Short answer
A replica Rolex Submariner 16610LV copies the 2003 anniversary model. That watch has a 40 mm steel case, a green aluminum bezel insert, a black dial with large markers, and a Rolex caliber 3135. Replicas range from about $80 to $600. Quality depends on the factory, the movement, and the case finish. No replica uses a Rolex-made movement.
What the 16610LV is
Rolex introduced the 16610LV in 2003 for the Submariner's 50th year. LV stands for lunette verte, French for green bezel. The insert is aluminum, not ceramic. The dial has maxi markers: larger hour plots and wider hands than the standard 16610. Early examples have a "flat four" bezel font. Later examples have a "fat four." Rolex made the model until about 2010. Water resistance is 300 m. Case size is 40 mm. Lug width is 20 mm.
Replica tiers
Low tier: $80 to $150. Asian 2813 movement, 316L steel, printed bezel insert, hollow end links. The date flips with a snap. The cyclops has little magnification.
Mid tier: $200 to $350. Clone 3135 or 2824 movement, 316L steel, better insert font, solid end links. The crown guards are often too thick.
Top tier: $400 to $600. 904L steel option, clone 3135 with correct hand stack, aluminum insert with closer font, sapphire with AR coating under the cyclops. Some sellers claim Swiss parts. Ask for movement photos.
Visible flaws to check
- Bezel insert: color should be a deep green, not olive or teal. Font weight matters. The pearl should sit in a metal ring.
- Date window: genuine 16610LV has 2.5x magnification. Replicas often show 1.5x or 3x.
- Rehaut: engraving should align with the minute markers. Many replicas misalign "ROLEX" at 12.
- Case: crown guards should be symmetric. Lugs should taper. Lug holes on early 16610LV cases sit close to the case edge.
- Dial: maxi markers should be large. Replica maxi plots are sometimes standard size.
Movements
Most replicas use one of three movements. The Asian 2813 is cheap and runs at 21,600 vph. The clone 3135 runs at 28,800 vph and copies the Rolex layout. The ETA clone 2824 runs at 28,800 vph and is easier to service. A real Rolex 3135 has a free-sprung balance and a specific shock system. Replica clone 3135 movements use different finishing and parts. Service costs for a clone 3135 often exceed the movement's price.
US legal notes
US law bans trafficking in counterfeit goods under 18 U.S.C. § 2320. Customs and Border Protection can seize replica watches at import. Selling a replica as genuine is fraud. Buying a replica for personal use is not the same charge, but civil liability exists. Carry receipts. Do not resell as authentic.
Questions to ask a seller
- Which factory made the watch?
- Which movement is inside, and what is its beat rate?
- Is the bezel insert aluminum or ceramic?
- What is the date magnification?
- Are the end links solid or hollow?
- Can you send a photo of the rehaut at 12 o'clock?