Real or Fake? The Buyer's Guide to Recognizing a Fake Rolex

Luxury watches are still a sought-after commodity. It can be difficult to get hold of the right watches from top manufacturers. This is also because the market is currently being flooded with replicas, which justifiably raise fundamental doubts about their authenticity. But even high-quality replicas can be avoided with the right knowledge. In this article, we explain how this works. Using a real classic as an example: the Rolex.

Better safe than sorry – ask experts

Anyone who buys a Rolex naturally wants to be absolutely sure that it is a Rolex. Unfortunately, the tips for identifying genuine watches that we present below cannot replace an expert in an emergency. Even collectors who have been collecting for years may not recognize excellent fakes as such. If you want to be absolutely sure that you are buying a genuine watch, you should do so from trustworthy sellers. Authenticity should always be guaranteed 100 percent and this should be proven with certificates for authenticity testing.

Know your future watch

Rolex watches are so prestigious that the name of the manufacturer alone is associated with the highest quality. The models that are most frequently counterfeited include the Oyster Perpetual , Submariner, Datejust, Yacht-Master and the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. Each of these models has certain fake variants, the inconsistencies of which can be identified by experts. Before buying a watch, it is advisable to do a bit of research: What makes the watch special? Which details unmistakably confirm the authenticity of the model? What are components that cannot or can only be counterfeited with great difficulty? How trustworthy is the seller? Study the certificates of authenticity for the watch carefully and familiarize yourself with the special features of the watch you want. This starts with knowing the price range of the model you have chosen.

Play it safe – with the serial number

If you know everything from the bracelet to the serial number that belongs to a Rolex, you are on the safe side. In fact, the serial number is one of the essential identification features of a Rolex. In older models, it can be found on the outside of the case - between the lugs at twelve o'clock. This changed in 2007; since then, it has been found on the bezel at six o'clock. Here you should look out for the usual fake serial numbers. Many replicas are already disqualified because the serial numbers are not clearly and deeply engraved, but rather vague and blurred.

The detail makes the watch

Even the smallest details determine whether a fake can be quickly identified as such. The first thing that people look at is often the dial. This is where the first fakes are often easy to spot. Deviations in the font, incorrect spacing between letters or lettering that appears poorly crafted are all indications that the watch is fake. The case can also provide information about how genuine the watch is. With a few exceptions - namely helium valve models such as the Sea Dweller and Sea Dweller Deepsea - a real Rolex has no engravings at all on the back from the factory. The engravings between the lugs, on the other hand, should, as mentioned above, look consistent. Depending on the model, fakes can also be recognized by the fact that they do not have the basic features of the real model, for example transparent cases, chronograph complications that do not work properly or a date function that is not normally available on all models. One of these is the Daytona .

How fakes show up

The second hand can not only indicate the smallest units of time, but also whether the watch in question is a genuine Rolex. While the second hand on genuine Rolex watches, just like the seconds themselves, flows effortlessly and elegantly, fake watches often have jerky movements with clearly recognizable transitions. You can also trust your ears here: with a genuine Rolex, you never hear a clear ticking of the anchor escapement, but always a bell-like tinkling, which is affectionately called the "chime" by fans of the brand. If you dare, you can also determine the authenticity of the watch by visually inspecting the movement. This is also one of the safest ways to confirm the authenticity of the watch. Since special tools are required to open a Rolex, it is probably easier to get professional help.

These features reveal a real Rolex

There are a few other details to look out for in order to spot a fake Daytona. Modern Daytona models have the patented Triplock system. This can be recognized by the rubber seals on the tube, which are only visible when you unscrew and pull out the crown. You will often look in vain for this system in fakes. In addition to the quality of the luminous material, which often leaves a lot to be desired in fakes, two engravings are also crucial to the authenticity of a Rolex. Firstly, there is the laser crown, which has been the Rolex logo at the bottom of the sapphire crystal at six o'clock since around 2002-2004. It is engraved into the crystal using a laser process, but can only be seen with the naked eye if you look very closely. Finally, on modern models we have the rehaut engraving, which is what distinguishes the genuine models. Because only where ROLEXROLEXROLEX is engraved, is there also Rolex inside.