Quality Watches and Cheap Replica Watches
Comparing Quality Swiss Made Watches and those Made in Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia and China

It’s easy to assume that all Rolex replica watches are the same, but that would be a big mistake. The quality of Rolex replicas differs greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer – so watch out.

What we’re looking for here is a watch that looks, feels, and sounds like the real deal. As far as replica Rolex watches go, the Swiss made replicas are among the highest in quality and closest to authentic Rolex watches.

A cheap replica will look convincing from across the room. A decent replica Rolex will suffice for casual contact in social situations. But for close inspection only a Swiss top of the line replica will hold up.

Some of the major differences between the Swiss made Rolex replicas and watches that come from lesser quality manufacturers, such as Japan and China are:

  • Cost to make – Many of the low-grade replicas cost as little as $40 dollars to produce. In addition, there are some manufacturers of Rolex replicas who use Chinese-made movements that cost only $5. However, the high quality Swiss made replicas and genuine Swiss-made movements.
  • Automatic movements – Genuine Swiss-made ETA 25 jewel automatic movements sell for nearly $80 apiece wholesale while Japanese-made movements cost a mere $12. The old adage “you get what you pay for” certainly applies here, as the lower cost movements are generally less durable. Also, it’s easy to notice the lack of smoothness in the hand’s movements and the loud ticking sounds, which can be heard up to a foot away with the low-quality movements. And don’t even think of buying a Rolex replica with a Quartz movement – that screams “el cheapo!”
  • Gold plating – There are a wide variety of claims among replica Rolex dealers when it comes to gold plating. Some say they use 6-8 microns of 18k gold, while others claim 10-15 microns. Most of the lower quality replica Rolex watches use no more than 10 microns of 18k gold plating. Swiss-made replica watches are famous for using true14k gold plating. 14k gold doesn’t wear down as fast as 18k gold. Certain Swiss replica makers use real, solid 18k gold for their cases.
  • Stainless steel – Real Rolex watches use high-grade 440 stainless steel. This is one of the factors in the high cost of authentic Rolex watches. Many lesser quality replica Rolex watches don’t use the high-grade stainless steel, which means they’re much more susceptible to scratches and not nearly as water-resistant.
  • Dials – While it might seem trivial, many low quality replica Rolex watches have dials that are ink-stamped while the Swiss-made replicas use a laser etching process. The laser-etched faces are much sharper and clearer than ink-stamped. In addition, the ink-stamping process can leave behind small smudges and imperfections that scream replica to anyone who looks close enough.
  • Crystal – This is the clear material that covers the dial. Lower grade replicas will use a plastic crystal and medium grade ones use glass. Swiss replicas often use what Rolex uses – a sapphire crystal. Very cool to the touch and hard to scratch.
  • Durability – If you’re purchasing a replica Rolex watch, durability is just as important as looks. While you’re certainly not going to get the same durability (especially when it comes to the gold) from a $300 watch as you will from a $5000 watch, with a Swiss replica, you can get a timepiece that will last for a good 5 years or more.
  • Markings – Swiss-made replica Rolex watches are unmatched in their attention to detail. While many other replica watches are about 80-85% accurate when it comes to matching the engravings and markings found on genuine Rolex watches, the Swiss-made replicas are extremely difficult to differentiate from the real thing. [To learn how to tell a real Rolex from a replica, read our free report “ 7 Secrets to Spotting A Fake Rolex”

The Bottom Line On Swiss Rolex Replicas

If you’re buying a replica Rolex, you shouldn’t expect the quality and attention to detail you’d get from the real thing. If your goal is to get as close as possible at a price under $1000 then a Swiss replica Rolex may be just the ticket.

Replicas are great if you already own an authentic Rolex, but just don’t want to wear it for fear of theft, or if you need to impress bosses, clients or babes and truly can’t afford a real Rolex. Expect to pay upwards of $300 for a decent replica. If you want a top of the line replica that will pass close inspection, then a you’re looking at a Swiss replica Rolex.

Just remember, that even among replicas, the quality varies greatly and you get what you pay for.