In the metal and on my wrist, these two watches represent exactly what 1970s Swiss made fake Rolex is all about.
Let’s start with the cheap replica Rolex Explorer ref. 1016. If you come here often, by now you should know I love the Explorer and, of course, the 1016 is the best version of the model top Swiss copy Rolex has ever made (sorry, Danny). The example we have here hails from the first few years of matte-dial production with a “frog’s foot” coronet – one of my favorite possible details on a 1016.
This style of UK luxury fake Rolex logo is shared with the Explorer II “Freccione” ref. 1655; Explorers only for the vintage frog’s foot. The lume on this watch has a great warm patina to it – I even love the specific “flaw” that is the uneven aging on the 12 o’clock marker. It has this great “Harvey Dent as Two-Face” look to it that I am really drawn to.
What collectors from Sid Mashburn to Fred Savage always seem to call out about the 1016 is the simplicity of the watch. It speaks to many as it is the distilled version of Oyster-cased, Tritium-lumed, Oyster-bracelet vintage Rolex replica for sale – it has everything you need and nothing you don’t. Putting that appeal next to a ref. 1665 AAA fake Rolex Sea-Dweller shows off the complete range of vintage sport models from the Crown. If the lure of the Explorer is simplicity, the “Double Red” draws admirers with its technical grandeur.
Holding a “Double Red” Rolex Sea-Dweller fake online UK, or DRSD, in my hand, it takes little imagination to understand why many vintage Rolex enthusiasts consider this a grail. In a similar manner that the Explorer represents a purpose-designed watch for the average Joe, I immediately understand how serious the DRSD is. The helium escape valve cut into the nine o’clock side of the thicker case, the deeper depth rating, and the stern of the red text color – this all comes together to exude a level of professionalism. Swiss movement replica Rolex has always marketed professional use of their watches but, to me, the Sea-Dweller is really the only one that lives up to that billing on the wrist.
Of course, we wouldn’t just have any old DRSD here. This best quality fake Rolex is seriously rare – we see more “Paul Newman” Daytonas than Double Reds – but that doesn’t mean only an average condition example has made its way into the Shop. Rather, the one we have here has a strong case, creamy lume patina, box, papers, receipt, and even a certificate from Beyer that’s been signed by René Beyer himself which speaks to the authenticity of this perfect replica watch, as well as the full set.