Of course the issue is not Rolex exclusive, it is a huge problem for all luxury watch brands. A Rolex is not only a luxury item but also an investment that can hold its value (or become more valuable) over many years. Rolex uses Twinlock and Triplock crowns on its watches to ensure that they’re waterproof. The two different types are identified by small markings under the Rolex coronet. Other models that feature Twinlock crowns include the Sky-Dweller and the Datejust. From the Air King to the Yachtmaster, Rolex watches have a consistent font style that’s unique to the brand.

• The absence of weight is often the first clue that corners have been cut, signaling the use of inferior materials and a lack of the solid construction that Rolex is known for.
• However, with its status and great demand comes a vigorous counterfeit market — therefore one can easily be duped into buying a fake Rolex watch.
• Up until very recently, the only Rolex date models that did not have a Cyclops lens were the Sea-Dweller and Deepsea.
• Just because a Rolex has had parts replaced, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s fake.
• The reason these watches are popular is because Rolex is so successful, because it’s a recognisable, aspirational, emotive brand.
• 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.
• They also have “Rolex” engraved on them, although the placement of the engraving differs depending on the piece.

High-Quality Materials and Heavy Weight

This level of detail in the finish and function is only visible upon opening up its case, revealing the flawless execution expected from such a prestigious brand. Checking the movement remained, until now, an easy way to weed out fakes. Fake Rolex watches are often sold on sketchy websites where you may be asked to put in some personal information. If you don’t pay attention to whether or not the website that you are on is secured or not, you may be giving your credit card information to a fake seller. 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.

Top Signs To Spot A Fake Rolex

Rolex is, after all, one of the most counterfeited brands in the world. Authentic Rolex watches come with thorough documentation, including a warranty card, owner’s manual, and sometimes a certificate of authenticity. The paperwork is well-printed, with sharp text and accurate information. Counterfeit watches may have documentation that looks rushed, with printing errors or missing elements.

Serial & Model numbers

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.

• In contrast, that between a fake and a genuine Rolex can be significant.
• Any scratches on the case should be the same color as the case itself not considering shadows, as Rolex watches are made of solid metals.
• 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.
• The weights of Rolexes vary slightly, depending on the model, size, materials and year of production — older models generally weigh less than modern ones.
• For instance, fluted bezels on authentic Rolex watches are made of 18k gold.
• Our independent experts test the best in cars, tech, home, outdoors, style and watches.
• 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.

On The Wrist: Vintage Tudor Submariner 75090 Review

✔️ Real – Rolex’s commitment to minimalism extends to the back of the watches. ✔️ Real – One of the most significant hallmarks of a genuine Rolex is its solid case back. If you want to learn how to distinguish a fake Rolex from an authentic one, a good place to start is researching the reference number. The reference number of a Rolex watch, also known as the model number, contains essential information such as the age of the watch, model, material, and bezel type. This information helps you compare the specific watch with its reference number to ensure that everything matches the description. If a deal on a Rolex purchase appears too good to be true, it probably is.

Guess the Most Expensive Watch Quiz

A Rolex’s serial number is found where the bracelet meets the case of the watch, below 6 o’clock. 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. 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. 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.

Accurate Date Keeping

And what most people don’t realise is that it’s taken Rolex over a century to get to this point. Fifty or so years ago, Rolex was just an upcoming manufacturer of affordable watches for professionals that sat in the shadow of its much older and more accomplished competitors. Through innovation, clever thinking and a whole lot of luck, the Rolex we know today is one of gargantuan proportions. So, the only way to avoid falling prey to this ‘super fake’ Rolex market is to buy Rolex watches from a qualified and authorised watch dealer. ❌ Fake – A smooth, brushed, or plain crown indicates that the watch could be fake.

Opinion: Grand Seiko’s Marketing Department Needs to Get it Together

• Rolex is copied in so many ways, and it’s really not easy to differentiate a real from a fake unless you have a trained eye.
• The prevalence of counterfeit products, particularly in high-value categories like luxury watches, makes these marketplaces challenging to navigate for those seeking legitimate Rolex vendors.
• 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.
• Rehaut engravings on current Rolexes have a clean, sandblasted appearance.
• Hence, if you come across a watch with a fluted bezel made of platinum or stainless steel, it is undoubtedly a fake Rolex.
• The minute lines might not exactly bisect each letter, but if any minute line is so far off that it’s not even touching a letter, that’s a pretty conclusive sign of a 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.

One exception to this is the Rolex Oysterquartz, which runs on a quartz movement instead of a mechanical one. If you’re considering a specific reference, spend 10 minutes researching its unique features. Compare the watch’s details—such as dial layout, engravings, and case design—to images of verified examples. With few exceptions, if a Rolex has no lume on the dial, it shouldn’t have lume on the hands, either. 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. If you’re shopping for a pre-owned Rolex it’s best to choose a trusted grey market dealer with a good reputation and an authenticity guarantee.

Serial & Model Number Engravings

• Before the engraved rehauts, Rolex serial numbers were engraved on the case between the bottom lugs.
• If the two colors appear to bleed into each other or the colors split anywhere else on the bezel besides the numbers 6 and 18, then that watch is a fake Rolex.
• The watches are meticulously arranged inside the box, typically with protective coverings and supports to keep them securely in place.
• 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.
• So, if you know someone who has a real Rolex, ask them if you can feel the weight of theirs so you have something to compare to.
• Rolex’s cyclops provides a distinctive 2.5x magnification, and the date should fill up the cyclops window nicely.
• And while the fake Rolexes of decades past were easy to spot — like when they were hanging from the liner of Times Square hustler’s trench coat — modern replicas are a bit more advanced.

The famous Rolex coronet logo is a regal five-point crown that can always be found on the dial of genuine Rolex 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. Therefore, if the watch in question has the crown logo in any other location or is missing the crown logo, it is likely not a genuine Rolex.

Rolex Submariner No Date Black Dial 124060 – Used

Moreover, vintage pieces or those requiring service might also fail such tests, despite being genuine. For peace of mind, and to safeguard the intricate craftsmanship of your timepiece, it’s wise to entrust this verification to the seasoned expertise of a professional. Their evaluation will not only confirm authenticity but also ensure the enduring legacy of your Rolex remains uncompromised. It’s vital to remember that the essence of Rolex’s horological identity is predominantly mechanical.

Most Commonly Asked Questions About Rolex

The gears and springs inside a real Rolex are assembled with an unwavering commitment to precision and showcase flawless execution. ✔️ Real – Many Rolex watches have a date on the dial, magnified with a Cyclops lens. This signature magnifying lens adorns the crystal over the date window. 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.

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.

More from Automatic Watches

Because counterfeiters became so adept at copying it, Rolex discontinued the hologram. However, you can now be sure that any seller claiming that a watch with a hologram was made after 2007 is almost definitely peddling a replica. Counterfeiters often don’t bother to vary the numbers, instead printing the same digits on each replica. 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. For example, a Submariner model number for a Yacht-Master,” says Abe Diveroli, of Primetime305.

✔️ Real – All Rolex watches boast a construction, certified through rigorous water pressure testing, ensuring they are waterproof. Today, the hermetic construction of the Oyster case, the solid middle case of the watch, and the screw-down winding crowns ensure the watches are waterproof. ❌ Fake – Cloned Rolex watches miss the mark when it comes to the finishing touches.

The weight of the watch

It is also important to note that Rolex has made quartz watches in the past – the Rolex Oysterquartz, which is powered by quartz movements. Genuine Rolex movements use a free-sprung balance with visible Microstella screws on the balance wheel. Counterfeiters cannot replicate this technology at scale, but they can make a (somewhat) convincing dupe. If you’re not confident in what you’re looking for, have a professional inspect the movement—it’s one of the surest ways to confirm authenticity.

A yellow gold or steel Twinlock crown has a bar, while a platinum Rolex model has a single dot. A white gold Triplock crown features a larger dot between two smaller ones than the platinum model, which features a small dot between two larger ones. 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.

Can You Hear a Rolex Tick?

Rolex watches are engineered with an extraordinary focus on water resistance, a testament to their commitment to durability and quality. Authentic Rolex watches boast a construction that seals them against the ingress of water, certified through rigorous water pressure testing. Imitations, however, often falter under such scrutiny, as they lack the sophisticated seals and casings that characterize a true Rolex. It’s this resilience against the elements that Best Replica Rolex Watches

However, when searching for genuine Rolex timepieces, nothing beats buying from a trustworthy source since all the homework has been done on your behalf. While platforms like eBay and Craigslist have become household names for online shopping, they function primarily as intermediaries connecting buyers with sellers. This means they don’t take responsibility for the authenticity of the items sold through their sites.

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.

• With that level of feedback, it’s no wonder that the fakes are getting closer and closer, and it doesn’t cost the manufacturers a penny.
• If the date changes slowly or more than 15 minutes late, however, the timepiece may be a fake.
• In recent years, criminals have gotten a lot better at creating convincing knockoff luxury watches (and Rolexes in particular).
• 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.
• Your best defense against buying a fake is to purchase your Rolex from a reputable dealer.

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. The retail division S&R Jewellers also fully guarantees authenticity of all pre-owned watches and jewellery.