How to recognize a fake Rolex watch? - Gentleman-watches
Some of you may have already experienced the following scenario. An acquaintance returns from a vacation in Turkey. There he went on a big shopping spree. Fully equipped with various brand-name clothes and an expensive luxury watch, he comes back and proudly presents his latest acquisitions. Of course, these are not originals, which would have cost many times the price of the entire vacation. It concerns fakes, which were got hold of on a Turkish Bazar.
These bazaars are probably the first thing most people think of when it comes to fake Rolex watches. Of course, they do exist and many people shop there. But they are much more a blurry cliché of the fake watch market than a realistic representation of the fake watch trade.
Fake watches have long since found their way to Europe. They are not only traded in dubious Telegram chats, on ominous black market sites and in dark backrooms. Fakes also sneak in from time to time on well-known and reputable dealer sites. Time and again, unsuspecting buyers fall for this scam.
To make sure this doesn't happen to you, we'll give you a step-by-step guide on how to unmask any fake.
Rolex is one of the most counterfeited brands around. The most obvious feature for a fake Rolex is the ticking second hand. However, there are many good fakes whose fakeness can only be seen in the details. Irregular indices, a faulty deer skin engraving and poor workmanship are usually signs of a replica. There are also so-called super clones, which only experts can unmask as fakes.
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How to spot fake Rolex watches - the step by step guide
Rolex is not only among the watch brands, but also in the entire luxury industry one of the most counterfeited brands.
The most frequently counterfeited models are the Daytona, the Submariner, and the Datejust, but also Day-Dates and GMT-Master models are popular among fakes.
If you are not sure whether it is a real or fake Rolex watch, you should go through the following steps to avoid falling into the trap.
First impression counts
Poor fakes can often be exposed at first glance. You don't even need a trained eye for that. Rolex watches are always an image of perfection. As soon as you notice that something is cheaply made, loose or rattling, it is most likely a replica.
A Rolex never ticks
The idea that a Rolex ticks is a myth. Every Rolex except the Oysterquartz has an automatic movement. This means that the second hand moves smoothly and never stops. However, if the hand stops and ticks, it is a cheap quartz movement and the watch is certainly a fake.
However, there are also replicas that also have an automatic movement.
You should also listen to the movement. This is because Rolex movements are known among experts for sounding similar to a chime. If you perceive such a sound, chances are good that it is a real watch.
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Does the model even exist?
Another obvious point is to find out if the model even exists as it is presented to you. Because audacious counterfeiters often create complete novelties that have never been offered by Rolex. These can be strange models or watches with alloys that were never available in the Rolex catalog.
For example, if you see a Sea-Dweller Deepsea Challenge in rose gold or a Milgauss in yellow gold, you should look the other way because they are certainly fake watches.
Prices that are too cheap are always a cause for concern
Additionally, you should always classify the price. If the price for a Rolex watch is suspiciously low, it is not unlikely that it is a fake.
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Pattern the seller
Next, you should scrutinize the seller. Customer reviews on the internet speak volumes. If a seller already makes an untrustworthy impression and is accused of selling fakes, then you should better steer clear of them.
Check the serial number
The next important characteristic is the serial number. This is engraved on the inside of the watch on the case ring at the six o'clock position. For older models, it is not easily visible, as it is located between the band horns at the six o'clock position. Unfortunately, you then have to remove the band first to be able to see it. You should spare no effort to make sure you are not buying a fake watch.
If you have determined the serial number, you can match it with known fake serial numbers. Counterfeiters often use the same serial numbers, which in some cases makes it possible to identify the fakes.
Are the original box and papers available?
Original box and papers are probably the biggest indicator of authenticity. If these are not present, it is already a suspicious sign of a counterfeit.
But even the box and papers are faked. Keep in mind here that Rolex has the highest quality standards. The box should be flawlessly processed and feel very high-quality. Adhesive residues or a box that does not close perfectly are strong signs of a counterfeit. Rolex would not give such boxes to their customers.
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Compare the watch with an original picture
If the watch has passed all the previous points, but you still suspect that the timepiece might be a fake, then the search for the needle in the haystack begins for you.
Now you take a picture of the original watch and compare it very closely with the wristwatch at hand. Ideally, you compare it with the original model. However, in most cases this will not be possible.
Do the proportions correspond to the original?
The best thing to do is to first look at the watch as a whole and compare it with the picture of the original watch. Do the proportions match? Or is a component too big or too small, distorting a harmonious overall picture. Perhaps the crown could be too large or the bezel too thin. There are countless possibilities here.
Case and bracelet
Now take a closer look at the case and the bracelet. Make sure they must be flawlessly crafted. No edge should protrude or be crooked. The brand logo must be elegantly engraved on the crown.
And it is very important that the case back is not a glass back. So far, Rolex has not produced any watches with a glass back. Only this year a Daytona and the 1908 with a glass back were presented. If another model does have a glass back, it is most likely a fake, at best a custom watch, but never an untouched original.
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Rehaut engraving as a guarantee of authenticity
From 2007, all Rolex models, except the Cellini, have the so-called Rehaut engraving on the inside of the case ring. This is engraved and reads "ROLEXROLEXROLEX".
Make sure that it is sharp and easy to read. It is always engraved and never printed or painted on.
Be sure to pay attention to the even spacing and integrity of the letters, as well as the font.
If the engraving is completely missing, and it is a post-2007 model, the watch is certainly a fake.
The dial is always treacherous
Most fake watches, however, can be exposed at the latest on the dial. This just invites you to make mistakes in the forgery, as there are so many small details to consider. The devil is in the details, as always.
Compare the dial exactly with the original. The indexes, the inscriptions and the Rolex logo must be sharp, legible and perfectly arranged. Often, the Rolex logo is imitated incorrectly. The crown is always perfectly centered at the 12 o'clock position. In addition, you should also compare the length of the hands.
If indices have already fallen off, any markings or inscriptions are poorly legible, it is almost certainly a fake.
Test the features
In addition, you must thoroughly test the functions of the watch. Adjusting the hands as well as the date or the day of the week display must be possible smoothly and effortlessly.
If the watch has other complications, such as a chronograph or an annual calendar, it is also important to put them through their paces. Because often the watch turns out to be a cheap replica. It is not uncommon for these complications to be put on just for show and not to function properly at all.
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Watch out for Super Clones!
However, there are replicas that are so ingeniously made that even the most trained eye can no longer distinguish them from the original. So-called Super Clones sneak in as free riders on the grey market.
At the same time, there are hybrid fakes, which, for example, have a real case, but a fake movement is installed or vice versa.
In these cases, you can never actually detect the fakes yourself and should seek professional help..
Experts save you from the big disaster
In case of doubt, it is better to consult an expert, who will be able to give you one hundred percent certainty. A qualified watchmaker will open the watch and inspect the movement. At the latest then you can recognize the fake. Because a Rolex movement is unique, high quality and hardly imitable.
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Conclusion - the devil is in the details
If you suspect that the Rolex watch you have is a fake, you need to pay attention to everything, roughly speaking. Analyze the proportions, the engravings, the dial, every detail no matter how trivial, to find out if the watch is real or fake.
There are obvious fakes that you can easily spot, better replicas where you usually have to pay attention to the details to unmask them, and super clones that can actually only be identified as fakes with the help of an expert opinion.
In the end, you must always keep in mind that the brand with the golden crown stands for perfection. If something doesn't seem perfect to you, all alarm bells should ring.
Source Cover Image: Pexels & Unsplash
About the author
Alexander Weinberger
For me, the most fascinating thing about watches is the interplay between precise craftsmanship and artistic development. In a watch movement, hundreds of small parts have to be put together precisely so that they form a large whole.
