One of the most common questions I receive on a daily basis is how much is my vintage Rolex worth or what is the price of my watch? Since this question has been discussed in-depth on every Rolex Pro forum for years, I am not trying to undermine those conclusions with this report, but simply to add more information on how to determine the value of your vintage Rolex. How can I find out the value of my Rolex? And then, what is the best way to sell it?
The most common way to arrive at the correct pricing is by properly comparing watches. If you want to make a comparison, you first need to know exactly what you have so that you can check it against other examples known on the market for accuracy.
Once your vintage replica Rolex submariner has had its parts replaced, even if they are later original Rolex parts, its collector’s value will quickly decline. Of course, if it’s only the bezel that has been changed, you can still find period-appropriate parts on the market to replace it back to its original condition. However, it is much harder to find a correct dial, as Rolex dealers around the world perform replacements as part of the many services offered to restore water resistance and durability to your Rolex.
When people send me photos of their Rolex, what I often see is that the hands, crown, and crystal have been changed. The altered hands are immediately visible through the luminescence of the dial and hands that do not match. Underneath you can clearly see the mismatched luminescence on the dial, the hands have an almost greenish hue while the dial is more yellowish. In addition, the 24-hour hand is incorrectly mounted. This should immediately ring your alarm bells and tell you that something unoriginal has happened and that someone has repaired it incorrectly….
During the repair process, Rolex cleaned the movement, pressure tested the case, replaced the gasket, and often replaced the hands to make them shine again. Radium watches were banned after 1964, and later tritium watches lost their luster within 15 years. Therefore, before you start comparing your Rolex with other Rolexes, it is useful to double-check that all parts are original. There are hardly any stable rules when it comes to collecting Rolexes. As you delve into the world of Rolexes, you will find that there are always exceptions.
For some of the early models from the 30s and 40s, you will see references added to the case back. If you know the reference, you know what model it is. Since most replica Rolex models have small holes in the case where push pins hold the bracelet tightly to the case, it is easy to remove the bracelet and write down the Rolex serial and reference numbers by using the small pins. At the end of this report, I will summarize for you the most commonly used Rolex reference numbers.
Since Rolex is a smart company and since they have produced many Rolex models over the years, they have done a really good job from the beginning by having a system of marking the serial number on the date of production.

A large number of Rolex watches have gained amazing nicknames since their launch, and among the various names ranging from athlete to soda flavors, there are many superhero nicknames, namely Batman and the Hulk. The Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman” and the Rolex Submariner “Hulk” with its blue and black ceramic bezel insert is the most famous replica Rolex watches with nicknames, but they are two completely different models – the Submariner is the diver’s watch and the GMT-Master II is the pilot/traveler’s watch. Which one is better?
Both Rolex watches have colorful design suites and all-steel construction, but they are actually not the same in terms of function. In addition, the Submariner Hulk is often seen as rather polarizing because of its bright green dial and bezel, while the Batman is arguably more versatile due to its more tonal colors. Today, we will explore this topic further by putting Batman and Hulk head to head in an attempt to answer the question of which superhero’s Rolex sports watch reigns supreme.  
Both Batman and Hulk have 40mm stainless steel cases, rotating bezels, similar dial design with Mercedes-inspired hands, date indications, and luminescent hour-markers charts. Both come with sapphire crystals and the familiar Cyclops magnifying glass on the date window.
Of course, since these watches offer different functions, they also run on different movements. The Hulk Submariner is powered by the Caliber 3135, while the Batman GMT-Master II depends on the Caliber 3186 or the Caliber 3285, of which the newer Cal. 3285 offers a longer 70-hour power reserve. What’s more, although both models are equipped with a Triplock screw-down winding crown, the Submariner is water-resistant to 300 meters, however, the GMT-Master II is water-resistant to 100 meters.
Heading on to the strap, the Hulk watch comes with a three-link Oyster strap with a brushed finish and a Glidelock buckle that allows the diver to lengthen the strap to 20mm in 2mm increments to fit the diving suit. The first fake Rolex Batman 116710BLNR was only available on Oyster straps with polished center links; however, the Batman 126710BLNR was initially available only on five-link Jubilee straps but was later available on three-link Oyster straps as well. The Oyster clasp differs from the Hulk in that it uses the 5 mm Easylink extension system rather than the 20 mm diver’s Glidelock clasp.
However, the Hulk is a dive watch, which means its bezel can only rotate in one direction and it is graduated to 60 minutes to track immersion time. On the other hand, Batman is a GMT watch. As such, its bezel rotates in both directions and is marked with 24 hours to show the time in another time zone.

Submariner dive watches come from an era when dive watches were used more for professional applications than for recreational diving. That’s why they retain their original appeal today – because reading the time clearly during a dive is a matter of life and death. As a result, the clear and simple Submariner dial has remained unchanged. The hour and minute hands have been adapted from the replica Rolex Deepsea collection and are distinguished from each other to prevent any confusion. The triangular, circular, and rectangular markers are designed to provide direction and increased readability and to prevent possible errors underwater or on dry ground. The hands and markers are coated with Rolex Chromalight luminous material, which glows bright blue in the dark. The prominent dot at the end of the second’s hand serves as a function check and also glows. In addition, the zero markers on the diving bezel are filled with the same luminescent material to provide better positioning when setting the dive time.
The bezel ratchets perfectly counterclockwise in clear half-minute increments. Deep knurled recesses on the edge of the bezel provide a secure grip for wet hands or diving gloves. The rotating ring features a Cerachrom numeral insert made of special black ceramic. the recessed numerals and markers on the 60-minute track are coated with a thin layer of platinum using a PVD process. Rolex replica has developed expertise and innovative manufacturing processes to create a special ceramic that is strong, color-saturated, and extremely scratch-resistant for the production of monobloc bezels and tracks, and now has its own completely independent production of ceramic components.  
The bezel with ceramic insert is part of the robust Oyster case, for which Rolex guarantees a pressure resistance of 30 bar, equivalent to a water depth of 300 meters. It is the epitome of durability and reliability. Its case frame is made from a single piece of stainless steel for exceptional corrosion resistance, which fake Rolex calls “Oystersteel”. In addition to the sealed case back, the Triplock winding crown ensures designated water resistance with a triple-sealed, screw-down design and a protective crown guard. The top crystal is made of scratch-resistant sapphire, and the Submariner Date adds a Cyclops magnifying glass at 3 o’clock to improve date readability.
The new Submariner is equipped with an Oyster bracelet, including its patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp and Glidelock extension system, which simply extends the bracelet up to 20 mm with a 10-step sliding element. So much for perfection without the need for revolution and still the undisputed standard in dive watches.

For more detail, please visit https://www.localdlish.com

Just as the great patina on an ancient bronze sculpture is an intrinsic part of its value, an honest patina on a watch dial can significantly enhance its overall value and collectability. Due to subtle imperfections in the various layers of dial finishing, some fake Rolex dials will naturally change color over time, especially under certain conditions, such as UV exposure. Now known as “tropical” dials, these unique vintage components are just one of the happy accidents of natural aging that provide their watches with a completely different overall appearance.  
The most classic example of a tropical dial is a dark case back that turns chocolate brown, but a variety of colors are possible, depending on the initial color of the dial and the specific conditions to which it may have been exposed during its lifetime. In the case of the Rolex Submariner 1680 Solid Gold, featured in the Robb Report Gift Guide, the original deep cobalt dial has changed color to a vibrant aqua hue reminiscent of tropical seas.
Complementing the warm gold tone of the case and contrasting with the vibrant turquoise color of the dial is an original set of tritium hands that have developed a warm, milky patina that perfectly matches the color of the tritium-filled hour markers on the tropical blue dial. This replica Rolex Submariner is truly unlike any other reference 1680 and is a must-have for the die-hard vintage collector who wants to stand out.  
For those of us who seem to have everything in life, vintage watches are the perfect gift because no two watches will ever be exactly alike. And a vintage watch like the Tropical Dial Rolex Submariner 1680 Solid Gold in the December print edition of the Robb Report Ultimate Gift Guide is guaranteed to be unlike any other watch in their collection.
The purchase of this watch comes with a private tour of Bob’s Watches Newport Beach, California headquarters where lucky buyers can view our industry-leading selection of luxury watches and take an in-depth look at Bob’s Watches founder and CEO Paul Altieri’s personal vintage Rolex replica watches collection with Bob’s Watches founder Paul Altieri. The tropical solid gold Rolex submarine and tour of Bob’s Watches headquarters is the perfect gift for the luxury watch lover who has everything.

The Rolex Submariner is one of the most iconic watches of all time, having gone through dozens of iterations since its release in 1953. In Reference Point: Understanding the replica Rolex Submariner, we dissect the Submariner and its sub-brands. In Understanding the Rolex Submariner, we dissected the Submariner and the subtle details that make each version unique. 
Within the broader product line, this fills a gap in the Rolex Professional line of dive watches. Rolex now offers the 40mm Yacht-Master, this new 41mm Submariner, the 42mm Yacht-Master, the 43mm Sea-Dweller, and the 44mm Deepsea (and one exception – the 37mm precious metal Yacht-Master).
This means that, in theory, you could walk into a Rolex AD and get yourself some variation of the Rolex Submariner anywhere in the 40-44mm range, with a variety of metal, dial, and bezel configurations available. Like all Rolex sports watches, this new Sub is likely hard to come by, and the idea of walking into a Rolex dealer and picking from a bunch of stock options is pure fantasy, but that’s another story entirely from Localdlish.
Just as Rolex has introduced the latest generation of Chronergy-equipped movements over the past five years, it will be interesting to see if this new approach to professional cases and bracelets makes its way into other models. Frankly, I’d be surprised if it doesn’t. Rolex doesn’t do anything in a vacuum. Will the next GMT-Master feature thinner lugs? Or will the next Explorer have a different style of Oyster bracelet?
For many people around the world, the Rolex Submariner is the platonic ideal of a “good watch”. In many cases, it’s what comes to mind when you say the word “watch”. The oft-used word “iconic” simply doesn’t do the Submariner justice, so any changes to it are a big deal. In classic Rolex fashion, the Geneva-based watchmaker has chosen to whisper rather than shout, giving the Submariner a substantial upgrade that won’t leave Sub fans screaming for the good old days.

Let discuss when is a gold watch not a gold watch? Whatever, it’s Rolex’s darling, the Octo Finissimo Automatic, in rose gold. Now, apparently, it’s a gold watch, which is the most amazing watch that I’ve ever met with.
The Octo Finissimo case itself is a rather popular quantity by now. It’s a pretty thinner version of the regular Octo, which is an improvement of Genta’s original design. The Octo Finissimo Automatic is all sharp lines; the only curves to be seen are the bezel and the crown. The design of the case gives a very strong foundation for the replica watch, but what really made it shine is the case material and its unusual treatment. Instead of the more traditional polish, the case and bracelet of this Octo have been sandblasted, to stunning effect. The warm glow is there, but the gleam is not — factually, the matt is almost devoid of reflection.
Apart from the color of the dial, the dial remains the same. Simple printed details, minimal text, an off-center small seconds hand, and open, neatly faceted black hands. Now, normally I might say that this dial is too simple for the rest of the ensemble, but given that one of Rolex’s main goals would have been to work with some very tight tolerances, I’ll cut them some slack.
As expected, the bracelet of the Octo Finissimo Automatic is the same matt rose gold as the case, in the same angular, geometric style. And obviously, it weighs a good deal more than its titanium version, giving it a much more solid and substantial feeling on the wrist, while still being incredibly slender, particularly with the impressive folding clasp, which sits flush on the wrist. One interesting element of the bracelet that is special to the gold version is that the links, while solid, are hollowed out at the rear.
As I mentioned above, the weight-to-thinness ratio is real on this watch, and it’s this feeling of dissonance that got me every time I strapped it on. For me, that dissonance expressed itself in an almost childlike joy — I swear every time I wear this watch or even look at it, I get a big dumb grin on my face.
The gold fake watch is something deeply ingrained into our collective cultural psyche; it’s a signifier par excellence. For one thing, it’s indisputable that this is a gold watch. It’s a watch, it’s gold and it costs about the same as a nice European car. But for another, it’s an anti-gold gold watch, deliberately messing with the tropes (large, shiny) that give a gold watch its cultural weight.
I’ve seldom struggled with answering the ‘what would we change’ section as I have on this Rolex replica watch. It’s an integrated design, where all the parts play very nicely together. And it’s not intended as a generalist watch, so suggesting including some more crowd-pleasing traits.

We have to say that there’s no other luxury sports watch as recognizable, coveted, and versatile as the Rolex Submariner. Yes, we are sure. And while the Submariner certainly looks amazing on the customary Oyster bracelet, the replica Rolex’s iconic diving watch pairs just as well with just about any type of strap. One of our favorite pairings is a typical black Submariner with a classic black leather strap. James Bond did it—enough said.
Although James Bond is perhaps more well-known for wearing a Submariner on a NATO-style nylon strap, in 1962’s Dr. No, 007 wears a Submariner model on a black crocodile leather strap.
If you’re lucky enough to own a vintage Rolex Submariner replica watch like the super-spy himself, then hats off. If not, no problem, because pretty much any Submariner wears a leather strap well.
Take the latest stainless steel Submariner model with a black dial and black Cerachrom ceramic bezel for example. Switching out the rugged stainless steel Oyster bracelet for an elegant black leather band adds a touch of elegance to the famous Rolex sports watch. Plus, we simply love the combination of an ultra-modern high-tech material like the fake Rolex’s Cerachrom ceramic with an old-school favorite material like leather.
What’s more, the white stitching on this particular Italian leather accessory complements the fake Rolex Submariner’s white details—from the bezel markings to the lume plots—perfectly. And last but not least, the stainless steel tang buckle on the leather band matches the Sub’s steel construction for a tight, well-coordinated look.
Anyway, just keep in mind, switching out the straps on your fake Rolex watch can give you a whole new style in an instant. One of the most stylish characters ever created, James Bond understood that well by wearing his watches on an assortment of bracelets and straps. If you haven’t already, try wearing your Rolex watch on a different strap; you may just be pleasantly surprised.

Barth tells of how he and his fellow crew members in an interview conducted by Jason Heaton back several years ago, while undergoing decompression in a decompression chamber, would hear a quick “pop” sometimes only to find that the crystal of someone’s fake watch – Submariners, Blancpain’s, and Tudors, mostly – had come off. The basic problem was the helium in the breathing gasses used in SEALAB. Helium forms very small molecules, which can over time penetrate the seals of a dive watch and build up in the case. Divers would spend a few days in a decompression chamber, where air pressure would gradually be lowered from that at working depth, to air pressure at sea level. The helium would not be able to leak back out of the watch case quickly enough and the result was increasingly greater pressure inside the watch case – often, enough to pop the crystal off. It was the SEALAB missions that first called for a helium escape valve, which was introduced within the fake Rolex range on the Sea-Dweller and remains a staple of this model to this day.  
There are a few early Sea-Dwellers that have only one line of red text on the dial. These “Single Red” Sea-Dwellers are exceedingly rare, feature a depth range of 500m instead of 600m, and often times do not have a helium escape valve. These are prototypes and generally fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction, such as this one did in 2013.
The Rolex Sea-Dweller replica watch was introduced in 1967 as Rolex’s biggest, badest, most capable dive watch. It was water-resistant up to 610 meters and featured two lines of red text reading “Sea-Dweller / Submariner 2000”. The crown was a Trip-Lock; the watch featured a date (useful to saturation divers who could spend days in a decompression chamber) and it was the first time a Rolex diver would feature the complication, predating the 1680 Rolex Submariner ever so briefly.
The bracelet had an extension clasp that allowed the owner to quickly open up the bracelet to allow it to fit on the outside of a diving suit. What’s more, the crystal was domed and cyclops-less. This is how the replica Sea-Dweller watch was born and how it remained for some time and over the years we would see continual improvements to water-resistant engineering in Rolex’s most professional line. Of course, we know it, actually after the Rolex replica killed the Sea-Dweller.