HOW TO SPOT

A REPLICA!

THE ROLEX GUIDE

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INTRODUCTION
Genuine brand watches can cost anything from 500.00 to
100,000.00, as most people cannot afford the real thing a much
cheaper alternative is to buy a replica.
Replica watches are, quite simply, imitations of the more
expensive brand named watches, at a mere fraction of the price.
These imitations have the same general look, feel and ability, at
a much more acceptable price.

The quality of a replica can vary depending on the cost. A

20.00 replica would obviously be of a far better quality than a
replica costing 400.00 and much easier to identify.

This guide is mainly based on Rolex wrist watches as they carry

the largest number of replicas in the market place. Some Omega
examples are also included.

This guide will show you how to avoid the replicas, as it states
this is a guide and should be used for that purpose only. If you
are unsure of a watches authenticity then dont buy it. The only
way to be 110% sure its not a replica is to be direct from a
Rolex dealer.

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INDEX
INTRODUCTION
REQUIREMENTS
The Box
Paperwork
TERMOLOGY OF WATCH PARTS
REPLICA SPOTTING
The Origin
The Band
The Bezel
The Second Hand
Minute Hand
Daytona Registers
Micro Etched Crystal
Case Reference Numbers
Rolex Serial Numbers
The Font
The No4
The Cyclops/Date Bubble

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INDEX (Continued)
REPLICA SPOTTING
The Crown Winder
The Pin
The Logo
The Case Back
The Hologram
Text
REPLICA GRADING
ROLEX MODELS
President
Datejust
Oyster Perpetual
Air-King
Oyster Quartz
Explorer I
Explorer II
Submariner
Yacht Master
GMT Master
Daytona
Master Piece
OMEGA REPLICAS
SOURCES OF INFORMATION

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REQUIREMENTS
BOX & PAPERWORK
In order to consider purchasing a Rolex watch I would
recommend that it MUST have accompanying paperwork and a
matching box. If the watch does not have the box and paperwork
I would personally not buy it.

Box & Paperwork Example

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Box
All watches when purchased come with a box. If you are
spending a large amount of money on a watch then you
usually keep the box. The box will usually be of a high
standard either leather bound or wooden as shown in the
below example.
Most expensive watches have an inner better quality box
with a cardboard outer box.
Both the inner and outer boxes will usually have a symbol
and mark relating to the watch.
Some of the better quality replicas come with box and
paperwork, the font quality on the replicas will be of a
poor quality and can be worn or blurred.
A watch without its box can lose upto 30% of its value, it
is therefore wise for the owner to keep it safe.
If the watch does not have a box then it probably is a fake.

Rolex Wooden Box & Cardboard Outer Box

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Paperwork
All watches when purchased have paperwork. Where the
paperwork refers to reference numbers and models these
should be confirmed to match with the physical watch.
Paperwork can be in the form of the following:A warranty card
This card holds reference numbers and
purchase dates. The reference numbers
should match the reference found on
either the back of the watch or strap.
Note that not all watches carry reference
numbers.

A Leather/Plastic documents wallet

The wallet holds all the paperwork
relating to the watch. It is usually
marked with the watchmakers stamp and
is in the same colour as the box.

An Operating Instructions Booklet

This contains specific details about the
watch such as changing the time and
date.

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A Service Centre Booklet

Most top brand watches have a
service centre guide which shows
you lists of agents throughout the
world.
A Receipt
This will show when and where the
watch was purchased; also it will
show you exactly how much was
paid for the watch.
A Seal (Rolex)
All Rolex watches carry a Red Seal. Note the bright
coloured cotton and frayed ends on the replica. On some
occasions a green seal is also attached.

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TERMOLOGY OF WATCH PARTS

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REPLICA SPOTTING
The Origin
A Swiss based company would not sell a watch that is made in
Indonesia, so if you notice that the watch's origin doesn't match
the origin of the company, then the chances are the watch is a
fake.

The Band
The edge on a genuine watch will have a smooth edge; this is
because the band was made out of three pieces of metal. One
rolled piece with two outer edges.
With most cheap watches each link is made of a single piece of
metal, which is rolled to create the link. This is easy spotted as
the edge of each link is rolled like a Swiss Role and has a poor
quality finish.

Replica

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The Bezel
The Bezel if moved should line up exactly with the minute
markers on the dial. On a genuine both markers will line up
perfect.

Genuine

Replica

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The Second Hand

All Rolex watches will have a sweeping second hand. If the
second hand tick tocks then it is definitely a copy.
The Rolex second hand should reach the second markers, if it is
short by 2-3mm then it is a replica, the illuminated circle on the
second hand should hit the top of the 12 oclock triangle exactly.
On most replica watches when the stem is pulled out, the second
hand continues to move. On a genuine watch the second hand
should stop once the stem is pulled out.

Genuine

Replica

Genuine
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Minute Hand
Genuine Rolex Yacht-Master models feature a "minute" hand,
which is considerably thicker than those on other Rolex sports
models. However, to save money, counterfeiters will often use
the same hands found on the Submariner. This can be easily
identified when viewed side-by-side (as shown in the example
below).

Genuine

Replica

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Daytona Hands
Counterfeiters will often use hands which are of the wrong size
and/or shape. In the example shown below, the genuine Daytona
features a "minute" hand which reaches all the way to the outer
"hash" marks. However, the counterfeit model shown features
much shorter hands. This is often the case because counterfeiters
use whatever stock of parts they have available, which is usually
whatever is the cheapest.
You will also note that the "shape" of the hands on the
counterfeit is incorrect. modern Daytona models feature hands
which are "rounded" on the tips. Again, counterfeiters will often
use whatever hands they have available, and in this case they
have used hands from a Day-Date model, which are flat on the
tip.

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Daytona Registers
Genuine Rolex Daytona models feature mini-registers on the
dial which perform Chronograph "stop watch" functions (i.e.
elapsed hours and minutes). It is also worth mentioning that the
large "sweep" hand on the dial is also part of the stop watch
function, and is not the primary second hand-- the second hand
for the watch is the small 20/40/60 register.
However, counterfeit models will rarely perform these
functions, but rather will be used for "day of week", "date", and
"24-hour time". (Please Note: not all counterfeit models will be
"printed" with these incorrect functions, but their operations
will still be incorrect.)
Furthermore, the size and position of these mini registers will
often be incorrect on counterfeits. As shown in the example
below, the counterfeit model features much smaller registers
which are positioned too far inward on the dial, while the
genuine Daytona features registers which are positioned much
farther outward--almost touching the 3-6-9 hour markers.

Genuine

Replica

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The Crystal Glass/ Micro Etched Crystal

Brand new for 2002, Rolex has started micro-etching a tiny
"coronet" (or crown) logo into the crystal, at the 6 o'clock
position. This mark is quite small, so it is difficult to see with
the naked eye. However, when viewed under a loupe, the faint
outline can be distinguished, as seen in the examples below.

Replica

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Please Note: Rolex has just started phasing-in this micro-etching

process and, to date, not
all models have the etching. It is
believed that the etching should appear on most (if not all) new
models produced by the end of 2003, or early 2004.

Genuine

Replica
You will notice that the fake etching is "similar" to that in the
genuine example, the biggest difference being that the "balls" on
the tips of the fake are too small. The etching also is not precise.

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Case Reference Number

Probably the most accurate way to identify a genuine/counterfeit
Rolex watch is by locating the Serial and Case Reference
Numbers. These special identification numbers are engraved on
the side of the case, located between the lugs (as shown in the
below example). These reference numbers should match with
the paperwork supplied with the watch.
As you can see in the examples below, the engraving between
the lugs of a genuine Rolex feature very fine lines, which
actually catch the light similar to that of a diamond cut edge.
However, (some) counterfeits will feature a sandy (acid) etched
appearance, as seen in the example below. Furthermore, the
spacing on these numbers is often too close together. It is worth
mentioning that counterfeiters frequently use the SAME
numbers on their watches. Thus, the example shown above:
"R863698" is seen quite often, and is a pretty good sign of a
fake.

Genuine

Replica

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A Brief Explanation of the Rolex Serial Numbering System

In 1927, Rolex began issuing every Rolex Oyster case a unique
serial number to distinguish them from one another. Around
1953, the numbers reached the 999,999 mark, at which time
Rolex decided against adding a 7th digit, thus continuing into the
"millions"--Instead, they started the sequence aver at
100,001.
Around this ame time, Rolex had initiated another dating
system--They stamped the inside of the case back with a code
consisting of a Roman numeral and two numbers. The Roman
numerals were I, II, III, IV, which represented which quarter of
the year the watch was produced. The numbers simply
represented the two-digit year in which the watch was produced.
Therefore, the code III 53 would represent the 3rd quarter (i.e.
July-September) of 1953--this code continued until around
1970.
In the early 1960s, Rolex once again reached the 999,999 mark,
but this time added a 7th digit and continued until mid 1987,
when the numbering reached 9,999,999. At this time, Rolex
elected to start numbering with a letter prefix (e.g. R000001).
The system started with the letter "R", which was then
subsequently
followed
by
L-E-X.
Thus
spelling
out the word "ROLEX" with the "O" being omitted, to help
avert any possible confusion with the number "0". This
sequence continued through November 1991, when a new
numbering system was introduced utilizing the letters N, C and
S, which took them through 1993. In 1994, Rolex started yet
another sequence with the letters: W, T and U, then A, P, and K
in subsequent years.

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To add to the confusion, many of these prefixes have run

concurrently over the past few years, giving the appearance of a
random numbering system. Therefore, only Rolex knows
exactly when any particular watch was made and they aren't
talking.
The following list is comprised of known serial numbers for the
years listed. By checking a particular serial number against this
list you should be able to date a watch with reasonable accuracy.
However, it is no guarantee as to when your watch was shipped
from the factory.
Click below or enter the below address into your Internet Search
Bar.
www.iq-enterprises.com/pages/serial_number.htm

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The Font.
The fonts used for the numbers should align exactly with the
second hand as it passes over them. The numbers in the date
bubble should be exactly in the centre of the magnified Cyclops.
On virtually all replicas the date will either be high or low in the
date window.

Genuine

Replica

The Number 4.
On a genuine Rolex the inside of the number 4 will be formed of
4 small edges. If you look closely at the number 4 and see four
distinct edges you are looking at a replica.

Genuine

Replica

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The Date Bubble/Cyclops

The Cyclops on a genuine Rolex watch will be magnified by
2.5. A replica will have either no magnification or a very small
amount of magnification. On a genuine the date should
practically fill up the Cyclops.
The Cyclops will also have a sharp edge where the Cyclops
meets the crystal. This is hard to see with the naked eye but can
be felt quite easily by running your fingers around the Cyclops.

Genuine

Replica

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The Crown/Winder
The crown on an expensive watch such as a Rolex will be made
out of a single piece of metal. On a fake watch the logo that is
placed on the crown is glued on after the watch is made. The
small glued seem can be seen when using an eyeglass. The
crown will also have three small dots or a line as shown in the
picture.

Genuine

Replica

Genuine

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Rolex models featuring the Triplock crown (i.e. Submariner,

Sea-Dweller and Daytona) utilize an extra seal within the
threads of the winding crown's tube. This gasket resembles a
black o-ring and can be visible when the winding crown is
unscrewed fully. As shown in the example above, (most)
counterfeit models will not feature this o-ring seal, but rather
will have basic screw-down threads. It is worth mentioning that
some new counterfeits will feature a "similar" looking rubber
seal, but upon closer examination you will see that it is merely
cosmetic, and is not functional.

Genuine

Replica

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The Pins
The pins holding the strap to the watch on a genuine will be
threaded. If you look through an eyeglass at the end of the pin
you should see a small slot for a fine flat head screwdriver.

Genuine

Replica
Logo

The band on a genuine Rolex will always have the Rolex logo.
The absence of this logo is a dead give away the watch band is a
replica.

Genuine

Replica

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The Case Back

An authentic Rolex will have a screw down back with exactly
144 small teeth. You can only open a Rolex case with a special
Rolex tool.

Reference Numbers will be etched in the positions as indicated

above by a red circle. If you see no reference numbers then the
watch is a fake.
To date Rolex have never made a watch with a clear or see
through back. This is also known as a skeleton back which
allows you to view the movement. These clear back watches are
a common Rolex fake.

Replica

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Rolex watches do not have engraved backs. Genuine Rolex

watches will have either a smooth case back or a smooth case
back with a hologram showing a reference number.

Replica
Holograms
This usually is found on the reverse of the watch. Genuine
Rolex watches are shipped direct from the factory with a
hologram showing the makers stamp or symbol and then a
model reference number.
On a fake watch the number is written on after the Hologram is
created. As the numbers are placed on after the hologram is
produced you often see on the replicas numbers have worn
away.

Genuine

Replica

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This sticker features the trademarked Rolex "crown" positioned

above the watch's case reference number. The hologram can be
easily identified by viewing it from different angles, thus
causing the background pattern to change.
However, "most" counterfeit stickers are not holograms at all,
but rather simply a repetitious "Rolex" pattern, which does not
change in appearance when viewed from different angles.
Even if the watch has an authentic hologram you should still be
cautious as holograms are available to purchase over the
internet.
It is worth mentioning that the genuine Rolex hologram stickers
did not feature the "crown logo" as a part of the hologram until
(around) 2002, when the sticker was redesigned. At that time,
the Reference number was also changed from gold lettering to
black, as it is currently.

Genuine

Replica

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Text
All text found on either the watch or box should be crisp and
clear. Replica items will never have the same quality as the
original.
See in the below example how the font is completely wrong on
the replica. Note the extra thickness of the words Rolex and also
the pin prick holes in the crown.
The lines of the crown are also not crisp.

Genuine

Replica

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GRADING REPLICAS
For your information the below table shows where the better
quality replicas are produced and how good the replica is.

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ROLEX MODELS
President
The president is made of three rows of gold links and includes
both a day of the week and a date window function with a 2.5
times Cyclops except the ladies model which only have a date
window. The President is available in 18ct Gold, 18ct two tone
gold, and Platinum. A Super President is available which has
a Diamond set bezel and band.
Approx: 3000.00 to 10,000.00.

Datejust
The Datejust is the best known model of Rolex watch and was
introduced in 1945. When the name Rolex is mentioned this is
the model most people immediately envision. The Datejust
comes in a variety of dial and bezel options including Diamond
set. The Datejust is 36mm with a 2.5 Cyclops magnifier with a
sapphire scratch proof crystal dial. It comes in stainless steel,
two tone stainless steel and in 18ct gold.
Approx: 3000.00 (Stainless) to 10,000.00 (Diamond).

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Air King
The Air King is a very basic design as far as Rolex watches go.
The Air King is sleek with clean elegant lines. It is 34mm, is
available in only stainless steel.
Approx: 1500.00 to 5000.00

Oyster Quartz
The Oyster quartz is a rare Rolex with, as the name suggests,
quartz movement that requires a battery. The Oyster quartz is
available in stainless steel with Diamond bezel optional.
Approx: 1500.00 to 5000.00

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Explorer I & II
The explorer was introduced in 1954 and is made of all stainless
steel. It has a 36mm case. Later the explorer II was produced,
the explorer II had a fourth hand which enabled the owner to
keep track of a second time zone. The dial has the date window
and a 2.5 Cyclops. It comes with a black or white dial.
Approx: 1500.00 to 5000.00.

Submariner
The Submariner is one of the most popular models of Rolex. It
comes available in four styles; stainless steel, two tone stainless
steel and 18ct gold. As the name suggests the Submariner is a
favourite diving watch. It is 40mm and comes with or without
the date window.
Approx: 1500.00 to 10000.00 (Gold)

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Yacht Master
The Yacht Master comes in stainless steel and 18ct gold. It has a
date window with a 2.5 Cyclops date magnifier. The gold model
has a rotating Platinum bezel. The watch was designed for men
or women.
Approx: 4500.00 to 10000.00

GMT Master
The GMT Master has the ability to track two different time
zones at the same time. It has a rotating bezel and 2.5 Cyclops.
It is available in stainless steel and 18ct gold. It can have a blue,
red or black bezel.
Approx: 4500.00 to 10000.00

Daytona
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The Daytona is a distinctive and highly desirable watch. The

Daytona is a true chronometer with stopwatch and split time
capabilities. The bezel of the Daytona is engraved with hourly
speed markings that enhance the chronometer functions of the
watch. The Daytona chronometer buttons screw into the bezel. It
is available in stainless steel and 18ct gold. It can come with
either a leather or 18ct white gold band.
Approx: 5500.00 to 10,000.00.

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OMEGA REPLICAS
As with most branded watches Omega also has a large following
of replica fakes.
As with Rolex, Omega is a branded quality watch and should
therefore carry a high standard of workmanship. The attention to
detail should be perfect.
All Omegas come in a fancy inner box and cardboard outer
box. As with Rolex, Omega watches also can have fake boxs
and paperwork.

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The replica companies sometimes completely mix up names and

features from completely different models, occasionally making
up very odd or nonsensical watches.
The below Omega Seamaster has many problems. At first
glance it looks fine but the face of the watch for this particular
model should have two extra dials. You can see we have the
buttons for the dials but no dials.
The date within the Cyclops bubble is not aligned correctly.
The bezel of the whole watch does not align up with hands.

Omega Seamaster
The below watch is Speedmaster Chronograph except once
again this watch has no dials or buttons.
The wording on the dial mentions Seamaster but the watch is a
Chronograph.

Omega Chronograph

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Below is the Omega Seamaster Pro James Bond Watch. It has a

GMT hand, which tells the time in more than one occasion. This
watch is not supposed to have this feature. On the fake watch
below it does not even move.
The watch itself is labelled with the name Ocean Master. Omega
does not produce this model.

Omega Seamaster James Bond Pro

The Omega Speedmaster below is a scramble of watch bits. The

bracelet, case and hands are Speedmaster style. Extra GMT
hand like off of a Flight master. Diver's rating and second hand
of a Seamaster Professional. The most obvious is the Omega
name on an applied plate.

Omega Speedmaster

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A common giveaway on fakes Omega watches is that the main

part of their watch casings (excluding the bezel, crystal, and
back) are often noticeably thicker than the real thing. The fakes
can be as much as twice as thick and the real models they are
trying to resemble. Also notice that because the cases are so
much thicker, that the lugs that hold the bracelet or strap have to
curve much more than on the real ones to compensate for the
added thickness.

Original

Replica

Another major characteristic of authentic watches is extreme

attention to detail. Genuine Swiss watches don't leave obvious
gaps, crowd or otherwise poorly space or centre dial markings,
have useless or non-working buttons or markings, or forget to
include required labelling.

Omega Seamaster with the display back showing the watch is

half hollow

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Quick giveaway that the above is a fake: it doesn't say "Swiss

Made" on the dial. Also notice the same scales are inanely
duplicated on the dial and the inner bezel.
The below link is an excellent resource for viewing replica
Omega watches.

http://www.replicalover.com/omega%20a.htm

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GENUINE OMEGA WATCHES

Omega Constellation
Generally considered to be Omega's flagship line. Starting in the
1990's, the Constellation line adopted the highly contemporary
look originated by the Constellation "Manhattan" in the 1980's
and is now Omega's "style flagship" line.

Omega DeVille
Omegas traditional dress watch line. After the Constellation
series changed focus to a style flagship line, the DeVille series
has become the horology flagship line.
The current DeVille line is divided into several series: the
DeVille Coaxial, DeVille Prestige, DeVille Symbol and DeVille
Classic. Of these, the Coaxial is the newest, featuring the
Daniel's Coaxial Escapement--the most significant advancement
in mechanical wristwatch technology in many decades.
The remaining series of DeVille models mostly use the same
movements used across most OMEGA model lines. The
differentiation between these DeVille series are the case and
bracelet styles. The "Symbol" derived its name from the first
models in this design bearing art symbols--such as the oriental
Yin-Yang--on their dials.
Very few watches in this series bear the DeVille name on their
dials. The DeVille line keeps to very clean, classic designs. So
The Rolex Guide 2004.
41
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No Part of The Rolex Guide may be reproduced or resold without the authors permission

dial labelling is normally kept to an absolute minimum of one or

two lines of descriptive text. The DeVille Coaxial Limited
Edition is the one notable exception. OMEGA broke from their
normal tasteful conservatism by issuing the initial coaxial
models with its dial cluttered with four lines of descriptive text,
including one over the OMEGA logo and name.

Omega Speedmaster
Originated in the late 1950's, the Speedmaster line of
chronograph watches was catapulted to fame by their selection
by NASA for use in manned space missions starting in the
1960's. The Speedmaster "Moon Watch" is the best known and
most enduring OMEGA model.

The Rolex Guide 2004.

42
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Omega Seamaster
Originating in 1948, the Seamaster series now represents two
distinct of high water resistant watches. The Seamaster 120 line
continues the classic dress-style. The Seamaster Professional
series is a bolder, more rugged, professional grade diving watch.

Omega Dynamic
A special line that OMEGA uses to introduce alternative styles.
The latest Dynamic models are the fourth series issued under the
Dynamic name, and were produced from 1998-2000. This
release features two models reviving the style of some of
OMEGA's 1940's military watch designs. Generally considered
by OMEGA collectors to be greatly overlooked by the watch
buying public and one of the best values in new and near-new
used OMEGA watches currently available.

The Rolex Guide 2004.

43
The Rolex Guide 2004 is not affiliated with Rolex or Rolex USA.
No Part of The Rolex Guide may be reproduced or resold without the authors permission

SOURCES OF INFORMATION
There are many sources available to you for finding out
information about watches. The largest being the Internet.
I would advice before purchasing a watch take the time to study
watches in jewellers.
Pick up as many brochures as possible and have a close look at
some of the watches available, try them on and get a feel for the
originals. The jeweller wont mind if he thinks he is getting a
sale.
Study the prices of old and new models, make notes and ask
questions!
The best link I have found on the Internet is shown below. It
gives retail and second hand prices.

http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/
An excellent source to view the latest replica watches is shown
below. This site gives excellent quality close up pictures of
copies and replicas.

http://www.replicalover.com/

The Rolex Guide 2004.

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The Rolex Guide 2004 is not affiliated with Rolex or Rolex USA.
No Part of The Rolex Guide may be reproduced or resold without the authors permission

SOURCES OF INFORMATION
www.rolex.com
www.ebay.com
http://www.replicalover.com/
www.replicacentre.com
http://chronocentric.com/galleries/
http://www.replicacenter.com/index.html
http://www.perfectswiss.com/
http://www.goreplicas.com/
http://www.planet4watches.com/
http://www.blitzwatches.co.uk/
http://www.antiquewatchcouk.com/LINKS.htm
http://www.finestwatches.co.uk/
http://www.watchfinder.co.uk/
http://www.replicalover.com/

The Rolex Guide 2004.

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The Rolex Guide 2004 is not affiliated with Rolex or Rolex USA.
No Part of The Rolex Guide may be reproduced or resold without the authors permission

SOURCES OF INFORMATION
http://www.dream-watches.co.uk/
http://www.replicawatch.org/
http://www.watchjunction.co.uk/
http://www.watchesuk.com/
http://www.kelkoo.co.uk/
http://www.secondtimeround.com/
http://www.antiquewatches.co.uk/
http://www.watchmakers.com/links.html
http://www.brittons-watches.co.uk/trade_parcels.htm

http://www.finestwatches.co.uk/mens.htm
http://www.redwatches.com/
http://store.thefinestjewelry.com/
http://www.diamond.com/

The Rolex Guide 2004.

46
The Rolex Guide 2004 is not affiliated with Rolex or Rolex USA.
No Part of The Rolex Guide may be reproduced or resold without the authors permission