Five Things I Learned From The First Ever UK Best Fake Rolex-Authorized Submariner Book

Not just another fancy coffee table book, Oyster Perpetual Submariner—The Watch That Unlocked The Deep by Nicholas Foulkes is the most revealing look inside the Rolex archives—ever. I’ll admit that when I first heard about the book, my cynicism got the better of me. Luxury Rolex replica watches, the global flagship of Swiss watchmaking, never reveals its secrets. Why would the company notorious for safeguarding archival information suddenly decide to make it available for public consumption?

Well, the informational waters are no longer so murky. In one fell swoop, Rolex corrects, confirms, and adds to the scholarship surrounding vintage Submariners. Most significantly (and as already “reported” in the vintage Rolex IG community) the production estimates of each Rolex Submariner reference ever made are included in the book’s index. This is a 180° move from Rolex, a brand that typically says nothing to confirm or deny its vintage product, but it’s just the tip of the Oyster Perpetual Submariner iceberg.

Rolex Submariner book

Previous scholarship was long fought for in the trenches of vintage collecting, compiling data from known original UK AAA Rolex fake watches, adding in old stories handed down from Rolex savants of years past, and employing a mix of common sense and conjecture to arrive at conclusions that could only be presented with qualifiers such as “as far as the collecting community knows…”.

With concrete information on Submariners sealed and approved by the Crown comes the promise of more authorized books on Rolex models (and their secrets). This book is the first in a series published by Wallpaper* in partnership with Rolex, all penned by Foulkes. The official Submariner book is 252 pages long, and while I would never give all the secrets away in one article, here are five things that Hodinkee’s resident “vintage guy” learned while flipping through it.

  1. The Submariner was born from the Explorer

In our Reference Points: Understanding The high quality Rolex Submariner replica watches, a whole section is dedicated to “The Genesis Of The Submariner.” This idea of the Submariner, Explorer, and Turn-O-Graph hitting the market as a trio in May of 1954 was always a part of the “accepted” story. This is not to criticize or debunk a previous article, but more to show what we once thought was correct in the watch community.

    The very first chapter of perfect Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner copy watches cites numerous primary accounts via the Rolex Archive to tell a wholly different story. According to the book, the Submariner was developed from the ref. 6150 Explorer. A series of letters between Rolex director René-Paul Jeanneret and the Rolex London office detail a story of specific requests from and tests by British Royal Navy divers beginning in 1952. A Rolex shipping form dated September 1953 notes early examples of the ref. 6150 being delivered to the Royal Navy.

      With feedback from divers, in 1954, Rolex London described a special version of the ref. 6150 “manufactured in collaboration with the Admiralty,” having a larger dial diameter (check) and a rotating bezel (double check). And so (according to the book), the Submariner was born.

      1. Pièce Rebikoff, Nautilus, Frogman, and Sub-Aqua – The Many Names Of The Rolex Submariner

      The Submariner, or simply “Sub,” is so ubiquitous today that we don’t ever stop to think how a seemingly unnatural word found its way onto a Rolex dial. We’re talking about the same company with enough imagination to dream up model names like Datejust for a watch with just a date complication and Day-Date for a watch with a day and date complication.

      According to Foulkes and Swiss made Rolex replica watches, the project that would come to be known as the Submariner tried on various names while in development and even hit a post-launch hiccup in the US. Hans Wilsdorf is quoted in the book as saying, “I like the name Deep Sea Special better than Frogman” and even shares an idea that, in hindsight, would have really changed watch-world history: Wilsdorf states, “I am sure that Nautilus is already registered.”

        Concurrent with the British Royal Navy tests, Rolex also contracted the assistance of Dimitri Rebikoff, a pioneer in underwater photography and the burgeoning sport of scuba diving. Rebikoff’s influence on the Submariner project was so great that internally, the 1:1 fake Rolex watches UK was referred to as “pièce Rebikoff.” Ultimately, in a Rolex technical meeting on May 28th, 1953, Jean Huguenin is credited with deciding that “this piece will carry the name: ‘SUBMARINER.'”

        Even after the Submariner hit the market, the name was still in question. The book details an intellectual property rights issue in the US, resulting in the use of Sub-Aqua for a very short period. This explains once and for all the very rare, early variant of the Submariner with Sub-Aqua in place of Submariner on the dial!

        1. We Can Thank Dimitri Rebikoff For The Death Of The Red Triangle Bezel

        A couple of quick nuggets I gleaned before moving into the big news. I mentioned Dimitri Rebikoff above, but the book has a ton of great information about him and his relationship with Rolex – he was truly instrumental in making the Rolex Submariner super clone watches online look like it does today. For example, in April of 1953, he specifically called out the impracticality of the red triangle at 12 o’clock on the bezel, saying it “will probably already become invisible below 10 meters… it would be better to replace it with a white triangle.”

        “We are currently studying modifying the bezel so as to make the triangle snow white rather than red,” responded René-Paul Jeanneret. And, in relatively short order, the red triangle was no more.

        1. Turn-O-Graph – The Forgotten Child Meant To Be The Big Hit At Basel

        Even after all of this Royal Navy and scuba diving pioneer development, the retail market hopes for the Swiss movements replica Rolex Submariner watches were low. According to the book, the Submariner was originally thought to be a niche, professional product. But it was the development of a rotating bezel that was to be the commercial saving grace. As such, the Turn-O-Graph was developed to launch in tandem with the Submariner, focused solely on the rotating bezel. It was to be “the watch with a thousand and one uses.” Rolex put the full might of its 1954 Basel Fair production behind the Turn-O-Graph. Ultimately, the Submariner won out.

        I can say from experience in the vintage market that very few Turn-O-Graphs were sold then and even with that rarity today, it is a difficult watch to sell to even the most discerning vintage Rolex collector. The Submariner took off and the Turn-O-Graph was left, largely forgotten, somewhere near the starting line.

        1. Production ‘Estimates’ For Each Submariner Reference

        This back-of-book addition has been the “talk of the vintage Rolex town” since early copies of the book landed. It’s hard to stress just how un-Rolex the inclusion of these numbers is, but I am sure most Hodinkee readers know by now. Listing out all the production numbers here feels a bit unfair to Wallpaper*, Foulkes, and all the people who worked hard to create the book, but I will call out a couple of “key learnings,” how about that? Important to note off the top, the fine print states that “production quantities are estimates based on figures from the Rolex Archives,” but, as we’ll see, the numbers feel pretty exact.

          Firstly, the vintage Rolex community is pretty damn good at guessing. For years, it has been widely accepted that around top wholesale replica Rolex 300 ref. 6200 “King Subs” watches were produced. This number is often quoted because the reference was long thought to be one of the “rarest.” Turns out, we were right. The book confirms that an “estimated” 303 examples were produced (you see, the estimate looks pretty spot on, 303, not 300), and that is the lowest production of any reference.

          Also interesting is the split between ref. 5513s and ref. 5512s. These two were sister references for most of their production, with the distinction between them being a chronometer-certified movement in the 5512 and a non-chronometer-certified caliber in the 5513. I know I am oversimplifying here a bit (don’t @ me, Vintage Rolex Police). Anyway, outside of that movement difference, the two are essentially the same best quality UK Rolex copy watches. Yet, the total production of the 5513 is estimated at 151,449 versus 17,338 for the 5512. In today’s vintage market, 5512s have always carried a slight premium over 5513s but not a nearly nine times rarer premium.

          Rolex Unveils The First Authorized History Of The UK Top Replica Rolex Submariner Watches For Sale

          Rolex’s newest release doesn’t tell the time, sit neatly on the wrist, or do anything else good Swiss made Rolex replica watches is supposed to. That’s because it’s not actually a timepiece.

          The Crown has just unveiled a new, beautifully designed monograph on the AAA UK fake Rolex Submariner dive watches. Aptly titled Oyster Perpetual Submariner—The Watch That Unlocked the Deep, the 252-page tome chronicles the evolution of the legendary dive watch, from the 1950s up to the present day. It is the first authorized history of the perfect Rolex Submariner replica watches from the notoriously secretive Swiss watchmaker, meaning the author received access to highly guarded archival information that is typically off-limits. As a result, the book should provide fresh, in-depth insight into this seminal Rollie.

          The hardcover, which best 2024 Rolex copy watches has labeled a “wide-ranging account of the Submariner,” was developed with publisher Wallpaper* and written by Nicholas Foulkes. The English historian and author has written extensively about luxury goods and horology, penning The Impossible Collection of Watches, Patek Philippe: The Authorised Biography, and Time Tamed, among other notable titles.

          “As a historian with a lifelong obsession with watches, I was delighted and excited to be given unique access to the Rolex archives and flattered and honoured to be invited to set down in print the first authorized accounts of timepieces that have helped shape history,” Foulkes said in a statement.

          Foulkes starts by diving into the creation of the inaugural model. Introduced in 1953 (but commerically available in 1954), the Rolex Submariner replica watches wholesale UK was the first dive watch water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet). The timepiece was originally a rugged, rather affordable tool for divers, but later became a luxury status symbol in the 1970s and ‘80s, once offered in solid gold references like the 1680/8. The book details all the small but notable changes Rolex has made to the model over the past 70 years—Reference 1680 was the first to gain a date complication in 1969, for example—illustrating that innovation is key to the Sub’s enduring appeal.

          The tome isn’t all about the cheap Rolex Submariner fake watches, though. Some pages are dedicated to the subsequent dive watches Rolex released that became benchmarks in the diving world, such as the Sea-Dweller from 1967, the Deepsea from 2008, and the Deepsea Challenge from 2022. The latter can descend as far as 11,000 meters (36,090 feet).

          Oyster Perpetual Submariner—The Watch That Unlocked the Deep will be available from October 1. You can pre-order a copy now on Amazon for $125. The silk-bound first edition will be available exclusively through the WallpaperSTORE* for pre-order from September 16 and purchase from September 20.

          The best part is this is only the first in a series of authorized books that will profile models in the China 1:1 Rolex super clone watches catalog. Stay tuned.

          6 Vintage Swiss High Quality Fake Rolex Watches UK That Offer Surprisingly Good Value

          The stage is set: You’re killing it at work. You’ve got some extra cash. It’s time for a nice watch. A Rolex watch. There’s just one problem — or three, rather. Unprecedented demand, a global pandemic and limited production mean there’s too few perfect Rolex replica watches to go around.

          Your best bet? The preowned market, where supply’s aplenty and even deals await. Here are the tips to dial in your search.

          Think small, literally. There’s more to Rolex than Submariners, Daytonas, and GMT-Master IIs. There’s a mind-blowing variety of options, many under $5,000, in the 34 to 36mm range. Forget the small-watch stigma and check out 36mm Datejusts and vintage 34mm Oyster Perpetuals. If sub-40mm is good enough for Ryan Gosling, it’s good enough for you.

          Study your target. The Rolex world — vintage, preowned and new — is rife with fakes, “Frankenwatches” and all sorts of shenanigans. Once you’ve found a model you want to buy, study up on what it’s supposed to look like. Watch YouTube videos, go into boutiques and stores and begin handling watches. Speak to experts, buy some reference materials. This part might seem tedious but it will save you a lot of trouble when it’s finally time to buy.

          Buy from a reputable seller. Can you score a deal off a random internet sale? Sure — but it’s risky. Instead, the best bet for newbies is to start with established dealers. Two great places to start are Eric Wind from Wind Vintage and James Lamdin from Analog:Shift. These guys are consummate pros and exploring their offerings will help you learn what’s worth buying.

          Take your time. Don’t rush into a purchase and buy the first watch you see. Look at 15 Datejusts if necessary, or at least two or three — that’s half the fun! Aim for a piece that won’t incur extra service or other costs. It’s much better to spend a bit more on a watch that’s already been properly serviced and is in good condition. Buying a screaming deal on a “project” watch is not for beginners.

          Wear the living hell out of it. You earned it! Just know that preowned (and especially vintage) best UK Rolex fake watches need extra care. Don’t take it in the water unless it’s meant for that express purpose. And only after you’ve had it pressure tested. Also understand that at some point, it will require service, and that won’t be cheap. The same is true of a sports car, a home or anything cool worth buying.

          Need help settling on a model to set your sights on? Here are some models and ranger that hit the sweet spot: timeless enough to wear, common enough to be affordable.

          Replica Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref. 6294/6694 Watches

          Manually wound and offering a date complication, 34mm cheap copy Rolex Oysterdate Precision watches is a fantastic introduction to vintage Rolex. Prices have remained fairly steady over the past few years no doubt to their relatively small 34mm size and manually wound movements, but don’t let the case diameter fool you.

          These are fantastic AAA China Rolex copy watches that wear light on the wrist, and can be had on leather for under $3,000. Just keep in mind that service on vintage in-house movements like those in Precisions can be costly, as parts have become scarce.

          Price Range: $2,500 – $4,000

          Fake Rolex Air King ref. 5500 Watches

          Often also signed “Precision” on the dial, denoting non-chronometer signed status of the movements, the luxury replica Rolex Air King watches is another bargain in Vintage Rolex Land. The ref. 5500 features an automatic movement and an Oyster case, meaning you get plenty of utility in a small package.

          There are tons of interesting dial varieties on offer in silver, blue, black and more, and you can find them on Oyster or Jubilee bracelets, as well as on straps. Prices are a touch above those of the Oysterdate Precision, but they’re still relatively affordable for vintage Rolex.

          Price Range: $3,000 – $5,000

          Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 1002 Replica Watches

          Very similar to the top fake Rolex Air King ref. 5500 watches in size and look, the 1002 utilized chronometer-certified movements, and say as much on the dial. Because of their higher-end movements, prices are generally somewhat above those of Precisions, and somewhat above those of the ref. 5500s.

          Equipped with acrylic crystals and smooth bezels, most of the 1002s featured solid-color dials, though once in a while an interesting “linen” or “mosaic” type turns up. If you’re looking for other options, just about any Oyster Perpetual with a 4-digit reference number hits the same vintage sweet spot. (Note: Air King 5500s sometimes used 1002 case backs due to their utilizing the same case.)

          Price Range: $3,500 – $6,000

          Rolex Datejust ref. 1601 Fake Watches

          Though prices on vintage Swiss movements Rolex Datejust replica watches have taken off in recent years, the fact that you can get a 36mm, chronometer-certified Rolex from the 1960s or 1970s for under $5k is still vaguely remarkable. Though there are smooth-bezel (ref. 1600) and steel, engine-turned bezel variants around (ref. 1603), the 36mm 1601, with its white gold, fluted bezel, is a true classic.

          With its pie pan dial, stick hands and famous date wheel that flips over exactly at midnight, the 1601 is arguably the quintessential Rolex non-sport model. Try to snag one on a bracelet if you can — you won’t be sorry. If you’re looking to expand your options in the vintage Datejust range, you can branch out to any with a 4- or 5-digit reference number.

          Price Range: $4,000 – $6,000

          Replica Rolex Precision Dress Watches

          Because “Precision” (ironically) graced the dial of anything that wasn’t chronometer-certified, we’re not really referring to a specific reference here, but to a host of men’s dress watches made roughly from the ’40s-’70s that feature 34mm cases and manually wound movements (after the 1970s these slim dress AAA wholesale Rolex super clone watches generally appeared under the Cellini moniker).

          Extremely simple and elegant, they’re available in different metals and feature svelte cases, minimalist design and a variety of dial configurations.

          Price Range: $3,000 – $4,000

          Fake Rolex Submariner ref. 14060 Watches

          So-called “neo-vintage” Rolex Submariner replica watches for men marry characteristics of classic references with more modern watches — some are distinctly transitional watches that were available for less than a year. You can find them in with 5-digit reference numbers, like the 14060, successor to the long-lived ref. 5513.

          Early versions featured two lines of text, while (later) “M” versions featured four lines. The ref. 14060 also added sapphire crystal and an increased depth rating of 300m (vs. the ref. 5513’s 200m).

          Price Range: ~$8,500 – $15,000