A fake Rolex is easy to spot if you know what to look for. You can pretty much tell in a matter of minutes if it's real or fake by looking for features that ReplicaRolex watches cannot duplicate well. Here are 5 ways to instantly spot a fake:
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.
"Well-done" counterfeits can also use a Swiss-made movement that is mechanical not Quartz battery powered that try to duplicate this smooth motion. However don't be fooled - they'll typically only tick about 3-4 times a second - not looking as smooth as a genuineRolex movement.
2. Clear Case Back - Of course, if dealing with a (supposed) Rolex that is ticking very obviously, stay away! This leads to another apparent counterfeit giveaway - the clear case back. Perhaps it is the fact that manyRolex counterfeits used to employ a battery powered quartz movement, but many replica manufactures (and possibly owners) must be very proud of the fact that their unit is powered by a perpetual movement.
You won't see a battery, but a real mechanical movement ticking away. These are easily made (low quality ones) and are no indication of a realRolex. These counterfeiters may be proud of their mechanical movement, but a clear case back Rolex has never been produced so seeing one is a clear indication of a replica.
3. Watch weight - A combination of high quality materials in the movement, case and bracelet add up to quite a bit of weight. An all gold Rolex which is quite light is a good indication of hollow links, or simply steel that is gold-plated and thus, a fake watch.
4. Cyclops - All Rolex models with the date feature will feature a Cyclops magnification glass; which is a raised sphere of glass that is designed to magnify the date display on the dial. The magnification on a genuine Cyclops glass will be approximately 2.5 times. Like many other attributes, a counterfeitRolex watch may fall short of the capabilities of a genuine Rolex watch.
Poor imitations of this are evident if you look directly at the date. A genuinie Rolex should almost completely fill the Cyclops lens, whereas the fake will only be about 1.5x magnification and not fill the lens.
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 you have the chance, rotate the bezel and count the number of clicks it makes in one complete rotation - authentic Rolex watches will have a bezel that clicks 120 times when rotated, fakes usually only click around 60 times. The quality of the clicks from an authenticRolex will be very subtle and feel well very solid whereas the clicks from a fake will be a lot louder and feel a lot more "mechanical".
Jaye Cadlah owns Time and Gems, an online retail store that has been selling Rolex watches since 1997. Go to their website to browse hundreds of Mens and ladies Rolex or stop by their showroom located in downtown Los Angeles. TimeandGems.com also has a number of guides on buying a preowned Rolex, as well as a frequently updated blog talking about all things Rolex.
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