Rolex is known for using 904L stainless steel, a premium grade that is more resistant to corrosion and has a higher polish than the more commonly used 316L steel in counterfeit watches. According to “Wikipedia“, 904L is harder than regular 316L steel and has superior resistance to localized attack. This material gives authentic Rolex watches a distinctive weight and luster. If you compare a real Rolex with a fake, the difference in the steel’s finish and feel is often apparent. Pay attention to the shine and resistance to scratches, as 904L steel maintains its appearance longer and has a more luxurious feel. One of the most subtle yet telling signs of an authentic Rolex is the micro-etched crown at the 6 o’clock position on the crystal.
Modern infringers
Usually the font is pretty much the same, however, under detailed inspection, some numbers might have giveaways, like this peak in this particular number 3. In most cases, buyers of Rolex replicas are not subject to legal consequences. However, selling, manufacturing, or importing imitations that infringe on Rolex’s intellectual property can lead to legal issues.
Serial numbers and markers
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. From the Air King to the Yachtmaster, Rolex watches have a consistent font style that’s unique to the brand. The font size may vary slightly, since it depends on the dial’s diameter, which can be as small as 24mm on women’s Rolexes and as large as 44mm on men’s models. When checking the font on the face of a Rolex you’re considering, compare it with authentic pictures of the same model. And with rising prices of Swiss watches, it’s easy to see why more and more people are willing to take the risk in buying a fake.
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Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas.
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If you’re considering buying a pre-owned Rolex, your first thought is likely “How do I spot a fake Rolex? ” Counterfeit Rolexes are notoriously common, and they’re only getting more and more accurate. While it’s almost impossible to spot the most advanced modern fake Rolexes without examining them closely in person, the vast majority of fakes will have tells that can be spotted if you’re aware of some fundamentals.
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On a genuine Rolex, it is textured to provide traction when turning the crown. The casebacks of most Rolex watches are plain polished steel, without engravings, drawings or other decorations. Exceptions include the Sea-Dweller, which has the name of the watch and some variation of “Gas Escape Valve” written on its titanium back. If a watch stops working while you’re out for a swim, best to just leave that fake at the bottom of the sea.
Types of counterfeits
If you read this guide and still have any doubts about a watch you own, look up good watchmakers in your area and take it in for a service. And if it’s real, you can have it serviced and brought back to tip-top shape. Rolex’s serial and model numbers are cleanly engraved into the metal, while fake watches only have it etched by acid, leaving a shallow, sandy-like appearance. A genuine Rolex’s numbers are cut deeply enough that they will glow in the light when raised at an angle. Rolex watches are made out of high-quality materials all the way through.
- Others in the community won’t buy watches from you if they know you are selling or even own fakes.
- This feature is unique to Rolex, so if you are looking at another luxury brand featuring one, then also do question the authenticity.
- The one exception is the left-handed GMT-Master II, which was introduced in 2022 to accommodate left-handed wearers.
- Although this is not publicly available, official stockists and reputable second hand luxury watch traders can verify the authenticity of a Rolex using this database.
- High quality machinery used by the Swiss watch industry is incredibly expensive, prohibitively enough that many Swiss brands themselves cannot afford them.
- A good starting point when assessing if a Rolex is genuine is to pay attention to the watch movement.
- Every watch in our curated collection is a testament to authenticity, backed by our commitment to transparency and excellence.
- It’s a very obvious fake,” says Matthew Bain, a Miami-based watch expert who operates Matthew Bain, Inc.
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Per every Swiss watch made, the fake watch industry is putting out two, totalling 40m fake watches made every year—double the Swiss production. Rapidly escalating prices, demand greater than ever, supply dwindling by the day—and of course this means the fake watch industry is booming. Now, you may have absolutely no interest in that, and consider yourself pretty well clued up when it comes to identifying and avoiding a fake watch—but I’m here to tell you it’s not as simple as that. Here are ten things you need to know about fake watches if you don’t want to get stung. As of 2002, Rolex started including a tiny micro-etching of the Rolex crown, aka the “coronet,” on the crystal at the 6 o’clock position.
Rolex Submariner Date Black Dial 126610LN – Used
Rolex doesn’t just laser-etch the crown logo at six o’clock; they do it with tiny dots at different heights, different depths within the sapphire crystal, and so it’s not just one continuous line creating the logo. This is one of the biggest places where fake watches are identified as being fake because it’s such a hard process to replicate. Cheaper replica watches can lack the crown or have it engraved rather than laser-etched. A lot of mid-tier to high-end fake watches over-accentuate the crown down at six o’clock to make it stand out. On the real watches, it’s very, very difficult to see, therefore on superclones it is also difficult to see.
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So far, that’s enough effort to fool a lot of people, but what’s new – and somewhat jaw-dropping – is that inside the watch you will find a https://superclonerolex.io/ movement, an eerily good mimic of the real Calibre 4130 introduced in 2000. Partly, that is an unavoidable consequence of the explosion we have seen in demand for Rolex’s key models. 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.
When looked straight on, the date should be magnified, about 2.5 magnification to be exact. 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. Ask the seller for references from watch associations like the International Watch and Jewelry Guild. The winding crown on a Rolex is always on the right side of the case for easy access — assuming it’s worn on the left wrist. The one exception is the left-handed GMT-Master II, which was introduced in 2022 to accommodate left-handed wearers.
Are there legal replica watches?
The low-quality black writing, combined with the poor embossing of the Rolex logo, are more signs of a fake. The serial number should be at 6 o’clock, so if the “ROLEXROLEXROLEX” writing goes all the way around with no break for a serial number at the bottom, that’s a sure sign of a cheap fake. So if you see a tiny 1940’s Rolex cocktail watch, for instance, it’s probably real. 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.
This is a very subtle feature that can be spotted on newer Submariner models. The hook on the clasp is the only component that is soldered onto the clasp. Yes, some Rolex imitations are crafted with impressive attention to detail and quality materials. However, they are not on par with the precision and craftsmanship of genuine Rolex watches.
- Research on the type of finish used on your preferred model, and try to see if the actual piece you want to buy matches it.
- Rolex watches with a date window have a magnification lens called a “cyclops” that magnifies the date by 2.5 times.
- Do they have reviews with trusted sources such as Google Reviews and Trustpilot?
- Genuine Rolexes are made with high-quality metals, crystal, and have intricate details.
- Up until very recently, the only Rolex date models that did not have a Cyclops lens were the Sea-Dweller and Deepsea.
- As of 2022, Rolex has released their most water-resistant watch yet, the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge, which has a depth rating of 11,000 meters (36,090 feet).
The cloned movements miss the mark on the exquisite finishing touches and the dependable accuracy that Rolex is renowned for -the very attributes that make a Rolex much more than just a timekeeper. The legality of Rolex imitations is a complex matter that revolves around the fine line between imitation and counterfeiting. While owning a Rolex imitation as a stylish accessory may not raise legal concerns for most individuals, it is crucial to remain informed and make purchases from reputable sources. Remember that the world of horology offers a diverse array of watches, including legitimate homage pieces that honor the legacy of Rolex without breaching legal boundaries. So, whether you’re seeking the prestige of a genuine Rolex or the charm of a well-crafted homage, it’s essential to choose your timepiece wisely and within the confines of the law.
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- – They would have a guarantee of authenticity and warranties on the watch.
- The accuracy of the replication varies, as does the reliability of these movements.
- For peace of mind, and to safeguard the intricate craftsmanship of your timepiece, it’s wise to entrust this verification to the seasoned expertise of a professional.
- For instance, certain Rolex watches such as the Milgauss, Deepsea, vintage Sea Dweller, some gold Lady Datejusts, and military Submariners do have specific patented markings on their caseback.
- Watches with too-good-to-be-true prices can be spotted right away, but more sophisticated counterfeits can be more challenging to identify.
- Rolex uses a combination of finishes on its timepieces, and they can be very difficult for counterfeiters to achieve.
It should be centered and perfectly aligned without inconsistent spacing, blurs, splotches or misspellings. A big red flag is ink bleeding, which results from the cheaper printing methods employed for Rolex replicas. Rolex movements are self-winding and mechanical, as opposed to quartz or battery-powered.
This is a bit tricky to check, since Rolex is adamant that only brand-certified watchmakers can access the movement. Founded in 2007, Gear Patrol is the definitive buying guide for enthusiasts. Our independent experts test the best in cars, tech, home, outdoors, style and watches. We combine hands-on testing, decades of experience and original photography to craft reports, reviews and guides. The relatively new program sees the authenticity of used Rolexes certified by the brand itself and includes a two-year guarantee, giving you no doubt that you’re purchasing the genuine article. But even if you’re not going the Rolex CPO route, you can still take some steps to protect yourself.
If you’re contemplating a pre-owned Rolex, the significance of confidence in your purchase cannot be overstated. At Bob’s Watches, we stand as a defender against the uncertainties of the secondary watch market. Here, the fear of counterfeit watches dissolves, thanks to our rigorous authentication process that ensures each watch is the epitome of the genuine craftsmanship Rolex is celebrated for. To achieve this water resistance, the cases of authentic Rolex watches have certain hallmarks.
That is still a lot of money to be wasting on a watch that you know won’t last you nearly the same amount of time as if you were to get a real Rolex. Most genuine Rolex casebacks have plain polished metal, and do not have engravings of words, logos, or pictures. They do not have a clear window showing the movements on the back of the watch. All Rolex watches, except for the Cellini dress watches and the more recently unveiled Rolex Perpetual 1908, are equipped with an Oyster case. Its patented system of screwing down the bezel and case back against the middle case, was meant to protect the movement from water and dust. 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.
Advances in milling and rapid prototyping machinery mean that all of the above can be achieved with minimal hand-craft involved (which remains one of the un-fakeable defining characteristics of a real ). If you are in the watch community, having a strong reputation is important. Being found out for having a fake watch will only lead to embarrassment. Rolex takes their watches seriously and the selling of fake Rolex watches is considered criminal activity.
