The Rolex watch catalog is rich in complex and unique models. When you browse the brand’s catalog, you immediately understand why the whole world adores this watchmaking house. And even if I’m not the number one fan of the brand, I admit that Rolex watches cannot leave me indifferent.
One of the models that captured the most attention is the Rolex 1530. Its specific characteristics turned it into an amazing watch that attracted the attention of the most ambitious critics. It is about the fact that the brand decided to opt for a quartz movement in it, which amazed the whole community. At the same time, the timepiece offers an angular case and an integrated bracelet, which is not exactly characteristic of the brand. This is because the last releases revolved around Jubilee bracelets and Oyster cases.
We recently received a set of 1530 replica watches from the manufacturers we collaborate with. I have the special pleasure to review it, especially since I also have an authentic model. So, I will do a side-by-side review, which will allow me to analyze it very deeply.
1530 movement: genuine vs replica
Rolex had a curious path regarding this model. Some decades ago, the brand equipped it with a quartz mechanism, which surprised its faithful community. Somewhat later, the brand returned to the standard concept of automatic mechanisms. The authentic model I am holding runs on a 1575 mechanical self-winding mechanism. Moreover, it enjoys the title of the chronograph in every sense of the word, because it is certified according to COSC standards. I think it is superfluous to say how precise and accurate this watch is.
The 1530 genuine Rolex mechanism has 26 jewels in its movement. In addition to all the benefits it enjoys, it provides a 48-hour power reserve. It is neither too much nor too little. Like most Rolex watches I would say.
The watch has a date function that changes automatically after midnight. Moreover, the hacking seconds function stops the second hand when I pull the winding crown out to set the time.
In contrast…
The replica manufacturers opted for a 1570 mechanism in the knockoff watch. I can’t say that it is the best-performing movement for a replica Rolex. However, I must admit that it is quite decent in terms of accuracy and function. From my experience, this type of mechanism ends up working for around 3-4 years, whenever the owner keeps the knockoff on optimal conditions. The good part of things is that the mechanism can be easily replaced even if things go wrong for some reason. The power reserve of this replica watch lasts up to around 24 hours and its accuracy is +5-7 sec per day. It is quite an appreciable result for a replica watch.
1530 dial: genuine vs replica
Initially, I did not see anything special in the dial of this model. It is very similar to many other Rolex watches with vintage air. An expressive date at 3 o’clock with Cyclops lens, the representative crown at 12 o’clock, and the 3 hour/minute/second hands. Nothing special until then.
It took me some time to identify the specifics of the authentic dial. If you pay attention to the details, you will notice that the dial is very similar to an inverted Pie Pan dial, as it slopes downward from the minute track. It is possible that this aesthetic element appeared as a result of Rolex switching from quartz to mechanical movement. And as the mechanical movement is thinner than the quartz one, it generated such a dial design.
I discovered the inscription “T Swiss T” within the minute track. This makes me understand that Rolex used tritium as a luminescent material. The luminescence of this authentic watch suggests a creamy tone. This is the result of years. I assume that initially, it was whiter in color. The brand also uses tritium in each of the dots above each hour marker. At the same time, I notice shades of beige on the dial plate which were originally silver. This is also an effect of watch aging that only makes its vintage charisma more prominent.
In contrast…
The replica watch looks “new” even if the manufacturers tried to make it look “vintage”. The tone of the dial is more silvery. The silver is homogeneous on the entire surface of the dial, without light beige spots, like the ones in the genuine version.
Manufacturers could not reproduce the Pie Pan dial effect to the same extent as with the genuine watch. As a result, the dial plate of the knockoff is a bit more flat.
I don’t see the inscription “T Swiss T” in the minute track. This makes me understand that the luminescent material in it is not tritium at all, but ordinary lume. The light emanating from this lume is a colder white, but strong, and not at all creamy, as I see it in the authentic watch. I don’t think this is a big problem, because the luminescence is quite expressive, and that’s all that matters to me.
In general, the dial design of the replica watch is very close to what I see in the authentic version. The markings, crown, and hour markers are correct. However, what makes me understand that I am dealing with an imitation is the Cyclops lens. This increases the date very slightly. I assume that the magnification is only at 1.5 percent when it should be at 2.5 according to the authentic model.
Apart from the lack of “time” which manifests itself through a transient dial in shades of silver- beige, the execution of the replica watch seems quite decent to me.
1530 case and bracelet: genuine vs replica
If you are familiar with the rounded and smooth shapes of Rolex watches, you will miss them in the 1530 model. This is because the shape of the case is somehow angular and slightly sharp. Even if the case has sharp angles and shapes, they are executed so delicately that you find the watch as a refined whole.
The case of the authentic model measures 36mm in diameter. This is, of course, waterproof. A curious thing about this watch is that initially, the company equipped it with sapphire crystal. After several iterations, the brand switched to acrylic crystal, which again confused the faithful community. This once again proves that this vintage watch model is completely experimental. Either way, the model I am comparing with the replica watch is one with a sapphire crystal.
To be honest, I really like how this integrated bracelet fits in the context. It features a three-link design. If you are a fan of the 5-link bracelet architecture, then the 1630 model is more suitable for you. What I like about this bracelet is its strong vintage look. I have the impression that I am dealing with a watch from the ’70s that was popular for its integrity with the bracelet. Both the bracelet and the authentic watch case are made of 96660 stainless steel. Thanks to this steel, I feel the watch is “full” and firm.
The angles abundance of the case of this watch reminds me of the Royal Oak models and my favorite Nautilus. This has an explanation behind it. All 3, including the Rolex, were created by the same phenomenal designer. I think you know who it is. It’s about none other than the great Geralt Genta.
In contrast…
The replica watch is insignificantly larger than the authentic model. It measures a little over 36mm, 36.2mm to be exact. I can only notice the difference if I put them next to each other. But if I put it on my wrist, these extra 2 millimeters don’t bother me at all.
I must admit that the manufacturers have reproduced the angular architecture of the replica watch very well. The bezel and the casing around it have sharp edges but are finished quite qualitatively.
The visual difference between the 2 watches is in their crystal. The replica watch has a mineral crystal. The crystal looks good, with a fairly qualitative anti-reflective coating that improves the visibility of the dial. However, I must admit that the sapphire crystal of the genuine watch has a special vibe.
As for the feeling, I feel the replica watch is “emptier”. This is because of the 316 stainless steel, which I assume does not have the same density as the authentic watch. The weight of the watch differs a little, being lighter.
The bracelet of the watch has a very nice execution. The finish is homogeneous on the entire surface. At the same time, I do not notice any severe deviations in its architecture.