The 40 in a replica Rolex Submariner 40 is the case diameter. The classic Submariner ran a 40mm case from 1953 until 2020, and replicas of that size copy references such as the 16610, 14060, 1680, and 116610. Rolex moved the line to a 41mm case with the 126610 and 124060, so 40mm copies now match the older genuine watches.
What a 40mm Submariner Replica Should Measure
A correct 40mm replica measures 39.8mm to 40.2mm across the case sides, about 12.5mm thick, and about 47.5mm from lug tip to lug tip. Anything outside that range is a different case, often a 41mm body or a generic sub-style case from another model.
- Case diameter: 40mm, measured at the 3 and 9 o'clock sides
- Lug to lug: 47.5mm
- Case thickness: 12.5mm to 13mm
- Lug width: 20mm
Use a digital caliper on the case flanks. Measuring across the bezel adds half a millimeter to a full millimeter and makes a 40mm case read as 41mm.
Which References Use the 40mm Case?
- 5513 (1962 to 1989): no date, acrylic crystal, aluminum insert
- 1680 (1969 to 1980): first Submariner Date, acrylic crystal
- 14060 and 14060M (1990 to 2012): no date, sapphire crystal
- 16610 (1988 to 2010): the most copied 40mm reference
- 116610 (2010 to 2020): 40mm case with a ceramic bezel and Glidelock clasp
Two bezel materials show up in the 40mm range. The 16610 and 14060 use aluminum inserts. The 116610 keeps the same 40mm case but swaps in ceramic, a detail many buyers mix up when they order.
Why 40mm Replicas Dominate the Market
The 40mm Submariner ran for close to 70 years. Case makers have cut the same 16610 profile for two decades, so tooling costs are low and fit and finish on mid-tier builds holds up.
The size also fits more wrists. A 40mm case with 47.5mm lugs sits well on wrists from about 6.2 to 7.5 inches. The 41mm version wears bigger and looks oversized on a small wrist.
Movement Options Inside a 40mm Replica
- DG2813: 21,600 vph, found in $80 to $150 watches, the noisiest option
- A2836 or ETA 2824 clone: 28,800 vph, hacking, easy to service, $180 to $300 builds
- SH3135 or SA3135: Rolex-style clone, 28,800 vph, mixed long-term reliability
- VR3135 or VS3135: top tier, closest in layout and finish to a real 3135, $350 to $600 builds
The movement drives price more than the case does. Two watches with the same 316L case can differ by $250 on the movement alone.
Case, Dial, and Bezel Checks
Cheap 40mm replicas give themselves away at the dial. Check the date window position, the cyclops magnification (2.5x on a genuine Submariner), and whether the rehaut engraving lines up with the minute markers.
- Crystal: sapphire, 2.5x cyclops, antireflective coating under the cyclops
- Bezel: aluminum insert on 16610 and 14060, ceramic insert on 116610
- Bracelet: 93250 Oyster on the 16610, 97200 on the 116610, both 20mm at the lugs
- Clasp: stamped steel on older refs, Glidelock on the 116610
- Crown guards: squared on the 16610, thinner on the 14060
End link fit is the fastest tell. The solid end links should sit flush with the lugs with no step and no gap. A visible gap shows up in photos and points to a low-grade case.
What Does a 40mm Submariner Replica Cost?
Prices fall into three bands. Entry builds with a DG2813 and 316L steel run $80 to $150. Mid builds with an A2836 and a better dial run $180 to $300. High-end builds with a VS3135, 904L steel, and a sapphire crystal run $350 to $600.
Watches under $60 are almost always a 2813 with a pressed dial and a plastic crystal. Watches over $700 are seller margin, not a quality jump.
Water Resistance and Daily Wear
Most 40mm replicas leave the factory without a pressure test. A watchmaker can grease the seals and test the case, which gets a copy to 50m or 100m, but diving or snorkeling is a bad idea.
Rain and hand washing are fine on a sealed case. Skip hot showers, saunas, and salt water unless the case has been pressure tested.
Legal Notes Before You Buy
Selling counterfeit watches is illegal in the US and the EU. Buying one for personal use is a gray area in most countries, but customs can seize a parcel and you have no recourse. Rolex files trademark complaints against sellers, and marketplaces pull listings after those complaints.
FAQ
Is a 40mm replica Submariner the same size as the real one?
Yes, if the case measures 40mm across and the lugs span 47.5mm. Copies with 41mm or 42mm cases match a different reference.
Which movement lasts longest in a 40mm replica?
The VS3135 and the ETA 2824 clone hold up best. A daily-worn copy needs service every 3 to 5 years.
Can I swim with a 40mm Submariner replica?
Not out of the box. Have a watchmaker pressure test the case first, and keep it to shallow water after that.
How do I tell a 40mm case from a 41mm?
Measure the case sides with calipers. A 41mm Submariner also has wider lugs and a bigger dial opening, so the bracelet feels heavier on the wrist.