When I was in the market for my initial Rolex purchase, I had budgeted around €5,000. Approximately three years ago, this amount was sufficient to acquire a flawless replica Rolex model with timeless appeal. At that time, options like the Oyster Perpetual, Datejust, or Explorer were easily accessible within this budget. While the secondhand watch market has seen some stabilization over the past year, I found myself needing to extend my budget to €7,000 to secure the same references today.
Nevertheless, it’s reassuring to discover that you can still find an excellent Rolex super clone online for well under €10,000. This revelation is particularly comforting after reading Jorg’s article on the top five Rolex fake watches currently available for purchase under retail. Among them, the two-tone Explorer was the most “affordable,” but factoring in import taxes would push the cost well over €10,000. The other four options were considerably more expensive than what I currently feel comfortable spending on a watch. Let’s bring ourselves back to reality for a moment and explore what you could obtain as your first high-quality replica Rolex.
Let me begin with a brief disclaimer: I am not a Swiss-made replica Rolex expert, especially when it comes to pre-owned Rolex watches. My approach here is based on searching on Chrono24 as if I were on the lookout for my first Rolex. Additionally, I have no affiliations with any of the dealers whose offerings I will highlight below. Now that we have that clarified, let’s dive in!
For your first Rolex, I would recommend considering one of the 36mm classics, such as the affordable fake Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Datejust, or Explorer. These models are considered classics for a reason, and with the various configurations available for the Oyster Perpetual and Datejust, you have the flexibility to choose a personal favorite. I’ll begin with an unconventional choice – the Oyster Perpetual (OP) – simply because it caught my eye first during my search. While it may not be flawless, which is unusual for a high-quality replica Rolex, it exudes a charm reminiscent of the current and former Rolex Air-King models.
The featured reference is the 116000 from 2009, housed in the classic 36mm Swiss movement copy Rolex Oyster case. Currently listed at €5,695 without box or papers, it boasts a glossy black dial with a circular guilloché pattern at the center, incorporating Rolex’s signature line of text. The distinctive numerals on the dial, particularly at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, exhibit an Explorer-like quality. However, what adds to its uniqueness is that these numerals don’t follow the orientation of the others on the dial. While you can always opt for a more classic-looking fake Rolex Oyster Perpetual, this particular piece is sure to turn heads at your first gathering.