Buying a fake Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer: check these points first
A replica is not a Rolex. It carries no Rolex warranty and no Rolex service record. Price for a two-tone replica GMT runs $150 to $600. Above $600 you pay for a clone movement and better finishing, not for gold.
Fake Rolex GMT-Master II Root Beer 126711CHNR
The watch to compare is the genuine ref. 126711CHNR. Specs: 40 mm case, steel and Everose gold, brown and black ceramic bezel, caliber 3285, about 72 hours of power reserve, 100 m water resistance. A replica listing 42 mm or 50 m is a different watch.
how to spot a fake rolex gmt master ii root beer
Parameters that matter
- Movement: Asian ETA clone 2836 with a GMT module, or a clone of the 3285. Ask for the movement name and the beat rate. 28,800 vph is the common figure.
- Case: 40 mm measured across the case, not across the bezel. Lug width 20 mm.
- Bezel: brown and black insert. The color split sits at 6 and 18 o'clock. Ask for close photos of the split line.
- Gold color: PVD plating, wrapped, or solid. Wrapped lasts longer. Solid gold at this price is not real gold.
- Water resistance: most replicas reach 30 m to 50 m at best. Do not swim with one.
- Crystal: sapphire, with or without anti-reflective coating. Coating on the cyclops alone is the norm.
Pitfalls
- "Swiss made" on a replica is a label, not a fact. Swiss made rules require 60% of production costs in Switzerland.
- Photos of a genuine watch in the listing. Ask for a dated photo or a short video with the seconds hand running.
- No tracking number, or a shipping address that changes after payment.
- Sellers who quote 904L steel on a $200 watch. 904L is costly and rare in this segment. 316L is standard.
- Customs risk. Counterfeit goods can be seized under U.S. law. The money is lost in most cases.
Questions to send before paying
- Which movement, and what is the beat rate?
- Case diameter in mm, and lug width?
- Is the gold PVD, wrapped, or solid?
- Water resistance test result, if any?
- Return policy in days, and who pays return shipping?
- Payment method. Credit card or escrow beats bank transfer.
Genuine 126711CHNR resale sits in five figures. A replica at $300 will not pass a loupe check, a weight check, or a movement check. Buy it as a costume piece. Get the movement name in writing before you pay.