Before you think about buying a Rolex replica watch you need to do a reality check: you are about to buy illegal counterfeit goods from someone (most likely) in a foreign country. The goods you get are by no means as reliable or durable as a genuine watch. No matter what someone tells you. These are watches made as cheaply as possible, not highly crafted Swiss timepieces. Plus Rolex doesn't take kindly to people stepping on their Intellectual Property. End of caveat.

Ok, here's some real inside information here: there are two ways to buy a Rolex (or any other brand such as Panerai or Cartier) replica watch online. One is to visit one of the commercial sites on the web such as Perfect Swiss or IdealWatches and pay about $800 to $1000 for a watch that cost $50 to make. Smart? I don't think so, but hey it's your money.

The other way is to get to know one of the dealers that isn't as open about their profession as to running a large web site. These people are for the most part reliable and honest. And they charge a hell of a lot less than $800 for a freakin' Submariner replica. BUT you have to be smart when dealing with them. They suffer fools not at all, as they have been burned in the past by inexperienced buyers. I'll be posting an article on the proper etiquette of replica watch shopping real soon.

These dealers are sometimes difficult to find, but the effort is worth it. You can establish a relationship with someone who'll provide a good product and will stand behind it.

Where Do You Find These Guys?

Places like eBay and uBid have dozens of replica Rolex and replica Panerai ads running all the time. These dealers are less expensive than the commercial sites. Forums like TRC and RWG are also great places to find good replica watch dealers. They're also excellent places to read feedback and reviews of the products these dealers carry. Some dealers have web sites (more likely web photo galleries) where you can view their wares. They then require you to contact them via email or Private Message. It's at this stage you'll negotiate a price.

Why Don't These Guys Provide Pricing on their Watches?

Many replica dealers don't list a price with their watches. They require you to contact them to get a price. I'd say there are several different reasons why they don't list prices: partially because they want to price the watch to the buyer (frequent buyers get a discount), partially because they don't want to be seen as selling counterfeit goods to the authorities (who are in all probability watching these forums). Whatever the reason some dealers require YOU ask THEM for the price.

When you contact a dealer be friendly, respectful, and most of all don't be stupid. Don't demand COD payment or ask ten million questions that can be answered elsewhere. Don't expect Rolex service and quality for $200. Respect their time and you'll be rewarded with a swift transaction and hopefully a little price break.

Big No-Nos

When paying for your replica watch don't mention ANYWHERE in the transaction that you're buying counterfeit goods. That means if you're paying with Paypal don't put "REPLICA ROLEX DAYTONA WATCH" in the comment field. Just don't. Hell, don't even mention it's a watch. Customs crawls over packages from overseas looking for just such clues to their contents. Don't screw yourself or the dealer.

Don't do charge-backs! If you have a problem with a transaction (late shipping, never arrived, broken goods) talk to the dealer FIRST. Always give negotiation a chance to work out before you pull the trigger and go nuclear. And to be honest you're better off just taking the loss if you have trouble working things out. If you contest the transaction you'll either have to lie or tell the real truth: "I was buying illegal counterfeit goods and got ripped off!" That just doesn't sound good. Remember, there isn't a BBB for replica watches.

Remember Replicas are Replicas

River, a good dealer friend of mine has always said: "Replicas are Replicas". This means to keep everything into perspective. Replica watches are made as cheaply as the manufacturers feel they can get away with. Although it might look like a Rolex in reality the resemblence is only skin deep. In other words these watches aren't designed to last 25 years like a genuine Rolex. It may have flaws or worse yet stop running in a year or so. Don't get too upset. You paid a fraction of what the genuine was selling for and you got to enjoy the watch for as long as you did.