The short answer: the best fake Rolex 1908 ref. 52513 is the version that copies the platinum case profile and the ice-blue dial while putting real effort into the display caseback, because that sapphire back is the one part of this watch a buyer can study up close. The criteria that separate a wearable 1908 clone from a throwaway are the movement layout under the glass, the dial color and finish, the 39 mm case with its stepped bezel and sharp lugs, and the strap with its platinum-look buckle.
What the 1908 ref. 52513 Actually Is
Rolex launched the Perpetual 1908 as a modern dress watch, and ref. 52513 is the platinum version: a 39 mm case, an ice-blue dial with a small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock and applied numerals at 3, 9 and 12, and caliber 7140, a micro-rotor movement with roughly 66 hours of reserve. It is also one of very few Rolex watches with a see-through caseback, which is exactly why it became a target for replica makers and exactly why it is hard to fake well.
Movement and the Display Caseback
The caseback is where most 1908 replicas lose the argument. A real micro-rotor sits flush inside the movement, allowing a thin case. Most clones use a conventional rotor with an engraved plate on top, or a decorated automatic movement that is noticeably deeper.
- Pros: A display back lets you judge a clone before you buy, since photos of the movement are easy to request. Decorated micro-rotor clones do exist and read well at arm's length.
- Cons: Engraving depth, jewel settings and rotor finishing fall apart under a loupe. Case thickness often grows by a millimeter or more, which changes how the watch sits under a cuff.
Use case: If you plan to hand the watch to anyone, pick a model with a genuine-looking micro-rotor or accept that the back is the giveaway.
The Ice-Blue Dial
Ice blue is a light, cool blue that shifts with the light around it. Cheap replica dials land on a flat, saturated blue that looks painted rather than metallic. Check the small seconds ring, the printed minute track and the applied numerals: sharp edges, consistent spacing and a subdial that sits level with the dial are signs of a better build. Blurry printing and a sunken subdial are signs of a budget case.
Case, Bezel and Lugs
Platinum is dense, so the genuine watch has a heft that a steel replica will not match. Some higher-end clones use a tungsten alloy to add weight, which helps on the wrist but shows in the finish. Look at the stepped bezel: it should be crisp, with a clean transition to the mid-case. Lug tips should be sharp and the crown should have defined fluting.
Strap and Buckle
The 1908 ships on an alligator strap with a platinum buckle. Replica straps vary from convincing alligator grain to stiff, shiny leather that creases within weeks. A replacement strap from a third-party maker is a cheap upgrade and improves the look more than any other single change.
Super Clone vs. Budget Replica vs. Homage
- Super clone: Closest to the real proportions and dial color. Best for someone who wants the 1908 look on a dress watch rotation.
- Budget replica: Cheaper, but the caseback and dial usually expose it. Fine for a costume use or a single event.
- Homage or custom build: A no-logo dress watch with a small seconds hand avoids the replica question entirely and often uses a better movement.
Recommendation: Buy a super clone if the display caseback is acceptable to you. Buy a homage if you want to wear the watch to work without explaining it.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- Ask for movement photos taken in daylight, not stock images.
- Measure case thickness against the 39 mm reference proportions.
- Compare dial color under indoor and outdoor light.
- Check subdial alignment with the 6 o'clock position.
- Confirm the buckle finish matches the case.
- Budget for a replacement strap.
A fake Rolex 1908 52513 can look convincing on a wrist and in a photo. It rarely survives a close look at the back.