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.
Dial and ‘Cyclops’ Lens
Trusted Rolex dealers like The Luxury Hut offer a vast selection of pre-owned Rolex watches on sale. The fear of counterfeit Rolex watches dissolves here as our experts carry out a rigorous authentication process, ensuring each watch showcases the genuine craftsmanship a Rolex watch is known for. Our specialists verify every detail, offering you the peace of mind that comes with certainty. ❌ Fake – The Cyclops lens on a fake Rolex lies flat and hence, is unable to offer the characteristic magnification correctly. Try to run your fingers over the lens – you should feel a small bump over the date. Most counterfeit Rolex watches provide a magnification of 1.5 times or lower, making the date appear smaller and difficult to see.
Authenticating a Rolex Based on Materials
It’s in the interest of those people that the watches they’re buying are as close to the original as possible, and so they collectively form a net that catches these mistakes. If you can get away with the former, it’s certainly not going to be the latter. And if you get all the benefit without all the spend, what money you do have can be spent exclusively on the quality of the product.
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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). Looking at the bracelet, you can see tiny gaps where it meets the case. And on the crown and pushers, the finely brushed and polished finish to the jagged, knurled surfaces isn’t as sophisticated. These are all things you’ll need to examine really closely to pick up, and it’s the same story with the movement. Rolex movements are mechanical and self-winding, while replicas are usually quartz or battery-powered.
Sell My Rolex Watches Now
Watch dealers sometimes pair genuine Rolex watches with aftermarket bracelets as the bracelets get stretched from wear and tear. In such cases, a reputable seller must always disclose any modification to the original design before sale. ✔️ Real – In 2002, Rolex introduced a subtle yet distinctive authentication feature by adding a crystal over the dial with a small crown logo positioned at the 6 o’clock mark. This micro-etching is a badge of authenticity for models crafted that year and following. It’s also crucial to purchase from a genuine, trustworthy, and reputable seller.
How to Spot a Fake Rolex with Laser-Etched Coronet (LEC) on Glass
As we touched on, Rolex watches are made with the best materials on the market. With stainless steel, gold, and platinum pieces, Rolex watches have high-quality materials that are not likely to be found on fake watches. ✔️ Real – Rolex maintains a high standard not just in watchmaking but also in the way the watches are presented. The packaging of a genuine Rolex reflects the brand’s impeccable standards, displaying its commitment to quality and attention to details like stitching, perfect box corners and accurate embossing. The watches are meticulously arranged inside the box, typically with protective coverings and supports to keep them securely in place. Moreover, authentic Rolex timepieces include thorough documentation, including the manual, authenticity certificate, warranty card, etc.
How to Spot a Fake Rolex Watch: Final Thoughts
In most cases, they also fail to replicate the Rolex engraving, which comes as a seal of authenticity. Rolex produced only a handful of quartz watches throughout its history, such as the Rolex Oysterquartz, between the 1970s and the 2000s. So, it’s pretty unlikely to find a Rolex with quartz and not mechanical movement. Another thing to look for is the finishing of the movement, which is only visible upon opening the case.
Replica watches
The global appeal of Rolex watches has set a gold standard for quality and elegance in the world of timepieces. However, their popularity has also fueled a shadowy market of incredibly convincing counterfeit replicas, capable of deceiving even the most seasoned collectors. Join us as we dive into essential tips and expert insights to navigate this challenge, ensuring your Rolex watch stands as a true testament to your discerning taste and the brand’s unparalleled craftsmanship. 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.
Swiss & Japanese
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. All Rolex watches are crafted in the company’s own facilities in Switzerland, from initial design to final assembly. Rolex has multiple production sites, including its headquarters in Geneva; the main manufacturing facility, located in nearby Plan-les-Ouates; and production outposts in Chêne-Bourg and Bienne. Rolex is a privately owned and operated Swiss luxury watch manufacturer founded by Hans Wilsdorf in 1905.
Cyclops Lens
You may also find a fake Rolex made with materials that can cause an allergic reaction to sensitive skin. – They would also be open to you taking the watch to Rolex, or an authorized Rolex dealer, for authentication. At SwissWatchExpo, we welcome clients to do this with their purchased watches, for their peace of mind. All Rolex watches, except for the Cellini dress watches and the more recently unveiled Rolex Perpetual 1908, are equipped with an Oyster case.
Self-Winding or Mechanical Movement
- Starting on the outside, you can see that the printing of the dial text is marginally less precise.
- The alignment of the markers, printing on the dial, and lustre on the dial all result from Rolex’s elaborate design process to achieve visual and functional harmony.
- If it starts with ER6J, K28, K25, Q66, S19, S28, S29 or S39 your eyebrows should also be raised.
- Pay close attention to the box and papers when buying a vintage Rolex, as they help establish whether the watch is authentic or not.
- Discerning the authenticity of a Rolex can often come down to the subtle art of examining its serial and case reference numbers.
- There are a few things I immediately tell people when they ask me how to spot a fake Rolex.
Pay close attention to the box and papers when buying a vintage Rolex, as they help establish whether the watch is authentic or not. ❌ Fake – If the bracelet style is mismatched with the particular Rolex model or the style you bought, chances are it is a counterfeit. A fake Rolex clasp is shorter than a real one, and the crown is placed differently. A duplicate Rolex model’s links don’t move smoothly and are not tightly joined.
What Does Your Luxury Watch Say About You?
“Waterproof” and “water resistant” both refer to an ability to keep moisture out of the case, with the former denoting higher performance underwater. The majority of Rolex watches in the Oyster line should hold up at a whopping depth of 100 meters (328 feet). The dial of a Rolex Replica Rolex is a prime spot for finding inconsistencies that might indicate a fake. This is where most of the writing is located, and the appearance of the text can be a dead giveaway of a counterfeit. Just because a Rolex has had parts replaced, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s fake.
Luxury Watch Knowledge Test
It’s important to check the manufacture date of a particular model to determine which crown technology was used. On an authentic Rolex, the winding crown and its stem are made from a single piece of metal. Examine it closely with a magnifying glass for signs that it’s been glued together. The magnifying lens that enlarges the date on the face of the watch — dubbed the “Cyclops” — should, well, magnify (2.5 times, to be exact). Hold the watch sideways to get a peek at the date without the magnifying lens.
IWC Watch Releases
Knowing the signs of how to spot a fake Rolex can be particularly helpful when shopping for pre-owned watches. This comprehensive guide outlines several key indicators that distinguish a real Rolex from a fake one. Additionally, comparison photos of a genuine Rolex Submariner LN and a replica are included to provide visual examples of the differences between the quality of the two watches. There can be notable differences between genuine Rolex packaging and that used with counterfeits. Genuine packaging reflects the brand’s impeccable standards and displays the same commitment to quality and attention applied to their watches.
Discover our replica Rolex…
The number of fake watches uncovered by pre-owned dealer Watchfinder & Co is rising – with Rolex replicas accounting for about half of the knock-offs in circulation. Starting on the outside, you can see that the printing of the dial text is marginally less precise. The shade of red for “Daytona” above the six o’clock subdial is too bright. The hour markers, five-pointed crown and hands don’t catch the light as they should; their edges aren’t crisp and, when you zoom in, you can see evidence of machining which the genuine watch would never display. Gone are the days when a fake watch was just something you picked up from a market on holiday for $10 (£8) and wore until one of the hands fell off – usually within a few weeks.
The seconds hand on a real modern Rolex ticks 8 times per second (or 5-6 times per second on a vintage model), creating a “sweeping” visual. 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 artistry involved in the genuine Rolex dial, hands, and hour markers is nothing short of immaculate, a standard that fakes often fall short of reaching. The printing on the dial, the luster on the hands, the alignment of the hour markers – every component on a genuine Rolex is the result of an elaborate process designed to achieve visual and functional harmony. That’s why it’s crucial to examine the watch against official images from Rolex, ensuring that what you’re considering for purchase aligns with the unparalleled quality the brand is known for. Be aware, on closer examination, counterfeit models may reveal significant variations in the design of the hands, the dial, and even the clasp of the bracelet.
How to Spot a Fake Rolex with Weight & Materials
- If that sounds ridiculous, consider that the fake Rolex here, examined in detail by Watchfinder, is being made with real 904L steel – the same top-grade metal used in the real watch.
- 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.
- Nevertheless, we’ve compiled a list of 13 things you should look for in a real Rolex.
- The end result is that it is cheaper, faster and more accurate than ever to quite simply scan an original shape and duplicate it to a high level.
- A skilled photographer can capture a real LEC with the right lighting though, as shown below, and legit LEC’s are more pointillated and less “foggy” than fake ones.
- These imitations may initially look convincing, but upon meticulous inspection, they fall short.
Grey Market Magazine’s Managing Editor, Powerfunk is a Boston-based watch collector, an expert enthusiast, and head moderator of the very popular r/rolex subreddit. Before the engraved rehauts, Rolex serial numbers were engraved on the case between the bottom lugs. There are a few things I immediately tell people when they ask me how to spot a fake Rolex. Perhaps you’ve heard of rapid prototyping, 3D printing, that sort of thing?
Closely examine the dial detailing to spot any variation in the design of the hands or the dial as a whole. ❌ Fake – Imitations have dotted or blurred serial numbers due to inferior etching techniques. This usually leaves behind an acid-etched or sandy texture, and the lines are a little messy.
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. ✔️ Real – Every Rolex has the serial number engraved between the lugs at the 6 o’clock position of the dial. The lettering of the serial number is perfect and precise, reminiscent of meticulous craftsmanship.
One exception to this is the Rolex Oysterquartz, which runs on a quartz movement instead of a mechanical one. If you’re considering a specific reference, spend 10 minutes researching its unique features. Compare the watch’s details—such as dial layout, engravings, and case design—to images of verified examples. With few exceptions, if a Rolex has no lume on the dial, it shouldn’t have lume on the hands, either. Sometimes collectors and resellers of genuine Rolexes do “dial swaps” and forget to match the hands, but in general, lumed hands on an unlumed dial are a red flag. If you’re shopping for a pre-owned Rolex it’s best to choose a trusted grey market dealer with a good reputation and an authenticity guarantee.
- If you do know what dial details to look for, you probably don’t need me to tell you to look for them.
- Exceptions include the Sea-Dweller, which has the name of the watch and some variation of “Gas Escape Valve” written on its titanium back.
- A simple Google search for the serial and model numbers of the watch you’re considering should reveal whether it is actually a mass-produced fake.
- To achieve this water resistance, the cases of authentic Rolex watches have certain hallmarks.
- The advantage of sapphire glass that is used in our Rolex Replica designer Watches over regular glass is that the sapphire crystal is much harder, and thus very hard to scratch.
- Rolex produced only a handful of quartz watches throughout its history, such as the Rolex Oysterquartz, between the 1970s and the 2000s.
- Rolex watches are exquisitely designed and crafted, with remarkable attention paid to every detail, no matter how small.
Do they have reviews with trusted sources such as Google Reviews and Trustpilot? A London pawnbroker like Suttons and Robertsons are experts in Rolex watches and are aware that once sold they will need to stand by an item, as it can easily be returned. Remember a pawnbroker or second hand trader has already invested in the watch and will have undertaken comprehensive and undisputable verification checks. The retail division S&R Jewellers also fully guarantees authenticity of all pre-owned watches and jewellery.
A Rolex’s serial number is found where the bracelet meets the case of the watch, below 6 o’clock. The model number on the other hand, is found between the lugs above 12 o’clock, accompanied by the text “ORIG ROLEX DESIGN” right above the number. When you are looking at Rolex watches, try to find all the information you can about what materials the watch or particular model is made with. If you are looking at a watch in person, such as when buying from a private individual, you will need to use other methods to check the materials of the watch.
On the other hand, most Rolex watches are equipped with mechanical (either automatic or manual-winding) movements. Thus, they have seconds hands that move at a much faster rate, creating a smooth, sweeping effect. Listening closely to a running Rolex watch, one will still hear a faint sound, but not the prominent tick-tock produced by quartz watches. The seconds hand of a true Rolex watch should look like it’s moving in a smooth, continuous motion.
“Buy the seller, not the watch” is an enduring mantra among watch enthusiasts for a reason. Wanting to make a watch and being able to make a watch are not exactly the same thing, and if this were a decade or so ago, we wouldn’t be having this conversation at all. If it feels like there’s been a recent swell in the rise of fake watches, that’s because there has, and it’s all to do with the way technology has changed.
The weights of Rolexes vary slightly, depending on the model, size, materials and year of production — older models generally weigh less than modern ones. But the weight difference between two real watches of the same model and size is negligible. In contrast, that between a fake and a genuine Rolex can be significant. They also have “Rolex” engraved on them, although the placement of the engraving differs depending on the piece. Rolexes manufactured before 2007 included a hologram of the crown logo on the caseback.
That is because they are powered with fully mechanical movements, as opposed to the quartz battery used by less expensive watchmakers, which causes a distinctive “tick, tick, tick” sound every second. That said, some Rolex models do tick every few seconds, so it’s the loud ticking every second that indicates a fake. Should you find the date on your Rolex looking a little shy, the lens lying flat without that characteristic magnification, it’s time for a second glance. This could be a sign that the watch in your hands is masquerading as something it’s not. The art of identifying an authentic Rolex is akin to enjoying fine art; you must absorb and appreciate every detail. The Cyclops is no minor detail – it is a defining trait of a watch that stands out in the crowd, ensuring the date doesn’t just whisper but speaks clearly to the wearer.
Do you know how to tell the difference between a fake Carter watch vs real Cartier watch? The vast majority of fake Rolex watches in the world are cheap, easy-to-spot knockoffs. It’s a very obvious fake,” says Matthew Bain, a Miami-based watch expert who operates Matthew Bain, Inc. At the heart of every authentic Rolex watch lies a mechanism that is a testament to superior watchmaking- a movement crafted with an unwavering commitment to precision. The intricate dance of gears and springs inside a real Rolex is meticulously assembled, ensuring each watch bears the Rolex engraving as a seal of authenticity.
- 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.
- From the Air King to the Yachtmaster, Rolex watches have a consistent font style that’s unique to the brand.
- In such cases, a reputable seller must always disclose any modification to the original design before sale.
- Rolex invests heavily on research, materials, design, and manufacturing – a watch from an illegitimate operation will not come close.
- Additionally, knowing which material a specific Rolex model is made of can also help spot a fake.
- To differentiate between a genuine Rolex and a fake one, a helpful tip is to check the weight of the watch.
- On an authentic Rolex, the winding crown and its stem are made from a single piece of metal.
- It should be noted that there are some exceptions to the general rule outlined above.
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.