If you have read my previous posts, you probably know that I am a big fan of Patek Philippe watches. However, I must admit that the replica industry enjoys a phenomenal demand for Rolex knockoffs. And this has an explanation: Rolex is rightfully the most versatile and popular watch brand. It knows how to make watches to everyone’s taste, from the least initiated to the most educated watch lovers.
Rolex has several models of watches that seem to be timeless. Even if time passes and public tastes change, these models remain as sought after and popular as they were at the time of their release. One of these models is the Datejust II 116334 watch. It is an understatement to say that this model is one of the most remarkable Datejusts. It is on the border between exquisiteness and comfort, which makes it truly unique. I have to admit that this model shows us a different definition of elegance. at the same time, it is so versatile, that I see it suitable in almost any environment and occasion.
Matter-of-factly…
It goes without saying that the replica industry tries its best to execute imitations as credible as possible. All the replica factories have advanced in competition regarding this model. While some put special emphasis on the execution of design and finishing, others emphasize a movement as reliable as possible. Few factories have managed to combine these 2 aspects to receive a fake Datejust worthy of envy.
Either way…
The replica industry offers a wide range of this model. And if an average Joe won’t really understand what is good and what is bad in this imitation, an advanced connoisseur surely will.
In this article, I want to compare a fake with a genuine Datejust 116334. I borrowed this imitation from an old friend of mine who recently bought it from an online store. I was very curious to analyze its execution. For sure there are better and worse alternatives to this knockoff. Today, at least, I want to share my conclusion on this watch so that you know how to evaluate them in the future if you want to have such a Datejust knockoff someday.
Rolex Datejust dial
The face of a watch is what makes you love or hate the timepiece. And Rolex knows better than anyone how to produce dials in such a way as not to leave anyone indifferent. I don’t know how it does it, but the brand creates dials that are as refined as they are readable.
The dial of the original model has a specific depth. The 3 hands come in a silvery color that has the obvious purpose of improving legibility on the black background of the dial plate. Looking from different angles, you notice how the silver plays in darker and lighter shadows, facilitating its reading in the dark.
While comparing the authentic vs the replica watch, I see the same silhouette of the hands, as well as the same dimensions. However, I also see a dimmer silver tone, which makes them seem less luminous.
It seems that the manufacturers have left out another important element in the fake watch. They neglected the small Roman indicators next to each hour marker. In the authentic watch, the Roman indicators are placed on the railway pattern on the outer circumference of the dial. The railway pattern does exist in the replica watch but without the Roman indicators on it. Instead of these indicators, the manufacturers fixed some tiny luminous dots so that the watch is more bright in dark conditions.
The hour markers themselves, which are represented by fake diamond-cut stones, have a slightly different and smaller silhouette compared to the authentic version. The original watch has more expressive and prominent hour markers, making legibility much clearer.
The magnified date aperture
The 116334 watch model assumes a date function fixed at 3 o’clock. This comes with a magnifying lens on it to visually enlarge the date pointer. The proportion of the window seems to be identical in both watches. But their execution differs. I notice a coarser execution in the replica model, especially on the edge of the date aperture.
In the same context, it is somehow difficult for me to read the date because of the light falling on the aperture. I want to mention that the manufacturers claim to have used an anti-reflective coating on this opening. So, the light should not impact the visibility of the aperture to that extent. However, it seems that the anti-reflective coating is not exactly of the best quality, because I have to squint my eyes a little to read the rather magnified date.
The case of the Datejust watch
The case is the component of a watch that most obviously gives away a fake from a genuine one. This is because manufacturers rarely match the finish on the replica watch, or produce errors in its details. What I can say about these 2 cases is that they are impressively similar. I measured the fake watch from all perspectives. I did not find any critical errors in size or shape. What pleasantly surprised me is the finish on the replica case.
The transition between the brushed and finished surfaces is worthy of all appreciation. The finish is smooth and pleasant to the touch, without rigid areas. The only element that differentiates the case of the fake watch from the authentic one is the text on the case side. Replica manufacturers could not execute the writing in the same refined and accurate form as seen in the authentic watch. While the inscription on the authentic timepiece is perfectly legible, it takes me some effort to perceive the inscription on the fake watch.
The bezel of the Datejust watch
If the finish of the case looks very decent in the replica timepiece, I cannot say exactly the same about the finish of the bezel. Considering that the bezel has a fluttered pattern, I assume that it was a bit difficult for the manufacturers to process it properly. As a result, I notice a slightly non-uniform finish on the bezel. I admit that I am satisfied with how the grooves of the replica bezel look. They have a correct alignment. However, these are slightly rougher in comparison to the genuine alternative ones.
Datejust watch crystal
The authentic Datejust has a sapphire crystal of all beauty. It does not allow excessive light to impact the visibility of the dial through it. As for the replica option, the manufacturers opted for a mineral crystal. Of course, there is a small difference between the look of the 2 crystals. However, I must admit that the mineral option in the fake watch does not look bad at all. I feel it is solid and safe, with an extremely refined domed curvature that adds a kind of exquisiteness to this knockoff. Even if it is not a sapphire crystal, I am pleasantly surprised by how the mineral crystal looks.
Datejust watch bracelet
The construction of both bracelets is very similar. As with the knockoff case, the manufacturers made their best with the finishing of the bracelet. This also shows a qualitative finish with nice transitions between polished and brushed surfaces. However, I have to admit that the lower quality of the stainless steel gives the replica watch a bad name. The shine of the finish is not as expressive as the genuine model.
Datejust watch weight
The inferior quality of the stainless steel also affects the replica watch’s weight, in addition to the bracelet’s look. Consequently, this knockoff is noticeably lighter than the authentic timepiece. The genuine Datejust is a watch whose presence you cannot ignore on your wrist. It feels firm and steady with every movement of the arm. With the Datejust knockoff, I can barely feel that I have a watch on my wrist. This one is much more airy, with a clear difference of a few grams.