Replica Rolex vs. Authentic Rolex Watches - How to Spot a Replica! Everyone knows that authentic Rolex watches are just off the chart expensive. In fact, the average retail price of one of their most popular models, the Daytona, is around $6,000 (which is a pretty nice down payment on a new ride). So what’s up with the price? There are several reasons why you’re going to pay a lot of money for a real Rolex watch. One reason is the materials Rolex uses in the manufacture of their watches. For example, Rolex doesn’t just use ordinary stainless steel. They employ a specialized process that recasts the steel under a vacuum, which produces an alloy that is extremely resistant to corrosion and has an unmatched mirror finish. In addition to the attention to detail placed on the metals used in their watches, Rolex manufactures their own movements. While other watchmakers buy movements made in China or Japan, Rolex spends an enormous amount of time in handcrafting their proprietary movements so that they’re extremely accurate and reliable. The second reason for the high price tag lies with the company’s release policy. Rolex knows that their watches are in high demand and in order to maintain that demand, they closely monitor the supply of their watches. They’re so meticulous about this that most jewelers only get one or two of any particular model. This not only drives the retail price up, but causes watches on the secondary market sell for almost double the price. As with any high-priced luxury item, there are many people who want the look and feel of the product, but just can’t afford (or justify) the high price tag. In addition, since our society places such a high value on image, there are people that simply must have the best in order to impress bosses, clients and others they come into contact with. This is where the replica Rolex watch comes into play. While most people associate these replica watches with shady street vendors, there are actual companies who pride themselves in producing watches that are very tough to tell from the original. In fact, some replicas are so good, you’d have to take the watch apart to spot the forgery. And while these watches aren’t cheap, expect to pay $300 or more, it’s still much less than the price of the real thing. So, is a replica Rolex worth it? Let’s be up front. These replica watches are illegal – or at least occupy that murky grey area that makes up our piracy laws. And while you’re not likely to be pulled over on the street, or have your house raided by the DOJ for having a replica Rolex, there is the moral issue to owning contraband. If you’re okay with owning pirated computer software, then a replica Rolex shouldn’t be a problem. But what if you’re already an owner of an authentic Rolex watch? One thing that many people don’t consider is that those who own and collect genuine Rolex timepieces often prefer to wear a replica in case of theft. Better to lose a $300 clone than a $6,000 + authentic. So, the bottom line is that, only you can decide if buying a Rolex replica watch is right for you. The downside is that you’re buying an illegal product, which may or may not have a warranty or guarantee to work for any length of time. On the other hand, the low price, low risk of ownership, and close resemblance to the real thing make these replicas hard to resist. However, one thing you’ll never be able to get with a clone is the prestige, satisfaction and bragging rights of owning a real Rolex. You might be able to fool everyone you meet, but you’ll never be able to fool yourself.