The Best Replica Rolex Watches from the 1980s
Fake Rolex watches produced in the 1980s are unique because they have not been granted the status of “vintage” among many fans who adore Rolex. However, with the continuous development of watchmaking technology, they are no longer considered modern. Because of this unique transformation, Rolex watches produced during this period are widely sought after by collectors in the industry. They are also cheaper than true vintage or modern Rolex models and have an aesthetic unique to the 80s that even the most experienced replica luxury watch enthusiasts will notice.
Having said that, you may be wondering, what are the best 1980s Rolex replica watches on the pre-owned market? If you ask us, many are favorites of admirers, often flying under the radar, but very popular among Rolex lovers. In this buying guide, we will focus on our favorite anonymous Rolex watches from the 1980s and explain why we love them so much. Who knows, you might find that a Rolex from the 80s fits your wrist best.
Best Replica Rolex Watches From The 1980s
Let’s face it, the 80s are not a good time for watchmaking or design. In other words, Rolex has never been a person trying to reinvent the wheel or abandon the design norms of the past. Compared with most other Swiss watch brands, it has not suffered such severe losses in the past ten years. Many of these Rolex watches from the 1980s have not been considered vintage, so they are not as monumental as the copy watches of the 60s and 70s, nor are they as modern as the watches from the late 90s to today.
What does this mean for collectors? Well, among other things, this makes a full decade of watches still easier to achieve than similar fake watches – although they are destined to achieve similar levels of long-term appreciation in the future. With this in mind, here are some Rolex models from the New Wave and Synth-Pop era in the 1980s.
Luxurious Replica Rolex Submariner 16800
Key Features of Submariner 16800
- Reference Number: 16800
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display
- Dial: Black w/ Luminous Hour Markers
- Bezel: Unidirectional, Black Aluminum Insert w/ 60-Minute Scale
- Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 3035
- Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet
We will start here because we find the low price of the Rolex Submariner ref. 16800 is completely confusing. In many ways, this is the best of both worlds for the vintage Submariner. This is to update the line to a model for quick-set cal. 3035, and this was the first time that a sapphire crystal was added to the equation. Another first in the Submariner collection is the 300-meter depth rating, which debuted with the Rolex ref. 16800.
The Rolex Submariner 16800 has also entered the use window of Tritium Lume. Tritium Lume ages with its own lovely character, forming a rich and unique patina in the process. This combination of modern and vintage makes a great everyday wearer, in some respects arguably better than the more famous and collectible ref. 5513, and you can still get the clone Rolex in the second-hand market. The price of ten thousand dollars is a good example.
New Fake Rolex GMT-Master II 16760
Key Features of GMT-Master II 16760
- Reference Number: 16760
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display, GMT Functionality
- Dial: Black w/ Luminous Hour Markers
- Bezel: Bidirectional, Black and Red Aluminum Insert w/ 24-Hour Scale
- Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 3085
- Strap/Bracelet: Oyster or Jubilee Bracelet
This is another good choice because the Coke bezel GMT-Master II was one of the few wonders in the watch world in the 1980s. It is right! This guy was the first 1:1 Rolex GMT-Master II model launched in 1982, which was featured by the new Caliber 3085 movement at the time.
The ref. 16760 GMT-Master II is the dawn of Rolex’s adjustable hour hands. The reference is called “Fat Lady” or “Sophia Loren” because it requires a slightly thicker case to accommodate new and advanced calibers. It also introduced the GMT collection with the sapphire crystal and red and black “Coke” bezel. It is worth noting that this bezel option is the only colorway produced for the ref. 16760. If this is not enough to win your favor, you can add this Rolex replica history record to your watch box for a price of about $14,000.
High-quality Copy Rolex Day-Date President 18078
Key Features of Day-Date President 18078
- Reference Number: 18078
- Case Size: 36mm
- Materials: 18k Yellow Gold
- Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display, Day Display
- Dial: Stone Dial – Tiger’s Eye (Multiple Options Available)
- Bezel: Fixed, 18k Yellow Gold w/ Bark Texture
- Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 3055
- Strap/Bracelet: President Bracelet w/ Bark Texture Center Links
Although the large and gorgeous gold products were actually the products of the 70s, in the 80s, a large declarative work also had a place. On this occasion, there is no more important statement than a solid gold Rolex Day-Date replica, especially a Presidential bracelet with a bark texture center link, a bezel that matches the bark texture, and a Tiger’s Eye dial. For example, this usually sells for around $20,000, but you can get an example of this with a standard dial, and the price is close to $15,000.
Like some other stone dials in the grade AAA+ Rolex catalog, part of the appeal of this dial is the simplicity of the dial, which has no index at all except for the applied Rolex crown and printed text. Although this dial is certainly not the only product that uses this dial, this particularly charming dial can be traced back to the mid-1980s. It is an iconic “President’s Watch” with 12 o’clock and 3 o’clock with the dual calendar aperture.
Classic Replica Rolex Datejust 16234
Key Features of Datejust 16234
- Reference Number: 16234
- Case Size: 36mm
- Materials: Stainless Steel & 18k White Gold
- Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display
- Dial: Multiple Options Available
- Bezel: Fixed, 18k White Gold w/ Fluted Texture
- Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 3135
- Strap/Bracelet: Oyster or Jubilee Bracelet
On the more austere side, the classic Rolex Datejust is another timeless choice. It is a watch that can always occupy a meaningful place in your collection. One of the 36mm older knockoff watches is a good example. A novice collector who loves to collect can use it as the perfect “first Rolex” for the money.
These ’80s replica Rolex Datejust watches often appear at around $5,000 or $6,000. They are clean, sturdy, and sometimes have textured dial surfaces, such as those with linen and tapestry patterns. At 36mm in size, they are not as compact as the vintage Air-King references, and these models now represent important bargains. However, they are still a versatile size and can work perfectly on almost any wrist. The Rolex Datejust 16234 uses a stainless steel case and a bracelet with an 18k white gold fluted bezel. It is also an excellent opportunity to buy a Rolex watch with Swiss ETA movement and gold elements. The price is affordable and much higher than the all-steel model.
High-end Counterfeit Rolex Submariner 16803
Key Features of Submariner 16803
- Reference Number: 16803
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials: Stainless Steel & 18k Yellow Gold
- Functions: Time w/ Running Seconds, Date Display
- Dial: Black or Blue w/ Luminous Hour Markers
- Bezel: Unidirectional, Black or Blue Aluminum Insert w/ 60-Minute Scale
- Crystal: Sapphire (Flat w/ Cyclops Lens)
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 3035
- Strap/Bracelet: Oyster Bracelet
Speaking of the 1980s, we can’t help but mention two-tone watches, right? Technically speaking, the roots of the two-tone trend can be traced back to the 1930s. But in the 1980s, the economic recession struck, budgets tightened, and the idea of more “affordable” luxury goods was truly in the watch industry. Those who want to spend less money in exchange for a little sparkle quickly see the trend of two-tones, which Rolex is happy to provide. The replica Rolex Submariner 16803 is the best choice for men.
The imitation Submariner is one of many two-tone models, which is a bit surprising considering that the brand really likes to use the roots of its tool watches. In many ways, this move provided the tone for the Submariner, making it more like a status symbol than just a piece of diving equipment. In some respects, this makes the ref. 16803 the dawn of a new era for the Submariner watch. It is priced at about $10,000 on the secondary market. Compared with the all-steel version, it also represents a real bargain.