18 Dec 09 Rolex Watch Buying Guide – 5 Telltale Signs Of A Fake Rolex
The most obvious counterfeits can be identified within seconds of contact. While many of these tips will not apply to watches that are bought online, knowing the basics of counterfeit identification is a great first step.
1. Sweeping Movement - A genuine Rolex has a smooth seconds hand that sweeps around the dial instead of ticking once per second. A second hand that ticks once per second is an instant sign you're dealing with a fake. Rolex watches typically "tick" about 5-8 times per second giving the illusion of a smooth motion.
High-end replicas can also try and duplicate this smooth sweeping motion but don't be fooled. They'll typically use a fake Chinese or Swiss movement that is mechanical (not Quartz battery powered) that is not as smooth. It will tick about three to four times per second.
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 many Rolex 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.
Many replicas will try to show this fact off by sporting a clear case backing. While this is certainly an interesting feature that is employed by various other high end luxury watches, Rolex has never created a watch model with a clear case backing.
3. Weight of the watch - Genuine gold and platinum are quite heavy. If you were to hold a genuine all gold Rolex in your hand you'll notice it's quite heavy. Most replicas do not come close to the weight of a genuine Rolex watch. If it's surprisingly light, it's a good idea to dig deeper into other features.
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 counterfeit Rolex watch may fall short of the capabilities of a genuine Rolex watch.
A replica Rolex will often use a lower magnification about 1.5x. An easy way to tell is to see if the date display is magnified enough to almost fill the whole window while looking directly at it.
5. Date and Bezel Rotation - Rolex has a proprietary process to manufacture all their watches and their quality control is world-class. Check the printing of the date number and see if it is well done. Also check for alignment in the window. If either of these are just a little off, chances are it's a fake. Real Rolex watches are "perfect" and shouldn't have even the tiniest imperfections.
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 authentic Rolex 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 pre-owned Mens and Ladies Rolex watches 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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