How to Spot a Fake Rolex in 5 Minutes

4 février, 2025

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.

How to Spot a Fake Rolex Bracelet

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.

How to Spot a Fake Rolex Case

And for true aficionados, seeking out specialists who live and breathe Rolex can add that extra layer of confidence to your purchase. The low-hanging fruit is the size and weight, if you have an authentic watch to compare or at least the exact specifications. As you can see in our Rolex Submariner LN real vs fake comparison, the difference is negligible. When buying a high-end replica watch, it’s important to consider both what’s on the outside and what’s on the inside. The factories in China have invested millions of dollars in re-producing exact copies of various Swiss watch movements from ETA, and in-house movements from Rolex.

Are there legal replica watches?

Conversely, a transparent case back on a Rolex might be the lens through which a counterfeit reveals itself. Replica makers often include this feature to entice those who are fascinated by the mechanical spectacle. However, this is not a characteristic of authentic Rolex design, and such transparency should signal caution. A clear back that exposes the watch’s movement is an almost certain indicator of a non-genuine piece, and when you come across such a discrepancy, it’s a strong indication that the watch may not be a true Rolex. Counterfeit Rolex watches are designed to deceive buyers by displaying the Rolex name and logo. In contrast, Rolex imitations may closely mimic the design of a genuine Rolex but do not carry the counterfeit branding.

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This is a very subtle feature that can be spotted on newer Submariner models. The hook on the clasp is the only component that is soldered onto the clasp. Yes, some Rolex imitations are crafted with impressive attention to detail and quality materials. However, they are not on par with the precision and craftsmanship of genuine Rolex watches. Tiger River Watches & Jewelry is an independent watch dealer and is not affiliated with Rolex S.A., Rolex USA, Audemars Piguest, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, Penerai, Omega, Tudor, Cartier, or any brands listed on this website.

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Real Rolex watch weight is also very specific, all watches of the same model are identical, for example a true Rolex Submariner should weight 155 grams. Since the turn of the millennium, Rolex has added a subtle yet distinctive authentication feature to its watches. Beginning in 2002, the brand started to add the crystal over the dial with a small crown logo, precisely placed at the 6 o’clock position. This micro-etching is a testament to Rolex’s dedication to detail and serves as a badge of authenticity for models crafted in that year or later. Its size makes it a challenge to distinguish without a magnifying glass and the perfect angle of light, but it’s a detail worth searching for as a sign of a genuine timepiece.

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For example, a Submariner model number for a Yacht-Master,” says Abe Diveroli, of Primetime305. A question you might be wondering about is how the fake watch industry is capable of improving the accuracy of its production. High quality machinery used by the Swiss watch industry is incredibly expensive, prohibitively enough that many Swiss brands themselves cannot afford them. There can be notable differences between genuine Rolex packaging and that used with counterfeits.

Modern infringers

It is also important to note that Rolex has made quartz watches in the past – the Rolex Oysterquartz, which is powered by quartz movements.
However, there are very good reasons why you shouldn’t buy a fake Rolex.
In contrast, a counterfeit Rolex might betray itself the moment it’s picked up.
The art of identifying an authentic Rolex is akin to enjoying fine art; you must absorb and appreciate every detail.
Trust your senses as much as the aesthetics; a genuine Rolex not only looks the part but feels it too.
Your best defense against buying a fake is to purchase your Rolex from a reputable dealer.
A genuine Rolex’s numbers are cut deeply enough that they will glow in the light when raised at an angle.

The legality of Rolex imitations becomes more complex when consumers are informed about the nature of the product they are buying. If a seller clearly states that their watches are replicas or homages and not genuine Rolex watches, the legal waters become murkier. Consumers, knowingly purchasing imitations, may not be subject to legal consequences. Rolex, founded in 1905, has consistently maintained its reputation for unparalleled quality. To safeguard its brand, Rolex has employed a vigilant legal team that diligently monitors the market for counterfeit products.

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Rolex is a privately owned and operated Swiss luxury watch manufacturer founded by Hans Wilsdorf in 1905. 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. 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 dial of a Rolex is a prime spot for finding inconsistencies that might indicate a fake.

Made in USA? On a Rolex?

Sometimes counterfeiters mix and match parts from genuine Rolex watches and fake ones, making distinguishing the two even more difficult. “They might get a real Rolex movement, and then they make a fake case around it. Because Rolex is so popular, it’s also the most faked watch brand in the world.

How to Spot a Fake Rolex: The Ultimate Guide

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.

Replica watches

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.
Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces.
The term Rolesor refers to the use of both gold and stainless steel on a particular model.
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.
The majority of Rolex watches in the Oyster line should hold up at a whopping depth of 100 meters (328 feet).

Because counterfeiters became so adept at copying it, Rolex discontinued the hologram. 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. Genuine Rolex watches have their serial and model numbers deeply engraved into the metal between the lugs attaching the band to the body — whereas fakes often just have them etched on with acid. The watch’s serial number, which can be used to determine its production date, is located on the six o’clock side. Obviously, if you’re buying a watch sight unseen on eBay or another online platform, you’re not going to be able to see it in person. But if you’re out shopping and a Rolex catches your eye, getting hands-on with the watch is pretty valuable when it comes to determining its authenticity — especially if you’re dealing with a modern Rolex.

As of 2002, Rolex started including a tiny micro-etching of the Rolex crown, aka the “coronet,” on the crystal at the 6 o’clock position. Extremely difficult to see without a loupe and almost impossible to replicate properly, this mini marking is a hallmark of authentic Rolex watches. Another marking of authenticity sits under the sapphire crystal on the rehaut, which is engraved with “ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX” all around, along with the serial number engraving at 6 o’clock.

Many fakes use cheap quartz movements, so if it ticks only once per second, unless it’s an Oysterquartz or a Texano (not likely) it’s surely fake.
The increasing flexibility of the equipment used to replicate genuine watches means that any marketing effort made on an original brand can be parasitically benefitted from.
Then, there will be a Rolex Coronet logo engraved onto the center of the crown.
Rolex is a privately owned and operated Swiss luxury watch manufacturer founded by Hans Wilsdorf in 1905.
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.
When shopping on online marketplaces, it’s essential to do thorough research on the seller.
A question you might be wondering about is how the fake watch industry is capable of improving the accuracy of its production.
The Rolex crown logo itself is very detailed, finely crafted and well-proportioned, with five symmetrical points of the crown — no more and no less.

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. This is the inner ring that connects the dial to the glass or the bezel, and it has “Rolex” written all the way around, and it’s laser-etched. At 12 o’clock is te Rolex logo, the crown, and then at six o’clock, you can find the serial number. This is there to magnify the tiny date disc behind so that it’s more legible.

Buy the seller before buying the watch

Superclone Rolex Expert of the same model. And with rising prices of Swiss watches, it’s easy to see why more and more people are willing to take the risk in buying a fake. Cheap labour and minimal overheads may make fake watches a lot cheaper than Swiss originals, but the most accurate fakes are still far from cheap, costing many hundreds and sometimes even thousands of dollars.

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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.

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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.
Starting on the outside, you can see that the printing of the dial text is marginally less precise.
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.
Submerging a potentially counterfeit watch could cause irreversible damage, closing the door on any possibility of a return.
Ultimately, taking these precautions will ensure confidence in your decision to buy an extravagant and expensive watch like a Rolex.
Discerning the authenticity of a Rolex can often come down to the subtle art of examining its serial and case reference numbers.

Watch.uk.com is constantly updated with information on any replica watches uk and the newest models that may interest our visitors so that you don’t have to search elsewhere for the latest replica watches. It should be noted that there are some exceptions to the general rule outlined above. For instance, certain Rolex watches such as the Milgauss, Deepsea, vintage Sea Dweller, some gold Lady Datejusts, and military Submariners do have specific patented markings on their caseback.

The Cyclops is a really hard thing for lower-end fake factories to get right, not just because of magnification but also the clarity of the number behind it. A real Rolex won’t have a massively skewed, distorted number; it’ll be relatively clear. Also, Rolex uses anti-reflective material under the Cyclops to make it easier to read, but this anti-reflective material is clear. This is obviously harder for people to find, and so even higher-grade fake Rolex watches often have a little tint in the Cyclops which can be spotted under certain angles and light conditions. While it is not illegal to replicate the design of a Rolex watch, it becomes a legal issue when the imitation crosses into counterfeiting territory.

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.

Serious watch-nerd stuff, though, is what you’re paying for – even if what you thought you were paying for was just a brand name and one of the most desirable watches on the market. It’s the level of hand-finishing and the dedication to quality that marks the real thing out from the fake. Of course, you’re not expected to understand the finer horological points, but you do want to take comfort in knowing they’re there. The ceramic bezel doesn’t shimmer; Rolex coats its bezels with a fine layer of platinum dust for exactly this reason – something the counterfeiters can’t copy (yet). And on the crown and pushers, the finely brushed and polished finish to the jagged, knurled surfaces isn’t as sophisticated.

Nevertheless, we’ve compiled a list of 13 things you should look for in a real Rolex. If you own a Rolex want to get a fast cash loan from a London pawnbroker or you are looking to sell your Rolex, then please get in touch. We are experts in luxury timepieces can guide you into this exciting world. Genuine Rolexes are made with high-quality metals, crystal, and have intricate details. Counterfeits might use cheaper materials that are visibly of lower quality upon closer inspection.

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. It can be difficult to know how to spot a fake Rolex without an expert eye.