The story of my Rolex replica

Watch enthusiasts can't avoid coming across Rolex. Today, there are many legends surrounding the brand founded by Hans Wilsdorf in 1905. But why do people who buy watches choose Rolex? What makes the models so popular? Each Rolex tells a story, and in this article, our authors talk about the history of their Rolex.

Pascal Gehrlein: Rolex Replica Explorer 14270 from 1996
"I think the Rolex Explorer is the most underrated among the Geneva brand's models: often even watch enthusiasts don't recognize at first glance that it's a Rolex. Surely this is due to the absence of the Cyclops lens and the minimalist design. For this reason, it is in perfect contrast (or balance) with my two-tone Datejust, ref. 16013, which is much more conspicuous and refined.

Critical to my purchase decision was Sir Edmund Hillary, who climbed the world's highest mountain with a Rolex Oyster Perpetual on his wrist. Rolex saw this expedition as an opportunity to demonstrate the watch's resilience even in extreme conditions. Furthermore, all the attention generated by this event was an excellent advertising campaign for the watch brand. Once again, a Rolex was involved in a very important historical moment! Probably Rolex is the only brand in the industry that can boast such a marketing coup. As an "adventurer by passion" and someone who loves to travel, I particularly identify with the story of this model.

The Rolex Explorer is a basic watch and offers exactly what bold adventurers want: a clear indication of the time. Personally, I appreciate the tidy dial without a date and the hour markers at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, which ensure excellent readability. The bezel is equally understated and eschews dive time indications or a second time zone; therefore, it's a watch I can perfectly pair with a suit or wear at the beach. Instead, I find that, for example, the Submariner and Sea-Dweller models are not suitable for a work context. Some may think that the "only" 36 mm case is too small, but it's perfect for my wrist and accentuates the vintage charm of the watch!

Overall, I find the Explorer I to be one of Rolex's most interesting and at the same time unusual models: a perfect combination of sobriety and prestige."

Balazs Ferenczi: Rolex Replica GMT Master "Pepsi"
"The Rolex GMT Master "Pepsi" has always been my favorite watch from the Geneva brand. Some find the colors too flashy, but I love them: the combination of a blue/red bezel, black dial, and stainless steel case was exactly why I bought my first vintage Rolex. I also greatly appreciate that the GMT Master case is slightly thinner and smaller (at least visually) than that of the Submariners from the same period. Of course, the model features the GMT function, which I must admit I don't use often. In addition to the watch itself, I was interested in the history of Pan Am and its connection to Rolex, although this was not the main reason why I chose this GMT Master. The real reasons that prompted me to buy it are its aesthetics and the comfort on the wrist.

At the time, a good friend of mine was working for a watch dealer. I told him to let me know if he came across a nice Rolex GMT Master reference 1675. I owned another vintage watch that this dealer was really interested in, so we agreed to trade the watch and some money for a GMT. A few months after our first conversation, he messaged me and showed me a picture of the watch he had set aside for me. We arranged a meeting, and within a few weeks, I was on my way to Frankfurt to pick up my "new" Rolex GMT Master 1675 "Pepsi." It came with a more modern bracelet, but I was lucky again. Through another friend from Cyprus, I found a period-correct Jubilé bracelet: the finishing touch to complete my vintage Rolex GMT.

In recent years, prices for vintage Rolexes have skyrocketed, so I haven't worn mine as often as I used to. I'm a bit reluctant to wear it more frequently because I adore it and want to keep it in good condition for as long as possible. I also have other vintage watches that deserve to be worn, many of which I like just as much as the Rolex, but for different reasons. Nevertheless, the GMT Master "Pepsi" is one of the central pieces of my collection: it's a truly special timepiece that always attracts attention when I wear it to watch enthusiast meetings or collector dinners."

Philip Conradsson: Rolex Replica Datejust ref. 16014
"I'm Philip Conradsson, I work as a fashion consultant and freelance writer specializing in men's clothing and fashion. I'm also a big fan of vintage watches.

My grandparents gave me my first watch when I was about two years old, and we were on vacation in London. I don't have clear memories of that day, but there's a video about it. I wore this watch every day for a couple of years. From what I've been told, it seems like I didn't even want to take it off to sleep. The watch was made of steel and had the shape of Mickey Mouse, ears included, and a white dial with black hands. I'm still emotionally attached to it and keep it at my parents' house.

When I turned 23, I decided to treat myself to a watch for my 24th birthday. But then I indulged in so much nonsense that year and didn't save enough, so I had to wait until my 25th birthday. The Rolex Datejust had fascinated me for a long time, but I still had to choose a very specific reference number. However, I was sure I wanted one with the typical stainless steel case, fluted white gold bezel, white dial, and iconic Jubilé bracelet. The Datejust is often referred to as the dress watch par excellence, but I think it pairs well with both a smart suit and faded jeans, a white t-shirt, and sneakers. What I like most about this model is the combination of timeless minimalist design and not-too-flashy luxury: a style particularly loved by Swedes. Additionally, I've always had a weakness for jewelry, and the Jubilé bracelet is a true work of art! Its unique design is unmistakable and gives a vintage touch that no other bracelet can achieve.

This watch will always be one of my favorite watches, and I intend to keep it for the rest of my life. I hope to be able to pass it on to the next generation when the time comes.

Bert Buijsrogge: Rolex Replica Daytona

As a child, I discovered my interest in watches thanks to Rolex. After seeing their sports models for the first time, it was immediately clear to me that one day I would want one of my own. The Rolex Daytona particularly caught my attention, and it made me smile every time I saw one. As a teenager and in my early twenties, I was a big fan of motor sports: perhaps that's why I became so interested in the Daytona, in addition to its fantastic design.

It took me a while before I finally bought my first Rolex, at the age of about 25. This purchase prompted me to learn more about the technical aspect of watchmaking, so I started spending more and more time reading about watches. Slowly, my collection grew, and my passion grew with it. After saving up enough money, about 10 years ago, I was able to buy the long-desired Rolex Daytona ref. 116520. Back then, as it is today, it wasn't easy to get hold of a Daytona, but I managed to find one in excellent condition at a reasonable price. I also considered the 16520 with the Zenith movement, but I believed it was the in-house movement of the 116520 that made it a true Rolex.

Finally, I could wear the watch I had dreamed of since I was a child. It's a beautiful chronograph, and its 40mm case is the perfect size for me. The icing on the cake was the opportunity to have the racing dial from the white gold version fitted. I find that the panda dial gives it much more character than the standard white dial with silver sub-dials. Just like my tastes, my collection has changed over the years. However, the only watch I've never wanted to sell is that Daytona, which has become the watch I've owned for the longest time.