Do you have a link for the $35 replica your friend bought?
He said dhgate or alibaba
After doing my own research. You have the $35-50 ones. Or you can pay like $150 and get something that’s going to be almost identical with better movement. I’d imagine the $150 was a good option when these were going for $700…not so sure now.
Just went down a black hole of replicas. Had no idea these can be $1300. Also people buy the replicas and put genuine parts on and modify movements etc as a hobby. Actually sounds fun.
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How much this fake? Left is fake?
People on /reptime pay like 800-1200 for fakes.
It appears to be quite good (judging by the limited photos), but the watch on the left is the replica. The layout of the “Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date” is obviously incorrect. The face of the watch on the right also appears to have more brilliance & depth as well, but it could simply be the photos.
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I guarantee I can tell if I have them in front of me. But agreed 99% of people can’t and almost no one can just by looking at them. I’m sure an 8k msrp aubmariner only Costs 1-2k to make. So I’m sure china can come close.
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Left is real.
If the real one wasn’t in more “used” condition, I would have really had to be careful not to mix them up, this is a real one that a friend owns with a fake another friend owns.
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Are you sure you didn’t mix them up. 
Damn, I must be getting rusty. I still feel there is definitely something up with the text layout (whichever one is correct/incorrect).
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I can’t fathom paying 2X or 3X of the MSRP. I’ve had Swatches in the past. My favorite was an Irony Chronograph.
There’s no Swatch store in MA. The nearest one is in Times Square. I’m in no rush to get one at retail.
This is the thing, people are always so sure, (I mean this as no offense to you) they think one thing or the other is off, meanwhile, even the genuine watches have variations. I think the stainless Daytona’s had more than 10 different dial variations over the years, all the same dial, but small differences. You really can’t rely on the text looking a certain way anymore, or else this happens, people call out a real as a fake.
Personally, if I’m in doubt on a used watch, I’m getting the caseback opened. But as they say, you buy the seller, deal with someone reputable if you’re going secondhand and it’s a non issue.
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Need a magnifying glass to find the imperfections I’m sure. Rolex QC is a way higher standard then china. There will be minor font errors, also the way the bezel turns could be a tell. The magnification on the date/font of the date. The way the date turns at midnight. Just need them in hand and know what to look for. Cracking open the back is last resort. That should always be done regardless if buying a genuine or not to make sure the movement is in good condition, by a pro.
Second this. If you’re buying a watch that is well into the thousands of dollars, ALWAYS look at the movement and make sure things check out and serial number matches up with case/reference, etc.
Depending on how good the replica is, might be lacking the LEC Lazer Etched Crystal.
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I’ve been collecting watches since the early 2000’s I’ve never Sold one and so far my 7ft Curio is full plus extras laying around my desk, in watch boxes etc probably over 300 so far… who’s counting!!!
I can tell you that Rolex is a hype-you can find similar watches with same movements for thousands less-Rolex rely heavily on advertising, all those billboards and golf tournaments and they offset that to us the consumers by jacking up the price, and what is interesting is any watch will tell the time at the exact same moment 
Darn, I gotta start selling some of these haha
Look at this Jacques Le Mans sample, they used to be ALL Swiss made back in the day… till they got bought and ruined by some watch companies… and there’s countless brands like that
Or this Philip Watch, great craftsmanship for thousands less…
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Does anyone look at someone elses watch long enough to care if you spent $30 or $30,000? I don’t get it. Give me the replica lol.
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That is what “most” people buy watches/jewlery for, to IMPRESS someone else 
a true collector buys them for themselves and never to IMPRESS
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I buy them for myself. I’m a nerd and like complications on watches like moon phases, jump hands etc. I agree rolex is a status symbol. Every dbag hedge fund frat boy has to get a submariner with their first bonus check for that reason. It’s like some right of passage. For the 10-12k that a sub currently goes for I could get you 2-3 watches that are way more interesting.
Fun fact rolex is set up as a non profit and pays no taxes
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I spy some frank mullers in there! One of my favorites, looking at buying one soon actually likely the vanguard. That’s a crazy collection send more detailed pics!
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Need to see more!
We should create a watchhackr subforum. I have considered dipping into the customs hobby but just dont have the time
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I’m with you there. These are mechanical art more than anything for me.
One of the brands I personally like (and have a couple of) is Maurice Lacroix. Lesser known brand that does a combo of in house movements and outsourced. One of the watches I wear on dressier occasions is their masterpiece moonphase retrograde:
Yah, it’ll never hold its value like a more well known brand, but it’s a great watch with an interesting movement for a reasonable price.
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