Quick answer
The Oyster Perpetual 28 is the smallest watch in the Oyster Perpetual line. The genuine version is reference 276200, 28 mm across, no date window, calibre 2232 inside. Replica versions copy the case, the dial colors, and the Oyster bracelet. Case steel is 316L on most replicas and 904L on a small number. Glass is mineral on cheap models and sapphire on the rest. Movements are quartz, compact automatic, or a decorated clone of the 2232. Price runs from about $50 to $500.
Genuine specs
- Reference: 276200
- Case diameter: 28 mm
- Case material: Oystersteel
- Movement: calibre 2232, automatic, Syloxi hairspring
- Power reserve: 55 hours
- Water resistance: 100 m / 330 ft
- Crystal: sapphire
- Accuracy rating: -2 / +2 seconds per day
- Bracelet: three-piece Oyster with folding Oysterclasp and 5 mm Easylink extension
The 2020 launch added lacquer dials in candy pink, turquoise blue, yellow, and coral red next to the older sunray finishes in silver and black. The 28 mm size shares the case shape of the 31, 36, and 41 mm Oyster Perpetual models, scaled down.
What replica builders change
Case
316L steel is the norm. It polishes to a brighter white than 904L and weighs less. A few high-end replicas use 904L. Case diameter is the first thing to measure with calipers. A 28 mm case measures 28 mm across the bezel, not the crown. Many replicas run 26 mm or 30 mm and are listed as 28.
Movement
The 28 mm case leaves about 22 mm of interior room. Builders use compact movements: a quartz module, a small automatic such as the Seiko NH05 family, or a 2232-style automatic copy. Ask which movement is fitted. A quartz replica ticks once per second. An automatic sweeps in small steps.
Dial and hands
Dial color match is the weak point. Candy pink and turquoise are hard to reproduce. Check the shape of the stick hands and the length of the seconds hand. On the genuine, the seconds hand tip reaches the minute track. The coronet at 12 sits centered above the crown logo text.
Bracelet
End link fit shows quality. On a good replica the end links sit flush with the lugs and move with little play. Solid links are correct. Folded links belong to the lowest price band. The Easylink extension is missing on most replicas.
Water resistance
Most replicas do not reach 100 m. Gaskets, caseback threads, and crown seals vary by factory and by unit. Do not swim with a replica unless a watchmaker pressure tests it first. Hand washing and rain are the practical limits.
Checks before you buy
- Ask for the measured case diameter in millimeters.
- Ask for the movement name and type.
- Confirm crystal material, sapphire or mineral.
- Look at photos of the end link to lug fit.
- Check dial color against a genuine photo in daylight.
- Ask if the clasp has an extension link.
- Confirm the return window and the warranty length.
Price bands
- $50 to $90: quartz, mineral glass, folded links, printed dial
- $150 to $250: automatic, sapphire glass, solid links, applied indexes
- $300 to $500: clone automatic, 904L option, close dial print, closer case finishing
Sizing
A 28 mm case fits wrists of about 14 to 16 cm (5.5 to 6.3 in) with little overhang. Links are removable on both the genuine and the replicas. Measure your wrist with a tape before ordering. A 28 mm watch on a 19 cm wrist looks small and the bracelet will not close to a tight fit.