It used to be commonplace for Rolex to replace worn-out parts when performing a service, and that was also what most customers wanted. You just want to make sure that any parts that were replaced are disclosed in the sale because all-original Rolexes are generally more valuable. Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches are of course famous for their water resistance.
Check the wear and tear
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. When shopping on online marketplaces, it’s essential to do thorough research on the seller. Ultimately, taking these precautions will ensure confidence in your decision to buy an extravagant and expensive watch like a Rolex. It should be noted that there are some exceptions to the general rule outlined above.
How to Spot a Fake Rolex Fluted Bezel: Too Smudgey
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. Rolex watches are made with high quality materials, and their modern bracelets are quite heavy. Some fakes are indeed lighter, but being heavy certainly doesn’t mean it’s real. And being light doesn’t mean it’s fake–vintage Rolexes are far lighter than new ones, and owners of modern Rolexes sometimes (wrongly) assume old Rolexes are fake because of their lack of heft. But fake gold watches are never solid gold, so they’ll never feel as heavy as a gold watch should.
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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.
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Furthermore, Rolex also uses a patented rose gold alloy with some platinum mixed in that the brand calls Everose. For Rolex platinum timepieces, only 950 platinum will do, which is comprised of 95% pure platinum. The term Rolesor refers to the use of both gold and stainless steel on a particular model. On the other hand, Rolesium refers to the use of both platinum and stainless steel on a specific watch.
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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.
Serial & Model Number Engravings
You may also find a fake Rolex made with materials that can cause an allergic reaction to sensitive skin. – They would also be open to you taking the watch to Rolex, or an authorized Rolex dealer, for authentication. At SwissWatchExpo, we welcome clients to do this with their purchased watches, for their peace of mind. All Rolex watches, except for the Cellini dress watches and the more recently unveiled Rolex Perpetual 1908, are equipped with an Oyster case.
Dial and ‘Cyclops’ Lens
While the average person on the street may not realize that you are wearing a fake Rolex, collectors and those in the know may realize and your reputation can be damaged. Rolex takes their watches seriously and the selling of fake Rolex watches is considered criminal activity. 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 would have a guarantee of authenticity and warranties on the watch. These serve to assure you that they have reviewed each watch for authenticity and quality before putting them up for sale. With a burgeoning counterfeit market, Rolex replicas have become better and more difficult to detect.
Cyclops
These kinds of technologies give manufacturers the opportunity to produce low volume, high quality products, typically straight from a computer model. It’s getting so easy to do, that there are even affordable consumer kits that allow you to make pretty much whatever you like in your own home. Check out the side-by-side images below to see other significant differences between the real Rolex Submariner and a counterfeit version.
Features
- Each watch is a masterpiece, featuring the renowned Oystersteel – a 904L grade stainless steel renowned for its exceptional resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Up until very recently, the only Rolex date models that did not have a Cyclops lens were the Sea-Dweller and Deepsea.
- However, with its status and great demand comes a vigorous counterfeit market — therefore one can easily be duped into buying a fake Rolex watch.
- They also have “Rolex” engraved on them, although the placement of the engraving differs depending on the piece.
- The reason these watches are popular is because Rolex is so successful, because it’s a recognisable, aspirational, emotive brand.
- Genuine Rolex watches have their serial and model numbers deeply engraved into the metal between the lugs attaching the band to the body — whereas fakes often just have them etched on with acid.
- 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.
- Just because a Rolex has had parts replaced, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s fake.
- 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.
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.
- As someone who spends a considerable amount of brainpower looking at, reading about, and collecting watches, I’ve come across my fair share of Rolex replicas.
- However, when searching for genuine Rolex timepieces, nothing beats buying from a trustworthy source since all the homework has been done on your behalf.
- 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.
- Our specialists verify every detail, offering you the peace of mind that comes with certainty.
- There are a lot of little details to contend with, right down to things like the shape of the luminous paint plots and the specific shade of colour the text is.
- Jewellers and pawnbrokers also play a part in recognising copies as well as identifying stolen watches.
- All Rolex watches are crafted in the company’s own facilities in Switzerland, from initial design to final assembly.
- However, this is not a characteristic of authentic Rolex design, and such transparency should signal caution.
Do you know how to tell the difference between a fake Carter watch vs real Cartier watch? The vast majority of fake Rolex watches in the world are cheap, easy-to-spot knockoffs. It’s a very obvious fake,” says Matthew Bain, a Miami-based watch expert who operates Matthew Bain, Inc. 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. The intricate dance of gears and springs inside a real Rolex is meticulously assembled, ensuring each watch bears the Rolex engraving as a seal of authenticity.
A clear back that exposes the watch’s movement is an almost certain indicator of a non-genuine piece, and when you come across such a discrepancy, it’s a strong indication that the watch may not be a true Rolex. In contrast, a counterfeit Rolex might betray itself the moment it’s picked up. 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. If a Rolex feels suspiciously light, or if its materials don’t convey the sturdiness expected from high-end craftsmanship, it’s probable that the watch is an imitation.
A big red flag is ink bleeding, which results from the cheaper printing methods employed for Rolex replicas. As counterfeiting technology and methods advance, understanding the intricacies of genuine Rolex watches becomes increasingly important for prospective buyers. Fake watches are a billion-dollar industry, with an estimated 30 million to 40 million introduced to the market each year, according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry. Founded in 2007, Gear Patrol is the definitive buying guide for enthusiasts. Our independent experts test the best in cars, tech, home, outdoors, style and watches. We combine hands-on testing, decades of experience and original photography to craft reports, reviews and guides.
How to Spot a Fake Rolex: The Basics
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.
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If you’re not certain that it appears bigger when looked at straight on, the watch is probably fake. Rolex movements are self-winding and mechanical, as opposed to quartz or battery-powered. This is a bit tricky to check, since Rolex is adamant that only brand-certified watchmakers can access the movement. Rolex’s commitment to sleek, unadorned elegance extends all the way to the backs of their watches.
- The low-quality black writing, combined with the poor embossing of the Rolex logo, are more signs of a fake.
- If this design is missing from a watch, or has a sub-par finish, the watch is likely a counterfeit.
- 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.
- This is a bit tricky to check, since Rolex is adamant that only brand-certified watchmakers can access the movement.
- 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.
- 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.
- For any inquiries or guidance through our selection, we invite you to reach out.
That’s because the high precision of a Rolex movement is actually broken down into eight tiny micro-ticks per second, making it look like a continuous motion. Since the weight of any watch depends on multiple factors, it’s important to note that you can’t judge the authenticity of a Rolex by its weight alone. All lettering on the face of a Rolex watch should have an exquisitely crisp appearance. It should be centered and perfectly aligned without inconsistent spacing, blurs, splotches or misspellings.
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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. 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 ). 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).
- Watches with too-good-to-be-true prices can be spotted right away, but more sophisticated counterfeits can be more challenging to identify.
- Another telltale sign on how to tell if Rolex is fake is the sapphire crystal, the glass that covers the dial on your watch.
- In addition, the counterfeit models often repeat identical serial and reference numbers, a shortcut that Rolex never takes.
- This means they don’t take responsibility for the authenticity of the items sold through their sites.
- Most counterfeit Rolex watches provide a magnification of 1.5 times or lower, making the date appear smaller and difficult to see.
- What’s more, on Rolex date watches, there’s a magnifying lens on top of the date window to amplify the number for greater legibility.
- ❌ Fake – The counterfeiters pay little or no attention to the detailing, which can be easily identified by how the watch is presented within the box.
✔️ 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.
The ceramic bezel doesn’t shimmer; Rolex coats its bezels with a fine layer of platinum dust for exactly this reason – something the counterfeiters can’t copy (yet). Looking at the bracelet, you can see tiny gaps where it meets the case. And on the crown and pushers, the finely brushed and polished finish to the jagged, knurled surfaces isn’t as sophisticated. These are all things you’ll need to examine really closely to pick up, and it’s the same story with the movement. Rolex movements are mechanical and self-winding, while replicas are usually quartz or battery-powered.
Therefore, anything that appears to be aesthetically off, even slightly, warrants closer inspection. In the photos below, you can see visible discrepancies on the dials of a real Rolex (left) and a fake Rolex (right). The dial is the centerpiece of any watch and is usually the first thing people notice. On a Rolex watch, the dial is crafted to the highest standards with every detail meticulously placed and in perfect alignment.
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. However, in the case of the counterfeit watch being discussed, which is a replica of a non-military Rolex Submariner, there should Gmt discount master verde not be any engravings or markings on the caseback. Additionally, when purchasing secondhand watches, it is possible that the previous owner may have had personal engravings made on the watch. In such cases, it is best to have the watch authenticated by a reputable source to ensure that it is not a counterfeit.
✔️ 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.
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.
The advantage of sapphire glass that is used in our Rolex Replica designer Watches over regular glass is that the sapphire crystal is much harder, and thus very hard to scratch. Cheap clones use mineral glass, which is 10 times more fragile than sapphire. Sapphire crystal measures 9 on the Mohs mineral hardness scale, followed by Diamonds on 10. Others in the community won’t buy watches from you if they know you are selling or even own fakes. Typically, those who buy Rolex watches want their purchase to be known by collectors and other professionals.
