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

Luxury watches remain a coveted commodity. It can be difficult to acquire the right watches from top manufacturers. This is partly due to the fact that the market is currently increasingly 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 true classic as an example: the Rolex.

Better safe than sorry – ask the experts

Anyone buying a Rolex naturally wants to be absolutely sure that it's a Rolex. Unfortunately, the tips for identifying authentic watches presented below cannot replace an expert in an emergency. Even long-time collectors may not recognize excellent fakes as such. Anyone who wants to be absolutely sure they're purchasing a genuine watch should do so from trustworthy sellers. Authenticity should always be 100 percent guaranteed, and this should be documented with certificates of authenticity.

Know your future watch

Rolex watches are so prestigious that the manufacturer's name alone conjures up associations with the highest quality. The most frequently counterfeited models include the Oyster Perpetual , Submariner, Datejust, Yacht-Master, and the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. Each of these models has specific fake variants, and experts can identify any discrepancies. Before buying a watch, it's a good idea to do a bit of research: What makes the watch special? Which details unmistakably confirm the model's authenticity? Which components are impossible or extremely difficult to counterfeit? 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've chosen.

Play it safe – with the serial number

Anyone who knows everything, from the bracelet to the serial number, belongs to a Rolex is on the safe side. Indeed, the serial number is one of the essential identifying features of a Rolex. On older models, it can be found on the outer case – between the lugs at 12 o'clock. This changed in 2007; since then, it has been located on the bezel at 6 o'clock. Here, you should be on the lookout for the common 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 dial is often the first thing that catches the eye. This is where even the first fakes are easy to spot. Differences in font, incorrect spacing between letters, or lettering that appears sloppily executed are all clues 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 genuine 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 identified by the fact that they lack basic features of the genuine model, such as display cases, malfunctioning chronograph complications, or a date function that is not normally found on all models. The Daytona is one of these.

How fakes reveal themselves

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 a genuine Rolex watch, just like the seconds themselves, flows effortlessly and elegantly, fake watches often exhibit jerky movements with clearly discernible transitions. You can also trust your ears here: On a genuine Rolex, you will never hear a clear ticking of the lever escapement, but always a bell-like tinkling, affectionately known among fans of the brand as the "chime." Those who dare can also determine the authenticity of the watch by visually inspecting the movement. This is also one of the most reliable ways to confirm its authenticity. Since opening a Rolex requires special tools, it is probably easier to seek professional help.

These features reveal a real Rolex

There are a few other details to look out for to identify a fake Daytona. Modern Daytona models feature 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. This system is often missing from 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 for the authenticity of a Rolex. First, there is the laser crown, which has been found as 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 is only visible to the naked eye if you look very closely. Finally, on modern models, we have the rehaut engraving, which is a distinguishing feature of genuine models. Because only where ROLEXROLEXROLEX is engraved, is Rolex actually present.