Watches And Wonders 2024: Is This The Year I Lose Touch With AAA Replica Rolex Watches UK?

As you may know, I am a long-term Rolex admirer. I wrote a book on the vintage Rolex Datejust, and I both own and have owned several “crowned” aaa replica watches UK over the years. This year’s Watches and Wonders, however, sees the brand lean further into a realm that I find myself struggling to appreciate. So, as I sit in the W&W press lounge, I wonder: is this the year I lose touch with Rolex?

Although this is merely an exploration of a personal opinion, I feel this sentiment might resonate with others in our watch community. Perhaps it won’t with regards to Rolex specifically but with larger shifts in the market. If so, do let me know in the comments below!

I have declared my love of the five-digit-reference Rolex generations plenty of times. To me, they were where the combination of a rugged and dependable build and old-school functional design came together in optimum form. I am talking about perfect copy Rolex watches like my Explorer II 16570, the Submariner 14060, and the GMT-Master II 16710. These were purpose-built watches that flew under the radar — watches your uncle may have been wearing for three decades without anyone in the family ever noticing.

I get it; times change. Then came the maxi cases and shiny ceramic bezels for a more modern aesthetic and greater patina resistance. Although not quite my style, I still understood these watches. I could certainly see why someone might lust after them or wear them with great pleasure.

I am well aware that my preference for the five-digit era is sentimental and unrealistic. Or is it? This year’s Watches and Wonders releases from Tudor were, once again, inching closer to five-digit Rolex. You can now get your Black Bay dive watch without gilt-tone accents and faux patina, perfectly monochromatic. You can now even get it on a Jubi…ahem…“five-link” bracelet. And a Coke GMT with five-digit proportions? No problem! Even the prices are how we remember them from five-digit Rolex. So it is possible to be successful with replica watches like this. It is just that Rolex isn’t playing this game anymore.

So, what did Rolex bring to the table in 2024? Well, a 44mm × 17.7mm Deepsea in solid yellow gold and a host of new precious and/or extra-iced-out Day-Date, Sky-Dweller, and Daytona options. Admittedly, there is a new colorway for the GMT-Master II as well. But don’t expect it to fly under the radar by any means. This is a luxury watch, and the world will know that you’re wearing a luxury watch.

This begs the question: who is Rolex after? New best fake Rolex watches always tend to be better than their predecessors. Current Rolex watches are some of the best-built timepieces out there, second to very few. I wish more watches felt like modern Rolex in terms of build. However, it isn’t limited to technical superiority. Recently, new watches tend to outshine their predecessors, quite literally. They are better at being fancy, ever shinier, ever larger, and ever less embarrassed about being more and more brash.

Ever-fancier 1:1 fake Rolex watches can command ever-higher prices. And that, I think, is key here. Rolex seems to have aimed at the growing group of ultra-wealthy customers. The brand is no longer interested in the guy or gal saving up to purchase that one amazing watch to celebrate a life event. The well-informed aficionado who is passionate about the brand’s history is shoved aside in favor of the deep pockets of status-hungry nouveau riche.

But then I think about the way I felt about AAA+ fake Rolex watches when I was still a vintage dealer. I remember the way I felt while gazing at old Datejust dials through my microscope, doing research for my book. I realize this Rolex still exists. However, it exists in my mind rather than in a manufacture in Geneva. Vintage and (currently) neo-vintage Rolex will remain forever, and I will remain a fan. And today’s Rolex? I am sure that the company will be absolutely fine without my infatuation.