UK Cheap Rolex Replica Watches For WWII POWs And The Great Escape

World War II wreaked havoc around the globe. Many millions died, and at times, it must have felt like the end of the world as nations committed everything to defeating their enemies. Swiss made Rolex replica watches also lent a hand in a small way by providing timepieces to prisoners of war (POWs).

As a graduate history student, I have always had a deep interest in this period. And as a journalist who, in my day job, has worked in conflict zones, something about WWII as a subject has always drawn me in. I think it’s because I hope that by studying that period, we can all take stock of the true human cost of conflict.

Rolex and WWII

This isn’t the first story about Rolex and WWII that I’ve written on Fratello. I’ve looked at how an Australian soldier with the Rats of Tobruk fought against the Axis in North Africa with a Rolex strapped to his wrist. A local collector here in Australia later found this 1:1 UK Rolex fake watches and even managed to track down images of the soldier (and watch) in action.

I wrote another story about the role that Rolex and early Tudor watches played on the wrists of many Royal Canadian Navy officers during the Battle of the Atlantic. This included tracking down some incredible historical images. But what follows is a story about Rolex and POWs in particular.

Rolex and POW watches

For soldiers who faced internment in a prisoner-of-war camp during WWII, things must have seemed particularly grim. In a stroke of marketing genius, however, Hans Wilsdorf of Rolex decided to provide Allied POWs with best replica Rolex watches from his company.

A grim conflict

Why not let prisoners purchase new perfect Rolex copy watches on the proviso that they could pay for them postwar upon their release? The notion served multiple purposes. Not only did it act as a morale boost for the POWs, but it was also a good way to raise Rolex’s profile.

In this wonderful article by Rolex Magazine, we can see the personal story of one such POW, Clive James Nutting. For those interested in the story of one Allied POW soldier and his high quality Rolex fake watches, please read it. And, as Watches of Espionage noted, this move could not have come at a more appropriate time. The scale of human misery in WWII made every human conflict up to that point simply pale in comparison.

Neutral Switzerland provides an opportunity for Rolex

Now, the logistics for Rolex to deliver watches to Allied POWs in Germany were possible because of Switzerland’s neutrality in the conflict. As I have reported here on Fratello before, though, even if Switzerland was neutral, it still faced accidental bombing by Allied air forces as well as the constant threat of a German invasion. In fact, Nazi Germany had drawn up plans to invade Switzerland but never carried them out.

Packages could be sent from Switzerland to camps inside Germany. Even so, Wilsdorf was taking a risk because there was no way to guarantee that the POWs could pay him back at the end of the war. No one knew who would win WWII (except perhaps in the very late stages of the conflict) or even when it would end. Wilsdorf must have realized there was a chance he would have to write every single Swiss made Rolex replica watches off.

Thousands of Rolex watches delivered to POWs

Interestingly enough, according to sources like Rolex Magazine, British POW officers ordered as many as 3,000 top fake Rolex watches. Wilsdorf’s decision to let the Allied soldiers sort out payment after the war implies that he believed that the Axis (Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan) would lose, and this certainly would have raised morale among the Allied POWs when receiving their watches. Imagine the feeling of getting a brand-new Rolex watch while stuck in an internment camp. It must have felt wonderful.

It also turns out that some of those Allied POWs who took part in what became immortalized as The Great Escape were wearing luxury super clone Rolex POW watches. This escape consisted of 76 Allied airmen from Stalag Luft III Nazi Luftwaffe Prisoner of War camp in March 1944. It has since become one of history’s most famous prison breaks and was the subject of the 1963 film The Great Escape.

Rolex watches and The Great Escape

Stalag Luft III was 100 miles southeast of Berlin. The historical escape is incredible when you consider the lengths to which prison security went to keep prisoners inside. These included raising prisoners’ huts about two feet off the ground to prevent tunneling from within and burying microphones 8–10 feet underground along the perimeter fencing to pick up any sounds of digging. The Germans had purposely built the camp on top of a sand base that made tunneling dangerous and unstable. It also made it harder for prisoners to conceal when they were digging.

According to historical accounts and modern estimations, POWs must have excavated more than 100 tons of sand to prepare for their escape. They hid it (just like in a scene in the 1963 movie) by raking the sand into the prison gardens.

The moment to escape comes

The escape was orchestrated by Roger Bushell, a Royal Air Force pilot who had been shot down over France while assisting with the Allied evacuation of Dunkirk. Bushell and as many as 600 fellow prisoners started building three tunnels (with the code names Harry, Dick, and Tom) which would stretch to about 300 feet, which was the distance to forest cover outside the camp fenceline. The penalty for being found outside the camp could be death, so they were all taking huge risks. However, the POWs reasoned that if they could reach the forest, they might just stand a chance. To avoid the microphones, they dug to a depth of around 30 feet. They used a trap door concealed beneath a stove which was always kept lit to discourage their guards from looking underneath.

According to historical records, “Prisoners stripped some 4,000 wooden bed boards to build ladders and shore up the sandy walls of the two-foot-wide tunnels to prevent their collapse. They stuffed 1,700 blankets against the walls to muffle sounds. They converted more than 1,400 powdered milk tin cans provided by the Red Cross into digging tools and lamps in which wicks fashioned from pajama cords were burned in mutton fat skimmed off the greasy soup they were served.”

The hunt for the escapees

After the 76 prisoners escaped, the manhunt was enormous. Within two weeks, the Germans had recaptured 73 of them. Three ended up successfully fleeing. Two were Norwegians who stowed away on a Swedish freighter, and one was a Dutchman who made it to Gibraltar. Adolf Hitler personally ordered the execution of 50 of the escapees.

Among those who planned to escape was RAF Corporal Clive James Nutting. According to this article by Rolex Magazine, Nutting’s stainless steel wholesale replica Rolex Oyster Chronograph ref. 3525 watches was delivered to the camp on August 4th, 1943. The construction of the tunnels had already been underway for at least five months by this stage. The Rolex Magazine story notes that Nutting wrote to Rolex seeking his final invoice in 1948.

Concluding thoughts

Nutting was unable to use the tunnel before it was discovered, a sequence of events that most likely saved his life. He ended up moving to my home country of Australia with his family in the early 1970s. His watch and associated correspondence with Hans Wilsdorf were sold at auction by Antiquorum for £66,000 in 2007. Nutting went on to work as a consultant for the 1950 film The Wooden Horse and, over a decade later, The Great Escape. Other POW Rolex copy watches for sale have also come up for auction in the past.

Perfect Online Fake Rolex Milgauss Watches UK Review – The Most Underrated Rolex?

Rolex has always been known for their tool watches, whether for divers, explorers, or racing drivers, but there was another tool watch in the lineup – the Swiss made Rolex Milgauss replica watches.

Known for being the scientist’s watch, with non-magnetic properties up to 1,000 gauss which is where the name derives from, it was designed for those working in power plants, laboratories, and the medical field.

Given the slightly more niche nature of the Milgauss, it was never a hugely popular model and was ultimately discontinued in 1988. However, Rolex surprised the watch world at Baselworld, in 2007, with a modern interpretation.

Unfortunately, Rolex decided to discontinue the Milgauss collection early 2023.

The modern Milgauss, despite being one of the longest-standing current offerings by Rolex (we are now well over a decade since last release!), remains one of high quality fake Rolex’s more under-appreciated watches.

Having owned a black dial 116400GV since 2016, I am here to tell you why it might be time to start thinking otherwise.

Top Reasons for Being Underrated

The green glass!

How could it not be that green glass? No other watch brand has ever managed to create a colored sapphire crystal.

Rolex is so confident in its creation that it is still not patented, even though Rolex are usually eager to protect their inventions. In their own words “it is so difficult to make that no one else would even venture to try.”

This is just super cool. Not even the most elusive and expensive UK 1:1 Rolex replica watches in the world can claim this. The glass is made in such a way that it is not just a coating, but the tint is present throughout the whole crystal, taking weeks to manufacture.

However, even on top of the material complexity, there are other benefits to the green glass. The main is light play. Looking at the watch directly, you only see a very faint green outline.

Tilt the watch and it becomes a richer, deeper accent. But hit the light correctly, and the whole watch glows. It becomes this luminescent feature, bringing a sense of intrigue and life to the best Rolex copy watches. For me, it goes perfectly with the scientific heritage this watch has.

It may sound silly but if you were to imagine an image that represents nuclear science, I would bet at least some of you would think of a glowing test tube.

The glass manages to replicate that in some sense and indirectly is a perfect way to give a nod back to why this AAA wholesale replica Rolex watches was conceived.

The final point I will mention on the glass is the color – green. Rolex and green are synonymous. Green has a tendency to show up in many of the anniversary models – think the ‘Kermit’ 50th-anniversary Submariner (ref 16610LV), 60th-anniversary Day-Date with olive dial (ref 228235), 50th-anniversary gold GMT (ref 116718LN).

Yes, this was the re-launch of the Milgauss and Rolex used their coveted green on the watch.

Every time I look down, the glass gives me something different to look at, something emotive about the level of engineering to produce it, and ultimately reminds me this cheap fake Rolex watches could only be one brand – Rolex.

Color Palette – 1970s

I know that the color palette won’t be for everyone. I am sure you know what the 116400GV looks like, but let me spell out the extent of color used. Black dial, green glass, white indices and minute markers, orange second-hand, orange 5-minute markers and a lighter, different orange for the 3-6-9 indices.

It is a lot but pulling it all together works. There is enough color there to give off a sporty vibe, but still manages to be refined, giving you a versatile watch to wear for every occasion.

Taking a step back and considering the broader watch market, undoubtedly the fashion of the last 5 years has been centered around vintage-inspired top Rolex replica watches, specifically focused on the 1970s.

A lot of this comes down to the meteoric rise in demand for Gerald Genta designed steel sports watches with integrated bracelets – Patek Philippe Nautilus, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, and IWC Ingenieur to name a few.

Although, with this rise in demand, many of these luxury Rolex super clone watches are now unreachable for most.

This demand has moved away from just integrated stainless steel sports watches, and now you are finding more general 1970s-inspired watches at different price points e.g., Glashütte Seventies Chronograph or the Tudor Heritage Chrono.

This is where the Milgauss comes in. The correct combination of colors found on the dial gives you a ‘70s vibe without following the crowd.

On top of that, the Milgauss is very much a modern watch, designed in modern times, which fits the current fashion without seemingly trying to. It manages to achieve a vintage look without clear intention – I’m looking at you fauxtina.

Versatility

I consider most, though not all, Swiss made replica Rolex watches to be versatile. You can wear a Submariner at the beach and the office. Similarly, a Day-Date, which is naturally more formal, still doesn’t look out of place with a pair of jeans and a T-shirt.

The Milgauss is no exception, although it falls in the middle of the spectrum between the Submariner and Day-Date.

Breaking down each individual feature of the watch into a scale between the generally accepted ideas of what dictates a formal or informal watch, it is easy to see how the Milgauss fits somewhere in the middle.

Below I’ll rate the elements of the Milgauss 3 categories: Formal, Neutral, and Casual.

Bracelet – Casual: Comparing the two bracelets on offer by Rolex – Jubilee vs. Oyster, the Milgauss comes on the Oyster bracelet which is traditionally seen as the more casual option.

Yes, a leather strap should be the formal standard, but I’m only considering the two bracelet variations on offer.

Case Size – Neutral: The Milgauss case size is 40mm. Not what I would wear as a formal watch (I lean towards a 36mm), but it also isn’t a 44mm IWC Pilot’s watch.

Complication – Formal: It is a time-only watch; no date, no chronograph.

Bezel – Neutral: It comes with a smooth bezel. It isn’t a rotating GMT or diving bezel, but also it is not fluted.

Thickness – Neutral: The Milgauss has a case thickness of 13mm. It is not thin, but like case size, there are much thicker fake Rolex watches online out there.

Crown Guards – Formal: It is a Yes/No question. Crown guards are saved for more casual tool watches given their purpose is to essentially protect the crown while the profession is carried out.

Orange lightning bolt seconds

The modern Milgauss is made up of many unique parts, but the second hand is not only unique, but it is also a direct feature that descended from the original ref. 6541.

Other best quality Rolex replica watches play around with individual second hands, whether by color or adding in certain elements near the tip (Tudor with the Snowflake and Omega Aqua Terra are rated above 15,000 Gauss for example), but none come close to the orange lightning bolt found on the 116400 rated to 1,000 Guass. Mille is French for 1,000 hence the name Milgausse.

It is one-of-a-kind, so much so, that you can see the second hand alone and know it can only come from one watch.

Whilst being both a homage and unique, Rolex achieved something great with the design originally by incorporating a symbol that signifies Energy. This reflects the scientists who the fake Rolex watches for sale was made for, but also CERN, where the watch was tested.

CERN is the site of the Large Hadron Collider, which is the world’s highest energy particle collider. How better to pay respect to this than have a lightning bolt sweeping around the dial constantly, the main hand on the watch allowing you to visually see the release of energy from the mainspring at any time?

And all this in a magnificent orange. Again, all pointing towards one thing. Energy.

The Anti-Rolex

I love Rolex. I love everything that replica Rolex watches wholesale stands for in terms of precision, going above and beyond in your craft to make truly the best, most refined product possible.

I love that their designs across the range are timeless. No other brand can trim down the lugs by a few millimeters and release it as a whole new model (with an extra waitlist nonetheless!).

But, sometimes this can be unexciting. Let’s take the new 2021 Explorer II as an example. With the 50th anniversary of the Explorer II in 2021, many expected something novel to be done with the model to commemorate the milestone, whether it was the addition of a ceramic bezel or a green GMT hand.

But this was not the case, with a watch that at first glance looked identical to the previous iteration. In situations like this, even though the Explorer II is a great watch and the changes made can only be considered improvements, it does lack in terms of excitement.

This is where the Milgauss, however, goes against the grain. For such a reserved company, that looks to create subtle variations in its iterations of original designs conceived, in most cases, long before the 21st century, the Milgauss is different.

It is bold, it pushes the boundaries of what is to be expected from Rolex, and it has an element of fun. Granted some of their recent offerings have been more in this stride, such as the 2021 “palm” motif Datejust, the Milgauss was ahead of its time in this sense.

Further, despite the color and boldness of the watch, the Milgauss is not as widely “known” as some of the other offerings such as the Submariner and Datejust, which can allow it to fly under the radar to some extent. This to me is just an extra plus.

Where the Milgauss Could Be Improved

Thickness

The biggest wish for the next Milgauss iteration from me is to reduce some of its thickness which is currently 13mm. I am torn in writing this because the thickness comes from the faraday cage that Rolex uses in between the case back and the movement.

Originally, this was the defining factor in the watch being non-magnetic, and the fact that it was kept in the modern Milgauss is just cool. If you were to open up the back of the 2024 China Rolex fake watches, which I don’t recommend and is fully reserved for Rolex-approved watchmakers, the Faraday cage has a B with an arrow above (the symbol for magnetic flux density) engraved on it. Yet another unique detail.

But, with modern technology in watch movements having non-magnetic properties such as the paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring in the 3131 movement, the faraday cage is now just there for bragging rights.

Now, when it comes to wearing the watch daily whether it’s with a suit or just casually, the heft becomes noticeable when I compare it to some other Rolex replica watches site in the collection. For pure convenience, I wouldn’t mind an extra 1mm in thinness. Yes, 1mm makes a difference.

Crown Guards?

I had not considered this until the new 2022 Air-King was released. I will go into my Air-King thoughts another day, but the crown guards definitely added something extra for me. It gave the Air-King a new sportiness, somehow now fitting better in the Rolex Professional category and what I would consider a tool watch.

It got me thinking about the Swiss movements replica Rolex Milgauss watches, and I think crown guards could add that same something extra. Yes, they might take away some of the versatility that I mentioned above, but in return, you would be giving it a more go-anywhere, ruggedness.

1:1 Wholesale Replica Rolex Fluted Bezel vs Smooth Bezel Watches UK

Rolex, a name synonymous with luxury and precision, offers a diverse range of watch designs, including the iconic smooth and fluted bezels. These bezels not only serve functional purposes but also significantly contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the timepiece. The choice between a smooth and fluted bezel can dramatically alter the look and feel of perfect Rolex replica watches, making it essential to understand their differences.

Smooth bezels are known for their sleek, modern appearance, often preferred for their simplicity and understated elegance. Fluted bezels, on the other hand, are distinctive and dressy, showcasing Rolex’s classic design and craftsmanship.

This comprehensive guide explores the unique characteristics of both bezel types, the models that feature them, and their historical significance. Whether you are drawn to the minimalist allure of the smooth bezel or the sophisticated charm of the fluted bezel, understanding these options will help you make an informed decision for your next Rolex purchase.

Fluted Bezel vs Smooth Bezels in Rolex Watches

The smooth bezel offers a modern, sleek look that is versatile for everyday wear, emphasizing simplicity and elegance. It’s perfect for those who prefer a minimalist design without compromising on sophistication. On the other hand, the fluted bezel is a symbol of UK AAA Rolex fake watches‘ timeless craftsmanship and luxury. It adds a touch of refinement and is often associated with more formal, dressy occasions. The fluted bezel is not just an aesthetic choice; it signifies a classic Rolex design element that has been cherished for generations. Here are the models that feature each type of bezel.

Smooth Bezels in Rolex Watches

The smooth bezel is a hallmark of simplicity and elegance in high quality replica Rolex watches‘ design repertoire. Characterized by its sleek, uninterrupted surface, this bezel style accentuates the dial, providing a modern and clean look. It is typically crafted from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, platinum, or gold, depending on the model. This bezel type is highly favored for its minimalistic charm and versatility, making it suitable for both casual and formal wear.

Rolex utilizes Oystersteel, a highly corrosion-resistant alloy, for many of its smooth bezel models. Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family, known for its exceptional durability and aesthetic appeal. The smooth bezel’s polished surface allows the watch to maintain a refined and understated elegance, making it a timeless choice for various Rolex collections.

Models with Smooth Bezels

Oyster Perpetual: This model is the epitome of Rolex’s purest design principles. The smooth bezel complements the luxury Rolex copy watches‘ minimalist aesthetic, with models such as the Oyster Perpetual 39 (ref. 114300), Oyster Perpetual 36 (ref. 116000), and Oyster Perpetual 34 (ref. 124200) being prime examples. These models are celebrated for their universal and classic appeal, making them suitable for any occasion.

Air-King: Featuring an aviation-inspired design, the Air-King (ref. 116900) stands out with its smooth bezel. This model blends the historical roots of aviation with contemporary Rolex craftsmanship, offering a unique look that is both sporty and elegant.

Milgauss: Designed for the scientific community, the Milgauss (ref. 116400) is equipped to resist magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss. The smooth bezel on this model not only enhances its sleek appearance but also underscores its professional and technical functionality.

Datejust 41: The Datejust 41 (ref. 126300) features a smooth steel bezel, which is Rolex’s simplest bezel design crafted from Oystersteel. This model exemplifies elegance and modernity, making it a popular choice among Rolex enthusiasts. The Datejust 41 also offers versatility with its dial options and bracelet configurations, including the sporty Oyster bracelet and the dressy Jubilee bracelet.

The smooth bezel’s understated design allows the focus to remain on the dial and the overall aesthetics of the top replica Rolex watches. It seamlessly integrates with the watch case, creating a cohesive and harmonious look that appeals to those who appreciate refined luxury and timeless style.

Fluted Bezels in Rolex Watches

The fluted bezel is a signature element of many Rolex fake watches for sale, recognized for its distinctive ridged design that catches and reflects light, creating a brilliant visual effect. Originally, the fluted bezel was designed for functional purposes; it was used to screw the bezel onto the case to ensure the watch’s waterproof capabilities. Over time, this design evolved into a decorative feature that enhances the elegance and distinction of the watch.

The fluted bezel was first introduced on the Rolex Oyster in 1926, marking the advent of the first waterproof wristwatch. The bezel’s ridges were initially functional, aiding in screwing the bezel onto the case to maintain waterproofness. Today, the fluted bezel is primarily an aesthetic feature, although it still signifies Rolex’s heritage of precision and innovation.

Fluted bezels are crafted exclusively from precious metals, including 18 karat white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, and more recently, platinum. Swiss made Rolex super clone watches prefers these materials because they provide a unique sheen and luster that steel cannot match​.

Models with Fluted Bezels

Datejust: The cheap UK replica Rolex Datejust collection watches is one of the most versatile in the Rolex lineup, offering models with both smooth and fluted bezels. The fluted bezel adds a touch of sophistication to the Datejust, available in models like the Datejust 126333 with a factory diamond dial and the Datejust 126303 with a Wimbledon dial. This bezel option enhances the watch’s elegance, making it suitable for both formal and casual occasions.

Day-Date: Known as the “President” watch, the Day-Date often features a fluted bezel, which underscores its status and prestige. Available in various gold options, the fluted bezel on the Day-Date complements its luxurious design, further elevating its appeal as a symbol of success and refinement​.

Sky-Dweller and Other Models: The fluted bezel is also found on models like the Sky-Dweller, where it not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also interacts with the watch’s movement to enable complex functions. This innovative use of the fluted bezel demonstrates Rolex’s blend of form and function​.

The fluted bezel remains an iconic and highly recognizable feature of Swiss movements Rolex replica watches, symbolizing the brand’s enduring commitment to luxury, precision, and innovation. Whether chosen for its historical significance or its aesthetic appeal, the fluted bezel continues to be a defining characteristic of many esteemed Rolex models.

What are Watch Bezels and what purpose do they serve?

A watch bezel is the ring surrounding the watch face, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. Primarily, it protects the watch crystal from damage and helps maintain water resistance. Bezels also offer various functionalities: diver’s bezels track elapsed time underwater, countdown timers help athletes and military personnel measure remaining time, GMT bezels track time in multiple time zones, and tachymeter bezels measure speed based on travel time.

Aesthetically, bezels enhance the best quality Rolex replica watches‘ design. They come in different materials, each with unique benefits. Stainless steel offers durability and a classic look, ceramic provides high scratch resistance, gold and diamond add luxury, and titanium combines strength with lightness. Bezels can be fixed or rotating. Fixed bezels are primarily decorative, while rotating bezels, either unidirectional for diving safety or bidirectional for versatile time calculations, add functional value.

Fluted Bezel vs Smooth Bezel in Rolex Watches – Final Thoughts

When deciding between a Rolex with a smooth or a fluted bezel, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what best complements your personal style and how you intend to wear your Swiss online Rolex fake watches in various settings.