First off, let’s get one thing straight – we’re talking replica watches here. Not the *real deal* Rolex Oyster Perpetual. Now, why would someone want a clone? Well, let’s be real, Rolexes are pricey. Like, mortgage-payment pricey for some of us. A clone offers the *look* without emptying your bank account. Maybe you just wanna see if you even *like* wearing a watch before dropping serious cash. Or, maybe you’re just a bit of a rebel and like sticking it to the man. Whatever floats your boat, I guess.
Now, the quality of these things? Hoo boy, that’s where it gets interesting. You got your cheap-o knockoffs that fall apart if you look at them funny. Then you got the “super clones.” These are supposed to be, like, *really* good replicas. The kind that might even fool someone who kinda knows what they’re looking at. I saw one online that was supposed to have a Swiss 3230 movement – or, at least, a replica of one.
Apparently, a lot of folks are into Clean Factory watches for Datejusts and Submariners. Dealers will tell you “VS factory is the best!”, because they use Dandong 3235 movements. Who knows, it’s all very confusing to me.
And then, there’s the whole movement thing. You gotta watch out for that caseback. If you can see the inner workings, or if it’s got some weird engraving on it, that’s a red flag city, population: fake watch. The real Oyster Perpetual has a solid caseback. Keep that in mind, or you might get bamboozled.
I saw one advertised “Super Clone Máquina ETA,” and I was like, “Oh, cool.” But, it’s still a fake. I will say, some of these clones are getting pretty darn good. They’re using 904L stainless steel (supposedly – who really knows?), which is the same as Rolex. They’re trying to get the details right.
But, honestly, here’s my take: if you’re gonna buy a clone, know what you’re getting into. Don’t go around pretending it’s the real thing. That’s just…lame. And don’t spend a ton of money on something that’s ultimately a fake. If you’re saving up for the real deal, cool! But, don’t get sucked into thinking a clone is the same. It’s not. It’s a copy. It’s an imitation. It’s…well, you get the picture.
Oh, and if you’re thinking about building your *own* Rolex Oyster Perpetual clone from scratch? That sounds, well, ambitious, to say the least. Good luck with that! You’re probably better off just buying a clone, tbh. But hey, if you like a challenge…
