Rolex is the #1 counterfeited watch brand in the world. It also is probably the best known. Counterfeit Rolex watches are quite easy to spot if you know what to look for. Here's 5 simple ways to tell:
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.
Many high end fakes will almost duplicate this effect but the keyword is ALMOST - even most of the high end fake watches tick around three to four times a second. This still generates a similar "sweeping" illusion but it is immediately apparent that it is not as smooth as a genuine Rolex movement.
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.
Many replicas will try to show this fact off by sporting a clear case backing. While this is certainly an interesting feature that is employed by various other high end luxury watches, Rolex has never created a watch model with a clear case backing.
3. Weight - Should the watch pass these two initial visual tests, the weight of the watch can be a telltale sign to a fake watch. A genuine Rolex watch is extremely heavy for the size (due to high quality materials used) and most replicas will not come close to matching the weight of a real Rolex. While the weight of a watch should not be the end-all to the authenticity of a watch, a suspiciously light weight "Rolex" should be an invitation to take a closer look.
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.
A replica Rolex will often use a lower magnification about 1.5x. An easy way to tell is to see if the date display is magnified enough to almost fill the whole window while looking directly at it.
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 the watch you're looking at has a rotatable bezel try and count the number of times it clicks in one rotation. Genuine Rolex bezels click about 120 times while fake ones usually only click about 60 times. The real Rolex bezel is muted and subtle and should feel very solid whereas a fake feels very "clicky" and loud. - 33380
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.
Many high end fakes will almost duplicate this effect but the keyword is ALMOST - even most of the high end fake watches tick around three to four times a second. This still generates a similar "sweeping" illusion but it is immediately apparent that it is not as smooth as a genuine Rolex movement.
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.
Many replicas will try to show this fact off by sporting a clear case backing. While this is certainly an interesting feature that is employed by various other high end luxury watches, Rolex has never created a watch model with a clear case backing.
3. Weight - Should the watch pass these two initial visual tests, the weight of the watch can be a telltale sign to a fake watch. A genuine Rolex watch is extremely heavy for the size (due to high quality materials used) and most replicas will not come close to matching the weight of a real Rolex. While the weight of a watch should not be the end-all to the authenticity of a watch, a suspiciously light weight "Rolex" should be an invitation to take a closer look.
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.
A replica Rolex will often use a lower magnification about 1.5x. An easy way to tell is to see if the date display is magnified enough to almost fill the whole window while looking directly at it.
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 the watch you're looking at has a rotatable bezel try and count the number of times it clicks in one rotation. Genuine Rolex bezels click about 120 times while fake ones usually only click about 60 times. The real Rolex bezel is muted and subtle and should feel very solid whereas a fake feels very "clicky" and loud. - 33380
About the Author:
Jaye Cadlah owns Time and Gems, an online retail store that specializes in Rolex watches since 1997. Go to their website to browse hundreds of Mens and Ladies Rolex watches or stop by their showroom located in downtown Los Angeles. TimeandGems.com also has comprehensive used Rolex buying guides, as well as a frequently updated blog talking about all things Rolex.
