What is the most commonly faked Rolex?

Have you noticed that almost every replica watch¹ collection seems to start with a Rolex Submariner²? You wonder why this one model is everywhere, from cheap fakes to perfect clones.

The Rolex Submariner² is the most replicated watch because its unmatched global popularity³ and timeless design⁴ create the highest possible demand. This massive market justifies the huge investment for factories to perfect every single detail, making it both the safest and most profitable model to copy.

In my ten-plus years in this business, no watch comes close to the Submariner. It's the default and the benchmark. In Guangzhou⁵, the heart of the replica industry, I'd estimate there are over ten thousand operations, big and small, producing some version of a Rolex. And within that world, the Submariner is king. It's the model I consider the most faultless replica available today, and there's a very good reason for that.

Why Is the Submariner the King of Replicas?

You want a watch that is instantly recognized and respected. You might worry that choosing a less common model won't have the same impact or appeal among your friends.

It has universal brand power⁶. The Rolex name and the Submariner's iconic design are recognized as symbols of success and good taste worldwide. This guaranteed demand makes it the number one choice for replica factories, as they know it will always sell.

The number one rule for any business is to serve a demand. For replica factories, the Submariner represents the largest and most stable demand in the world. It transcends cultures and styles. A young professional in Miami wants one just as much as a business owner in Tokyo. It's the "blue chip" stock of the watch world.

The Perfect Storm of Popularity

Several factors come together to create this massive, unending demand.

• Brand Recognition: Rolex is arguably the most powerful luxury brand on the planet. Even people who know nothing about watches know what a Rolex is.
• Timeless Design: The Submariner's design, finalized in the 1950s, is perfect. It's sporty yet elegant, simple yet instantly recognizable. It looks just as good with a t-shirt as it does with a suit.
• Cultural Status: From James Bond to countless celebrities and business leaders, the Submariner has been cemented in our culture as the watch to own. It signals that you've "made it."

For factories, all this means less risk. Why invest in a niche model when you can produce the one watch everyone wants?

Has All This Competition Made Submariner Replicas Perfect?

You hear the term "Super Clone⁷" and are naturally skeptical. You worry that even the most expensive and praised replicas will still have an obvious, embarrassing flaw.

Yes, the Submariner is the closest to a perfect replica that exists. Intense, relentless competition has created an arms race where top factories obsessively upgrade every detail, from the steel and ceramic color to the movement, making it visually indistinguishable from genuine to almost everyone.

This is the direct benefit of the Submariner's popularity. With so many factories competing for your money, they have no choice but to keep getting better. A factory that doesn't constantly improve will be left behind. I've watched this evolution firsthand, and the progress in the last five years alone is incredible. The focus is on achieving 1:1 accuracy.

The Non-Stop Iteration

This isn't a one-time effort; it's a continuous cycle of upgrades.

• Materials: Factories moved from basic 316L stainless steel to 904L steel, the same alloy Rolex uses, to perfectly match its specific weight and shine.
• Ceramic Bezel: Early ceramic bezels had color or font issues. Now, top factories like Clean and VSF have perfected the deep black color and the platinum coating on the engraved numbers.
• The Lume Pip: A classic "tell" was the pearl on the bezel. It went from being a simple white dot to a component that perfectly mimics the color and domed sapphire cap of the genuine article.
• Dial and Movement: The font, marker shapes, hand lengths, and even the internal movement have been cloned. The best replicas now feature a VS3235 or Dandong 3235 movement that looks and functions just like the real Rolex calibre.

This constant one-upmanship means the Submariner replica you can buy today is light-years ahead of one from just a few years ago.

How Do I Choose From Dozens of Different Versions?

You're convinced you want a Submariner, but you see them for $80 and for $600. You don't know what the price difference actually gets you or if the expensive one is worth it.

You choose based on your budget and desired accuracy. The market has distinct tiers, from low-end "shitter" versions for under $100 to top-tier "Super Clones" that offer 1:1 materials and details for a much higher price.

Because the Submariner is so popular, there's a version for literally every budget. On the streets of Guangzhou, you can find dozens of different grades. As a buyer, you just need to decide what level of detail and quality you're willing to pay for. This is where an honest dealer can help you understand the tradeoffs.

A Market for Every Buyer

Let's break down the main categories.

• Low-End / "AAA" Tier ($80 - $150): These get the basic look right from a distance. They'll have a cheap automatic movement that might not be reliable, use 316L steel, and have a mineral glass crystal. The details, like the dial text, bezel action, and bracelet feel, will be noticeably flawed upon closer inspection.
• Mid-Tier ($200 - $350): These are a significant step up. You'll often get better movements, better finishing on the case, and maybe even a sapphire crystal. However, they still cut corners on the finest details and won't have a true clone movement.
• High-End / "Super Clone" Tier ($450 - $600+): This is the top of the line from factories like VSF, Clean, or others. They use 904L steel⁸, a flawless sapphire crystal with the correct anti-reflective coating, a perfect ceramic bezel, and a true clone movement. These are built for enthusiasts who want a watch that feels and looks identical to the real thing.

Conclusion

The Submariner's fame created a massive, competitive replica market. This has resulted in options for every budget, from cheap lookalikes to breathtakingly accurate Super Clones that represent the pinnacle of replication.