Most Expensive UK AAA Rolex Replica Watches Online Ever Sold

Rolex has long held a position of unrivaled prestige in the world of horology. With a prestigious history spanning over a century, Rolex has consistently pushed the limits of innovation, design, and craftsmanship, solidifying its status as the ultimate symbol of luxury 1:1 Rolex replica watches.

While its current editions are famous for their coveted status and lengthy waiting lists, it is not just the contemporary models that command staggering prices. Even vintage Swiss online Rolex fake watches, with their timeless appeal and historical significance, have been known to fetch millions of dollars in auctions.

In this article, we delve into the captivating histories of some of the most expensive wholesale copy Rolex watches ever sold. Each watch possesses its own unique story, from the famous owners who once wore them, to the exceptional qualities that set them apart. These timepieces not only represent the pinnacle of horological excellence but also serve as a window into the worlds of renowned personalities and significant cultural moments.

Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona ref 6239 Replica Watches
($17.8 million, 2017)

Paul Newman’s China fake Rolex Daytona ref 6239 watches is a legendary watch with a fascinating history. Produced in the 1960s, this reference gained iconic status due to its association with famous actor, director, and race car driver, Paul Newman. A Paul Newman Daytona can only have the reference number 6239, 6241, 6262, 6263, 6264, 6265 ­— Paul’s very own watch is a ref 6239 gifted by his wife, Joanne Woodward.

The special qualities of the Rolex Daytona ref 6239 lie in its design and dial. It features an “exotic dial” with contrasting sub-dials and Art Deco detailing. The artful combination of colors and unique font used for the numerals and sub-dials set it apart from other Daytona models of that era. Paul Newman was constantly seen wearing this style in the 1980s, which quickly led to it being nicknamed the “Paul Newman” Daytona in watch circles.

Newman’s wife, Joanne, purchased the high quality Rolex replica watches for him around 1968 when he developed a keen interest in motorsports. At the back, it is inscribed with the words, “Drive Carefully Me”.

Newman was often seen wearing the watch during racing events, cementing its connection with his racing persona. The watch became a symbol of his passion for speed and racing, propelling it into the realm of legendary timepieces.

In 2017, Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona ref 6239 made headlines when it was sold at a Phillips auction for an astonishing $17.8 million, making it the most expensive Rolex ever sold at that time and to date. The high price was influenced by the watch’s historical significance, association with Paul Newman, and its rarity. The buyer of this iconic timepiece remains undisclosed.

The extraordinary sale of Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona ref 6239 showcased the enduring appeal and collector’s value of rare and iconic top super clone Rolex watches, solidifying its position as one of the most celebrated and valuable Rolex timepieces in history.

Rolex Daytona ref 6265 ‘Unicorn’ Fake Watches
($5.9 million, 2018)

The best replica Rolex Daytona ref 6265 ‘Unicorn’ watches is another remarkable watch with an intriguing history. Produced in the 1970s, what sets it apart is its white gold case, a departure from the more common stainless steel or yellow gold cases found in Daytona models. The use of white gold gives it an exclusive and luxurious appeal.

The ‘Unicorn’ happens to gain its nickname by being the only vintage white gold Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ever produced. Until the rare ref 6265, it was thought that Rolex only produced the manual winding Daytonas in stainless steel and yellow gold cases. This particular cheap Rolex copy watches is rumored to be a special order for an exclusive German client.

In 2018, the Rolex Daytona ref 6265 ‘Unicorn’ was sold at auction for an impressive price of $5.9 million. The high price achieved at the auction was driven by its rarity, unique design, and the demand from passionate collectors seeking to acquire one of the rarest and most desirable Daytona models ever produced. All the proceeds from the auction benefited Children Action, a foundation that helps the lives of youths all over the world.

Replica Rolex ‘Bao Dai’ ref 6062 Watches
($5.1 million, 2017)

The third most expensive Rolex fake watches for sale ever sold is the Rolex ‘Bao Dai’ ref 6062, produced in the early 1950s. It features a triple calendar with moon phase display, making it one of Rolex’s most intricate and sophisticated watches ever created.

The yellow gold timepiece with a black dial is one of three models known to exist. All of these models have diamond hour markers, but the ‘Bao Dai’ is the only model to feature the diamond markers at the even hours.

The watch derives its name from its original owner, His Majesty Nguyễn Phúc Vĩnh Thụy, who was the final Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty of Vietnam. He rose to the throne at the young age of 12 and was given the title Bao Dai meaning Keeper of Greatness.

Bao Dai was known for his opulent lifestyle and love for luxurious possessions, including high-end Rolex replica watches for men. As the story goes, the emperor was at a meeting of world leaders in Switzerland, when he went out for a stroll and walked into Chronomètrie Philippe Beguin, a famous Rolex retailer. The emperor asked for the rarest and most precious watch they could give him, and the rest is history.

In 2017, the Rolex ‘Bao Dai’ ref 6062 was sold at a Phillips auction for a staggering price of $5.1 million, setting a new world record for the most expensive Rolex ever sold at that time.

The buyer of the Rolex ‘Bao Dai’ ref 6062 remains undisclosed, but the watch’s sale showcased its desirability among avid collectors and the willingness to pay a premium for such an exceptional timepiece.

Fake Rolex Daytona Lemon Paul Newman Dial “The Legend” ref 6263 Watches
($4.18 million, 2017)

The Rolex Paul Newman Daytona, also known as “The Legend,” is an exceptionally rare and highly coveted timepiece.

This particular model is a reference 6263 from 1969, distinguished by its unique 18K yellow gold case and “lemon” grené dial. Only three pieces with this exact configuration are known to exist.

The dial of this replica Rolex watches wholesale boasts a striking lemon hue, beautifully complemented by a contrasting black band and counters. This unique color scheme harmonizes perfectly with the warm yellow gold of the case. Unlike the more familiar ivory-colored Paul Newman dials, which typically feature counters with matching graphics, this example showcases striking white graphics. This contrast not only enhances the dial’s visual appeal but also significantly improves readability.

In an auction held by Phillips on May 14th 2017, one example of “The Legend” sold for $4.18 million USD, back then setting a new world record for 2025 Rolex Daytona fake watches sold at auction (later replaced by Paul Newman’s personal ref 6239).

Rolex Daytona Paul Newman “The Neanderthal” ref 6240 Replica Watches
($3.5 million, 2018)

The Rolex Daytona “The Neanderthal” is a highly unique and historically significant timepiece. Auctioned by Phillips in 2018, this best quality fake Rolex watches is a reference 6240 Daytona, notable for its prototype status. It features an early design meant to introduce improved water resistance and was crucial in the development of the more commonly known screw-down pusher Daytona models.

“The Neanderthal” is named for its distinctive and rare characteristics, specifically its prototype pushers, which were later refined for production models. It is also one of the earliest Daytona These design elements make it a fascinating piece of horological history. Additionally, the Swiss made Rolex replica watches sports an early “Twinlock” crown and other experimental components that never made it into mass production. At the auction, this rare prototype fetched an impressive sum, reflecting its unique place in the evolution of Rolex’s iconic Daytona series.

Rolex Antimagnetique ref 4113 Fake Watches
($2.5 million, 2016)

The Rolex Antimagnetique ref 4113 is a highly significant watch in Rolex’s history and holds a special place among collectors. This steel Rolex produced in 1942 is the lone split seconds chronograph Rolex has ever made, and was never offered for sale to the public. Only 12 of these 44mm model replica Rolex watches shop were made by Rolex, and gifted to a number of famous racing teams and their drivers, including Ettore Bugatti.

It is a vintage chronograph watch known for its split-seconds chronograph complication, allowing users to measure two separate events simultaneously. This complication was especially sought-after among racing enthusiasts and professionals.

The Antimagnetique ref 4113 stands out not only for its technical prowess but also for its material. Unlike many luxury Rolex replica watches site of the time, which were predominantly made of precious metals, this Rolex model was crafted from stainless steel. The combination of its rare complication and steel construction contributes to its desirability and uniqueness.

The ownership history of specific Antimagnetique ref 4113 watches can be challenging to trace. However, in 2016, this Rolex Antimagnetique ref 4113 was sold at a Phillips auction in Geneva for nearly $2.5 million, setting a new record for the most expensive Rolex sold at that time. The buyer’s identity has not been publicly disclosed.

Marlon Brando’s ‘Apocalypse Now’ Rolex GMT-Master Replica Watches
($1.952 million, 2019)

Marlon Brando’s ‘Apocalypse Now’ Rolex GMT-Master fake watches for men has made an indelible mark on both the realms of horology and cinema.

The particular GMT-Master model worn by Brando in the movie was produced in the late 1970s. It gained immense popularity and recognition after appearing on Brando’s wrist in the 1979 movie ‘Apocalypse Now,’ where he played Colonel Walter E. Kurtz.

What makes it even more special is that Brando himself modified the watch by removing the bezel and even replaced the original bracelet with a leather strap. These modifications, along with the watch’s appearance in a highly influential film, contributed to its desirability and fame.

In 2019, Marlon Brando’s ‘Apocalypse Now’ Rolex GMT-Master was sold at a Phillips auction for an impressive $1.952 million. The buyer’s identity remains undisclosed. The exceptional price achieved at the auction was a testament to the watch’s historical significance, association with a legendary actor, and its status as a highly sought-after collector’s item.

The sale of Brando’s ‘Apocalypse Now’ Rolex GMT-Master highlighted the allure and value of Rolex replica watches paypal with notable cinematic connections. Having gifted the watch to his daughter in 1995, she and her husband intended to donate a portion of the auction price to assist children living in hardship.

Eric Clapton’s Fake Rolex Daytona Oyster ‘Albino’ ref 6263 Watches
($1.4 million, 2015)

The Rolex Daytona Oyster ‘Albino’ ref 6263 owned by English guitarist, singer, and songwriter Eric Clapton is one of only four watches ever made.

The special qualities of the Rolex Daytona Oyster ‘Albino’ ref 6263 lie in its monochromatic dial, featuring a silver dial with recessed silver totalizer chronograph sub-dials, hence earning the nickname ‘Albino.’ This monochromatic color scheme sets it apart from other Daytona models and adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the 1:1 quality replica Rolex watches.

The watch gained significant attention and value due to its association with the iconic musician Eric Clapton, who is renowned for his exceptional guitar skills and his passion for collecting very rare watches. This stainless steel reference was manufactured in 1971, but Clapton purchased it in the late 90s.

In 2015, Eric Clapton’s Rolex Daytona Oyster ‘Albino’ ref 6263 was sold at a Phillips auction for a record-breaking price of $1.4 million, setting a new benchmark for the value of vintage Rolex Daytona models. This auction broke two records both the sales price of a Rolex and specifically the sale price for a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. The buyer’s identity has not been publicly disclosed.

The sale of Clapton’s Daytona Oyster ‘Albino’ ref 6263 showcased the watch’s exceptional desirability and collector’s value. Its unique design, association with a legendary musician like Eric Clapton, and its rarity as a vintage Rolex Daytona model contributed to its record-breaking sale price and solidified its status as one of the most valuable and sought-after Rolex fake watches store UK in history.

Perfect UK Rolex Fake Watches Online Just Got More Expensive. Here’s Why Now May Be The Time To Buy

We’re at the start of a new year, and you know what that means: It’s time for Rolex’s big annual price increase.

The Crown typically raises prices on its Swiss made Rolex replica watches at the start of each year to keep pace with inflation and maintain its models’ place in the luxury market. These price increases vary from year to year, as they’re dependent on a number of factors. 2024, for example, had a relatively light price hike, with an average increase across the catalog of around 4 percent. 2023 was around twice that.

For 2025, the increases are more of a mixed bag. Some models barely increased in price, while others saw their SRPs rise nearly 20 percent. So why the huge disparity? Here’s what you need to know about UK cheap Rolex fake watches’ price increases for 2025.

Steel Rolex Watches Are Still Underpriced

Let’s be real: Rolex could price its steel high quality replica Rolex watches a lot higher than it does. Demand continues to far outpace supply when it comes to the brand’s steel sports models, and prices on the secondary market have long remained above the asking price from the brand.

That trend will continue in 2025, with Rolex only increasing the prices of its steel models by around 1 percent in most cases (I relied on reporting from Monochrome Watches for Rolex’s pricing data.)

Popular stainless steel models like the best 2025 fake Rolex GMT-Master II watches (all steel references) and Submariner Date all received an increase of just 0.9 percent over last year’s price.

The largest price hike for an all-steel model can be found on the Cosmograph Daytona, which has increased 2.6 percent to $15,500. That is still a far cry from the watch’s street value, which currently averages around twice the retail price at $32,000 on Chrono24.

Assuming you can actually get your hands on a steel Rolex sports model — easier said than done — the top Rolex copy watches remain an excellent value relative to the market, even after this year’s price increase.

Platinum models also remained stable across the board, all rising just 0.9 or 1 percent.

Gold Rolexes Are a Different Story

Gold 1:1 China Rolex replica watches, on the other hand, have undergone a much steeper price hike.

The smallest increase for a solid gold Rolex in 2025 can be found on the 36mm Swiss movements fake Rolex Day-Date watches with diamonds, which saw its price increase by 10.6 percent. Again, that’s the smallest increase for a gold watch.

All gold GMTs, Submariners, Sky-Dwellers, Yacht-Masters, 1908s, the gold Deepsea and other Day-Dates have seen their prices climb between 10.9 and 11.8 percent.

Rolesor models, which is how Rolex refers to its two-tone steel and gold luxury replica Rolex watches, have also received significant price increases across the board, ranging from a 7.4 percent increase for a Datejust to a 9.6 percent jump for a Daytona.

But the most insane Rolex price increases can be found on solid gold Daytonas. These models have seen a staggering price hike of 18.5 – 18.6 percent, with the yellow gold version on an Oysterflex bracelet clocking in as the cheapest gold Daytona with a new SRP of $36,400.

Some of this is out of Rolex’s control. It’s no coincidence that gold AAA Rolex super clone watches UK have seen the most massive price increases, as their prices are tied to the cost of the material. The price of gold rose a staggering 26 percent in 2024, and the precious metal’s value is predicted to continue climbing in 2025.

So even when taking the crazy price increases of the Rolex Daytona replica watches for men into consideration, it could have been even more damaging to your wallet considering the rocket ride that gold’s value is currently experiencing.

Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Rolex?

Rolex’s prices on the secondary market have been falling for a while now, though they still remain elevated well above retail in most cases. But now that retail prices have increased, those secondary prices — at least on current models — are also likely to see a jump, especially among the more drastically affected gold models.

However, such a correction won’t occur immediately, as it will take some time for the secondary market to adjust to the new pricing information.

“We’ve observed that the pre-owned marketplace often experiences a 2-to-4-month lag before reflecting these price increases,” explains Paul Altieri, Founder & CEO of Bob’s Watches, a reseller specializing in replica Rolex watches shop. “This means that right now is an excellent time for buyers to secure a pre-owned Rolex at current market prices before they catch up to the new retail adjustments.”

So, yes, now may be a good time to buy best quality copy Rolex watches, as those falling secondary market prices will likely tick up in the coming months. If you’ve had your eye on a Rolex for a while — especially a Daytona or a gold model — you might want to bite the bullet before your wallet takes an even harder hit in the near future.

Buy Swiss Best Replica Rolex Watches UK

We surveyed industry experts and top-tier collectors to compile the ultimate list of luxury AAA Rolex replica watches.

Replica Rolex Ref. 6062 ‘Stelline’ Watches

Rolex is primarily known for its sports Rolex fake watches for sale, but when the Crown takes steps into more complicated pieces, special things can happen. In 1950, Rolex introduced the reference 6062, a full calendar watch with a moonphase set at 6 o’clock on the dial. The hour-markers took the form of stars lining the dial, earning it the nickname Stelline, Italian for little stars. The ref. 6062 was built into a 36 mm Oyster case and used a screw-down crown, which makes it unique from the reference 8171 ‘Padellone.’ The result is a charming and unexpected watch that has aged incredibly gracefully.

The reference 6062 was produced in very limited quantities in a range of metals, including steel and rose gold. It’s a watch that commands attention at auctions around the world and one that’s left its mark on the history of triple calendar UK perfect replica Rolex watches as a whole. Setting aside the impressive auction results, the 6062 betrays a charming character that lays at the heart of Rolex’s design language during this era leading into their prominent sports watch production span. Some of its DNA can be found in later Cellini models and now in the Rolex 1908.

Fake Rolex Ref. 8171 ‘Padellone’ Watches

Though the high quality replica Rolex reference 8171 watches is a triple-calendar moonphase, much like the reference ref. 6062 Steline, there is plenty that distinguishes the two. The 8171 used the caliber A295 CPL and, more importantly, was produced in a larger 38 mm case with distinctive lugs attached to the mid-body of the case (unlike the oyster-style case of the 6062). The triple calendar moonphase remains an elusive combination from Rolex, and this configuration, known as the ‘Padellone’ or ‘large frying pan’ for its relatively large footprint (especially for the era) and its unique beauty, remains captivating to this day. It’s particularly interesting given that Rolex did not lean into this kind of watch after establishing itself as a sport and tool watch brand.

The 8171 is rare, with approximately 1,200 examples produced between 1949 and 1952. This alone isn’t what makes this watch interesting; rather, it represents the creativity and design of the famous Swiss brand. The top UK Rolex copy watches has a unique fingerprint that lasted just a single generation, but its influence has continued to capture the enthusiasm of collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Rolex Datejust Replica Watches

While World War II raged, Switzerland remained officially uninvolved and very busy making watches for both sides of the fight. But Rolex didn’t take up many military contracts and instead, it seemed, was tooling up for a post-war boom. In 1945, Rolex dropped the Datejust on the market, and it was an ideal everyday watch. While people talk of luxury sports watches as if that idea emerged sometime in the early 1970s with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, it was Rolex who had long made beautiful, waterproof watches that could tackle land, sea, and air by day and the gala hall by night. The cheap fake Rolex Datejust watches was a culmination of decades of Oyster watches, this time sporting a very special complication by which the date changes over just at midnight—or, as another version of the story goes, the date was aways just, as in “correct.” Either way, the weird four-hour change over of the date was no longer a thing, and it is from this mechanical advancement that the watch takes its name.

Today, the Datejust remains central to the Rolex catalog and, in many ways, is the quintessential Rolex. Its fluted bezel (though sometimes plain), date cyclops, signature long lugs, 3-link Oyster or 5-link Jubilee bracelet, and dressy-sporty vibes are iconic in every sense of the word. When you’re at a tennis match, a train station, or just walking down the city streets and seeing a Rolex clock, it’s usually the Datejust visage you’re seeing. Compare a Datejust from 1945 to a Datejust 36 issued today, and it’s incredible to see how the original design has not only endured but also remained relevant for so many decades.

Rolex Day-Date Fake Watches

To say that Rolex was on a winning streak in the 1950s is a gross understatement. While all those wonderful sports models get a lot of fan-fair today, it really was the Day-Date that swept the imaginations of people in 1956 when it was released. This pre-dates the casual fashions that would take hold during the 1960s, eventually collapsing traditional dressiness by the 1970s, making Sumbariners and GMT Masters the thing to wear. But a Day-Date in the 1950s and 60s quickly became the wholesale replica Rolex watches to own around the world. This was in no small part because of its adoption by Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and, eventually, Ronald Regan. Known as “the president watch,” it’s unique five-link bracelet is now officially named the President by Rolex—a rare adaptation of the many nicknames given to Rolex products. As for innovation, the Day-Date was the very first wrist watch to display the date and the weekday written in full, a true novelty at the time that’s been imitated by just about every brand since.

Today the Day-Date is not only enduringly popular, but also having something of a resurgence. We’ve noted the rising prices for Day-Dates over the past couple of years, a reflection of changing tastes and, perhaps, a return to dressiness. We’ve also seen some truly amazing gem-set Day-Dates in our travels, reminding us that for a while the Day-Date wasn’t just for Presidents, but a very fancy timepiece with international appeal for both men and women.

Replica Rolex GMT-Master Watches

In the early 1950s, as international commercial jet airline travel was just taking off, Pan American Airways—then at the forefront of this mode of travel—needed a way for its pilots and air crews to track both local as well as Greenwich Mean Time. Rolex developed and offered the perfect solution, which it subsequently commercialized to great success: The UK luxury fake Rolex GMT-Master reference 6542 watches was equipped with an automatic movement featuring a fourth hand that was “slaved” to the local hour hand when read against an offset from the bidirectional bezel with 24-hour markings, it could easily track a second time zone. Though this reference featured no crown guards, it was the next iteration, the reference 1675 with crown guards, that has come to define its longstanding look. (The updated GMT-Master II, launched in 1983, was even more useful than these initial iterations, offering an independently adjustable local hour hand and, thus, for the first time, the ability to track three zones.) The watch’s bi-color bezel—most famous in its blue and red “Pepsi” iteration—is now recognizable by even horological novices.

Like the Submariner and the Cosmograph Daytona, what began as a tool watch has now become a luxury item, with two-tone as well as solid-gold versions joining the standard stainless-steel variants. However, also like those other famed Rolex models, a GMT-Master II is still recognizable no matter how fancy its livery: Each one features a dial with four hands, one of which—the GMT hand—is in a contrasting color with an arrow-shaped tip. The bidirectional bezel with a 24-hour scale is usually in two colors: One for daytime hours and the other for nighttime hours for quick identification. An automatic, COSC-certified Rolex movement powers each, and each is offered on a Rolex bracelet—either a three-link Oyster or the elegant, five-link Jubilee, depending on the reference. For frequent travelers, there’s simply no more intuitive, elegant solution than the Rolex GMT-Master.

Fake Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 6263 “Paul Newman” Watches

While the 1:1 quality Rolex Daytona replica watches received a whopping 21 votes overall, the so-called “Paul Newman” Daytona was specifically mentioned 10 times in those nominations. And while separating those two categories—one broad, one specific—might slide the Daytona down the list, the incredibly influential reference 6263 certainly deserves its own spot.

Back in the day, a reliable way to determine a product’s popularity was by counting the number of column inches of coverage it inspired in newspapers. In today’s digital age, it’s next to impossible to measure the precise extent to which a product has been covered. Still, it’s safe to say that the Swiss movements super clone Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 watches, an iteration of the original 1963 Cosmograph Daytona produced from 1971 to the late 1980s, has received more than its fair share of praise, both in print and online.

The vintage hand-wound model is a classic of watchmaking. Its most distinct feature is a fixed black acrylic, as opposed to steel, bezel with a tachymeter scale. There are numerous versions of Ref. 6263 in various metal and dial configurations, and collectors often disagree on which is best. Three of the most popular and coveted versions include the “Big Red,” so-called for its red Daytona logo; the Paul Newman, fitted with an exotic dial; and models featuring a “sigma” dial, which lacks the Daytona moniker entirely (the nickname alludes to the small sigma symbols located on either side of the “Swiss” signature). Almost every Rolex fan, however, can agree on this: The 6263 is as pure an example of a “true” Daytona as you can get.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Replica Watches

During World War II, Rolex famously allowed Allied prisoners of war to write to the company and request a watch, which the firm would send directly to the POW camp. (One signed letter from Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf incredibly requested that the recipient “not even think of settlement until after the war.”) These chronographs would evolve into the famed “pre-Daytona” references of the 1950s and 1960s, the 6234 and 6238. When, in 1963, the Rolex launched what it once referred to in advertisement as the “Rolex Le Mans”—soon to be officially christened the “Rolex Cosmograph Daytona”—it sparked a collection that would revolutionize its business decades later. Named for the famed raceway in Daytona, Florida, this humble, hand-wound, stainless steel chronograph is now one of the world’s most desirable Rolex fake watches store.

During its 60-plus-year lifetime, the Swiss online replica Rolex Daytona watches has been offered in myriad executions: Stainless steel and precious metal; hand-wound and automatic; “panda” dial and “exotic” dial; specially stamped dials made for Middle Eastern monarchs; and more. At its heart, however, this is a tool watch meant for racing: Featuring a round case, dual chronograph pushers, a tachymeter-scale bezel, a dial with a triple-register chronograph, a mechanical movement, and an Oyster bracelet, it’s always recognizable from across the room no matter its livery. Want one? You’ll have to be patient—like the Submariner, Royal Oak, and Nautilus, the Daytona is so popular that it’s nigh impossible to buy at retail. That doesn’t stop millions of people around the world from trying, however!

Rolex Submariner Fake Watches

It was largely during the World War II that the foundations were laid for recreational, open-circuit SCUBA diving. As civilians around the world began taking up this new leisure activity following the cessation of hostilities, watch companies realized that they needed to offer a robust, legible, highly water-resistant timepiece to calculate bottom time and decompression stops. In 1953, several companies issued experimental new pieces in an effort to answer this call—but it was the Rolex Submariner replica watches site UK whose handsome, simple design has made it perhaps the most recognizable watch in the world. Indeed, between 1953 and 2020 the brand produced nearly four million of them, and today, they’re all but impossible to buy at retail. What’s shocking is how closely the original reference 6204 resembles a modern-day reference 124060LN: The round stainless-steel case, black dial with luminous indices, rotating timing bezel, and matching Oyster bracelet are all there.

While the Submariner was born as a true “tool watch”—soldiers, sailors, and airmen stationed overseas during the Vietnam War could, in certain cases, walk into a Post Exchange (PX) and buy one — it began to take on luxurious tones during the 1970s, when two-tone gold-and-steel and fully gold references were added to the catalog. While Rolex still produces both standard time-only and time-and-date references in stainless steel, very few customers actually use them for their intended purpose, the dive computer having long replaced the dive copy Rolex watches paypal as the standard underwater timing device. This has done nothing, however, to diminish the Submariner’s appeal. On the contrary, it seems like every other pedestrian on the street in a major American, European, or Asian city has one on their wrist, content with the knowledge that this is a watch that can take a licking and keep on ticking.