Rolex. Everyone knows what a Rolex is. The reason is simple; they’re one of the most coveted luxury items in the world. They bring distinguished prestige and pleasure to the men and women who wear their famous timepieces. Consequently, they are one of the most forged watches in the world as well. Don’t make the same mistake that many have done – repeatedly – over and over again. Learn how to spot a fake Rolex with this week’s Schweiss Minute featuring Rolex Specialist, Donald Bond.

Rolex watches being the number one brand in the world is also the number one watch replicated in the marketplace. Many find it fun to buy fake watches behind closed doors or even opening on the streets of the main metropolitan cities. Even though they can be fun to wear, it’s also an illegal product. Some of the replicas are actually pretty good copies. This is where it can be dangerous and wallet crushing if you do not know what to look for when it comes to a real vs. fake Rolex watch. Here are a few pointers to help you know what you are looking at.

How To Spot A Fake Rolex 1
This is a FAKE Rolex Submariner Date

First, it’s always in the weight of the watch. The majority of the fakes and/or replicas are on the light side. They just feel cheap, especially in the bracelet. Also do your homework online when viewing the real versions, especially the Submariner Date, Day Date President, Yachtmaster II, Daytona’s and even the DateJust. A few things to hone in on when reviewing a possible fake besides the weight of the watch is the hour markers, especially on Submariner’s are smaller and domed while the real Submariner hour markers are larger and flat. On later models, the bezels are in white gold and should show no signs of tarnish or discoloration. Review the iconic Rolex Crown on the dial as many of the fake crowns are not proportionate is height and width. The minute markers on the dial are usually very pronounced and too bright in color on the fakes. There should be no green stickers or engravings on the caseback. For example, the new Submariner Date is a Reference 116610 while make fakes have a green sticker on the caseback with 16233 which is the reference for a men’s Rolex DateJust. A quick dead giveaway for a fake. Some of these have an 18K stamping on the back of one of the case lugs. These were produced in stainless steel only with black dial and bezel inlay. The true 18K white gold had blue dial and bezel. Even still these should be checked for authenticity.

The Rolex Daytona Cosmograph is also one of the most popular fakes. These are pretty easy to spot. First thing is to turn the watch over and look at the case back. If the back is engraved with 24Hours of Daytona with the inscription of WINNER, pretty good chance it’s a fake. The only time this was present on the back of the watch is when just a handful were presented to actual race car drivers of the event who won! Plus the engraving isn’t even correct on the fake. Most replicated Daytonas carry a 18K stamp on the back on the lugs and “Steelinox” in the bracelet. Rolex does not combine the two. It’s one or the other. Same goes for the Day Date President and Datejust replicas. The most important thing to review on these two fakes besides the weight, is the gold finish. Look closely, somewhere on the watch the gold is wearing off. Rolex never gold plated their watches! The crown to wind the watch is the first place to look for gold wear. These too will have the 18K and Steelinox stamp…no go. Again same goes for the Yachtmaster II as these fakes are usually smaller than their 43.5mm real brother. Most come in different color variations, Rolex never produced.

Lastly if not the first thing … if the watch has a ticking second hand it’s a definite fake. Many fakes do a second-hand sweep but the motion is not conducive to a real Rolex.

These are just some of the highlights of looking to be sure you do not have a fake. Never take a Rolex in trade for services rendered or trade without having a professional like myself verify the authenticity of the Rolex in question.