Consider Bob’s Watches, where every sale is accompanied by an iron-clad assurance of authenticity. Our passionate team of in-house experts doesn’t just inspect every watch that comes through our doors – they pour over every detail, ensuring the integrity of your timepiece. And if your Rolex needs a little TLC, rest assured it’s in the hands of authorized service providers who use nothing less than genuine Rolex parts, maintaining the spirit and standards of the brand. And for true aficionados, seeking out specialists who live and breathe Rolex can add that extra layer of confidence to your purchase. Watchfinder used to be able to identify about 80 per cent of bogus timepieces by sight alone but now that’s just 20 per cent. Employees at the company, owned by Swiss luxury conglomerate Richemont, now need to perform more detailed inspections including opening watch casebacks and checking movements to identify the high-end knock-offs.
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Watchfinder was able to point these subtle details out by comparing the fake side-by-side with a real Daytona; but if one isn’t to hand, spotting all the tell-tale signs just got a thousand times harder. Partly, that is an unavoidable consequence of the explosion we have seen in demand for Rolex’s key models. Your best defense against buying a fake is to purchase your Rolex from a reputable dealer. Doing so will ease your concerns of authenticity and condition, and you can be sure that you will be given proper assistance.
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- Depending on the model, there’s the Twinlock or Triplock screw-down winding crown, with two or three sealed areas, respectively.
- ✔️ Real – The dial of a genuine, brand-new Rolex showcases impeccable precision in every aspect – the fonts, spaces between letters, spellings, etc.
- Try to run your fingers over the lens – you should feel a small bump over the date.
- Finally, the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea is water-resistant to 12,800 feet (3,900 meters).
- Watchfinder used to be able to identify about 80 per cent of bogus timepieces by sight alone but now that’s just 20 per cent.
- Knowing the basics about Rolex bezels, especially for the watch under scrutiny, can be helpful when checking for authenticity.
If you read this guide and still have any doubts about a watch you own, look up good watchmakers in your area and take it in for a service. And if it’s real, you can have it serviced and brought back to tip-top shape. Modern luxury watches should generally be accompanied by warranty documentation.
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- Rolex produced only a handful of quartz watches throughout its history, such as the Rolex Oysterquartz, between the 1970s and the 2000s.
- Compare the watch’s details—such as dial layout, engravings, and case design—to images of verified examples.
- With a burgeoning counterfeit market, Rolex replicas have become better and more difficult to detect.
- Today, almost all Rolex dive watches have the Triplock crown, but older models still in production, including the Submariner 14060M, still use the Twinlock technology.
- Conversely, a transparent case back on a Rolex might be the lens through which a counterfeit reveals itself.
- This feature is hard to replicate, and its implementation varies across different Rolex models.
Up until very recently, the only Rolex date models that did not have a Cyclops lens were the Sea-Dweller and Deepsea. But that changed at Baselworld 2017 when Rolex introduced the new Sea-Dweller with a Cyclops lens. Now, the only Rolex date watch without a Cyclops lens is the Sea-Dweller Deepsea. For instance, Rolex watches exclusively use 904L stainless steel and 18k gold.
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When venturing into the realm of luxury watches, the attention to detail can be the deciding factor between an original and a counterfeit. The crafters of replica watches operate across a spectrum of quality, and often, the less meticulous forgers will forego the very essence of the Rolex brand – its quintessential name and the celebrated crown emblem. A missing logo or the absence of the Rolex moniker is more than an oversight; it’s a telltale hallmark of a watch that won’t measure up to the legacy of quality synonymous with a genuine Rolex. ✔️ Real – Rolex produces different types and styles of bracelet designs paired with each watch collection. Briefly research the Rolex model and its signature characteristics to avoid confusion. For instance, a Rolex Submariner will always come fitted with an Oyster bracelet.
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And what most people don’t realise is that it’s taken Rolex over a century to get to this point. Fifty or so years ago, Rolex was just an upcoming manufacturer of affordable watches for professionals that sat in the shadow of its much older and more accomplished competitors. Through innovation, clever thinking and a whole lot of luck, the Rolex we know today is one of gargantuan proportions. So, the only way to avoid falling prey to this ‘super fake’ Rolex market is to buy Rolex watches from a qualified and authorised watch dealer. ❌ Fake – A smooth, brushed, or plain crown indicates that the watch could be fake.
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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. However, in the case of the counterfeit watch being discussed, which is a replica of a non-military Rolex Submariner, there should not be any engravings or markings on the caseback. Additionally, when purchasing secondhand watches, it is possible that the previous owner may have had personal engravings made on the watch. In such cases, it is best to have the watch authenticated by a reputable source to ensure that it is not a counterfeit.
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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. In contrast, a counterfeit Rolex might betray itself the moment it’s picked up. The absence of weight is often the first clue that corners have been cut, signaling the use of inferior materials and a lack of the solid construction that Rolex is known for. If a Rolex feels suspiciously light, or if its materials don’t convey the sturdiness expected from high-end craftsmanship, it’s probable that the watch is an imitation.
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This is especially important when buying a pre-owned Rolex, as there is more risk involved compared to buying brand new from a retail store. When shopping on online marketplaces, it’s essential to do thorough research on the seller. Ultimately, taking these precautions will ensure confidence in your decision to buy an extravagant and expensive watch like a Rolex. It should be noted that there are some exceptions to the general rule outlined above.
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It is also important to note that Rolex has made quartz watches in the past – the Rolex Oysterquartz, which is powered by quartz movements. Genuine Rolex movements use a free-sprung balance with visible Microstella screws on the balance wheel. Counterfeiters cannot replicate this technology at scale, but they can make a (somewhat) convincing dupe. If you’re not confident in what you’re looking for, have a professional inspect the movement—it’s one of the surest ways to confirm authenticity.
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The band — or bracelet, as Rolex enthusiasts often call it — should lie straight and not kink when laid on a flat surface. Link spacing may stretch and widen with time, but the individual links should still fit together correctly. Don’t panic if your watch is a few minutes off — that’s likely just a sign that the watch needs some maintenance. He’s the chief sales officer at The 1916 Company, one of the largest used watch retailers in the world, and he’s been buying and selling Rolexes since 1983.
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- Tiger River Watches & Jewelry only buys & sells pre-owned luxury watches.
- ❌ Fake – If you admire a Rolex’s case back and find a nice engraving or logo on it, you’re likely looking at a duplicate.
- Sapphire crystal measures 9 on the Mohs mineral hardness scale, followed by Diamonds on 10.
- On an authentic Rolex, the winding crown and its stem are made from a single piece of metal.
- In such cases, a reputable seller must always disclose any modification to the original design before sale.
- To differentiate between a genuine Rolex and a fake one, a helpful tip is to check the weight of the watch.
Moreover, vintage pieces or those requiring service might also fail such tests, despite being genuine. For peace of mind, and to safeguard the intricate craftsmanship of your timepiece, it’s wise to entrust this verification to the seasoned expertise of a professional. Their evaluation will not only confirm authenticity but also ensure the enduring legacy of your Rolex remains uncompromised. It’s vital to remember that the essence of Rolex’s horological identity is predominantly mechanical.
- Replica makers often include this feature to entice those who are fascinated by the mechanical spectacle.
- 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’s commitment to sleek, unadorned elegance extends all the way to the backs of their watches.
- On the other hand, Rolesium refers to the use of both platinum and stainless steel on a specific watch.
- For Rolex to release a product, it must be finished, perfect, otherwise it will find itself dealing with an extremely detrimental backlash.
- You won’t find a transparent caseback that lets you see the inner workings of the watch except on some very rare pieces from the 1930s.
Now you’ll see something that at first, and even second, glance, looks legit. The layout is identical, down to the column wheel and balance bridge, and without magnification, so is the engraving. The use of gold screws in certain locations is spot on, and the recognisable burgundy-purple reversing wheels are present and correct. 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.
Second Hand
On closer inspection, if the timepiece is missing these critical brand markings, it’s a strong indicator you’re not holding a piece of the storied Rolex heritage. A true Rolex is not just a timekeeper but a statement, marked clearly with the brand’s distinguished symbols. These symbols are a testament to authenticity and a badge of the craftsmanship and history embodied in every genuine Rolex watch. Without them, The Ultimate Guide to Rolex Nicknames a watch not only loses its identity but also its claim to be part of a lineage of the world’s most prestigious timepieces. Each Rolex watch boasts its own set of unique identifiers, with reference numbers that tell the story of its design and heritage. And for your peace of mind, we’ve provided a specialized Rolex serial number checker tool, an essential ally in verifying the lineage of your timepiece.
Nevertheless, we’ve compiled a list of 13 things you should look for in a real Rolex. The most important tip Manjos shared, and this is one you may have heard before, is to buy the seller before you buy the watch. In other words, dealing with someone you know to be reputable is the best way to protect yourself from getting scammed. Last year, this became easier than ever to do thanks to Rolex’s new Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program, of which The 1916 Company is a part.
Watches with too-good-to-be-true prices can be spotted right away, but more sophisticated counterfeits can be more challenging to identify. Remember, a Rolex is made to the highest standards – if even a minute detail comes across as sub-par, you can be certain that it’s not the real deal. Some fake clasps are pretty convincing these days, but let’s tackle one that can be pretty quickly dismissed. A quick search of “62523H” reveals that code belongs on a two-tone Jubilee bracelet, not a steel Oyster.
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The gears and springs inside a real Rolex are assembled with an unwavering commitment to precision and showcase flawless execution. ✔️ Real – Many Rolex watches have a date on the dial, magnified with a Cyclops lens. This signature magnifying lens adorns the crystal over the date window. An authentic Rolex has the Cyclops lens bulging outward in a convex shape above the date display, enhancing the date with 2.5 times magnification.
Of course the issue is not Rolex exclusive, it is a huge problem for all luxury watch brands. A Rolex is not only a luxury item but also an investment that can hold its value (or become more valuable) over many years. 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. From the Air King to the Yachtmaster, Rolex watches have a consistent font style that’s unique to the brand.
While not having those bars and dots is not a single sign of a fake piece, if you’re looking at a recent Rolex model, that extra design or marking on the crown should be there. A stuttering second-hand makes a small ticking noise instead of remaining silent. The only exception is the Rolex Oysterquartz, which uses a quartz movement rather than a mechanical one, resulting in a ticking sound. ❌ Fake – If you spot any discrepancy in the dial, such as a blemished finish, uneven lettering, misspellings or smudges, it should immediately trigger your doubt about the watch’s originality.
✔️ Real – The second hand of a genuine Rolex moves in tiny ticks, which appear as a smooth, seamless glide around the face of the watch without pause. However, this insane popularity has given rise to a parallel market of highly convincing counterfeit replicas that fool even the most experienced collectors. 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.
Note that on vintage Rolexes, cheap aftermarket crystals are common, so bad magnification alone isn’t a guarantee of inauthenticity. Also, as noted below, If you’re looking at a Sea-Dweller manufactured before 2017, it should not have a cyclops. It’s easy to see how the manufacturers of these fake watches are able to build what they have for the money they’re asking, but it’s worth coming back to an earlier point to understand the implications.
Additionally, knowing which material a specific Rolex model is made of can also help spot a fake. For instance, certain models like the Milgauss, Explorer II, and Deepsea have only been produced in stainless steel, and any made with other materials are replicas. Similarly, watches from Rolex’s Day-Date collection are exclusively made with precious metals, specifically gold or platinum, and any made with other materials are likely to be fake. Rolex watches with a date window have a magnification lens called a “cyclops” that magnifies the date by 2.5 times.
✔️ Real – Rolex’s commitment to minimalism extends to the back of the watches. ✔️ Real – One of the most significant hallmarks of a genuine Rolex is its solid case back. If you want to learn how to distinguish a fake Rolex from an authentic one, a good place to start is researching the reference number. The reference number of a Rolex watch, also known as the model number, contains essential information such as the age of the watch, model, material, and bezel type. This information helps you compare the specific watch with its reference number to ensure that everything matches the description. If a deal on a Rolex purchase appears too good to be true, it probably is.