When buying a vintage Rolex the ‘box papers’ are highly useful because they assist the buyer in establishing whether the watch is authentic or not. A watch made in 1960 will not have a valid warranty, but the card will still have the serial number. Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry.
High-Quality Materials and Heavy Weight
This feature is not just about aesthetic flourish; it’s a functional design crafted to make reading the date effortless, reflecting the user-centric philosophy of Rolex design. Fake or replica luxury watches are a growing problem in the US$27.3 billion per year secondary watch market, with some counterfeit versions fooling even the most knowledgeable experts. “Rolex is the most aspirational luxury watch brand and has the highest demand – hence, it’s the most replicated,” said van de Vall.
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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. There can be notable differences between genuine Rolex packaging and that used with counterfeits. Genuine packaging reflects the brand’s impeccable standards and displays the same commitment to quality and attention applied to their watches.
How to Spot a Fake Rolex Bezel
There are numerous tips and indicators for spotting a fake Rolex watch. As the most counterfeited luxury watch brand, the quality of these fake watches has improved to a level previously unseen in the luxury world. This means that counterfeiters have become highly skilled at replicating Rolex timepieces, with some counterfeit watches being almost impossible to detect without the help of highly trained experts. 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. Rolexes are made with high-quality materials, either patented oyster steel or patented gold/platinum alloy, so they tend to be heavier than counterfeit ones.
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- This also comes back to modern customers preferring all-original watches.
- The crown is typically located at the 12 o’clock position on most classic watches, except for the Day-Date model, where it is located beneath the day window at the 12 o’clock position.
- This substantial feel is the result of an uncompromising approach to quality, where everything from the case to the bracelet is designed to meet the highest standards of luxury watchmaking.
- For any inquiries or guidance through our selection, we invite you to reach out.
- This usually leaves behind an acid-etched or sandy texture, and the lines are a little messy.
- A fake Rolex clasp is shorter than a real one, and the crown is placed differently.
Encountering a Rolex with a quartz movement should raise immediate concerns. Throughout its illustrious history, Rolex has produced only a handful of quartz timepieces, making them an anomaly rather than the norm. These imitations may initially look convincing, but upon meticulous inspection, they fall short. 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 devil is in the details, and with Rolex, each element is an example of precision engineering. Should you ever encounter a Rolex that doesn’t meet this high standard, with components that seem anything less than top-notch, it’s likely you’re looking at an imposter.
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Do note that a very limited number of Rolex watches, specifically Rolex Oysterquartz produced between the 1970s to the 2000s, were produced with quartz movements. Rolex’s serial and model numbers are cleanly engraved into the metal, while fake watches only have it etched by acid, leaving a shallow, sandy-like appearance. A genuine Rolex’s numbers are cut deeply enough that they will glow in the light when raised at an angle. Fake watches tend to be a lot lighter in their weight due to being made with lower-quality materials.
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Counterfeiters are only getting better with time, and fake Rolex appears quite convincing these days. ❌ Fake – If you admire a Rolex’s case back and find a nice engraving or logo on it, you’re likely looking at a duplicate. Rolex prides itself on its solid case backs, a tradition that speaks to its minimalist ethics and underscores its luxury craftsmanship. Authentic Rolexes are carefully placed within the box, often with protective coverings and supports to secure the watch.
- Sapphire crystal measures 9 on the Mohs mineral hardness scale, followed by Diamonds on 10.
- In contrast, fake Rolexes tend to be made with cheaper materials, making them lightweight and weaker.
- On an authentic Rolex, the winding crown and its stem are made from a single piece of metal.
- An authentic Rolex has the Cyclops lens bulging outward in a convex shape above the date display, enhancing the date with 2.5 times magnification.
- It’s a very obvious fake,” says Matthew Bain, a Miami-based watch expert who operates Matthew Bain, Inc.
- In such cases, a reputable seller must always disclose any modification to the original design before sale.
- From the Air King to the Yachtmaster, Rolex watches have a consistent font style that’s unique to the brand.
- While not having those bars and dots is not a single sign of a fake piece, if you’re looking at a recent Rolex model, that extra design or marking on the crown should be there.
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While not having those bars and dots is not a single sign of a fake piece, if you’re looking at a recent Rolex model, that extra design or marking on the crown should be there. A stuttering second-hand makes a small ticking noise instead of remaining silent. The only exception is the Rolex Oysterquartz, which uses a quartz movement rather than a mechanical one, resulting in a ticking sound. ❌ Fake – If you spot any discrepancy in the dial, such as a blemished finish, uneven lettering, misspellings or smudges, it should immediately trigger your doubt about the watch’s originality.
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The difference between the weight of a real Rolex and a fake Rolex can vary, but will still be noticeable. 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. It can be difficult to know how to spot a fake Rolex without an expert eye. In recent years, criminals have gotten a lot better at creating convincing knockoff luxury watches (and Rolexes in particular).
The weight of the watch
- Despite this, we caution against the DIY approach of water-testing a Rolex at home.
- With few exceptions, if a Rolex has no lume on the dial, it shouldn’t have lume on the hands, either.
- They do not have a clear window showing the movements on the back of the watch.
- ✔️ Real – Rolex’s commitment to minimalism extends to the back of the watches.
- The vast majority of fake Rolex watches in the world are cheap, easy-to-spot knockoffs.
- At the heart of every authentic Rolex watch lies a mechanism that is a testament to superior watchmaking- a movement crafted with an unwavering commitment to precision.
- In most cases, they also fail to replicate the Rolex engraving, which comes as a seal of authenticity.
✔️ Real – The crown has clear markings and a fluted design on a real Rolex. The crown logo still exists in the recent models, but dots and bars are added. These dots and bars symbolise the watch as a Triplock or Twinlock and highlight the material.
“Buy the seller, not the watch” is an enduring mantra among watch enthusiasts for a reason. Wanting to make a watch and being able to make a watch are not exactly the same thing, and if this were a decade or so ago, we wouldn’t be having this conversation at all. If it feels like there’s been a recent swell in the rise of fake watches, that’s because there has, and it’s all to do with the way technology has changed.
Movement
- The model number on the other hand, is found between the lugs above 12 o’clock, accompanied by the text “ORIG ROLEX DESIGN” right above the number.
- Or if you have a genuine watch by another luxury brand such as TUDOR (Rolex sister company), Omega or TAG Heuer, then compare with that for an initial view.
- The metals used in making the Rolex watches have a certain weight, making the watches feel solid and substantial on your wrist.
- If you read this guide and still have any doubts about a watch you own, look up good watchmakers in your area and take it in for a service.
- Sometimes collectors and resellers of genuine Rolexes do “dial swaps” and forget to match the hands, but in general, lumed hands on an unlumed dial are a red flag.
- Counterfeit watches may have documentation that looks rushed, with printing errors or missing elements.
- The precision of the fonts, the exacting spaces between letters, and the absolute absence of smudges or misspellings are hallmarks of their storied craftsmanship.
With few exceptions (such as the Sea-Dweller and Milgauss), Rolex watches do not have specs, logos, or branding on their casebacks. A few vintage ladies’ models actually do say “stainless steel” on the back, and very old Rolexes often have serial/model numbers on the back. But as a rule, Rolex casebacks should be sterile (blank) aside from personal engravings. ✔️ Real – Every Rolex has the serial number engraved between the lugs at the 6 o’clock position of the dial. The lettering of the serial number is perfect and precise, reminiscent of meticulous craftsmanship.
- The “Cyclops” magnifying lens, or the lens that magnifies the date of the watch, is one of the hardest hallmarks to replicate.
- At SwissWatchExpo, we welcome clients to do this with their purchased watches, for their peace of mind.
- The devil is in the details, and with Rolex, each element is an example of precision engineering.
- Be mindful of who you trust your watch with – I’ve heard at least one tale of a sketchy watchmaker who pocketed a client’s original Rolex dial, returning the “serviced” watch with an aftermarket one.
- The relatively new program sees the authenticity of used Rolexes certified by the brand itself and includes a two-year guarantee, giving you no doubt that you’re purchasing the genuine article.
- At Bob’s Watches, we stand as a defender against the uncertainties of the secondary watch market.
The low-quality black writing, combined with the poor embossing of the Rolex logo, are more signs of a fake. The rehaut plays an important role in knowing how to spot a fake Rolex. Since 2008, all Rolex rehauts have had the “ROLEXROLEXROLEX” engraving. The serial number should be at 6 o’clock, so if the “ROLEXROLEXROLEX” writing goes all the way around with no break for a serial number at the bottom, that’s a sure sign of a cheap fake.
How to Spot a Fake Rolex Bracelet
When venturing into the realm of luxury watches, the attention to detail can be the deciding factor between an original and a counterfeit. The crafters of replica watches operate across a spectrum of quality, and often, the less meticulous forgers will forego the very essence of the Rolex brand – its quintessential name and the celebrated crown emblem. A missing logo or the absence of the Rolex moniker is more than an oversight; it’s a telltale hallmark of a watch that won’t measure up to the legacy of quality synonymous with a genuine Rolex. ✔️ Real – Rolex produces different types and styles of bracelet designs paired with each watch collection. Briefly research the Rolex model and its signature characteristics to avoid confusion. For instance, a Rolex Submariner will always come fitted with an Oyster bracelet.
- Overall, it’s not worth it to buy a Rolex for a few hundred to a thousand dollars if it’s not going to last.
- The time-telling of a fake Rolex would not be as accurate and you would spend a lot of time and resources fixing the time-tracking capabilities.
- Moreover, authentic Rolex timepieces include thorough documentation, including the manual, authenticity certificate, warranty card, etc.
- Knowing how to spot a fake Rolex is mostly about knowing what a real one looks like, but there are often some dead giveaways.
- Therefore, researching when the LEC feature was applied to a specific Rolex model is advisable.
- Japanese grade watches use 316L steel while the Swiss grade is manufactured from 904L Steel which is a much durable, rust and corrosion-resistant but at the same time more costly and complicated to produce.
- We combine hands-on testing, decades of experience and original photography to craft reports, reviews and guides.
In addition to the top tips for spotting a fake, it’s also important to keep a few things in mind to ensure you’re buying authentic Rolex watches. While that will never be a concern when buying from Bob’s, it’s still useful to arm yourself with some knowledge. So, we’ve compiled a quick rundown of the anatomy of authentic Rolex watches with some basic guidelines to keep in mind.
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Counterfeit watches might have less attention to presentation or protective measures. Different models are also presented in unique ways, a detail which often only true experts are familiar with. Check that the serial number is located between the lugs (the metal pieces where the bracelet meets the watch case). Counterfeit watches might have poorly etched or missing serial numbers. Ask the seller for references from watch associations like the International Watch and Jewelry Guild.
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If you don’t know what you’re looking for here, first of all, I don’t blame you, second of all, you should just take your watch to a trusted watchmaker or dealer. Be mindful of who you trust your watch with – I’ve heard at least one tale of a sketchy watchmaker who pocketed a client’s original Rolex dial, returning the “serviced” watch with an aftermarket one. Unfortunately, many of those buying/selling inauthentic watches have no idea they’re fake. We’ve even had customers reach out claiming their strap doesn’t fit properly, only to send us pictures of it paired with an inauthentic Rolex.
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.
On the other hand, the model number is found above the lugs at 12 o’clock along with the text ‘ORIG ROLEX DESIGN’. A genuine Rolex’s serial and model numbers are cut deep and glow in the light when raised at an angle. Understanding the key differences between a real and fake Rolex is important before spending your hard-earned money on a luxury watch. While some counterfeits are easy to spot, others can be well-designed with the intent to deceive buyers.
On closer inspection, if the timepiece is missing these critical brand markings, it’s a strong indicator you’re not holding a piece of the storied Rolex heritage. A true Rolex is not just a timekeeper but a statement, marked clearly with the brand’s distinguished symbols. These symbols are a testament to authenticity and a badge of the craftsmanship and history embodied in every genuine Rolex watch. Without them, a watch not only loses its identity but also its claim to be part of a lineage of the world’s most prestigious timepieces. Each Rolex watch boasts its own set of unique identifiers, with reference numbers that tell the story of its design and heritage. And for your peace of mind, we’ve provided a specialized Rolex serial number checker tool, an essential ally in verifying the lineage of your timepiece.
The weights of Rolexes vary slightly, depending on the model, size, materials and year of production — older models generally weigh less than modern ones. But the weight difference between two real watches of the same model and size is negligible. In contrast, that between a fake and a genuine Rolex can be significant. They also have “Rolex” engraved on them, although the placement of the engraving differs depending on the piece. Rolexes manufactured before 2007 included a hologram of the crown logo on the caseback.
There’s clearly a capability to manufacturer a product to a certain level of quality, but to do so under the manufacturer’s own name with its own designs would most likely be entirely unprofitable. The safest way to ensure authenticity is to buy a Rolex from a trusted seller. However, if you already own one and are contemplating its authenticity, look for the signs above. From the weight and craftsmanship to the various intricate detailing, authentic Rolex watches stand apart in both precision and quality. ✔️ Real – Rolex stands out as a beacon of luxury and unmatched quality.
If you spend a lot of money buying a fake Rolex, you could easily have all that money wasted if your watch is taken away. Overall, it’s not worth it to buy a Rolex for a few hundred to a thousand dollars if it’s not going to last. 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. – A reputable and legitimate watch dealer would have solid presence online, as well as real testimonials from previous buyers. 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.
Do also try to run your finger over the lens – you should feel a bump which is dead-centered over the date. Look for high-quality photos from multiple angles and detailed descriptions. If a seller refuses to provide additional pictures or answer questions, walk away.
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. The Yacht-Master, for instance, has a much thicker minute hand than most models, while a Daytona’s hands are a bit longer, reaching all the way to the hash marks, and are rounded at the end. Counterfeiters often use whatever parts are available to save money, hoping the buyers will overlook this detail. The second hand on a real Rolex should appear to the naked eye to rotate smoothly around the face.
Serious watch-nerd stuff, though, is what you’re paying for – even if what you thought you were paying for was just a brand name and one of the most desirable watches on the market. It’s the level of hand-finishing and the dedication to quality that marks the real thing out from the fake. Of course, you’re not expected to understand the finer horological points, fake Rolex but you do want to take comfort in knowing they’re there. If that sounds ridiculous, consider that the fake Rolex here, examined in detail by Watchfinder, is being made with real 904L steel – the same top-grade metal used in the real watch. It will use real ceramic in the bezel, real sapphire crystal, and has the exact same locking construction to the bracelet.