What is a replica Rolex Sub No Date?

A replica Rolex Sub No Date is a copy of the Rolex Submariner without a date window. The genuine model is reference 124060. It has a 41mm case, a black ceramic bezel, and a 3230 movement. Replicas range from low-end quartz models to high-end first copy watches with clone movements and 904L stainless steel. Prices run from $30 to $600. The best replicas come from factories in China. They use the same case dimensions as the genuine watch. The main differences are movement finishing, water resistance, and dial printing.

Genuine Submariner No Date

Rolex launched the Submariner in 1953. The first model, ref 6204, had no date. The date version arrived in 1969. The no-date line continued with ref 5513, 14060, and 114060. The current model, ref 124060, replaced the 114060 in 2020. It measures 41mm across. It has a 70-hour power reserve. Water resistance is 300 meters. The bezel is ceramic with a platinum-coated numeral. The dial has no date window at 3 o'clock. The lume is Chromalight, which glows blue.

How replicas differ

Low-end replicas use quartz movements. They cost $30 to $80. Cases are 316L steel. Glass is mineral. Bezels are aluminum or painted steel. Mid-tier replicas cost $120 to $250. They use automatic movements with 21,600 vibrations per hour. Cases are 316L steel. Glass is sapphire. High-end first copy replicas cost $300 to $600. They use clone movements. The clone Rolex 3130 or 3230 has the same beat rate as the genuine movement. Cases are 904L steel. Bracelets have solid end links and Glidelock clasps. Dial printing uses the same fonts. Lume is applied in the same pattern.

Movement options

Three movement types appear in replica Sub No Date watches. Quartz: battery powered, no sweep. 21,600 bph automatic: smooth sweep, but crown position and date setting differ. Clone 3130 or 3230: 28,800 bph, same hand stack, same winding direction. The clone 3230 has a 70-hour power reserve. The clone 3130 has a 48-hour reserve. Check the crown guard shape. Genuine crown guards have a specific curve. Many replicas have guards that are too thick or too thin.

Water resistance

Most replicas are not tested for water resistance. A $50 replica may leak in a sink. A $400 first copy has gaskets and a screw-down crown. It may survive swimming. But no replica carries a factory water resistance rating. Test with a pressure tester before contact with water. Genuine Submariner No Date is rated to 300 meters. Most replicas do not reach 100 meters.

What to check

Inspect the bezel insert. Genuine ceramic has a platinum numeral that sits flush. Replicas use paint or a sticker. Check the pearl at 12 o'clock. It should be a raised dome with lume. Check the dial text. Submariner and 1000ft=300m should be crisp. The rehaut engraving should align with the dial. The crown should have three dots under the Rolex coronet. The bracelet should have no sharp edges. The clasp should close with a firm click.

Price tiers

Low tier: $30 to $80. Quartz, mineral glass, 316L steel, aluminum bezel. Mid tier: $120 to $250. Automatic, sapphire, 316L steel, ceramic bezel. High tier: $300 to $600. Clone movement, 904L steel, ceramic bezel, Glidelock clasp, 1:1 case. Ultra tier: $600 to $900. Custom dial, Swiss movement, pressure tested.

Legal note

In the United States, trafficking in counterfeit goods is illegal under 18 U.S.C. § 2320. Selling a replica Rolex with the Rolex trademark is a crime. Buying a replica for personal use is not a federal crime in most cases. But customs may seize the item. Rolex files lawsuits against counterfeit sellers. This guide is for information only.