How to Spot a Fake and Real Rolex

Spotting a Real and Fake Rolex

Rolex is one of the most recognized brands in the world and a Rolex watch is often coveted as a status symbol. Because it is such a coveted watch, there are also a numerous watchmakers that have been hard at work producing high quality and fake Rolexes for sale. Many of the Rolex fakes on the market can be tough to spot, even against the photos you may see online of a genuine Rolex.

It may not be possible to spot a fake right away, but there are some excellent ways that you can determine the authenticity of a Rolex. Here are some top tips from authorized Rolex dealers on how you can catch a fake Rolex with the naked eye:

The Back of the Case

The watch backing case on a fake Rolex will not be see through. Rolex uses a single metal piece in most of their designs. The only Rolex without a solid metal backing is a rare 1030 see through backing.

Engraving

Case backs on a genuine Rolex watch are always smooth without any type of engraving. If you see any type of engraving on the back of a Rolex, you need to be suspicious. The Sea Dweller edition Rolex is the only one with markings on it. This edition features an arc along the back of the case which is a gas escape valve for divers.

Quality of Metal

Rolex makes watches in 18k gold, platinum or stainless steel. If you see a Rolex in 14k gold or with a faded gold finish, it is a fake.

Magnification

Rolexes with a date will add a glass window to magnify the date by 2.5x. A fake Rolex may include this touch but with a more common modification of 1.5x. If the date is difficult to see, it is likely that it is a fake Rolex. If the date has a larger text on the printed wheel, this could also indicate a fake.

GMT Hand

Genuine Rolexes have a GMT hand that is between the hour and minute hand. The GMT hand on fake Rolexes often sit closer to the dial and in a different configuration. This causes a movement that is less accurate.

Heavy Feel

The easiest way to spot a fake Rolex is to pick one up. Most modern Rolex watches have a nice heft to them and this comes form the precious metals used in their construction of the case. Fake Rolex watches are usually built with less thick materials and they are much lighter than the real Rolex designs.

These are just a few of the easiest ways that you can tell if a Rolex is fake. As a general rule of thumb, if the deal looks too good to be true on a Rolex, it probably is!

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