Fake Or Genuine Rolex? 5 Ways To Instantly Tell
A fake Rolex is easy to spot if you know what to look for. You can pretty much tell in a matter of minutes if it’s real or fake by looking for features that Replica Rolex watches cannot duplicate well. Here are 5 ways to instantly spot a fake:
1. Second Hand Movement – Save for a short time where Rolex made Quartz powered watches (OysterQuartz) all Rolex movements are mechanical. This means that they have a smooth sweeping motion when the second hand moves around the dial – “ticking” about 5-8 times per second.
High-end replicas can also try and duplicate this smooth sweeping motion but don’t be fooled. They’ll typically use a fake Chinese or Swiss movement that is mechanical (not Quartz battery powered) that is not as smooth. It will tick about three to four times per second.
2. Clear Case Back – Another giveaway for a replica Rolex is the clear case back. This is a transparent window on the back of the watch case that shows the movement inside. Despite many fake Rolex watches using quartz movements, there are some “higher-end” models that use a mechanical movement.
You won’t see a battery, but a real mechanical movement ticking away. These are easily made (low quality ones) and are no indication of a real Rolex. These counterfeiters may be proud of their mechanical movement, but a clear case back Rolex has never been produced so seeing one is a clear indication of a replica.
3. Weight of the watch – Genuine gold and platinum are quite heavy. If you were to hold a genuine all gold Rolex in your hand you’ll notice it’s quite heavy. Most replicas do not come close to the weight of a genuine Rolex watch. If it’s surprisingly light, it’s a good idea to dig deeper into other features.
4. Cyclops Lens – Rolex is the inventor of the Cyclops lens over the date window. This is a raised piece of glass in the 3′ o clock position that magnifies the date about 2.5 times . Many counterfeiters try and replicate this unsuccessfully.
Counterfeit Rolex watches will often only magnify the date window 1.5 times and the difference is apparent after looking at the real deal. When looking at the Cyclops at a straight on angle, the date window should be magnified so that it almost fills the whole Cyclops glass.
5. Bezel and Date Display – The alignment of the date opening and number display should be perfectly straight. Look closely at the printing of the date number (with a loupe if possible) and look for any signs of low quality printing such as uneven ink or artifacts on the background.
If you have the chance, rotate the bezel and count the number of clicks it makes in one complete rotation – authentic Rolex watches will have a bezel that clicks 120 times when rotated, fakes usually only click around 60 times. The quality of the clicks from an authentic Rolex will be very subtle and feel well very solid whereas the clicks from a fake will be a lot louder and feel a lot more “mechanical”.
Jaye Cadlah owns Time and Gems, and has been selling Rolex watches since 1997. Browse their hundreds of Mens and Ladies Rolex watches at www.timeandgems.com or stop by their Los Angeles showroom. TimeandGems.com also has a number of guides on buying a preowned Rolex, as well as a frequently updated blog talking about all things Rolex.
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