Rolex watches are the most faked watches in the world and they keep getting better year by year but we present 10 ways to spot a fake Rolex
As Rolex are the biggest horological brand in the world, they are subject to being the most faked watch company. Each year, fake Rolex watches seem to be getting better with some even getting past the Rolex AD (Authorised Dealership) which has been documented across social media.
Additionally, whilst the secondary market continues to grow, there are still questions and concerns from consumers on the authenticity of the Rolex watch they want to buy. In order to prevent this from happening to you, here are ten checks to avoid buying a counterfeit.
Quality & Weight
Holding and feeling a Rolex watch can be enough to find a counterfeit as the Swiss brand use high levels of craftsmanship. Rolex watches are made with the finest materials such as their patented 904L Oystersteel or their stunning in-house mixture of gold and they are expertly finished with a stunning brushed or polished aesthetic.
Due to this, Rolex watches gain a heavy weight manufactured with dense materials and this is extremely noticeable in fake gold watches which are lighter. In stainless steel watches, the quality is more apparent than the weight as certain Oystersteel models implement a brushed finish which is harder to re-create for a counterfeit steel Rolex watch.
Yet, polished steel Rolex watches are still obtainable and easier to replicate which is why the most faked Rolex watches are the steel sports models, mainly the Submariner and Oyster Perpetual. So, the first interaction of feeling and holding a Rolex watch tends to be the most simple indicator when trying to identify a fake as no tools are required but with fakes improving, there are some other areas when checking a Rolex Oyster Perpetual or Submariner.
Visual Features
Dial
Most of the time, all you need to do is look at a fake Rolex watch to notice whether it is fake or not. There are various visual checks you can make that point out if you own an authentic or fake Rolex that are apparent to the naked eye or require a loupe.
Starting with the dial. Rolex’s dials are meticulously hand-crafted by the most expert artisans who use specific fonts for any writing on the dial, finely spacing the letters and words out. If the dial is possessing some of these flaws then it is best to have a closer look at other features for certainty, potentially with a loupe.
Cyclops Lens
Additionally, it is essential to closely examine the sapphire crystal as certain models incorporate the Cyclops lens. This lens magnifies the date by 2.5x in order to make the numbers stand out. If a second glance is needed when looking at the date on the watch then the Cyclops lens is most likely fake.
Laser-Etched Crown
In an attempt to spot fake Rolex watches easier, the King of Watches incorporated a laser-etched crown in the sapphire crystal. Rolex started doing this around the beginning of 2002 and was revolutionary in discovering Rolex watches as it is extremely difficult to replicate without intricate accuracy and the greatest technology.
When trying to authenticate a Rolex watch, this is one of the best ways to determine whether it is fake or not, it would be suggested to utilise a loupe in order to examine the laser-etched crown properly.
Engravings & Markings of Serial Numbers
Alternatively, a visual feature like the engravings and markings of a serial number can be used to verify a Rolex. Serial numbers are unique to every Rolex watch so that you are able to determine your own watch’s origin and see if it is authentic.
For vintage Rolex watches, the serial number can be spotted on the bracelet or at the bottom of the case. However, since 2008, Rolex changed this by laser engraving the serial number on the rehaut (a ring between the dial and sapphire crystal) at 6 o’clock. Similar to the laser-etched crown, this was done to prevent counterfeit Rolex watches from being made easier as this subtle detail is hard to replicate.
Box & Papers
Another way to spot a fake Rolex watch is the box and papers; the box being what the watch is protected by and the papers simply being the green card stating the model reference, serial number and date of purchase.
On the outside, Rolex boxes consist of a dark green colour with sharp edges whilst inside features a beautiful beige or cream colour that is firm and durable. If the box feels weak and is lacking a premium and luxury feel then it is most likely a fake Rolex box.
The papers, also known as the warranty card, features the main details about the Rolex watch but this can be tampered with. Fake cards will be noticeable when the writing is smudged, poorly written or even using the incorrect font. In fact, there have been cases where the date of issue doesn’t match the model’s details or the serial number on the rehaut isn’t the same as what is displayed on the card.
Checking the box and papers is something worth checking because Rolex watches come as a full package. Despite this, secondary market dealers sell a Rolex watch on its own and will supply a box along with the model's documentation. Although you may find a fake box and papers, it doesn’t always mean the Rolex watch is fake as sometimes dealers will provide an authentic Rolex watch with a fake box.
Internal Properties
Movement
In order to find out completely whether the watch is real or fake would be opening the watches caseback to examine the movement. Mainly, this happens with Super Clone Rolex watches which are faked to a high level that feeling and looking cannot determine a result.
Once opened, a fake movement is extremely easy to identify as Rolex’s beating hearts are flawlessly crafted with high levels of precision. Real Rolex movements shine bright with beautiful jewels and glowing engravings along with gears and springs that dance joyfully. These exquisite and intricate details are extremely hard to replicate, even Super Clones would fall short when inspected on closely as a real and authentic Rolex movement is irreplicable.
Importantly, Rolex watches are predominantly automatic or mechanical with the Crown releasing very few quartz models. Noticing a quartz movement in a Rolex watch that should feature an automatic movement is a huge red flag and should be taken seriously.
Unless you have the tools and skills needed to open the Rolex watch’s caseback, you will need to take it to a jeweller who has a strong reputation and history of servicing watches. Here at Time 4 Diamonds, we can guarantee an accurate finding when servicing or authenticating a Rolex watch, servicing and authenticating Rolex watches since 2005.
Function
Then when looking at functions, certain Rolex models are more complicated than others which are harder to fake but are still amongst counterfeit Rolex watches. For example, the chronograph with a Rolex Daytona, regatta timer with a Rolex Yacht-Master II or the day-date function for the Rolex Day-Date.
When testing out the functions, it can be a helpful tool when checking the authenticity of a Rolex Daytona or Yacht-Master as their complications are difficult to replicate to the highest standard we see from Rolex.
If you lack understanding on how some of the complications in watches work, then consult with an expert who will run through how functions operate. This is where we shine at Time4Diamonds as every member possesses key knowledge on how watches work along with their complications.
Water Resistance
Being a luxury watch brand that incorporates sport into their timepieces, Rolex thrive on their commitment to water resistance highlighting their durability. Typically, Rolex watches are water resistant to a depth of 100m which is equivalent to 300ft but their diving watches like the Submariner, Sea-Dweller and Deepsea are able to withstand pressure at higher depths.
These examples of Rolex diving watches feature specific parts that allow the models to withstand high levels of water pressure. Yes, it could highlight that these parts may be broken or dysfunctional but it can be a sign of a fake Rolex watch. Therefore, a water pressure test would be ideal in order to authenticate a Rolex Submariner, Sea-Dweller or Deepsea.
Similar to the movement aspect, we would suggest that you go to a jeweller who possesses the correct equipment and skill to carry out a water pressure test to eradicate any risks. At Time 4 Diamonds, we have access to an in-house team of seasoned professionals with undisputed knowledge of Rolex watches and years of servicing and authenticating timepieces by carrying out methods and tests.
Trust and Confidence in Buying a Rolex Watch from the Grey Market
Buying a Rolex watch from the secondary market can be scary so it is important to eliminate all worries. At Time 4 Diamonds, we ensure that you buy with confidence as all queries surrounding fake Rolex watches can be answered due to our attentive approach and meticulous checks.
Every Rolex timepiece that comes through the door goes through our rigorous authentication process in order to prevent any fake watches from being sold, standing up against counterfeit goods. So, feel the breeze of buying an authentic Rolex watch and browse our current stock of pre-owned watches.
Also, if you are pondering on buying a second-hand Rolex watch from the secondary market, then take a look at our previous article where we unveil the many reasons to buy a pre-owned Rolex watch.
