so you’ll find some fairly modern versions kicking about on the secondary market. You’ll also have some colour options beyond the usual with green, grape and white grape (an interesting yellow-ish type of colour) to choose from. An early 116000 can be found for around £4,500. At watchfinder.co.uk
Replica Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 Watches
The first automatic wristwatch with a date window, the DateJust is an icon of the watch world. The 1603 harks back to 1959 and remained in the Rolex stable for around 20 years. Produced in a respectable 36mm with both stainless steel or two-tone steel and yellow gold (known as Rolesor in Rolex speak) available for around £4,500.
Where the 1603 stands out, unlike the modern duplicate Rolex Datejust watches paypal, is that it doesn’t have the traditional fluted or smooth bezel. Instead the engine turned bezel provides a slice of Rolex you can’t get today. Some 1603s are considered highly collectable such as the linen dials or Buckley dials which have painted roman numerals.
Fake Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 15200 Watches
Whilst on the theme of date complications our next affordable piece is the OP Date. As the name suggests the top quality Rolex Oyster Perpetual replica watches has a date function complete with the signature cyclops window. Production started in 1988 when smaller case sizes were more popular, as a result it has a case diameter of 34mm. What’s interesting about this OP is that during production Rolex switched from radioactive Tritium for the lume to more socially conscious Luminova or SuperLuminova. Early 15200s with Tritium can be spotted with ‘T Swiss Made T’ or ‘T Swiss’ on the dial. A decent 15200 will set you back £4,500.
Rolex Explorer Ref. 114270 Replica Watches
To round off our affordable cloning Rolex watches review, we finish with one of the more modern timepieces, the Explorer. A much loved tool watch it’s often praised for it’s non nonsense simplicity and practical ruggedness. The 114270 was produced from 2001 to 2010 and in a 36mm case it’s the quintessential Rolex Explorer. Only available in a black dial with 3, 6 and 9 numerical hour markers you won’t be spoilt for choice. Instead for £5,000 you’ll have a timeless Rolex at an affordable price.
