The perfect replica Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches reference 1002 are not a rare watch. Yet, with this dial it certainly is. To be exact, there are three examples of this dial known to the market. When I first encountered one of the three while in Geneva for auctions back in May, I was floored. This is Rolex nerd heaven. With the simple change of applied hour markers to large printed Breguet numerals, a “standard” OP is really elevated.
The known cheap super clone watches have all come to market somewhat recently and scholarship on these has been evolving. On all three, the reverse of the dial is signed in a similar fashion by Beyeler, a Rolex dial supplier of the time, leading to the theory that they all belong to the same, presumably small, batch and were produced at the same time. This case, dating to 1976, is the earliest known so far but the others date to just a few years later.
Not only do the Breguet numerals create rarity, but they also do a lot for the overall look. In May, I wasn’t floored simply because it were vintage best fake Rolex watches I had never seen before. Sure, that was a factor. But adding to it was how well the design worked and how charming the simple OP was. It is no surprise, as my favorite Pateks feature Breguet numerals. But there is something even more charming about these rare OPs because the style is just very un-high quality copy Rolex watches-like, for lack of a better fake word.
