There are a few things to look out for when trying to spot a fake Rolex. The first is the weight – a genuine Rolex will be heavier than a knock off.
The second is the second hand – it should, to the naked eye, smoothly glide around the face of the watch. If it jerks with every tick, that’s a sign of a fake.
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Look at the Case Back
While it is possible to fake the exterior of a Rolex, the intricate details inside are much harder to reproduce. For this reason, it is important to inspect the watch thoroughly. This will help you to detect any signs of a fake Rolex, including etchings and engravings that are too rough or uneven. Moreover, you can test the weight of the watch to see if it is genuine.
The first thing you should do is look at the case back. A real Rolex will have a flat caseback, while a fake will have a curved one. The shape of the caseback will also affect how easily you can see the model and serial numbers. In addition, a real Rolex will have a laser-etched crown logo, while a fake will not.
Another way to test the authenticity of a Rolex is to run your finger over the crystal glass. If the lens that magnifies the date (called a Cyclops) feels like it has a substantial bump, then it is a real Rolex. The Cyclops should also have a convex lens that will make the date appear larger. If the date appears to be the same size whether or not the Cyclops is in place, then it is likely a fake.
It is also a good idea to listen to the watch to hear if it ticks. A true Rolex should tick once every second. However, a fake Rolex may tick more than once per second, which is an obvious sign that it is not authentic.
Lastly, you should inspect the engravings on the bracelet. A real Rolex will have deep and precise engravings while a fake will have etchings that are too rough or uneven.
Overall, a genuine Rolex should look perfect from every angle. However, many counterfeiters have perfected their craft and now create watches that are very difficult to tell apart from the real deal. If you are looking to purchase a Rolex, it is important to know how to spot a fake, so that you can protect yourself from being scammed and spend your money wisely.
Look at the Dial
When it comes to spotting a fake Rolex, there are many details that you can look for. One obvious way to tell is to look at the dial. Authentic Rolexes are known for their precise, flawless dials. If you notice smudging, imprecision or uneven fonts on the dial, it is probably a fake. Another way to tell is by looking at the Cyclops. This magnifying window on the watch crystal is designed to magnify the date by 2.5 times. If it does not appear larger than the rest of the date when you hold the watch sideways, it is likely a fake.
Additionally, if you are purchasing a used Rolex, make sure to check the weight of the watch. A genuine Rolex will be significantly heavier than a knockoff. A cheap-looking plastic box and warranty card is also a good indication that the watch is not authentic.
While a counterfeit may look very similar to a real Rolex, it is very difficult to replicate the 500 hours of intense and meticulous work that goes into creating a watch of this caliber. For this reason, it is important to only purchase a watch from a reputable dealer and always do your research before making a purchase. It is also a good idea to avoid purchasing watches on websites such as eBay or Craigslist, unless you know what you are doing and plan to meet the seller in a safe place.
To ensure that you are purchasing a genuine Rolex, look for an etched Rolex crown logo near the 6 o’clock position and on the dial above the 12 o’clock position. Authentic Rolexes are also marked with a case reference number between the opposite sets of lugs and the serial number. You can also find a certificate of authenticity, warranty paperwork and manual in the box with a genuine Rolex. If you are unsure whether a Rolex is authentic, please feel free to contact us. Our experts will be happy to help.
Look at the Movement
As one of the most sought after luxury watches in the world, a genuine Rolex is an impressive piece. However, with such great demand comes a lot of counterfeits. Luckily, there are some very simple and easy ways to spot a fake Rolex. Whether you’re looking to buy one or just want to learn how to spot one, here are a few of the most common ways to tell if a Rolex is fake:
- One of the first things that you should look for is the dial. A genuine Rolex will have a flawless, precise dial. If you see any smudging, imprecision, or other imperfections in the dial, it’s likely a fake.
- Another thing to check is the magnifying window (the Cyclops) on the face of the watch. A real Rolex will magnify the date to 2.5x, and it should take up nearly the entire window. A fake Rolex will usually just have a tiny amount of the date visible through the window.
- Finally, be sure to look at the hands on the watch. Each model has specific hand styles that are distinct from other models. For example, the Yacht-Master’s hands are thicker and longer than other Rolex models, while the Daytona’s hands have shorter, rounded tips. Fake Rolex hands often have a generic style that can be confused with other models.
While this isn’t a foolproof way to identify a fake Rolex, it can help you get a good idea of the quality of the watch you’re looking at. A fake will likely be made from lower-quality metal, so it’ll feel lighter in your hand than a genuine watch.
Another tip is to look at the serial number on the back of the watch. A real Rolex should have the serial number deeply engraved into the metal, whereas a fake will usually just have it etched. A genuine serial number will also have a clean, straight line, while a fake serial number will often appear more messy and uneven. If you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can always purchase a pre-owned Rolex from an established seller on 1stDibs, which is vetted to ensure all sellers are selling authentic pieces.
Look at the Second Hand
The second hand of a Rolex is not only intricately designed, but it is also incredibly hard to copy. If a seller claims that the watch is genuine, but the second hand looks painted or printed on, it’s most likely fake. Likewise, if the movement looks shoddy or has a jerky motion, it’s not real. Authentic Rolex watches have a smooth, flowing motion that is impossible for counterfeiters to replicate.
Another tell-tale sign that a watch is fake is its weight. Genuine Rolex watches are crafted from solid stainless steel or precious metals, so they should be heavy and feel substantial in your hand. Likewise, the bracelet should be made from solid links rather than hollow stampings like on many fake watches.
Lastly, make sure to check the magnifying lens over the date window. A true Rolex watch has a convex lens called the Cyclops that makes the date appear larger (2.5 times to be exact). If the lens doesn’t look correct or doesn’t seem to magnify the date, it’s most likely fake.
The engravings on a Rolex watch should have clean edges and be straight. Also, the crown logo should be engraved, not stamped. If you’re buying online, check that the engravings are clear and precise – this is easier in online listings since the writing will be more prominent.
Also, if the watch has a Triplock crown, look for the black o-ring that seals the crown from water. This is only present on certain models such as the Sea-Dweller, Submariner and Daytona. Fake Rolex watch manufacturers often use black o-rings that are glued on and are not as sturdy as a proper black o-ring.
If you’re still not sure if a watch is real, ask the seller for photos of the dial, case and movement. Any reputable dealer should be willing to provide several high-resolution photos of the watch. If the seller is reluctant or can’t provide you with any photos, walk away. If you’re interested in purchasing a Rolex watch, browse 1stDibs’ collection of genuine pieces from vetted sellers.
