Few stories are as compelling as those associated with watches worn during humanity’s historic journey to the Moon. Among the standout pieces available in RR Auction’s Fall Space Exploration auction are two iconic watches: Edgar Mitchell’s replica Rolex GMT-Master 1675 and Dave Scott’s Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 commemorative watch. These watches not only represent extraordinary engineering but also carry deep personal significance tied to their illustrious owners.  

Edgar Mitchell’s Rolex GMT-Master 1675, which he wore during his Apollo 14 mission in January 1971, is one of only four Rolex GMT models known to have orbited the Moon. The others include Jack Swigert’s, which was famously nicknamed “Root Beer,” Ron Evans’ watch from Apollo 17, and Stu Roosa’s from Apollo 14. This leaves Mitchell’s GMT-Master as the last known Rolex flown to the Moon that is publicly available for auction.

Karlyn Mitchell, Edgar’s eldest daughter, fondly recalls receiving the watch as a gift from her father on December 31, 1979. She shared how much he cherished the watch, often explaining its unique functionality of displaying two time zones simultaneously. Edgar was known to wear his GMT-Master frequently, even seeking an automatic winder to keep it powered. The watch’s historical provenance is further enhanced by a letter of authenticity signed by Edgar, affirming its journey to the lunar surface. 

The engraved case back of the clone watch tells a personal story as well. In 1979, Edgar had it inscribed to commemorate its lunar flight and to dedicate it to Karlyn. Despite a minor spelling error in her name, the engraving symbolizes a meaningful legacy that Karlyn treasures to this day.

The narrative of this vintage watch is intertwined with the memory of Edgar himself. I had the privilege of knowing him for over 15 years, and he was a man of integrity and deep curiosity, engaging in thoughtful discussions on various topics ranging from science to spirituality. His reflections on life and the universe left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Similarly, I’ve had the honor of knowing Dave Scott since our first meeting in 2004 at a space event. Our friendship deepened when I invited him to discuss a paper I co-authored on the future of human spaceflight. Dave’s intellect and passion for exploration are evident in every conversation, as he continually shares insightful resources on engineering and scientific advancements. 

One notable piece in the auction is Dave Scott’s gold Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11, serial number 16, which he received during a memorable dinner hosted by Omega in November 1969. At this event, each astronaut present was gifted a commemorative watch, celebrating their contributions to space exploration. Dave’s letter of authenticity, detailing his personal experiences from that evening, adds to the watch’s remarkable provenance.  

Dave recalls the elegance of the event, humorously noting the copy watch’s beauty and reliability, but he also highlights its significance as a symbol of achievement – marking humanity’s monumental accomplishment of landing on the Moon. Unlike other Speedmaster models, this watch is entirely original and comes directly from one of the legendary Moonwalkers.

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The Rolex Daytona, named after the legendary Daytona International Speedway, has deep ties to the world of motor racing. Known for its chronograph dials and tachymetric scale, the Daytona is not just a functional watch but also an emblem of bold design and precision.  

The Daytona has been adorned with a wide variety of dial options, each lending a unique personality to the watch. From the classic Panda dial to the luxurious mother of pearl, and the striking meteorite, every dial brings something distinct to the table.

Among these, one of the most revered is the “Racing Dial,” which was produced from the late 2000s until 2016. Let’s take a closer look at this distinctive variant of the Daytona dial.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116509
The “Racing Dial” variant is found within the Rolex Daytona ref. 116509 series. Introduced in 2004, this model holds the distinction of being the first white gold Daytona to feature an Oyster bracelet crafted from the same precious metal.

It’s important to distinguish the ref. 116509 from the similarly white gold ref. 116519. While both boast immaculate white gold construction, the ref. 116509 is entirely made of gold, complete with a matching bracelet and bezel. In contrast, the ref. 116519 is paired with either a leather or Oysterflex band and features a white gold or ceramic bezel.

To the untrained eye, the silvery metallic sheen of the replica Rolex Daytona 116509 might be mistaken for stainless steel. However, aficionados know that this model is crafted from 18-carat white gold, a fact underscored by its weight and luster. Rolex’s commitment to excellence is evident in their use of an in-house foundry, which ensures that the gold used is of the highest quality. The three-link Oyster bracelet, heavier than its stainless steel counterpart, adds to the watch’s sporty allure.

Underneath the dial, the Daytona ref. 116509 is powered by the COSC-certified Caliber 4130 movement, a hallmark of Rolex’s engineering prowess. This first-generation movement is known for its enhanced reliability, thanks to fewer components, a Parachrom hairspring that resists external factors, and an impressive 72-hour power reserve.

The Rolex Daytona ref. 116509 Racing Dial
The fake Rolex Daytona ref. 116509 “Racing Dial” masterfully blends the understated elegance of white gold with eye-catching accents that evoke the spirit of motorsport.

Instead of the standard indices, the dial features applied 18-carat white gold Arabic numerals, imparting a sporty aesthetic to the watch. The dial is further enlivened by striking “Ferrari red” details on the minute track, sub-registers, and central chronograph hand.

Initial versions of this dial came in matte charcoal black with white gold Arabic numerals, as well as sunburst silver dials with contrasting black Arabic numerals, highlighting the brilliance of the white gold case. A rare and modern gray-brown dial was also introduced, along with a meteorite dial featuring Roman numeral markers in white gold. 

In 2016, the “Racing Dial” saw a modern twist with the introduction of a sunburst blue dial. The “Ferrari red” accents remained, but the previous Arabic and Roman numerals were replaced with white gold hour markers featuring Rolex’s Chromalight, a highly legible luminescent material.

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The Rolex Daytona has transcended time to become an icon in the realm of vintage grail watch collecting, steeped in a blend of elegance and Hollywood allure. Within this prestigious lineage lies a legendary watch forever linked to the iconic actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman.  

The Genesis of a Legend

Paul Newman’s association with the clone Rolex Daytona is a tale woven with threads of passion and precision. As an ardent auto racing aficionado, Newman donned his beloved Daytona during exhilarating moments on the track, notably gracing the Rolex 24 at Daytona with its presence.

The Iconic “Paul Newman” Daytona

Newman’s personal watch, a reference 6239 replica Rolex Daytona adorned with an exotic dial, stands as a testament to elegance and sentimentality. Gifted by his wife, Joanne Woodward, with a heartfelt engraving, this watch bore witness to Newman’s ventures both on and off the silver screen.

The Rise of a Legend

Beyond its sentimental value, Newman’s Daytona captivated enthusiasts with its distinctive “exotic” dial design, characterized by contrasting sub-dials and a whimsical arrangement of markers. Despite initial obscurity, the allure of this unique watch soared in the 1980s, propelled by Italian aficionados and immortalized in a photograph of Newman himself for https://www.replicaimitation.com.

Legacy Beyond Measure

Newman’s Daytona transcended generations, etching its legacy in horological history. Following his passing, the resonance of his watch echoed in the halls of auction houses, culminating in a record-breaking sale in 2017, where the ref 6239 fetched a staggering $17.8 million.

Deciphering the Essence of a “Paul Newman” Daytona

What defines a Rolex Daytona as a “Paul Newman”? It’s the intricate dance of design elements, from the exotic dial’s artful arrangement to the elegant font adorning its numerals. The squared hands, a nod to vintage charm, and the distinct sub-dial shapes further elevate its allure, casting a spell on collectors and enthusiasts alike.  

A Tapestry of watches: Key Features of Each Reference

The saga of the Paul Newman fake Rolex Daytona spans across six references, each bearing its own unique charm and allure. From the inaugural Ref 6239, with its sporty bezel and distinctive dial arrangement, to subsequent iterations that echoed the spirit of racing and elegance, each reference paints a portrait of timeless sophistication and craftsmanship.

In Retrospect: The Enduring Appeal

Today, the allure of Paul Newman’s Daytona endures, capturing the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Its historical significance, intertwined with the legacy of a legendary figure, renders it not just a watch but a symbol of timeless elegance and Hollywood mystique.

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Originally designed for precision timing in the world of motorsports, the replica Rolex Daytona has transcended its utilitarian roots to become a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Central to this evolution is Rolex’s incorporation of exquisite stone dials, complementing the watch’s precious metals and gemstones.

Discerning collectors value hard stone dialed watches for their unique craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each watch exudes a level of desirability born from the dedication and precision involved in its creation.

An exemplary demonstration of this craftsmanship is found in the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona White Gold Blue Sodalite Diamond Dial 116519. Featuring original Rolex diamond hour markers and 18k white gold Arabic numerals, this watch embodies exclusivity and elegance.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref 116519, introduced in 2007, stands as a rare iteration of the iconic racing watch. Its 40mm case, intricately engraved tachymeter bezel, and renowned self-winding Caliber 4130 movement exemplify the collection’s distinctive features.

Beneath its steel exterior lies an 18k white gold construction, characterized by its lustrous finish and substantial weight. The use of sodalite stone for the dial further distinguishes this watch, adding a rich, royal blue hue and unique veining patterns.

Crafting a hard-stone dial is a painstaking process, involving the precise slicing and fitting of stone fragments onto a brass base. The result is a limited number of dials, each with its own distinct characteristics, highly coveted by collectors.

The sodalite dial features three recessed chronograph registers and Arabic numeral quarter markers in 18k white gold, accented by original Rolex factory diamonds. This showcases Rolex’s mastery in working with delicate materials and precision engineering.

Powering the watch is the brand’s in-house self-winding chronograph Caliber 4130, renowned for its reliability and accuracy. As a testament to Rolex’s commitment to excellence, this movement ensures enduring performance.

The Rolex Daytona White Gold Blue Sodalite Diamond Dial 116519 exemplifies the fusion of horological expertise and artistic craftsmanship. From its rare and luxurious materials to its impeccable engineering, it stands as a testament to Rolex’s enduring legacy in the world of haute horlogerie.

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In the realm of luxury timepieces, Rolex stands as an enduring symbol of precision, craftsmanship, and sophistication. While often associated with men’s watches, Rolex has also curated an exquisite collection tailored specifically for women. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of replica Rolex watches for women, offering an objective evaluation of their suitability for various individuals. Additionally, we will recommend specific Rolex timepieces catering to different professional realms. Rolex watches for women offer a diverse range of options, catering to the multifaceted lifestyles and preferences of modern women. Whether one seeks a timeless classic, a statement piece, or a reliable companion for adventurous pursuits, Rolex has a timepiece that aligns with individual tastes and professional needs. With an unwavering commitment to quality and precision, Rolex continues to be a symbol of enduring elegance for women across the globe.

Rolex has seamlessly translated its iconic designs into a captivating range of women’s watches. Renowned for their timeless elegance, Rolex watches for women combine exquisite aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. The brand’s commitment to quality and precision has made it a symbol of status and refinement across the globe.

The Rolex Datejust Series:
The Datejust series is a testament to Rolex’s ability to merge classic design with modern functionality. With a diverse array of dial colors, materials, and bracelet options, the Datejust is perfect for the modern woman who values both style and substance.

The Rolex Lady-Datejust Pearlmaster:
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Lady-Datejust Pearlmaster is a true embodiment of femininity. Its elegant design, adorned with diamonds and precious stones, appeals to women who seek a touch of luxury in their timepiece.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust:
For the professional woman who values understated elegance, the Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust is an ideal choice. Its timeless design and functionality make it suitable for the boardroom or a formal event.  

The Rolex Yacht-Master:
The Yacht-Master series caters to women with a sense of adventure and a dynamic lifestyle. With its robust construction and nautical-inspired design, it’s perfect for women in professions that demand resilience and versatility.

The Rolex Pearlmaster:
Crafted with exquisite gem-setting techniques, the Pearlmaster series is tailored for the fashion-forward woman who appreciates the finer things in life. Its combination of precious metals and gemstones makes it a statement piece on any occasion.

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona:
The Cosmograph Daytona, with its sporty yet elegant design, appeals to women with a passion for fashion and a need for precision timing. It effortlessly combines style and functionality.

The Rolex Submariner Date:
The Submariner Date is perfect for the woman who leads an active lifestyle. Whether it’s diving into the depths of the ocean or participating in outdoor activities, this timepiece’s durability and water resistance make it a reliable companion.

The Rolex GMT-Master II:
Tailored for the jet-setting professional, the GMT-Master II is equipped with a dual time zone function. It caters to women who frequently travel for work or leisure, ensuring they stay on schedule in any part of the world.

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The Sky-Dweller is a relatively new addition to the Rolex lineup, having been introduced in 2012. The watch features a unique annual calendar function, which displays both the date and the month on the dial. The Sky-Dweller is also equipped with a dual time zone function, making it an ideal watch for travelers who need to keep track of multiple time zones.  
In terms of design, the Sky-Dweller has a distinctive look that sets it apart from other Rolex replica watches. The watch features a fluted bezel, which is available in several different materials, including yellow gold, white gold, and Everose gold. The dial is available in several colors, including black, white, and blue.
While the Sky-Dweller is a highly regarded and popular watch, it may not be for everyone. The watch is relatively large, measuring 42mm in diameter, which may be too big for some people. Additionally, the annual calendar function may not be necessary for everyone, especially if you don’t need to keep track of the date and month in different time zones.
Ultimately, whether or not you need the new Sky-Dweller Rolex depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a highly functional and unique luxury fake watch with a distinctive design, the Sky-Dweller may be a great choice. However, if you’re looking for something simpler or more classic, there are plenty of other Rolex watches to choose from.

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In an era when many brands could not make women’s watches with any kind of durability, Rolex was committed to providing the same robust details to their women’s offerings as they did to their men’s replica watches. Similarly, when Hans Wilsdorf publicly presented his water-resistant Oyster case in 1927, he chose a woman named Mercedes Gleitze to swim across the English Channel wearing a Rolex Oyster. The importance of women has been the foundation of the brand’s story, from the first Rolex catalog to its current offerings.  
Today, with hundreds of combinations, the Datejust is one of the most extensive collections in the Rolex catalog, offering references that appeal to every taste and preference. From materials and colors to strap designs and case sizes, every element of the watch caters to the customer’s personal desires.
This year, as an extension of the Datejust collection, which includes 41, 36 and 31 mm cases, Rolex has redesigned its emblematic model with several new stunning floral dials. The flowers on each dial are available in three different finishes: sunray, matte, and grain, giving each dial a unique depth and texture.
All three variations feature a new floral motif in a 31mm case size. The floral dials offer a splash of color, with 24 diamonds adorning the center of each flower. The construction and finish of these dials is a marvel in dial making, with a 3D look and layered textures adding visual appeal and wonderful detail.
The Datejust heritage spans the ages while retaining an enduring aesthetic character that makes it immediately recognizable and appreciated. One of the world’s most iconic copy watch collections, Datejust maintains its original design and functionality while continuing to improve on an already near-perfect design with the latest innovative watchmaking technologies, new finishing standards, and the highest levels of quality.
These latest variants offer a modern take on a classic, complementing the old refined and sophisticated case design with a dial that exudes youthful color and interest. In each Datejust 31, the caliber 22326 – with its Syloxi silicon hairspring to resist magnetic forces – moves accurately within the chronometer standards.
The Datejust 31 offers further innovations in movement technology. The paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus escapement wheel and the Paraflex shock absorber form a robust design suitable for the rigors of everyday use.
The next step in the Datejust tradition, the Datejust 31, with its patterned dial extends the warm seasonal atmosphere to a well-executed case silhouette with the help of an intricate design and rich colors. To admire these magnificent timepieces, please make an appointment to see them in person at any of our London jewelry store locations.

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Rolex revised its Submariner collection for 2020 and unleashed extraordinary demand for its Oyster model with a green bezel. Our test from the WatchTime archives looks at this latest version, with its revised case and new movement, to see if it lives up to the hype.
Initially, the dimensions were the source of some confusion. The specifications for the new Rolex model show a larger case at 41mm instead of 40mm. However, when the two models are placed side-by-side, the new replica watch almost looks smaller. In fact, the Oyster case has only increased by a very small amount, from 40.3 mm to 40.8 mm. However, the smaller lugs make it even more streamlined than its predecessor. The Oyster bracelet now measures 21 mm between the lugs instead of 20 mm, and the clasp is 1 mm wider.  
All in all, in the absence of a direct comparison, the difference is barely noticeable, except for the more refined lugs. Apart from the slightly wider hands, there are very few changes to the dial, except in the case of the Submariner LV, which, like our test watch, is a nod to reference number 126610LV, which stands for lunette verte (green bezel).

Also new is the small crown between the words “Swiss Made” on the dial, which, as we have seen in other Rolex models, represents the newer 3235 movement. Rolex has changed more than 90% of the components of its 3135 movement and has been granted 14 patents related to its development. In particular, shock absorption and reliability have been improved. Thanks to a new ball-bearing rotor, winding is more efficient and the power reserve can be built up more quickly. Some people may now be able to hear the rotor, whereas before it was silent.
The most important factor for the wearer is the increase in power reserve, from 48 hours to 70 hours. Rolex has achieved this increase through thinner barrel walls, which allow for longer mainsprings, and through the innovative Chronergy escapement, which increases the efficiency of the Swiss lever escapement by 15%. This is due to the modified geometry and skeletonized form, which reduces its weight.
Our copy watch did not quite reach these values on our Witschi chronometer. It was measured in every position and showed an average rate of -2.3 seconds per day. However, the individual positions remained close to the rate, between -1 and -4 seconds per day.

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For the first decade of its existence, the replica Rolex Sea-Dweller bore both the “Sea-Dweller” and “Submariner 2000″ names in red text on its dial face. However, in 1977, Rolex released a new Sea-Dweller – still with the reference number 1665 – that completely abandoned the red text lines and the Submariner name in favor of an entirely black and white dial.
To match the latest dial of the “Great White” Sea-Dweller, the case back of the new generation 1665 features a slightly more elaborate engraving, with the Rolex name curving along the curves of the recesses rather than appearing in a straight line. Aside from the subtle updates to the dial and case back, the new generation of Model 1665 Sea-Dweller watches are very similar to those that came before them with red text; however, the updates on the “Great White” represent much more than the actual changes to the watch itself.  
The Rolex Sea-Dweller started out as a submariner, modified to be more water-resistant to withstand the deeper depths below the ocean’s surface. For the first decade of its existence, the Sea-Dweller also bore the Submariner name on its dial, so it was unclear whether the Sea-Dweller was a separate watch line or simply a special version of the Submariner, designed for more strictly specialized use.
To better understand the difference between these two replica watches, the Submariner has a depth rating of up to 200 meters/660 feet in this era, which is remarkable in itself. This depth rating would eventually increase to an impressive 1220 meters/4,000 feet, a depth that is still maintained by the contemporary Sea-Dweller watches currently produced by Rolex.
While the elimination of the red lettering brought about a fairly obvious visual change, the removal of the Submariner name was the most important change that accompanied the arrival of the “Great White” in 1665. The absence of the Submariner name on the dial was a clear signal to the public that copy Rolex intended to keep the Sea-Dweller as its own watch line, separate from the Submariner, and to fill a slightly different niche in its lineup of highly capable professional dive watches.
If you are familiar with vintage watch collecting, you understand that even the smallest details of a watch are important, not the least of which is the dial. Depending on their rarity, the dial types can be valued for Ref. 1665 on the open market. Although it is not the rarest Sea-Dweller watch Rolex has ever produced, the Ref. 1665 “Great White” has helped make the Rolex Sea-Dweller its unique line of highly specialized, ultra-water-resistant tool watches – independent of the Submariner and designed specifically for the rigorous demands of saturation diving and professional use.

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Your first look should be to see if the watch is a full match, and then consider zooming in on the details! If a part of the watch, such as the case, shows obvious signs of wear, this should match the condition of the rest of the watch, such as the dial, inlay, etc. If something is incorrect, from the outside, then this is a clear sign that the watch has been repaired or messed up to hide a flaw in its authenticity and originality. To make your evaluation easier, I have compiled a list of things to look for when analyzing a vintage replica Rolex watch. The list is broken down by case, dial, and bezel sections.
Let’s take a closer look at the case to determine the originality of the watch and its condition. Many factors may affect whether the case is still in its original condition and what has been done to it through wear and/or repair. The challenge in looking at the case and comparing it to the rest of the watch is to spot any differences in the story the watch may be telling you. My experience over the years has taught me that even a well-worn watch will retain its original shape. Obviously, there will be signs of wear around the edges, but overall, the shape should still be OK.
If you are not sure why a particular watch looks unpolished, look closely at the matte part of the watch with a suitable magnifying glass. The matte part will tell you whether the watch has been polished or not. Generally speaking, from a collector’s point of view, I am more interested in whether a watch is original than whether the case is unpolished. Let’s state once and for all that I have seen many times online about unpolished replica watches when they clearly are not, and that is a concern.  
Unused watch bands are hard and you need to bend the links. When you remove the strap with a push pin before polishing, it will always leave marks on the case. That’s why the lugs are usually sealed with tape before the strap is removed. But in any case, you can see on the inside of the lugs where the pushpin entered the hole and you will see the scratch left by the pushpin. One sign of a polished service is the drilled lug holes, or better yet, the sharpness of the edges of the lug holes. This is because once polished, these lug holes lose their original sharp edges.
Perhaps because of this rarity and value, beveled cases are particularly popular among antique collectors. Beveling is for aesthetic purposes only. Each model has its own bevel shape, and the GMT-Master’s bevel is somewhat smaller than the Submariner’s. This has to do with the fact that the Submariner model is thicker and more water-resistant than the GMT-Master, and the Submariner has a larger winding crown.
There are some professional polishers who will take the entire watch apart when trying to polish it back to fake Rolex standards. This will inevitably result in a loss of material unless the polishing is done very lightly. This is not easy as it requires highly developed polishing skills as you only get one chance. If you do it wrong, the polishing transition will be clearly visible. But if you do it right, it will be hard to detect with the naked eye.

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