The Fratello Watch List — Nacho’s Pre-Owned And Vintage Favorites From UK Luxury Replica Rolex And Omega
UK Perfect Replica Rolex Explorer II 16570 “Polar”
Those of you who have been reading along for a few years now will already have guessed it. My first pre-owned favorite is the best replica Rolex Explorer II 16570. A couple of years ago, I wrote an article in which I expressed the feeling that prices for this watch were on their way to becoming unattainable. And so they did, reaching highs of €10K–13K depending on the condition and the integrity of the set of box and papers provided. It’s not news to anyone that since the 2021 highs, we’ve seen a steady decline in prices on the pre-owned market. The 16570 has been no exception. Currently, a Rolex Explorer II in good condition will set you back around €7,500, but if you’re willing to overlook a full set, you can snap one up for as low as €6,300.
It’s still a lot of money for a watch that, just 10 years ago, could easily be had for somewhere around €3,500. But the current prices are truly something I never thought we’d see again. I’m beginning to think that what once became a given-up-on-grail may potentially be back on the menu. Why do I like the Explorer II so much? And why the five-digit reference specifically? Well, I’ve expressed it in detail in the aforementioned articles. Essentially, though, it comes down to the fact that it was not a popular high quality fake Rolex model. In fact, it was easily the least popular for many years. Yet, looking at it, it strikes me as a charming, balanced, cleverly designed tool watch with a sense of purpose and not a shred of luxurious pretense to water it down. It’s still a Rolex, sure. But it’s the Rolex that’s right for me.
UK AAA Replica Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 2504.50.00
This third pick is one I’ve had my eye on for a while. To me, this 36mm cheap super clone Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is a great alternative to the Rolex Explorer 114270. This glossy-black-dialed generation of the Aqua Terra has always been highly underrated. And though the larger models tended to be more popular back then, the 36mm alternative flew under the radar. Perfectly proportioned, the top replica watches also feature a nice and subtle date window at 3 o’clock and is a clear example that sometimes less is more. Speaking of “less,” this Aqua Terra also features less high polishing than current models. In fact, the whole bracelet is brushed, and only the outer sloping angle of its distinctive lyre lugs and bezel are polished.
It has a perfectly balanced blend of sporty and classy in a wonderfully understated package. In fact, this could be a serious contender for the greatest GADA watch of all time. Even these older models feature Swiss copy Omega’s Co-Axial movement and will, therefore, set you back a fair chunk more than Seamaster 300M models from the same era. This particular example is listed at €3,795 on Chrono24, but they can be had anywhere in the €2,700–4,000 range. If you want an even less expensive alternative, you can always opt for its quartz counterpart (ref. 2518.50.00), which can be had for less than two grand. Either way, you really can’t go wrong.
