A fake Rolex 1524 is a replica of the vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date reference 1524, a 34mm automatic Date model produced from the late 1950s into the 1970s. Because the 1524 is an older reference with an acrylic crystal and a Caliber 1560 or 1570 movement, most "1524" fakes are not modern super-clones. They are plated vintage-style copies, redials, and frankens sold through marketplaces and small overseas sellers.

What Is the Rolex 1524?

The 1524 is a mid-size Date model in the Oyster Perpetual line, sitting below the 36mm Datejust. It uses a 34mm Oyster case, a date window at 3 o'clock, and either a fluted or smooth bezel. Gold versions were common in the US market, and two-tone steel and gold examples also exist.

Rolex stamped the reference number between the lugs at 12 o'clock, with the serial number at 6 o'clock. That stamping is one of the first things to check on any watch sold as a 1524.

Are There Real Super Clone Rolex 1524 Replicas?

No factory currently builds a 1:1 super clone of the 1524. High-end replica production focuses on current models like the Submariner, Datejust 41, and Daytona, because demand and volume are far higher. Vintage 34mm Date references are a niche, so the fakes you see are usually generic vintage-style cases with modern movements inside.

Some sellers list a "Rolex 1524 replica" that is really a no-name vintage Date copy with a printed dial and a rotor plate engraved to look like Rolex finishing.

How Do You Spot a Fake Rolex 1524?

• Movement: A genuine 1524 runs a Caliber 1560 or 1570, 26 jewels, about 18,000 vibrations per hour. Most fakes run 21,600 or 28,800 vph movements.
• Case size: The case should measure 34mm across the bezel, not 36mm or 39mm.
• Dial printing: Genuine vintage dials show slightly raised lacquer and uneven aging. Replica dials look flat and evenly printed.
• Cyclops: Factory magnification is about 2.5x. Fakes often read lower or sit crooked.
• Gold hallmarks: Solid gold cases carry correct purity stamps. Plated copies show wear at the lugs and caseback edges.
• Reference stamping: The numbers between the lugs should be crisp and match the era of the serial.

What Does a Fake Rolex 1524 Cost?

Plated vintage-style copies typically sell for $80 to $400 depending on the movement and seller. Frankens built on a real case with a swapped dial or movement often reach $1,200 to $3,000. A genuine 1524 usually runs higher than that, with solid gold examples priced well above two-tone ones.

What Are the Risks of Buying One?

Counterfeit watches are illegal to import into the United States, and shipments can be seized and destroyed by customs. Replicas also hold no resale value and no factory service support. Frankens are the bigger problem, because a mix of real and fake parts is often sold as a full original watch.

Vintage Date models are frequently polished, redialed, or fitted with later service parts, so condition matters as much as authenticity. Always have a qualified watchmaker open the caseback before you pay.

Can a jeweler tell a fake 1524 from a real one?

Yes, in most cases. The movement, the reference stamping between the lugs, and the gold hallmarks are the fastest tells for a trained eye.

Is the 1524 the same as a Datejust?

No. The Datejust is 36mm or larger, while the 1524 is a 34mm Date reference on a different case platform.

Do Chinese replica sellers list a 1524 by name?

Rarely. Sellers usually relabel a generic vintage Date copy as a 1524 to catch search traffic. Ask for photos of the movement and the lug stampings before buying.

The Short Version

The 1524 is a niche vintage reference, and no factory makes a true super clone of it. What circulates instead are plated copies and frankens that borrow the reference number for search appeal. Buy the movement and the case stamping, not the dial, and treat any "new old stock" 1524 with suspicion.