It’s precisely for this reason that we’ve gone the extra mile to craft an informative video for you. At Bob’s Watches, we’ve put these super clones under the microscope, comparing them side-by-side with authentic Rolex watches. Our enlightening video, “How to Tell a Fake Rolex,” is more than just a guide; it’s a window into the meticulous world of Rolex craftsmanship, ensuring you have the confidence and knowledge to spot the differences with ease.
Rolex Replicas Are Evolving… Here’s What To Look For
- Without in-depth knowledge of Rolex authentication, navigating these sites can be risky.
- Examine it closely with a magnifying glass for signs that it’s been glued together.
- Therefore, researching when the LEC feature was applied to a specific Rolex model is advisable.
- The casebacks of most Rolex watches are plain polished steel, without engravings, drawings or other decorations.
- The art of identifying an authentic Rolex is akin to enjoying fine art; you must absorb and appreciate every detail.
- If a deal on a Rolex purchase appears too good to be true, it probably is.
The font size may vary slightly, since it depends on the dial’s diameter, which can be as small as 24mm on women’s Rolexes and as large as 44mm on men’s models. When checking the font on the face of a Rolex you’re considering, compare it with authentic pictures of the same model. It first made its debut in 2015 on the Everose Yacht-Master and later became available on gold Daytona models. We hope that you find this quick guide to the anatomy of authentic Rolex watches to be useful.
How to Spot a Fake Rolex
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.
How To Spot a Fake Rolex
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.
Rolex Myths, Lies, and Almost-Firsts
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.
- Typically, those who buy Rolex watches want their purchase to be known by collectors and other professionals.
- Whether you are aware that you are wearing a fake Rolex or not, your watch can be taken away by the authorized dealers and by service centers.
- Each Rolex watch boasts its own set of unique identifiers, with reference numbers that tell the story of its design and heritage.
- On the other hand, most Rolex watches are equipped with mechanical (either automatic or manual-winding) movements.
Micro-etched Crystal
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.
Rolex
Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.
Top Signs To Spot A Fake Rolex
- In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas.
- Rolex uses Twinlock and Triplock crowns on its watches to ensure that they’re waterproof.
- If your Rolex watch features a date complication on the dial, the date should change in one smooth sweep at 12 o’clock.
- Today, Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches have a minimum water resistance of 330 feet (100 meters).
- Another telltale sign on how to tell if Rolex is fake is the sapphire crystal, the glass that covers the dial on your watch.
- Most counterfeit Rolex watches provide a magnification of 1.5 times or lower, making the date appear smaller and difficult to see.
The number of fake watches uncovered by pre-owned dealer Watchfinder & Co is rising – with Rolex replicas accounting for about half of the knock-offs in circulation. 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. Gone are the days when a fake watch was just something you picked up from a market on holiday for $10 (£8) and wore until one of the hands fell off – usually within a few weeks.
How to Find a Reputable Seller
- For instance, certain models like the Milgauss, Explorer II, and Deepsea have only been produced in stainless steel, and any made with other materials are replicas.
- The GMT-Master and GMT-Master II collections have a unique two-tone bezel in different color combinations.
- The low weight directly represents the compromising approach to quality, where the counterfeiter has used low-quality materials and cheap engineering to imitate a Rolex.
- When in the market for a modern Rolex, make it a point to seek out this elusive crown.
- All Rolex watches made from 2002 onward have a tiny etched crown logo at the six o’clock position, which can take a magnifying glass to make out clearly.
- The Rolex Day-Date’s Presidential bracelet has semi-circular links that alternate between polished and satin finishes.
- The joy a Rolex brings to its owner is unparalleled, yet for those looking to change their collection, selling a Rolex can be part of the journey.
- Each year, Rolex subtly adjusts its pricing, often without a display or big announcement.
It’s very common for old watches to be missing paperwork; that’s understandable. Don’t let your guard down just because a seller has papers, though–they can be faked too. If you’re considering buying a pre-owned Rolex, your first thought is likely “How do I spot a fake Rolex? ” Counterfeit Rolexes are notoriously common, and they’re only getting more and more accurate.
How to Spot a Fake Rolex LEC: Spotting it at All!
Additionally, knowing which material a specific Rolex model is made of can also help spot a fake. For instance, certain models like the Milgauss, Explorer II, and Deepsea have only been produced in stainless steel, and any made with other materials are replicas. Similarly, watches from Rolex’s Day-Date collection are exclusively made with precious metals, specifically gold or platinum, and any made with other materials are likely to be fake. Rolex watches with a date window have a magnification lens called a “cyclops” that magnifies the date by 2.5 times.
High-Quality Materials and Heavy Weight
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.
Rolex Submariner Date Stainless Steel Black Dial Black Bezel 126610LN
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. If your Rolex watch features a date complication on the dial, the date should change in one smooth sweep at 12 o’clock. A slight deviation of around 5 minutes is considered normal and falls within the specifications. However, if the date changes gradually or slows down significantly, this could be a sign that the watch is a counterfeit.
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.
On The Wrist: Vintage Tudor Submariner 75090 Review
Finally, the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea is water-resistant to 12,800 feet (3,900 meters). 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.
Hands
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 Replica Rolex from the heavy-duty Oystersteel or the lighter-weight RLX Titanium or platinum. A good starting point when assessing if a Rolex is genuine is to pay attention to the watch movement.
Bezel Feel
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.
