
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. On a genuine Rolex, it is textured to provide traction when turning the crown. The casebacks of most The Ultimate Guide to Rolex Nicknames 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. If a watch stops working while you’re out for a swim, best to just leave that fake at the bottom of the sea.
Fake Watches Are Very Accurate
These are all things you’ll need to examine really closely to pick up, and it’s the same story with the movement. If that sounds ridiculous, consider that the fake Rolex here, examined in detail by Watchfinder, is being made with real 904L steel – the same top-grade metal used in the real watch. It will use real ceramic in the bezel, real sapphire crystal, and has the exact same locking construction to the bracelet. 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. Rolex uses a combination of finishes on its timepieces, and they can be very difficult for counterfeiters to achieve. Research on the type of finish used on your preferred model, and try to see if the actual piece you want to buy matches it.
Watch and Learn: How to Spot a Fake Rolex Video
Sapphire crystal measures 9 on the Mohs mineral hardness scale, followed by Diamonds on 10. Buy replica breitling watches with 85% discount, Fast delivery and free worldwide shipping. Check out the side-by-side images below to see other significant differences between the real Rolex Submariner and a counterfeit version. 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.
Authenticating a Rolex Based on Materials
Without in-depth knowledge of Rolex authentication, navigating these sites can be risky. This small etching is Rolex’s way of weaving security into the very fabric of their watches. The intricacy involved in creating and placing this micro-logo means that it’s an exceptionally hard feature for counterfeiters to mimic successfully. When in the market for a modern Rolex, make it a point to seek out this elusive crown. Despite this, we caution against the DIY approach of water-testing a Rolex at home.
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Modern authentic Rolex watches are outfitted with a scratchproof sapphire crystal to protect the face of the watch. 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. This lens, dubbed the Cyclops, is also made from sapphire crystal and it magnifies the date 2.5 times.
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On the other hand, most Rolex watches are equipped with mechanical (either automatic or manual-winding) movements. Thus, they have seconds hands that move at a much faster rate, creating a smooth, sweeping effect. Listening closely to a running Rolex watch, one will still hear a faint sound, but not the prominent tick-tock produced by quartz watches.
The Bracelets and Straps of Authentic Rolex Watches
The retail division S&R Jewellers also fully guarantees authenticity of all pre-owned watches and jewellery. 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. Replicas are usually crafted from inferior and cheaper materials, which frequently manifests in the overall appearance and texture of the watch. Additionally, specifics about the design and form of specific features on a Rolex watch case can serve as signs of its legitimacy, which are illustrated in the comparison photos below.

References
The cloned movements miss the mark on the exquisite finishing touches and the dependable accuracy that Rolex is renowned for -the very attributes that make a Rolex much more than just a timekeeper. The legality of Rolex imitations is a complex matter that revolves around the fine line between imitation and counterfeiting. While owning a Rolex imitation as a stylish accessory may not raise legal concerns for most individuals, it is crucial to remain informed and make purchases from reputable sources. Remember that the world of horology offers a diverse array of watches, including legitimate homage pieces that honor the legacy of Rolex without breaching legal boundaries. So, whether you’re seeking the prestige of a genuine Rolex or the charm of a well-crafted homage, it’s essential to choose your timepiece wisely and within the confines of the law.
Material Quality – 904L Stainless Steel
Check that the serial number is located between the lugs (the metal pieces where the bracelet meets the watch case). Another thing to look out for is, on the right-hand side of the dial, one o’clock down to five o’clock, the “X” of “Rolex” is going to line up with the hour markers. On the left-hand side of the dial, so seven o’clock up to 11 o’clock, the “R” of “Rolex” is going to line up with the hour markers. Yes, there are legal imitation watches, often referred to as “homage watches.” These watches openly acknowledge their inspiration from Rolex or other luxury brands without infringing on intellectual property rights. Although some obscure gold-plated vintage Rolex models (like 3386, 1550, 1024 etc.) do exist, Rolex has never used gold plating on any sports model, Day-Date, or Datejust. Rehaut engravings on current Rolexes have a clean, sandblasted appearance.
Serial numbers and markers
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. 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.
Luxury Watch Knowledge Test
The use of gold screws in certain locations is spot on, and the recognisable burgundy-purple reversing wheels are present and correct. They are typically much cheaper than a real Rolex which can make having a Rolex more accessible to the general public. However, there are very good reasons why you shouldn’t buy a fake Rolex.
One exception to this is the Rolex Oysterquartz, which runs on a quartz movement instead of a mechanical one. 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.
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. “Buy the seller, not the watch” is an enduring mantra among watch enthusiasts for a reason. Then, there will be a Rolex Coronet logo engraved onto the center of the crown.
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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. Checking the movement remained, until now, an easy way to weed out fakes. Others in the community won’t buy watches from you if they know you are selling or even own fakes.
- The printing on the dial, the luster on the hands, the alignment of the hour markers – every component on a genuine Rolex is the result of an elaborate process designed to achieve visual and functional harmony.
- Ultimately, taking these precautions will ensure confidence in your decision to buy an extravagant and expensive watch like a Rolex.
- The vast majority of fake Rolex watches in the world are cheap, easy-to-spot knockoffs.
- Discerning the authenticity of a Rolex can often come down to the subtle art of examining its serial and case reference numbers.
- Throughout its illustrious history, Rolex has produced only a handful of quartz timepieces, making them an anomaly rather than the norm.
- Other models that feature Twinlock crowns include the Sky-Dweller and the Datejust.
- “Waterproof” and “water resistant” both refer to an ability to keep moisture out of the case, with the former denoting higher performance underwater.
- Those are huge numbers in relation to the watch industry, but generally luxury watches aren’t worn by the majority of people, so you would expect that in terms of fakes, it sits pretty low down in the overall priority of things.
- Additionally, knowing which material a specific Rolex model is made of can also help spot a fake.
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.
- The Rolex Day-Date’s Presidential bracelet has semi-circular links that alternate between polished and satin finishes.
- The emergence of ‘super fakes’ brings a new level of intricacy, making it challenging to distinguish these impostors from the real treasure.
- On an authentic Rolex, the winding crown and its stem are made from a single piece of metal.
- These serve to assure you that they have reviewed each watch for authenticity and quality before putting them up for sale.
- A watch made in 1960 will not have a valid warranty, but the card will still have the serial number.
- That said, some Rolex models do tick every few seconds, so it’s the loud ticking every second that indicates a fake.
More from Automatic Watches
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. Please note that these rules are only applicable to Rolex watches made after 2002.
Rolex Daytona
Our high-quality Rolex models feature a double core silicone “O” Rings, made of solid tube rubber create an airtight seal, providing decent IP65 water resistance (rain/spash proof). Any enthusiast knows that the finishing on a Rolex should be close to perfection and any brushed or polished surface should look immaculate. The brushing on a Rolex Submariner is extremely fine and requires extra effort for the superclone watches since they are also manufactured from 904L Steel which is more scratch-resistant but harder to work with. The flanks, link, and overall finishing of the case is virtually indistinguishable for the higher-end clones, however, a giveaway can be the brushing on the clasp. You have to look through a magnifying lens to see the difference in the thin straight lines.

That is still a lot of money to be wasting on a watch that you know won’t last you nearly the same amount of time as if you were to get a real Rolex. Most genuine Rolex casebacks have plain polished metal, and do not have engravings of words, logos, or pictures. They do not have a clear window showing the movements on the back of the watch. All Rolex watches, except for the Cellini dress watches and the more recently unveiled Rolex Perpetual 1908, are equipped with an Oyster case. Its patented system of screwing down the bezel and case back against the middle case, was meant to protect the movement from water and dust.
In contrast, fake Rolexes tend to be made with cheaper materials, making them lightweight and weaker. 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.
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 ). If you are in the watch community, having a strong reputation is important. Being found out for having a fake watch will only lead to embarrassment. Rolex takes their watches seriously and the selling of fake Rolex watches is considered criminal activity.
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. The devil is in the details, and with Rolex, each element is an example of precision engineering. From the lustrous case to the meticulous craftsmanship of the crown, the smooth sweep of the hands, the iconic bezel, the elegant bracelet, and the secure clasp – every aspect is a testament to Rolex’s commitment to excellence. Should you ever encounter a Rolex that doesn’t meet this high standard, with components that seem anything less than top-notch, it’s likely you’re looking at an imposter. In the world of high-end timepieces, Rolex stands out as a beacon of luxury and unmatched quality. Each watch is a masterpiece, featuring the renowned Oystersteel – a 904L grade stainless steel renowned for its exceptional resistance to rust and corrosion.
- – The most recent Rolex Daytona Platinum watch (ref ) was introduced in 2023 with a transparent caseback to show the new Caliber 4131 movement.
- Link spacing may stretch and widen with time, but the individual links should still fit together correctly.
- In such cases, it is best to have the watch authenticated by a reputable source to ensure that it is not a counterfeit.
- On the other hand, Rolesium refers to the use of both platinum and stainless steel on a specific watch.
- The seconds hand of a true Rolex watch should look like it’s moving in a smooth, continuous motion.
- A Rolex is not only a luxury item but also an investment that can hold its value (or become more valuable) over many years.
It’s precisely for this reason that we’ve gone the extra mile to craft an informative video for you. At Bob’s Watches, we’ve put these super clones under the microscope, comparing them side-by-side with authentic Rolex watches. Our enlightening video, “How to Tell a Fake Rolex,” is more than just a guide; it’s a window into the meticulous world of Rolex craftsmanship, ensuring you have the confidence and knowledge to spot the differences with ease. Holding a genuine Rolex in your hand is an experience of substance in every sense – the weight of the watch is a representation of the premium materials and meticulous assembly that go into its creation.
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. 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. Or if you have a genuine watch by another luxury brand such as TUDOR (Rolex sister company), Omega or TAG Heuer, then compare with that for an initial view.
Counterfeit watches might have less attention to presentation or protective measures. Different models are also presented in unique ways, a detail which often only true experts are familiar with. Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches are of course famous for their water resistance. In fact, Rolex made history in 1926 by creating the first waterproof wristwatch.
Note, that this photo is done using an ultra macro lens, for the purpose of comparison, here is a photo of two buckles from an authentic and Replica Rolex Daytona. Rolex started engraving the rehaut in 2004, therefore any model before that will not have it. For the date font itself, to verify it you would need an authentic watch to compare side by side.
A counterfeit watch (or replica watch) is an unauthorised copy of an authentic watch. High-end luxury watches such as Rolex, Patek Philippe and Richard Mille are frequently counterfeited and sold on city streets and online. With technological advancements, many non-luxury and inexpensive quartz watches are also commonly counterfeited.
The most complex part that requires the most skilled labour to make, the movement, is still a long way off the originals. That’s why the most accurate fakes are often considered to be the ones with closed case backs. Those are huge numbers in relation to the watch industry, but generally luxury watches aren’t worn by the majority of people, so you would expect that in terms of fakes, it sits pretty low down in the overall priority of things. As it happens, despite the relatively high cost of luxury watches compared to other fashion items, it still sits in the top five of the most faked things in the world, making up 7% of all the products produced by fakers. It sits just behind fake electricals, leather goods, clothing and, at the top, footwear, which makes up almost a quarter of the faked goods made globally.