It’s just got a lot harder to spot a fake Rolex Here’s what to look for

In fact, Rolex made history in 1926 by creating the first waterproof wristwatch. Today, Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches have a minimum water resistance of 330 feet (100 meters). The Rolex Submariner is water-resistant to 1,000 feet (300 meters) while the Sea-Dweller is water-resistant to 4,000 feet (1,220 meters).

The Ultimate Rolex Reference Numbers Guide

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.

Examine the Movement (Or Have Someone Qualified Do So)

When you buy a fake Rolex, you are not getting the same quality as you would if you bought a real Rolex. While sometimes, the aesthetics can be matched, the construction and mechanics of a Rolex watch will be hard for a counterfeiter to match. Rolex invests heavily on research, materials, design, and manufacturing – a watch from an illegitimate operation will not come close. If the watch has some weight, that is a good sign that the materials are the high-quality materials real Rolex watches are made with. 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. These fakes are becoming increasingly well-made, ubiquitous, and hard to distinguish from the real thing.

How To Set Time on Rolex – A Comprehensive Guide

Second, vintage watches, even if authentic, may still fail these tests.It is best to trust professionals to ensure the authenticity of your Rolex in such cases. Rolex watches have various styles, colors, and materials for their bezels. Knowing the basics about Rolex bezels, especially for the watch under scrutiny, can be helpful when checking for authenticity. For instance, fluted bezels on authentic Rolex watches are made of 18k gold. Hence, if you come across a watch with a fluted bezel made of platinum or stainless steel, it is undoubtedly a fake Rolex.

• ❌ Fake – The Cyclops lens on a fake Rolex lies flat and hence, is unable to offer the characteristic magnification correctly.
• However, if you already own one and are contemplating its authenticity, look for the signs above.
• The devil is in the details, and with Rolex, each element is an example of precision engineering.
• Different models are also presented in unique ways, a detail which often only true experts are familiar with.
• The safest way to ensure authenticity is to buy a Rolex from a trusted seller.
• A good starting point when assessing if a Rolex is genuine is to pay attention to the watch movement.
• Being found out for having a fake watch will only lead to embarrassment.
• 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.

More from Automatic Watches

It’s in the interest of those people that the watches they’re buying are as close to the original as possible, and so they collectively form a net that catches these mistakes. If you can get away replica rolex with the former, it’s certainly not going to be the latter. And if you get all the benefit without all the spend, what money you do have can be spent exclusively on the quality of the product.

A Cyclops That Actually Magnifies

– If the timepiece is indeed fake, a water pressure test will ruin the watch, and you will be unable to return it. Then, there will be a Rolex Coronet logo engraved onto the center of the crown. If this design is missing from a watch, or has a sub-par finish, the watch is likely a counterfeit.

Choose a reputable dealer

Trusted Rolex dealers like The Luxury Hut offer a vast selection of pre-owned Rolex watches on sale. The fear of counterfeit Rolex watches dissolves here as our experts carry out a rigorous authentication process, ensuring each watch showcases the genuine craftsmanship a Rolex watch is known for. Our specialists verify every detail, offering you the peace of mind that comes with certainty. ❌ Fake – The Cyclops lens on a fake Rolex lies flat and hence, is unable to offer the characteristic magnification correctly. Try to run your fingers over the lens – you should feel a small bump over the date. Most counterfeit Rolex watches provide a magnification of 1.5 times or lower, making the date appear smaller and difficult to see.

If possible, see the watch in person

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.

Commonly Counterfeited Rolex Models

• 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.
• Their numbers may appear dotted or blurred, the result of inferior etching techniques, leaving behind a granular, acid-etched texture that you can spot in our comparison photos.
• Counterfeits might use cheaper materials that are visibly of lower quality upon closer inspection.
• A skilled photographer can capture a real LEC with the right lighting though, as shown below, and legit LEC’s are more pointillated and less “foggy” than fake ones.
• The end result is that it is cheaper, faster and more accurate than ever to quite simply scan an original shape and duplicate it to a high level.
• A genuine Rolex’s numbers are cut deeply enough that they will glow in the light when raised at an angle.
• While it’s almost impossible to spot the most advanced modern fake Rolexes without examining them closely in person, the vast majority of fakes will have tells that can be spotted if you’re aware of some fundamentals.
• Nevertheless, we’ve compiled a list of 13 things you should look for in a real Rolex.

As we touched on, Rolex watches are made with the best materials on the market. With stainless steel, gold, and platinum pieces, Rolex watches have high-quality materials that are not likely to be found on fake watches. ✔️ Real – Rolex maintains a high standard not just in watchmaking but also in the way the watches are presented. The packaging of a genuine Rolex reflects the brand’s impeccable standards, displaying its commitment to quality and attention to details like stitching, perfect box corners and accurate embossing. The watches are meticulously arranged inside the box, typically with protective coverings and supports to keep them securely in place. Moreover, authentic Rolex timepieces include thorough documentation, including the manual, authenticity certificate, warranty card, etc.

Bracelet

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.

So, it’s crucial you are armed with the right knowledge to identify a fake Rolex. Below, we’ll directly compare a real and fake Rolex based on various factors to help you differentiate easily. The GMT-Master and GMT-Master II collections have a unique two-tone bezel in different color combinations. Any Rolex watch with a two-tone bezel will have a distinct line dividing the face of the watch horizontally through the numbers 6 and 18 on the bezel markers. 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.

What Does Your Luxury Watch Say About You?

• This also comes back to modern customers preferring all-original 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.
• “Rolex is the most aspirational luxury watch brand and has the highest demand – hence, it’s the most replicated,” said van de Vall.
• This substantial feel is the result of an uncompromising approach to quality, where everything from the case to the bracelet is designed to meet the highest standards of luxury watchmaking.
• Cheap clones use mineral glass, which is 10 times more fragile than sapphire.
• A fake Rolex clasp is shorter than a real one, and the crown is placed differently.
• The global appeal of Rolex watches has set a gold standard for quality and elegance in the world of timepieces.
• When you’re making fake watches, you can, quite simply, let your customer act as quality control for you.
• Some fake clasps are pretty convincing these days, but let’s tackle one that can be pretty quickly dismissed.

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. The safest way to ensure authenticity is to buy a Rolex from a trusted seller. However, if you already own one and are contemplating its authenticity, look for the signs above. From the weight and craftsmanship to the various intricate detailing, authentic Rolex watches stand apart in both precision and quality. ✔️ Real – Rolex stands out as a beacon of luxury and unmatched quality.

Most Commonly Asked Questions About Rolex

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.

Swiss & Japanese

With no reputation to stand by, however, that doesn’t really matter, because there’s an army of people all around the world ready to put those problems right. With low overheads and rapid production, the opportunity for problems to arise seems high, but even here the manufacturers of the fake watches have their backs covered. For Rolex to release a product, it must be finished, perfect, otherwise it will find itself dealing with an extremely detrimental backlash. When you’re making fake watches, you can, quite simply, let your customer act as quality control for you. ❌ 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. A fake Rolex watch comes with documentation that has printing errors, spelling mistakes, missing elements, and looks rushed.

Cyclops Lens

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.

• It’s this resilience against the elements that not only enhances the value of a Rolex but also stands as a measure of its authenticity.
• When searching for indications of a counterfeit Rolex, there are various features on the watch case that reveal its authenticity or lack thereof.
• These masterpieces offer a blend of luxury, prestige, and timeless style, bringing immense satisfaction to their wearers.
• However, navigating the nuances of the watch industry requires more than knowledge.
• “Buy the seller, not the watch” is an enduring mantra among watch enthusiasts for a reason.
• The Cyclops is no minor detail – it is a defining trait of a watch that stands out in the crowd, ensuring the date doesn’t just whisper but speaks clearly to the wearer.
• Any diversion from that and you know the watch you’re holding is a fake.
• 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.
• Extremely difficult to see without a loupe and almost impossible to replicate properly, this mini marking is a hallmark of authentic Rolex watches.

Quality & Finishing

• This signature magnifying lens adorns the crystal over the date window.
• “Waterproof” and “water resistant” both refer to an ability to keep moisture out of the case, with the former denoting higher performance underwater.
• 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.
• When you’re comparing models, the authentic Rolex will reveal its identity through serial and model numbers engraved with laser precision.
• Replicas are usually crafted from inferior and cheaper materials, which frequently manifests in the overall appearance and texture of the watch.
• 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.
• 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.
• Be aware, on closer examination, counterfeit models may reveal significant variations in the design of the hands, the dial, and even the clasp of the bracelet.

Renowned for combining heritage, exquisite craftsmanship, and exceptional value retention, these watches can be great investment pieces. If the date changes slowly or more than 15 minutes late, however, the timepiece may be a fake. You won’t find a transparent caseback that lets you see the inner workings of the watch except on some very rare pieces from the 1930s. If a watch stops working while you’re out for a swim, best to just leave that fake at the bottom of the sea. Only an expert — and luckily, 1stDibs has many — can really be trusted to determine whether or not a watch is genuine.

• For instance, fluted bezels on authentic Rolex watches are made of 18k gold.
• A yellow gold or steel Twinlock crown has a bar, while a platinum Rolex model has a single dot.
• In the event that you are looking at what would be a vintage Rolex, then there is a chance you will see wear and tear due to the age of the watch.
• Rolexes are made with high-quality materials, either patented oyster steel or patented gold/platinum alloy, so they tend to be heavier than counterfeit ones.
• 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.

Even though it’s a for-profit company, Rolex is known for its extensive philanthropic efforts supporting the arts, environment, science, sports and its own mentoring program. Rolex watches have been a symbol of luxury, precision and style for more than a century, and the brand is firmly embedded in pop culture. On a genuine Rolex, it is textured to provide traction when turning the crown. The casebacks of most Rolex watches are plain polished steel, without engravings, drawings or other decorations. Exceptions include the Sea-Dweller, which has the name of the watch and some variation of “Gas Escape Valve” written on its titanium back.

Some earlier engraved rehauts were hollow block letters, but they look very clean. Real Rolex rehauts aren’t always aligned perfectly, but they should be close. 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. Fake watches often re-use the same (or partially the same) serial numbers. If it starts with ER6J, K28, K25, Q66, S19, S28, S29 or S39 your eyebrows should also be raised. 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.

While it’s almost impossible to spot the most advanced modern fake Rolexes without examining them closely in person, the vast majority of fakes will have tells that can be spotted if you’re aware of some fundamentals. ” is a question that doesn’t have a short, conclusive answer, but we’ll try to make it less daunting. So without further ado, here’s our updated guide to spotting a fake Rolex.

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.

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.

The winding crown on a Rolex is always on the right side of the case for easy access — assuming it’s worn on the left wrist. The one exception is the left-handed GMT-Master II, which was introduced in 2022 to accommodate left-handed wearers. The Yacht-Master, for instance, has a much thicker minute hand than most models, while a Daytona’s hands are a bit longer, reaching all the way to the hash marks, and are rounded at the end. Counterfeiters often use whatever parts are available to save money, hoping the buyers will overlook this detail. The second hand on a real Rolex should appear to the naked eye to rotate smoothly around the face.