Short answer
The Rolex 14060 is the no-date Submariner. Rolex built it from 1990 to 2012. A fake 14060 copies a 40 mm steel case, a black aluminum bezel insert, a sapphire crystal, and a dial with two or four lines of text. Most replicas run an Asian ETA 2836 or a decorated clone of the Rolex 3130. Prices range from about $80 to $800. Genuine 14060 watches sell used for several thousand dollars.
Real 14060 specs
- Production: 1990 to 2012. The 14060M arrived around 1999.
- Case: 40 mm stainless steel, Oyster, screw-down crown and caseback.
- Water resistance: 300 m.
- Movement: Caliber 3000 in early 14060. Caliber 3130 in the 14060M.
- Crystal: sapphire.
- Dial: two lines until 2007. Four lines after COSC certification in 2007.
- Lug holes: dropped around 2003. Rehaut engraving: added around 2008.
- End of run: 2012. Replaced by reference 114060.
Why replicas target this reference
Replica makers pick the 14060 because the design is simple. There is no date wheel, no cyclops, and no date magnification to get wrong. The case profile, the bezel insert font, and the dial text carry the whole look.
Most replica cases measure 40 mm. Thickness runs 12.5 mm to 13.5 mm, close to the 12.7 mm of the original. Weight varies with the steel and bracelet alloy used, so it is a weak test on this reference.
Tells to check on a replica
- Crown guards. Genuine guards are thin and even. Many replicas show thick or uneven guards.
- Bezel insert. Insert font is thin on replicas. The pearl sits high or off center.
- Dial text. Letter spacing on Submariner and on 1000ft = 300m is a common flaw.
- Lume. Replica lume fades fast and glows green on dials that should glow blue.
- Movement. Clone 3130 plates carry wrong engravings. Check the balance wheel and rotor markings.
- Serial and rehaut. Engraving depth and font differ from genuine stamps.
Movement tiers and prices
- Entry, about $80 to $150. Asian 2813 movement, mineral glass, stamped clasp.
- Mid, about $200 to $400. Asian ETA 2836 or 2824, sapphire crystal, better bracelet.
- Top, about $450 to $800. Clone 3130, closer case shape, coated crystal.
No replica matches a genuine 14060 in movement finish, case machining, or service life. Parts for clone movements are scarce. Many watchmakers decline service on them.
Legal status in the US
18 U.S.C. 2320 makes trafficking in counterfeit goods a federal crime. Customs and Border Protection can seize counterfeit watches at import. Selling a fake as genuine is fraud. A listing marked replica does not remove the trademark issue.