Short answer
A replica Rolex 179171 is a copy of the Rolex Lady-Datejust 26 mm in Rolesor, a mix of Oystersteel and 18k Everose gold. Replicas of this reference sell for $120 to $600. The genuine watch carries a Rolex calibre 2235 movement, a 26 mm case, and a Jubilee bracelet with a concealed Crownclasp. Replicas copy the size and the dial. They do not match the movement, the gold, or the finish.
Genuine reference 179171 facts
- Model: Rolex Lady-Datejust 26.
- Case: 26 mm, Oystersteel and 18k Everose gold.
- Bezel: fluted or smooth, in Everose gold.
- Bracelet: Jubilee, steel and Everose gold, Crownclasp.
- Movement: calibre 2235, automatic, 28,800 vph, about 48 hours of power reserve.
- Crystal: sapphire with a Cyclops lens at 2.5x over the date.
- Water resistance: 100 m.
- Status: the 26 mm Lady-Datejust line is no longer in the Rolex catalog. Rolex moved the line to a 28 mm case.
What replica makers copy
Most 179171 replicas use a 26 mm case and a two-tone finish. Common dial colors are champagne, silver, black, and mother-of-pearl. Marker sets include Roman numerals, diamonds, and baton indexes.
The gold on a replica is plating, not 18k gold. Plating depth runs from 2 to 5 microns on the better grades and under 1 micron on cheap units. Plating wears at the crown, the clasp, and the bracelet edges.
Movements differ by seller. Options seen in this size are an Asian automatic clone of the ETA 2671, a quartz module, and low-grade 21-jewel automatics. Sellers often do not name the movement. Gold thickness is also unstated in most listings.
Checks on a replica 179171
- Case size. Measure the case without the crown. It should read 26 mm.
- Weight. The 26 mm case is small, so a full steel and gold bracelet stays under 100 g. Replicas with hollow links come in lower. Link count changes the number, so treat this as a weak check.
- Bezel finish. Genuine fluted bezels have sharp, even flutes. Plated copies show soft edges and uneven spacing.
- Date window. The Cyclops lens magnifies 2.5x. Copies with 1.5x or 3x magnifiers stand out.
- Bracelet. Genuine Jubilee links are solid in the middle rows. Cheap copies use hollow links and folded end pieces.
- Caseback. Genuine 179171 casebacks are plain. Engraved or display casebacks point to a copy.
Price
Genuine 179171 watches trade on the secondhand market for about $4,000 to $9,000 USD. Dial type, box and papers, and service history move the number. Replicas run $120 to $600. Some sellers ask more for Swiss made claims that the watch does not support.
Legal status in the US
Counterfeit watches infringe Rolex trademarks. US Customs and Border Protection seizes shipments at US ports. Trafficking in counterfeit goods carries penalties under 18 U.S.C. 2320. First-time offenders face up to 10 years in prison and fines.