Rolex is one of the world’s most famous and sought-after luxury watch brands because its products are timelessly stylish and usually hold their value. In fact, most Rolex watches increase in value as they age and become collector’s items — provided they’re authentic. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of counterfeit Rolex’s available, some of which are almost indistinguishable from the real thing.
The best way to avoid spending thousands of dollars on a fake watch that’s worth a small fraction of its asking price is to purchase from an authorized dealer or an independent online dealer that guarantees authenticity. As you might expect, you can make a significant saving by buying a pre-owned Rolex, which is why we’ve detailed nine ways to identify a counterfeit below.
1. Observe the Dial
Smudges, uneven fonts and inconsistent spacing on the dial indicate that the watch is a fake. You should also compare the bezel size of a watch with a certified authentic Rolex to check for accuracy, especially if the price seems too good to be true.
2. The Second Hand
A real Rolex should have a smooth and almost silent quartz dial movement. However, some of the cheapest counterfeits stutter along and sound noticeably loud. If the motion of the second hand seems in any way imperfect, you’re likely looking at a fake.
3. The Caseback
Does your watch have a clear caseback that allows you to observe its inner workings? If so, it’s probably a counterfeit because authentic Rolex watches do not have such a feature.
4. Engraving
An engraved caseback is another indicator that your watch is not a real Rolex. Rolex has only engraved a few models of its watches, such as the ladies’ models from the pre-1990s that are engraved with “Original Rolex Design” (or something similar). There is also a Sea-Dweller model that has the engraving “Rolex Oyster Original Gas Escape Valve.” Nevertheless, most Rolex’s have a smooth caseback.
5. Winder
If the winder on a watch looks rather basic or cheap, it probably wasn’t made by Rolex. Real Rolex watches boast a fine-crafted winder, often with intricate engravings.
6. Waterproof
With their solid oyster case and impeccable workmanship, Rolex watches can be submerged up to 100 meters deep in water. So, if your watch has sustained damage after being dropped in the sink, at least you can feel a little better knowing it wasn’t genuine. It’s probably wiser to have your watch professionally inspected for authenticity than to test it yourself by dipping it into water.
7. Hologram Sticker
You’ll find a 3D hologram sticker on your watch’s caseback if it’s a real Rolex. This sticker features the serial number in luxurious gold lettering, and most models released after 2002 also show a Rolex crown in black. If your watch’s caseback does not feature a hologram, it’s a counterfeit.
8. Cyclops Lens
This tell-tell sign that your watch is fake is a little harder to identify than those detailed above. If your Rolex features a current date display, the Cyclops lens will magnify it by 2.5 times. Fake Rolex watches, on the other hand, only magnify by 1.5 times, though larger than normal date fonts can disguise this.
9. Price
Rolex is a luxury watch brand, and the price usually reflects it. If somebody offers you a Rolex watch at what seems to be an unrealistic discount, they’re probably trying to sell you a fake. While Rolex watches can be costly, they usually either retain or increase in value over time, making them more of an investment than an outright purchase.
If you want to buy a genuine pre-owned or never-worn Rolex timepiece, you should only purchase from a dealer that rigorously checks all its products for authenticity. In doing so, you won’t have to worry about wasting thousands of dollars on a watch that’s virtually worthless.
About the Author:
Stephanie Smith has been a professional writer and graphic designer since 1992 and has enjoyed writing for the luxury watch industry for Wingate’s Quality Watches since 2003. She is an avid fan of Rolex watches and wears her Diamond Datejust when she wants to look her best. Stephanie lives in the Dallas, Texas, area and enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family.
