Let’s move on to another classic UK 1:1 fake Rolex Datejust reference that is widely loved by Rolex fans. The Datejust ref. 1601 is one of the line’s most iconic references. Fratello’s own Thomas wrote a great in-depth article about his stainless steel ref. 1601 with a silver dial, fluted bezel, and a Jubilee bracelet. It’s the archetypical Rolex Datejust replica for sale, and I would be chasing it.
But what about that same classic reference in gold with a gold dial? The cheap replica Rolex ref. 1601/8 turns up the “wow” factor up to 11. The iconic 36mm case design, the fluted bezel, the boxed-shaped Plexiglass crystal, and the pie-pan dial combine to create an absolute beauty of a watch in yellow gold.
The aaa quality replica Rolex Datejust 1601 was introduced in 1959 and stayed in production until 1977. During that production run, Rolex used several movements for it. The first was caliber 1565, which operated at 18,000vph and had a 42-hour power reserve. In 1965, Swiss movement copy Rolex updated it to caliber 1575, which had a higher 19,800vph beat rate. Then, in 1972, top quality fake Rolex updated the movement again with a hacking function but without changing the caliber reference.
The best super clone Rolex ref. 1601 UK started with Alpha hands but saw a switch to baton hands, which the brand still uses today. There are several great options in terms of colors and materials, including the famous stone dials. On a leather strap, asking prices for a Swiss movement fake Rolex Datejust 1601/8 start at roughly €6.5K and move up slowly to around €11K. If you want the gold bracelet with a regular dial, pre-owned prices start at roughly €11K and increase to €23K. In particular, the lower end of that spectrum will get you an absolute classic in gold for quite a reasonable sum.
