We promise to invest our time and experience into understanding your needs and desires. We won’t &#8230;
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<li>Expect you to have lots of knowledge</li>
<li>Drown you in more detail than you need</li>
<li>Try to push a sale on you</li>
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Our aim is to make you feel relaxed and welcome, and to enjoy the Oakleigh Watches experience from start to finish.
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The oakleigh promise

Yes - if you’re looking for a fantastic watch made to the highest of engineering standards, then you can have some fun choosing with Bremont.

Are Bremont Watches good?

Bremont use a variety of Swiss made movements that they customise themselves. More recently they have developed their own in-house movement – the ENG-300.

What movement to Bremont Watches use?

Prices of pre-owned Bremont watches can start at £1,500. Collectible editions can run into tens of thousands of pounds. As always condition, originality and completeness make all the difference to value.

How expensive are pre owned Bremont Watches?

Bremont Watches are handmade and tested at ‘The Wing’, a state-of-the-art manufacturing and technology centre in Henley-on-Thames, UK.

Where are Bremont watches made?

Some of the limited edition Bremont watches have increased in value quite dramatically over the years. The Military issue watches are made in relatively small numbers and so they can be collectible. New Bremont watches tend to depreciate quite quickly but their values then hold steady. So, if bought pre-owned, they can be a sound financial decision.

Are Bremont watches a good investment

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Rolex is one of the most coveted luxury brands on the planet, known for quality, durability, style, and prestige. Such an aspirational timepiece comes with a hefty price tag and therefore it’s of no surprise that the business of fake Rolex’ has become very lucrative. Therefore, knowing how to Spot a Fake Rolex is crucial when making such a high value purchase.

These days, some fake Rolex’ are so good that they must be partially disassembled before they can be identified as counterfeit and can even fool the experts!

And trust us they’re good!

Most of the fake watches that we come across are pretty easy to spot with a trained eye but there are some – that could fool most experts under normal scrutiny.  And I’m not talking about across a room or even across a desk, I mean in your hand and with a loupe. Plus some very clever fakers have adopted a ‘two from one’ practice…

Imagine you have one real watch and one ‘super fake’.  The real one is worth say, £10,000 and the super fake is worth nothing.  They swap the movements so they now have two watches; A real case and bracelet that pass all tests and a movement that won’t be discovered until the back is removed, and a very good fake that might prompt you to open the caseback just to be sure… when you do, the movement is real so it must all be ok…

(Papers can be faked more easily than watches so they’re both ‘Full Sets’.)  They sell them both at ‘bargain prices’, say £8,000 each for a quick sale and they’ve turned £10K into £16K.

‘Caveat Emptor” as they say in Rome.

Here are our 10 tips on how to spot a fake Rolex:

1) Unauthorised Sellers
<h4><img class=" wp-image-7980 alignnone" src="https://cms.oakleighwatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/FAKE-ROLEX-1-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="321" height="214" /></h4>
Buying a Rolex is a serious investment, whether for pleasure or business, it’s a lot of money to part with. Therefore, our most important piece of advice is – only buy a luxury watch from a trusted seller or dealer.

Trust is very important when buying a pre-owned Rolex and here my friend, Google is your best friend.

ALWAYS choose a trusted, legitimate/authorised seller over a random individual you find on the internet. There might be a slight increase in cost but that’s the price of reassurance.

Look at the dealer’s selling history and reviews – especially trusted review affiliations such as Trustpilot.

Buying via international watch selling platforms such as Chrono 24 and Watchfinder, are a good place to start as the due diligence has already been done on the sellers.

eBay has recently launched a luxury goods arm and we sell via this platform. However, we are vetted as a Trusted Seller and any watch over £2000 will be sent for eBay authentication. Note – you do not have this security with individual sellers and sites like eBay and Craigslist can be rife with fake Rolex from’ bob666@gmail.com’.

Buying online can be a minefield, especially if not from a reputable seller. Therefore, if you decide to go down this route, you absolutely need to see the watch before you part with any cash. Below are some more physical clues on how to spot fake Rolex watches.

2. Movement

<img class="alignnone wp-image-7981" src="https://cms.oakleighwatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Image-16-07-2023-at-16.33-300x180.jpg" alt="" width="515" height="309" />

Carefully open the back of the watch – a fake simply cannot match the craftsmanship and precision of a true Rolex calibre. Plus, each genuine movement will have “Rolex” engraved on it.

However, thanks to modern technology it is much harder to tell the difference, refer to our previous example of the “Super Fake”.

Another clue – if it’s a quartz movement, alarm bells should start ringing as all Rolex watches other than the Oysterquartz of the 1970’s to 1990’s have mechanical movements.

3. Seconds Hand

On a genuine Rolex, the ticks of the seconds hand are so smooth, it looks like it’s gliding. If there is any stutter – it could be a fake.  You can also try listening, a real Rolex will be silent.

Rolex has made a small number of battery-powered watches in the past. These were called ‘Oysterquartz’. Rolex has never made quartz versions of the Submariner, GMT-Master or other popular models.

4. Weight

Since 1989, Rolex has used the best steel on earth called “Oystersteel” (904L stainless steel), which is rust and corrosion-resistant and importantly – it’s heavy! If the watch you’re holding feels light, it was likely built with cheaper metal and is a fake.  The difference is subtle, but you can definitely feel it.

However, it gets a little tricky with older watches with Oyster bracelets from the 1980’s and earlier as these have hollow links made by stamping. These hollow bracelets are much lighter than the current range.  However, the ‘head’ of the watch should still be heavy and feel sturdy. Also, the bracelet end links on a pre-2000 sports Rolex are hollow and can feel a bit rattly after a few years wear so that’s not necessarily an indication of a low-quality replica.

5. The Crown

Even the crown on a Rolex will be identifiable by the craftmanship. Only the high-quality steel used by Rolex can hold the intricate details you find on a genuine Rolex watch. Therefore, a smooth, plain, or brushed over crown will be a sign it could be a fake Rolex.

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6. Dial, Hands &amp; Clasp

The most obvious tell is misspellings, however as we’ve already mentioned, these days fakes can be excellent.

A genuine Rolex will be perfect when made, and fake Rolexes will be much less refined. So, get the magnifying glass out and check the hands, hour markers, dial and clasp for uneven fonts, inconsistent spaces between the lettering/numbers and smudges.

Even the tiniest imperfection on a new Rolex dial is incredibly rare so if it isn’t absolutely perfect, it’s very probably dodgy.

It’s a good idea to have an official photo of the exact model you’re buying to compare.

7. Case Back

Most genuine Rolex case backs are smooth and rarely factory engraved or transparent.

Some exceptions are.

-Rolex Sea Dwellers that are engraved.
-Milgauss’ are engraved.
-Comex Submariners and Sea Dwellers are often engraved.
-Vintage lady Datejust models 6917, 69173, 69174 – engraved with ‘Stainless Steel’
-‘Registered Design’ Military watches …. but if you’re shopping for a 5514 then hopefully you know what you’re doing.
-Since 2023, some models such as the Daytona have had sapphire case backs

Of course, some people do have their watches personally engraved (we advise you not to, if you’re thinking of buying for investment), but this should be obvious by the engraved content.

8. Laser Etched Crystal

<img class="alignnone wp-image-7985" src="https://cms.oakleighwatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/LEC-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="384" height="256" />

Time to get your magnifying glass out again!

Some Rolex watches produced from the early 2000’s onwards will have a tiny laser etched crown at the 6 o’clock position on the crystal. The precision of this detail has made it difficult for counterfeiters to replicate – so it can be a good sign of authenticity (or not).

But beware, while the presence of the etched crown should mean that the crystal is real, it doesn’t mean that everything is.  Also, not even Rolex can tell you which references from which years should have the etched crystal (I’ve asked several people on several occasions), so don’t rely on this particular element.

9. The Big Date

The cyclops (bump) over the date on many Rolex watches is part of the brand signature. Its purpose is to magnify the date by 2.5 times.

If the glass over the date is flat and/or doesn’t seem to magnify very well then, it’s highly likely be a fake Rolex.

As always there are exceptions and the 40mm Rolex Sea Dweller and Deepsea Sea Dweller do not have a cyclops lens, despite having a date function. (They couldn’t make a glue strong enough to stand the pressure until 2019)

10. Model &amp; Serial Numbers

This is perhaps the best way to authenticate a Rolex watch. Briefly – every Rolex has a serial and model number which are deeply engraved and symmetrical, clear to read and even shine in the light at certain angles.

On the contrary, fake Rolex watches will have a stamp that appears a little messier. It will either look like several tiny dots or etchings and if acid etched it will have a sandy/grainy appearance.

For more information on checking serial numbers and Rolex serial number tables, read our comprehensive <a href="https://www.oakleighwatches.co.uk/watch-serial-numbers/">Guide to Understanding Watch Model and Serial numbers</a>.

In Conclusion

You really need to know your stuff. Knowing how to spot a fake Rolex is a crucial part of the buying process. If in doubt, refer to point 1 – always buy through a trusted/authenticated pre-owned watch seller.

Oakleigh Watches’ office is based within<a href="https://www.michlmayr.com"> S.Michlmayr &amp; Co</a> who have a Rolex certified watchmaker on the premises available to check all of our watches for authenticity.

We’d be happy to help and guide you through the process. Visit our collection pages for current stock and sign up to receive our regular newsletters and stock drops.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we also offer a <a href="https://www.oakleighwatches.co.uk/sourcing-your-watch/">Sourcing Service </a>and are experts at finding your dream ‘genuine’ watch.

10 Tips on How to Spot a Fake Rolex

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Omega Dark Side of the Moon vs Blue Side of the Moon

Pre-owned Bremont watches tend to hold their value well and some of the limited edition Bremonts have increased in value quite dramatically over the years. This is particularly the case with their Military issue watches that are made in relatively small numbers and therefore can be collectible.

New Bremont watches tend to depreciate quite quickly but their values then hold steady, so if bought pre-owned, they can be a sound financial decision.

Prices of pre-owned Bremont watches can start at between £1,500 and £2,000. Collectible editions can run into tens of thousands of pounds. As always condition, originality and completeness make all the difference to value.

Below are 5 key things to consider when buying pre owned Bremont watches.

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      1. Investment, Pleasure or Both? 

If you’re buying purely for investment, then you don’t need to worry about the style of watch. Rather, you need to focus on whether a model is desirable now and whether it is likely to be so for the foreseeable future. So, my top three tips …
<ul>
 	<li>Always go for a watch with the widest appeal and the most limited supply. Within the Bremont range, you’ll be looking at the limited-edition military watches such as an MBI.</li>
 	<li>If it’s purely for investment purposes, buy the very best example you can find. After all you don’t have to worry about damaging it if it’s only going to sit in your safe.</li>
 	<li>Make sure you buy a Full Set – box, papers, service records and accessories.</li>
</ul>
If you’re particularly focused on buying a UK watch, Bremont watches are made at ‘The Wing’, a state of the art manufacturing and technology centre in Henley-on-Thames, UK. Bremont have used a variety of Swiss made movements that they customise themselves. More recently they have developed their own in-house movement – the ENG-300.

If buying for pleasure and or both pleasure and investment – keep reading.

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      2. Style

One of Bremont’s proudest claims is that they are “Tested Beyond Endurance”.  They are extremely hard wearing and robust, while still being incredibly stylish and certainly a luxury brand.

Bremont have a wide range of collections to choose from but when it comes to pre-owned the main collections are – the standard pilot’s range, the standard diver’s range, the limited-edition range, and the military issue range.

The standard ranges are those that are available in normal production like the MBIII for pilots and the Supermarine for divers.

The limited-edition range tends to be made in very small numbers and often feature components from aeroplanes or ships. For example, the Bremont Victory contained a small piece of wood from the hull of Nelson’s famous warship HMS Victory.

The military issue range is only available to various divisions of the Armed Forces. However, they do appear on the pre-owned market on a surprisingly regular basis and make a different and attractive collectible watch. Over the years we’ve been privileged to find new homes for four MBI’s alongside watches made for the Royal Navy, Royal Marine Commandos, and various fighter squadrons.

To help you choose a pre-owned Bremont with staying power that is a solid financial choice, we stick to a mix of traditional designs with the occasional Military model.

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     3.Size

Does matter when it comes to watches?

It all comes down to confidence and perspective.

Just because you’re small in stature, doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t carry off a larger timepiece. In fact, it’s very much the fashion for women to wear oversized men’s watches.

For a man, it’s all about confidence. If you feel comfortable going big and will wear a 43mm + proudly, then it will look good. Something like a Supermarine S2000. However, if you’re going to be self-conscious, then pick something classic like a Solo.

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<h4>    4. Vintage or Modern</h4>
While Bremont have only been around for a little over 20 years, some of their very early watches can be considered vintage, such as the BC-S2. They have a classic styling that sets them apart from the current range and so they have a unique appeal.

These older models were made in relatively small production numbers, watches like the BC-S2 are rare. However, except for limited editions and military pieces, regular ‘vintage’ Bremonts are not guaranteed investment watches.

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<h4>    5. Fashion or Function</h4>
What do you want your pre-owned Bremont for?

Perhaps you want something with military links or an actual quality watch to dive in or maybe something with familial sentiment. The answer is completely unique to you.

If you’re looking for a fantastic watch made to the highest of engineering standards, then you can have some fun choosing with Bremont.

5 Step Guide to Buying Pre owned Bremont Watches

Availability

Brand

Model

What's Included

Condition

Reference

Years

Papers

Movement Type

Movement

Diameter

Dial Colour

Case material

Bracelet/Strap

Matching Model

Gender

The Bremont S500 Bamford is Bremont's large scale stainless steel dive watch with the added flair of Bamford's blue lume and DLC coating.
The California dial is unique for a Bremont and makes the Bamford stand out in a very good way.
This limited edition watch was sold by a UK AD in 2022. It has been worn carefully and is virtually unmarked. No longer available from Bremont this is a good opportunity to grab a discontinued model.
It comes with the original box and Bremont leather watch case as well as all the papers and booklets that came with the watch when it was made.
Just tested, this Bremont S500  is running within COSC spec and is under Bremont warranty until 2027.
This is a great opportunity to grab a discontinued model with the original Propeller logo instead of the contentious new Compass logo.
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Bremont S500 Bamford

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The Bremont S500 Bamford is Bremont's large scale stainless steel dive watch with the added flair of Bamford's blue lume and DLC coating.

Bremont S500 Bamford | 2022 | Full Set

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