Just as the great patina on an ancient bronze sculpture is an intrinsic part of its value, an honest patina on a watch dial can significantly enhance its overall value and collectability. Due to subtle imperfections in the various layers of dial finishing, some fake Rolex dials will naturally change color over time, especially under certain conditions, such as UV exposure. Now known as “tropical” dials, these unique vintage components are just one of the happy accidents of natural aging that provide their watches with a completely different overall appearance.??
The most classic example of a tropical dial is a dark case back that turns chocolate brown, but a variety of colors are possible, depending on the initial color of the dial and the specific conditions to which it may have been exposed during its lifetime. In the case of the Rolex Submariner 1680 Solid Gold, featured in the Robb Report Gift Guide, the original deep cobalt dial has changed color to a vibrant aqua hue reminiscent of tropical seas.
Complementing the warm gold tone of the case and contrasting with the vibrant turquoise color of the dial is an original set of tritium hands that have developed a warm, milky patina that perfectly matches the color of the tritium-filled hour markers on the tropical blue dial. This replica Rolex Submariner is truly unlike any other reference 1680 and is a must-have for the die-hard vintage collector who wants to stand out.??
For those of us who seem to have everything in life, vintage watches are the perfect gift because no two watches will ever be exactly alike. And a vintage watch like the Tropical Dial Rolex Submariner 1680 Solid Gold in the December print edition of the Robb Report Ultimate Gift Guide is guaranteed to be unlike any other watch in their collection.
The purchase of this watch comes with a private tour of Bob’s Watches Newport Beach, California headquarters where lucky buyers can view our industry-leading selection of luxury watches and take an in-depth look at Bob’s Watches founder and CEO Paul Altieri’s personal vintage Rolex replica watches collection with Bob’s Watches founder Paul Altieri. The tropical solid gold Rolex submarine and tour of Bob’s Watches headquarters is the perfect gift for the luxury watch lover who has everything.

We have to say that there’s no other luxury sports watch as recognizable, coveted, and versatile as the Rolex Submariner. Yes, we are sure. And while the Submariner certainly looks amazing on the customary Oyster bracelet, the replica Rolex’s iconic diving watch pairs just as well with just about any type of strap. One of our favorite pairings is a typical black Submariner with a classic black leather strap. James Bond did it¡ªenough said.
Although James Bond is perhaps more well-known for wearing a Submariner on a NATO-style nylon strap, in 1962’s Dr. No, 007 wears a Submariner model on a black crocodile leather strap.
If you’re lucky enough to own a vintage Rolex Submariner replica watch like the super-spy himself, then hats off. If not, no problem, because pretty much any Submariner wears a leather strap well.
Take the latest stainless steel Submariner model with a black dial and black Cerachrom ceramic bezel for example. Switching out the rugged stainless steel Oyster bracelet for an elegant black leather band adds a touch of elegance to the famous Rolex sports watch. Plus, we simply love the combination of an ultra-modern high-tech material like the fake Rolex’s Cerachrom ceramic with an old-school favorite material like leather.
What’s more, the white stitching on this particular Italian leather accessory complements the fake Rolex Submariner’s white details¡ªfrom the bezel markings to the lume plots¡ªperfectly. And last but not least, the stainless steel tang buckle on the leather band matches the Sub’s steel construction for a tight, well-coordinated look.
Anyway, just keep in mind, switching out the straps on your fake Rolex watch can give you a whole new style in an instant. One of the most stylish characters ever created, James Bond understood that well by wearing his watches on an assortment of bracelets and straps. If you haven’t already, try wearing your Rolex watch on a different strap; you may just be pleasantly surprised.