A fake Rolex is easy to spot if you know what to look for. You can pretty much tell in a matter of minutes if it's real or fake by looking for features that Replica Rolex watches cannot duplicate well. Here are 5 ways to instantly spot a fake:
1. Second Hand Movement - Save for a short time where Rolex made Quartz powered watches (OysterQuartz) all Rolex movements are mechanical. This means that they have a smooth sweeping motion when the second hand moves around the dial - "ticking" about 5-8 times per second.
Many high end fakes will almost duplicate this effect but the keyword is ALMOST - even most of the high end fake watches tick around three to four times a second. This still generates a similar "sweeping" illusion but it is immediately apparent that it is not as smooth as a genuine Rolex movement.
2. Clear Case Back - Another giveaway for a replica Rolex is the clear case back. This is a transparent window on the back of the watch case that shows the movement inside. Despite many fake Rolex watches using quartz movements, there are some "higher-end" models that use a mechanical movement.
Many replicas will try to show this fact off by sporting a clear case backing. While this is certainly an interesting feature that is employed by various other high end luxury watches, Rolex has never created a watch model with a clear case backing.
3. Watch weight - A combination of high quality materials in the movement, case and bracelet add up to quite a bit of weight. An all gold Rolex which is quite light is a good indication of hollow links, or simply steel that is gold-plated and thus, a fake watch.
4. Date Magnification (Cyclops) - The Cyclops lens is visible on all Rolex models that show the date. It is a sphere shaped piece of glass that magnifies the date about 2.5x. Counterfeiters often try and copy this poorly.
Counterfeit Rolex watches will often only magnify the date window 1.5 times and the difference is apparent after looking at the real deal. When looking at the Cyclops at a straight on angle, the date window should be magnified so that it almost fills the whole Cyclops glass.
5. Bezel and Date Display - The alignment of the date opening and number display should be perfectly straight. Look closely at the printing of the date number (with a loupe if possible) and look for any signs of low quality printing such as uneven ink or artifacts on the background.
If you have the chance, rotate the bezel and count the number of clicks it makes in one complete rotation - authentic Rolex watches will have a bezel that clicks 120 times when rotated, fakes usually only click around 60 times. The quality of the clicks from an authentic Rolex will be very subtle and feel well very solid whereas the clicks from a fake will be a lot louder and feel a lot more "mechanical". - 31400
1. Second Hand Movement - Save for a short time where Rolex made Quartz powered watches (OysterQuartz) all Rolex movements are mechanical. This means that they have a smooth sweeping motion when the second hand moves around the dial - "ticking" about 5-8 times per second.
Many high end fakes will almost duplicate this effect but the keyword is ALMOST - even most of the high end fake watches tick around three to four times a second. This still generates a similar "sweeping" illusion but it is immediately apparent that it is not as smooth as a genuine Rolex movement.
2. Clear Case Back - Another giveaway for a replica Rolex is the clear case back. This is a transparent window on the back of the watch case that shows the movement inside. Despite many fake Rolex watches using quartz movements, there are some "higher-end" models that use a mechanical movement.
Many replicas will try to show this fact off by sporting a clear case backing. While this is certainly an interesting feature that is employed by various other high end luxury watches, Rolex has never created a watch model with a clear case backing.
3. Watch weight - A combination of high quality materials in the movement, case and bracelet add up to quite a bit of weight. An all gold Rolex which is quite light is a good indication of hollow links, or simply steel that is gold-plated and thus, a fake watch.
4. Date Magnification (Cyclops) - The Cyclops lens is visible on all Rolex models that show the date. It is a sphere shaped piece of glass that magnifies the date about 2.5x. Counterfeiters often try and copy this poorly.
Counterfeit Rolex watches will often only magnify the date window 1.5 times and the difference is apparent after looking at the real deal. When looking at the Cyclops at a straight on angle, the date window should be magnified so that it almost fills the whole Cyclops glass.
5. Bezel and Date Display - The alignment of the date opening and number display should be perfectly straight. Look closely at the printing of the date number (with a loupe if possible) and look for any signs of low quality printing such as uneven ink or artifacts on the background.
If you have the chance, rotate the bezel and count the number of clicks it makes in one complete rotation - authentic Rolex watches will have a bezel that clicks 120 times when rotated, fakes usually only click around 60 times. The quality of the clicks from an authentic Rolex will be very subtle and feel well very solid whereas the clicks from a fake will be a lot louder and feel a lot more "mechanical". - 31400
About the Author:
Jaye Cadlah owns Time and Gems, and has been selling used Rolex since 1997. Browse their hundreds of Mens and Ladies Rolex watches at their website or stop by their showroom located in downtown Los Angeles. TimeandGems.com also has a number of guides on buying a preowned Rolex, as well as a frequently updated blog talking about all things Rolex.
