While neither Patek Philippe nor Rolex publicly released sales or production figures, industry statistics estimate that in 2017, Patek Philippe produced about 58,000 replica watches per year, while Rolex produced about 1 million watches. It puts the two brands in entirely different markets – Patek Philippe’s market runs on extreme exclusivity, while Rolex’s is driven by mass demand. However, we should point out that specific models and reference numbers of Rolex are produced in smaller and more exclusive quantities than others and that despite Rolex’s high production volume, demand still greatly exceeds supply. 
Rolex, on the other hand, is better known for its highly functional and iconic designs of sports and tool watches – think Daytona, Submariner, and Explorer. of course, Rolex also produces formal watches, and its sports watch collections often feature gold and two-tone designs that offer additional stylistic versatility without sacrificing any functionality. However, some of Rolex’s most popular models are the stainless steel sports fake watches, popular for pairing luxurious finishes with durable, accurate, and proven components that will last for years.
We could also point out that Patek Philippe has its own sports watches, such as the ultra-exclusive and fan-favorite Nautilus. But at the end of the day, Patek Philippe is more focused on luxury, complicated dress watches, while Rolex has a much sharper eye for luxury sports watches. The two brands have entirely different specialties (and price points), so it’s hard to say that one is “better” than the other.
Obviously, Patek Philippe is more expensive, but that doesn’t necessarily make them “better” overall.” Patek Philippe has been making watches for 180 years, while Rolex has only been around for 110 years,” notes Paul Altieri, founder of Bob’s Watches and a noted Rolex collector.
“But in that time, they have surpassed any other luxury watchmaker. Patek Philippe may still be at the top in terms of sheer prestige, but Rolex is more iconic and much cooler. Picasso wore a Patek, but everyone from Sir Edmund Hillary to James Bond and Steve McQueen wore Rolexes – they were action figures with effortless style and deadly charisma. There’s a rugged masculinity to these watches, and they’re very capable tools, too. There’s really no other watch like it”.
As Patek Philippe President Thierry Stern made clear in our recent article, Patek Philippe firmly defends its reputation for not pandering to the whims of the market. Schnipper notes that Patek Philippe takes excellent care of its customers and backs up its work with archival excerpts and other materials.” It’s something that other brands have a hard time doing,” Schnipper told the newspaper.” If you’re going to spend a lot of money, there’s this level of comfort. You have a lot more information about the piece. It’s hard to have a fake Patek Philippe, a no-frills fake.”
While counterfeit Rolexes are relatively common, there are still plenty of ways to fight back. Bain adds that Patek Philippe is “much more invested in the brand.” Rolex has it, with advertising, and so does Patek Philippe, but I think Patek Philippe is more invested in the heritage of its brand than Rolex is.”
When the Times posed this question, there was an interesting response: “Suppose someone had $10,000 to invest in a vintage watch. What would you suggest they buy?” Without hesitation, all three auction house bigwigs answered Patek Philippe. But Bain disagreed.” I think a replica Rolex sports watch would be a great investment. For example, if you buy a basic Rolex GMT or Submariner for $10,000 from a trusted source”-like Bob’s Watches-“a good condition example, it will double in value in the next five to seven years. Here’s my point. You can get a 1975 Submariner 5513 in good condition for $10,000.”
As for the future of vintage replica watches, Ms. Omura of Antiquorum fully supports Rolex’s view.” She says, “In the next six months to a year, for any of us here, it’s a Rolex Sport – there’s no question about it.” People speculate. They’re looking at a lot of things as investments. They’re buying something because they think it’s going to double in value.” For example, the Rolex Daytona Vintage is a pretty sure thing.
