How to spot a fake Rolex watch-4 simple ways

 Rolex is widely regarded as one of the most important watch companies in history. The sheer number of Rolex watches sold each year is a testament to their quality. A Rolex is more than a watch - it's a status symbol. For many people, owning a Rolex brings pure joy; and that joy, in turn, creates a huge demand for these luxury timepieces. However, due to the widespread demand for Rolex watches, it is not surprising that various types of Rolex watches exist.

Over the years, many watch manufacturers have met the demand by producing high-quality fake watches. Many Rolex replicas appear to the trained eye to be near replicas of the real thing.

It is no longer possible to identify every fake Rolex by simple observation. The only way to be sure is to take the watch to an authorized dealer, a qualified watchmaker, or a high-end watch shop, where they will remove the case and look at the movement inside. However, there are some signs of fake Rolex watches that can be picked up by the naked eye. Read on for more information, and here are 4 ways to identify a Rolex.

1. The Look Of A Rolex

Case back – The easiest way to spot a fake Rolex is to look at the watch's case back, which is almost always plain metal. So if the watch you're examining has a glass exhibition case back which allows the watch mechanism to be seen, it's a fake Rolex watch, or one of the very rare 1030 see-through watches made by Rolex.

Engravings – Genuine Rolex model case backs are smooth, completely free of engravings, so if you see one, you should be suspicious. With that said, you should note that Rolex made two watches with an engraved case back: the Sea Dweller which has “ Rolex Oyster Original Gas Escape Valve” in an arc around the outside of the case back and the Milgauss model which has a similar design.

Metal quality – Rolex does NOT make 14k gold or gold-plated watches or bracelets. A real Rolex is either stainless steel, 18k gold, or platinum. If you see a Rolex with faded gold or metal showing below the gold, it is a fake .

2. The Feel Of A Rolex

Heft – A way to spot a fake Rolex watch is by the heft of the watch. Genuine Rolex watches, especially modern ones, have a “solid” feel. This solid feel generally comes from the heavy weight of the genuine metal throughout the watch. Rolex Oyster cases are made from a solid piece of 904L, steel, or precious metal. You can feel this extra weight from the center of the movement. Fake Rolex watches are generally lighter than real ones.

Winding Crown – Check the winding crown on the side of the watch at the '3'. The winding crown on a fake Rolex will typically have a basic looking crown to move the minute and hour hands while a true Rolex will have engravings and grooves that are a finely-crafted and can be felt by the touch.

3. The Sound Of A Rolex

The second hand on a real Rolex sweeps almost smoothly. To the naked eye it should seem very smooth, while a fake’s tick jumps more clearly.

The reason is that on a genuine Rolex movement each second is broken down into eight steps giving an almost smooth and continuous sweep feel (that’s 28,800 per hour). You need a high quality movement to reach that.

Even when a replica uses a Swiss-made movement, the second hand's ticking is usually visibly jumping instead of sweeping. So, if it “jumps” it's a fake, but if it sweeps smoothly, you may need to look a step further and investigate the actual movement inside the watch.

Unlike most watches, Rolex watches do not make the ticking noise, if you hear loud ticking from the watch it is probably a fake Rolex.

4. The Numbers On A Rolex

Model and Serial Number – Rolex watches have a sealed back case. Very few sellers can easily open the case to show the movement, so we have to look carefully at the outside of the case. Rolex etches the model (case) number between the lugs at 12 o'clock and the serial number between the lugs at 6 o'clock. After 2005, Rolex started to engrave the serial number on the inside bezel under the crystal at 6 o'clock. A fake Rolex often has an incorrect model case number that can be detected with a simple Google search. Looking up the model case number will let us see if it corresponds to the same model or a different one.

Rolex reference number between the lugs

Lettering on the dial - On a real Rolex, the printed lettering on the dial should be precise, with very clean edges (easy to see at high magnification).

Sharp Engraving - The serial number and case reference number located between the lugs are engraved with great detail and are very sharp. On fake Rolexes, the numbers often look like they were sandblasted or roughly etched into the case. As you can see in the example below, the sculpted lines between the lugs of a real Rolex are very fine, catching the light in a way similar to a diamond-cut edge. However, many knockoffs will have a sandy acid etched appearance, as shown in the example below. Also, the numbers are often too close together. It's worth mentioning that counterfeiters often use the same numbers on watches.

In conclusion

The world of replica Rolex is huge. That said, the people who make fake Rolex watches are getting better at making more realistic replicas. The best advice is to work with someone who is knowledgeable and trustworthy. What always works is to remember: "If it's too good to be true, it probably isn't."