The Rolex counterfeit industry is growing at an ever-increasing pace. This criminal expansion poses a real threat to Rolex because it adversely affects the market for genuine Rolex watches. Counterfeit Rolex watches also cloud the enthusiasm and faith of Rolex enthusiasts around the world. Such negativity is especially true in the case of high-end fakes, which are sold as genuine Rolex watches. Although these counterfeits may appear similar from a distance, they can in no way match a genuine Rolex in terms of functionality, performance and precision. Ignorant customers are attracted to their cosmetic features, but feel cheated when their watch turns out to be a non-genuine Rolex.
In the fake Rolex watch marketplace, you can find a plethora of different varieties and types. While the low level fake watches can be identified even by a child, the high level replicas may fool anyone. As a result, it always is advisable to do an in-depth study of the various features that distinguish a fake Rolex from an original one.
A clear understanding of some thumb rules, along with a close examination of the watch, is sure to help you differentiate a genuine Rolex from a counterfeit model. As described below, the following ground rules will go a long way in helping you identify a fake Rolex —e watch is sure to help you differentiate a genuine and fake Rolex. These ground rules, as described below, will go a long way to help you identify a fake Rolex:
Weight of the Watch: This is a primary way of finding out whether a watch is a counterfeit. All authentic Rolex watches are quite heavy since they are made of solid gold, steel or platinum. Inexpensive Rolex replicas, on the other hand, will be lightweight.
Case Backs: Many varieties of fake Rolex watches come with a clear case back, which you will never find in any authentic Rolex, whether vintage or modern.
Case Back Markings: Fake Rolex watches may be engraved with the famous Rolex “crown logoâ€, model numbers, serial numbers and other reference numbers on the case backs, which are not found in genuine Rolex watches. All authentic and current Rolex models have a hologram-encoded sticker on the case back that contains the watch's model reference number along with the “Rolex Crown†just above it. There are certain exceptions, however, such as the following:
* Some Ladies' Rolex watches had the case back engraved with “Original Oyster Case by Rolexâ€. This is often true for models that were produced before the 1990s.
* Rolex Sea-Dweller models are engraved with “Rolex Oyster Original Gas Escape Valve†on the case back. Some early models may also include “Rolex Patent†or “Patent Pendingâ€. Also, these models made for the COMEX employees usually bear the Rolex and Comex names along with a two, three or four digit identification number used by Comex.
Sweeping Movement: In genuine Rolex watches (except the Rolex Oysterquartz), the second hand displays a sweeping movement as it ticks at the rate of 5-8 times per second. On the other hand, cheap Rolex replicas feature a second hand that ticks only once per second. Although better quality counterfeits may give you a sweeping movement of their second hand, they will not be as precise as an authentic Rolex.
Crystal: All Rolex models that were rolled out after 1991 were outfitted with laboratory made synthetic sapphire crystal. These crystal models have a clear white appearance. Most of the counterfeit Rolex models, however, feature either a glass crystal or plastic (acrylic) crystal. Some may also have a milky white appearance.
Finish: Fake stainless steel Rolex models are the most difficult to identify. This difficulty is not true in the case of gold versions, as fake models look brassy unlike the 18k gold look (in some earlier models even 9k and 14k gold are used) found in authentic Rolex watches.
Cyclops: The Cyclops lens, attached to the crystal and found over the date aperture does the work of magnifying the date by 2.5 times. In fake Rolex watches, this lens is not so powerful and magnifies the date to a maximum of 1.5 times. In cheap replicas, the lens is not even functional. Another way to distinguish fake Rolex watches from genuine ones on this basis is the positioning of the Cyclops. In many counterfeit varieties, the lens is positioned incorrectly, either a bit higher or lower on the crystal.
Illumination Markings: In authentic Rolex watches, the illumination markings on the hands and hour markers glow for a longer period of time in the dark once charged with direct light. However, do not expect vintage or older Rolex models to glow at night, as the effectiveness of this chemical does not last for an indefinite time. With cheap replicas, the illumination markings are only for show. Even in better quality replicas, it may not glow for an extended period. In addition, if seen with the help of a hand lens, the illumination fillings may not look smooth, as in the case of genuine Rolex watches.
Winding Crown: The genuine Rolex watches feature a winding crown that is not only smooth, but also makes no noise while you unscrew it. In contrast, fake winding crowns are not smooth to operate. In addition, when you set the time, the second hand jumps aggressively whereas in the case of authentic Rolex watches, the second hand moves by only 2-3 second markers. It is interesting to note that Rolex produces winding crown with its “Crown†or “Coronet†logo engraved on it. However, in many fake versions, the logo is simply glued on the end of the crown.
Crown Seal: All those Rolex models, which feature a Triplock Crown have an additional seal. Looking like a black rubber o-ring, it can be seen when you unscrew the winding step completely. Such a seal is not present in most of the counterfeit models.
Date Wheels: A very prominent feature that you will find in all genuine Rolex models is the positioning of the date wheel. Placed exactly at the center of the date aperture, the date wheel also gives a clear view of the number along with clear background color. On the other hand, misaligned position of date wheels in fake models is a common phenomenon. Besides, the rough background color on the date wheel is an immediate signal of an inauthentic and cheap counterfeit.
Important Functionalities: Rolex introduced the “Hacking Feature†around 1972. All current Rolex models have this feature where the second hand stops dead when the winding stem is pulled out to set the time. In low quality Rolex replicas, there is no hacking feature. Take this into account before you make any purchase decision.
Similarly, if the “Quick Set†and “Double Quick Set†features (found in only “Date†and “Day-Date†models) work in a jerky manner or simply drag, they indicate a fake Rolex.
The subsidiary dials or registers found in Rolex Daytona also provide you with an opportunity to distinguish a counterfeit from a genuine Rolex. Such dials available in fake Rolex Daytona models may not be functional at all. You also will miss the concentric circles inside these registers that you get to see in an authentic one. Unlike in the case of the genuine Daytona, the registers in fake versions are placed at a distance from the dial markings. Another important point to be noted is the large sweep second hand found in this model for the stopwatch function. In a fake model, it may move even when you have not initiated the stopwatch function.
The extra 24 hour hand found in Rolex GMT and Explorer II models may only be show pieces in the fake Rolex models.
The one-way gas escape valve that is positioned on the side of the case just opposite the winding crown in all Rolex Sea-Dweller models is almost always just a cosmetic feature, with no functionality in fake versions of the Rolex Sea-Dweller. .
Dial Markings:When viewed with a hand lens, you will find that the dial markings on fake Rolex wristwatches lack clarity, the right spacing, correct font size and shape. This also is true in the case of hour/minute indices and hour/minute/second hands. In some cheap replicas, you may find scratches on the markings as well as on the dial. Be alert, however, because counterfeiters are getting more and more sophisticated in creating fake Rolex watches. In many instances, you may not find very prominent flaws on the dial. Always try to examine the watch as closely as possible.
One more important way to establish the authenticity of Rolex watch is by viewing the outer edge of the dial from an angle. If the watch is authentic, the outer edge will have the same look as that of the entire case. If it is a fake, you will see a mirror finish on the outer edge.
Rotating Bezel:The rotating bezel found in many Rolex sport models like the Submariner and the GMT-Master can be rotated smoothly in 120 “clicks†(with no sound) covering 2 clicks for every minute. When you turn the bezel in fake models, its rotation either will be loose or it will hang up in the middle. In some replicas, the bezel may make a sound while rotating. There are other counterfeit versions where the bezel completes the rotation in less than 120 clicks.
Case Reference and Serial Numbers: Most of the counterfeit Rolex watches carry incorrect case reference or serial numbers. In low-level replicas, you will find no such numbers.
Bracelet Configurations:
Key points related to the bracelet that you should remember while buying a genuine Rolex include the following —
1. As opposed to genuine Rolex bracelets, the counterfeits are tight and often remain tightly kinked when picked up by the buckle.
2. Fake Rolex bracelets tend to have poor quality gold plating.
3. Recent versions of Rolex Oyster bracelets feature unevenness in thickness with links closer to the case thicker than those toward the buckle. On the other hand, fake versions maintain the same thickness throughout.
4. The authentic Rolex bracelet's links are held together with screws unlike the push-pins found in many fake versions. If some high-end replicas feature “screw linksâ€, a closer examination will help you to identify flaws that are not visible to the naked eye.
5. Rolex Oyster and Jubilee bracelets are stamped on the inside of the folding clasp with the name “Rolex†The name is surrounded by a series of scrolled lines.
6. Another feature of this stamp is that it bears the logo “Coronet†on the top. They are also stamped with the “Coronet†logo on the outside of the clasp. In most fake versions, the stamp is not well-copied. The inferior quality of the reproduction clearly is apparent upon examination. A closer look will bring into light many flaws such as round “O†shape at the base of the “crown†instead of the flatter oval shape.
7. Look for the quality of the stamped hallmark found on the inside of the folding clasp in Rolex President Bracelets.
8. Rolex bracelet clasps feature a tiny pin, finished on both ends unlike their fake counterparts, which look like a cut piece of metal.
Whenever you plan to buy any model of a Rolex watch, make sure that you have collected enough information about it so that you can undertake a detailed observation in terms of the various aspects mentioned above to establish its authenticity. You also should employ the help of experts who possess relevant knowledge in this field. The decision to buy a Rolex is too important to leave in the hands of amateurs. When you take the step to make such a life-changing purchase, you deserve nothing less than an authentic Rolex watch.
Quoted from a online ROlex dealer. Some very interesting things on here. Also shows how far reps have come.
Gen bezels don't make any sound??
