Rolex Submariner: Most heavily copied watch design ever?

[omairp]

I'm always amazed how many brands have made pretty blatant copies of the Rolex Submariner. Is this the most copied watch design ever? Also, do you think it reduces the appeal of a watch if it's heavily copied?

[acdelco]

regarding sports watches, i think it probably is the most copied watch design.

regarding the appeal...i think it works both ways. if everyone is trying to copy it, that's a great form of compliment to rolex.

on the other hand, though, it lends to the ubiquitous reputation of rolex. (i.e. not only are real rolexes ubiquitous, at least for a segment of the population... but now, they have copies as well out there for people to see.)

overall, it's a fine well made watch. for some, the appeal is the reputation, good quality, and the fact that many want one or any combination of those. for others, the appeal is greatly reduced by this ubiquitous reputation ( many want to be different)... or their perceptions of rolex as status symbol or not a great value.

[T Bone]

I can't think of any more copied.

As for reducing the appeal, not to me. While I certainly wouldn't want a copy, and have resisted the lookalikes, I would really enjoy owning the iconic Sub (or maybe a Seadweller).

[Bob Sendel]

yes, it's most copied but....sshhhhh, don't tell the Rolex haters!

[obsidian]

The Submariner style is probably the most copied now, because it has become very popular in the last couple of decades, and become the Rolex iconic style-- but historically, it's probably the Rolex DateJust style that's been the most copied-- and previously the most iconic and recognized Rolex model.

[lysanderxiii]

I don't know, the Rolex Explorer, Airking and Datejust might mave it, as far as all copies ever.

The Sub is in style now, and highly copied now, but literally everybody as a model or two that follows the style of the ones I mentioned, and even more were available from makers that are now defunct.

EDIT: Should scroll all the way down before posting.

[RJRJRJ]

My guess would be that it is. Not only the most fakes, but probably also the most look-alikes. As mentioned, is says a lot when everybody wants to copy the style...but I dont think that necessarily says everything about the design. Rolex gained immense popularity over the past couple of decades only partly because of their style. A large portion of it was simply because they were high quality, and (more importantly imo) very expensive. Conspicuous consumption is the term. It could have well been any other exclusive brand had they positioned themselves correctly, at just the right time. I think many of the copies/look alikes gained popularity, not because the style was so beloved, but because it gave the common person a chance to look like they owned a super expensive Rolex. All IMHO, btw..

I personally think the style is boring. Some people call it simple or elegant. Just a difference in taste I suppose. The fact that everybody and their mom has one, or something that looks like one, is a huge turn off for me though. But of course, they are still great watches.

[jk103]

My guess would be that it is. Not only the most fakes, but probably also the most look-alikes. As mentioned, is says a lot when everybody wants to copy the style...but I dont think that necessarily says everything about the design. Rolex gained immense popularity over the past couple of decades only partly because of their style. A large portion of it was simply because they were high quality, and (more importantly imo) very expensive. Conspicuous consumption is the term. It could have well been any other exclusive brand had they positioned themselves correctly, at just the right time. I think many of the copies/look alikes gained popularity, not because the style was so beloved, but because it gave the common person a chance to look like they owned a super expensive Rolex. All IMHO, btw..

I personally think the style is boring. Some people call it simple or elegant. Just a difference in taste I suppose. The fact that everybody and their mom has one, or something that looks like one, is a huge turn off for me though. But of course, they are still great watches.

There is something to be said for "being at the right place at the right time". Each brand does have a unique style or signature that appeals to certain people. In the end, consumers are the ones who decide what style is popular either through trained behaviour or a real love of it's design.

[lysanderxiii]

I don't know, I just did search a few hours ago (and again just now) on ebay titled "Wristwatch," I got 11 (7 this time) Datejust styled watches before the first Submariner styled watch (not counting the real Rolex watches.)

[RJRJRJ]

There is something to be said for "being at the right place at the right time".

Thats why I said "they positioned themselves..." No so much of a coincidence as a business model.

[srmdalt]

Yes to the first question, and to some degree to the second question. A lot of people spring for the rolex, regardless of abundant copies, because it is still a helluva nice watch, and superior to most, if not all, of the copies out there.

[tictoc]

I'd say the most copied ever is the Patek Philippe Calatrava of 1932. Every watchmaker I know of has at least one.

The Cartier Tank would have to be #2.

[Doug507]

Rolex in general is probably one of the most heavily copied watch lines. Specifically, the sub has to be way up there.

Back in the 60's, Rolex Subs were widespread in the military. Once Rolex prices went through the stratosphere, Seiko divers emerged as the choice of operators. It doesn't matter how good your tool watch is if Joe can't afford to get it.

The rise of copies I think is partly a function of the unattainability of the Rolex due to their prices. But, there are some unbelievably well made "homages" out there now, such as the Singapore Sandoz and the TigerShark.

ANd yes, I'd still like to get a Sea Dweller or 5513!

[Isthmus]

I disagree. sure the submariner is a popular copy or "inspiration", but I too feel that the Rolex DateJust is copied or imitated to a far greater extent. I just think that the DateJust is so nondescript that it is easy to overlook the original, let alone all the similar models from other companies. The Sub is so distinct, that it is easy to notice similar watches.

[jimyritz]

Someone might look at it as a more affordable way to get that look...personally, it's not for me, but to each is own.

Just look at the Invicta 8926 and the Debaufre Ocean-1--line them up against the Submariner and they are almost carbon copies....

The Daytona is a heavily copied design as well....

[Recht]

I would have guessed the Mickey Mouse watch was the most copied.

[Patstarrx]

If you ask me that look is becoming boring

[Xaltotun]

I seem to remember an online article, with pics, that showcased diver watches pre-dating the Submariner, but which had vastly similar designs.

So Rolex themselves were inspired with the diver watch designs of that period, to produce the Sub.

To be technically correct (and maybe be branded as a heretic by Rolex fans ), Rolex themselves started their line with a design that was copying / adapting other manufacturers' designs.

True, Rolex' version of the diver became iconic, but they did not invent that look from scratch.

[omairp]

True, Rolex' version of the diver became iconic, but they did not invent that look from scratch.

Really? Do you happen to know who they "borrowed" those designs from? I'd be very curiious to know who really invented those designs, and if they still exist today. I can't imagine how choked someone would be to have another company take their design and so successfully replicate it and claim credit for it.

[WIS_Chronomaster]

There is always some LITTLE variats on the so called copied design tho ...