That is still a lot of money to be wasting on a watch that you know won’t last you nearly the same amount of time as if you were to get a real Rolex. Most genuine Rolex casebacks have plain polished metal, and do not have engravings of words, logos, or pictures. They do not have a clear window showing the movements on the back of the watch. All Rolex watches, except for the Cellini dress watches and the more recently unveiled Rolex Perpetual 1908, are equipped with an Oyster case. Its patented system of screwing down the bezel and case back against the middle case, was meant to protect the movement from water and dust. When you are looking at Rolex watches, try to find all the information you can about what materials the watch or particular model is made with.
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” is a question that doesn’t have a short, conclusive answer, but we’ll try to make it less daunting. So without further ado, here’s our updated guide to spotting a fake Rolex. Starting on the outside, you can see that the printing of the dial text is marginally less precise. The shade of red for “Daytona” above the six o’clock subdial is too bright. The hour markers, five-pointed crown and hands don’t catch the light as they should; their edges aren’t crisp and, when you zoom in, you can see evidence of machining which the genuine watch would never display.
How to Spot a Fake Rolex Watch: Final Thoughts
At SwissWatchExpo, we welcome clients to do this with their purchased watches, for their peace of mind. – A reputable and legitimate watch dealer would have solid presence online, as well as real testimonials from previous buyers. – If the timepiece is genuine, but is vintage or in need of repair, it may also not withstand a pressure test. Today, the hermetic construction of the Oyster case guarantees Rolex watches to be waterproof up to 100m / 330 feet, and up to 3,900m / 12,800 feet for the Rolex Deepsea, their saturated diving watch. As of 2022, Rolex has released their most water-resistant watch yet, the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge, which has a depth rating of 11,000 meters (36,090 feet). The “Cyclops” magnifying lens, or the lens that magnifies the date of the watch, is one of the hardest hallmarks to replicate.
Self-Winding or Mechanical Movement
Knowing the signs of how to spot a fake Rolex can be particularly helpful when shopping for pre-owned watches. This comprehensive guide outlines several key indicators that distinguish a real Rolex from a fake one. Additionally, comparison photos of a genuine Rolex Submariner LN and a replica are included to provide visual examples of the differences between the quality of the two watches. Many low-priced digital watches have also been counterfeited in a similar fashion to luxury watches.
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A good starting point when assessing if a Rolex is genuine is to pay attention to the watch movement. The seconds hand on a real modern Rolex ticks 8 times per second (or 5-6 times per second on a vintage model), creating a “sweeping” visual. Many fakes use cheap quartz movements, so if it ticks only once per second, unless it’s an Oysterquartz or a Texano (not likely) it’s surely fake. As one of the most coveted luxury watch brands in the world, Rolex uses only the most durable and high-quality materials. Any authentic Rolex feels substantial and solid, whether it’s made from the heavy-duty Oystersteel or the lighter-weight RLX Titanium or platinum.
References
This practice died out in the early 1870s, as the Swiss could not compete, so surrendered the mass-market field to U.S. firms and focused on branding high end status symbols. From 2002 onward, Rolex started engraving the crystal with a tiny crown logo next to the 6 o’clock mark as an anti-counterfeiting measure. Counterfeiters often fake this, but they make it too visible, so counterintuitively, seeing this laser-etched coronet in photos is actually a red flag. A skilled photographer can capture a real LEC with the right lighting though, as shown below, and legit LEC’s are more pointillated and less “foggy” than fake ones.
How To Spot a Fake Rolex
If you are looking at a watch in person, such as when buying from a private individual, you will need to use other methods to check the materials of the watch. If a deal on a Rolex purchase appears too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid marketplaces like eBay, where fake Rolex watches are common, and make sure the photography is at least decent. Smartphone cameras are good enough these days to capture clear photos of a product, so anything blurry or out-of-focus is an automatic red flag. Today, almost all Rolex dive watches have the Triplock crown, but older models still in production, including the Submariner 14060M, still use the Twinlock technology.
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But that changed at Baselworld 2017 when Rolex introduced the new Sea-Dweller with a Cyclops lens. Now, the only Rolex date watch without a Cyclops lens is the Sea-Dweller Deepsea. Discovering a poorly constructed imitation Rolex can be straightforward, often revealing itself through lackluster details that fall short of the genuine article.
Watch and Learn: How to Spot a Fake Rolex Video
There are a few things I immediately tell people when they ask me how to spot a fake Rolex. Here again, the finishing isn’t as good; the right type of graining or brushing has been used in the right places, but looking at it through a loupe shows coarser, less consistent work on the fake. Edges aren’t smooth, still bearing burrs from the machine that milled them out, and things like screw-heads lack the mirror polish that you’re paying for on a real Rolex. Faking an entire movement isn’t easy; chronograph calibres in particular are challenging to assemble, so even when you’ve gone to the effort of reproducing every component, getting it to work isn’t exactly a piece of cake.
Counterfeit watch
Generally, an authentic Rolex is heavier than a counterfeit one, as it is made of high-quality materials like 904L stainless steel, 18k gold, 950 platinum, or RLX titanium. In contrast, fake Rolexes tend to be made with cheaper materials, making them lightweight and weaker. Do they have reviews with trusted sources such as Google Reviews and Trustpilot? A London pawnbroker like Suttons and Robertsons are experts in Rolex watches and are aware that once sold they will need to stand by an item, as it can easily be returned. Remember a pawnbroker or second hand trader has already invested in the watch and will have undertaken comprehensive and undisputable verification checks.
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The cloned movements miss the mark on the exquisite finishing touches and the dependable accuracy that Rolex is renowned for -the very attributes that make a Rolex much more than just a timekeeper. The legality of Rolex imitations is a complex matter that revolves around the fine line between imitation and counterfeiting. While owning a Rolex imitation as a stylish accessory may not raise legal concerns for most individuals, it is crucial to remain informed and make purchases from reputable sources. Remember that the world of horology offers a diverse array of watches, including legitimate homage pieces that honor the legacy of Rolex without breaching legal boundaries. So, whether you’re seeking the prestige of a genuine Rolex or the charm of a well-crafted homage, it’s essential to choose your timepiece wisely and within the confines of the law.
What is the primary difference between a Rolex replica and a counterfeit Rolex?
Genuine Rolexes are made with high-quality metals, crystal, and have intricate details. Counterfeits might use cheaper materials that are visibly of lower quality upon closer inspection. The dial of a brand-new Rolex exudes perfection down to the minutest detail. The precision of the fonts, the exacting spaces between letters, and the absolute absence of smudges or misspellings are hallmarks of their storied craftsmanship. Spotting any discrepancy here, such as uneven lettering or blemished finishes, should immediately trigger doubts about the watch’s legitimacy.
- Your best defense against buying a fake is to purchase your Rolex from a reputable dealer.
- Also, Rolex uses anti-reflective material under the Cyclops to make it easier to read, but this anti-reflective material is clear.
- While that will never be a concern when buying from Bob’s, it’s still useful to arm yourself with some knowledge.
- It should be noted that there are some exceptions to the general rule outlined above.
- That’s why the most accurate fakes are often considered to be the ones with closed case backs.
- Rolex is known for using 904L stainless steel, a premium grade that is more resistant to corrosion and has a higher polish than the more commonly used 316L steel in counterfeit watches.
- While there are still many obvious tells that can give away a fake Rolex, the increasing amount of sophisticated counterfeits on the market is concerning.
- From the Air King to the Yachtmaster, Rolex watches have a consistent font style that’s unique to the brand.
- Spotting any discrepancy here, such as uneven lettering or blemished finishes, should immediately trigger doubts about the watch’s legitimacy.
Advances in milling and rapid prototyping machinery mean that all of the above can be achieved with minimal hand-craft involved (which remains one of the un-fakeable defining characteristics of a real ). If you are in the watch community, having a strong reputation is important. Being found out for having a fake watch will only lead to embarrassment. Rolex takes their watches seriously and the selling of fake Rolex watches is considered criminal activity.
When looked straight on, the date should be magnified, about 2.5 magnification to be exact. All Rolex watches are crafted in the company’s own facilities in Switzerland, from initial design to final assembly. Rolex has multiple production sites, including its headquarters in Geneva; the main manufacturing facility, located in nearby Plan-les-Ouates; and production outposts in Chêne-Bourg and Bienne. Ask the seller for references from watch associations like the International Watch and Jewelry Guild. The winding crown on a Rolex is always on the right side of the case for easy access — assuming it’s worn on the left wrist. The one exception is the left-handed GMT-Master II, which was introduced in 2022 to accommodate left-handed wearers.
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Even an experienced watchmaker can’t tell the difference, since the movement was replicated to the smallest detail. Replica watches are in high demand and have attracted new people thanks to the quality we have achieved over the years. Watch.uk.com is constantly updated with information on any replica watches uk and the newest models that may interest our visitors so that you don’t have to search elsewhere for the latest replica watches. It should be noted that there are some exceptions to the general rule outlined above. For instance, certain Rolex watches such as the Milgauss, Deepsea, vintage Sea Dweller, some gold Lady Datejusts, and military Submariners do have specific patented markings on their caseback.
How to Spot a Fake Rolex: 13+ Expert Tips
On a genuine Rolex, it is textured to provide traction when turning the crown. The casebacks of most Rolex watches are plain polished steel, without engravings, drawings or other decorations. Exceptions include the Sea-Dweller, which has the name of the watch and some variation of “Gas Escape Valve” written on its titanium back. If a watch stops working while you’re out for a swim, best to just leave that fake at the bottom of the sea.
“Waterproof” and “water resistant” both refer to an ability to keep moisture out of the case, with the former denoting higher performance underwater. The majority of Rolex watches in the Oyster line should hold up at a whopping depth of 100 meters (328 feet). Only an expert — and luckily, 1stDibs has many — can really be trusted to determine Replica Rolex whether or not a watch is genuine. Nevertheless, we’ve compiled a list of 13 things you should look for in a real Rolex. If you own a Rolex want to get a fast cash loan from a London pawnbroker or you are looking to sell your Rolex, then please get in touch. We are experts in luxury timepieces can guide you into this exciting world.
This is the inner ring that connects the dial to the glass or the bezel, and it has “Rolex” written all the way around, and it’s laser-etched. At 12 o’clock is te Rolex logo, the crown, and then at six o’clock, you can find the serial number. This is there to magnify the tiny date disc behind so that it’s more legible.
- Pull all this together and what does it mean for someone hoping not to get stung?
- In contrast, Rolex imitations may closely mimic the design of a genuine Rolex but do not carry the counterfeit branding.
- It’s this resilience against the elements that not only enhances the value of a Rolex but also stands as a measure of its authenticity.
- The brushing on a Rolex Submariner is extremely fine and requires extra effort for the superclone watches since they are also manufactured from 904L Steel which is more scratch-resistant but harder to work with.
- Rolex movements are self-winding and mechanical, as opposed to quartz or battery-powered.
- Now, the only Rolex date watch without a Cyclops lens is the Sea-Dweller Deepsea.
The retail division S&R Jewellers also fully guarantees authenticity of all pre-owned watches and jewellery. When searching for indications of a counterfeit Rolex, there are various features on the watch case that reveal its authenticity or lack thereof. As previously mentioned, authentic Rolex timepieces are made of the finest quality materials, which is typically the most apparent indication of whether a Rolex watch is genuine or fake.
- Another red flag is any spelling mistakes, crooked or misplaced text, different font style or size, misaligned hour and minute markers, or awkward spacing of features.
- Overall, Switzerland is producing some 20m watches per year, and it’ll be no surprise that, by market share, Rolex caps that, producing around a million watches annually.
- This is especially important when buying a pre-owned Rolex, as there is more risk involved compared to buying brand new from a retail store.
- Counterfeit watches might have less attention to presentation or protective measures.
- – If the timepiece is genuine, but is vintage or in need of repair, it may also not withstand a pressure test.
- The hour markers, five-pointed crown and hands don’t catch the light as they should; their edges aren’t crisp and, when you zoom in, you can see evidence of machining which the genuine watch would never display.
- A simple Google search for the serial and model numbers of the watch you’re considering should reveal whether it is actually a mass-produced fake.
Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. Discerning the authenticity of a Rolex can often come down to the subtle art of examining its serial and case reference numbers. When you’re comparing models, the authentic Rolex will reveal its identity through serial and model numbers engraved with laser precision. These markings are so finely cut, they dance and reflect the light, reminiscent of a meticulously carved diamond edge. Their numbers may appear dotted or blurred, the result of inferior etching techniques, leaving behind a granular, acid-etched texture that you can spot in our comparison photos.
Beginning in 2002, the brand started to add the crystal over the dial with a small crown logo, precisely placed at the 6 o’clock position. This micro-etching is a testament to Rolex’s dedication to detail and serves as a badge of authenticity for models crafted in that year or later. Its size makes it a challenge to distinguish without a magnifying glass and the perfect angle of light, but it’s a detail worth searching for as a sign of a genuine timepiece. The artistry involved in the genuine Rolex dial, hands, and hour markers is nothing short of immaculate, a standard that fakes often fall short of reaching. The printing on the dial, the luster on the hands, the alignment of the hour markers – every component on a genuine Rolex is the result of an elaborate process designed to achieve visual and functional harmony.
It can’t stop the production, it can’t stop the purchase or the shipment, it can try to stop the import—although many fake watches arrive in the country disguised within other products—but ultimately it’s a bit stuck. Fake watch manufacturers are known for using an original example to scan and replicate, but even then, there are small details that just aren’t quite right. Surprisingly, there’s an entire community dedicated to making these fake watches closer to the original. Shades of colour, thickness of print, size of markers—if they’re out, even by a small amount, the community will report it.