Offbeat

Wednesday, 11 Apr 2007, 09:00

Fake Nature of a Rolex is Hidden in Details

Pre-owned Rolex watches have always enjoyed great demand. However, many customers are aware that Rolex is the most copied brand in the fake watch business. So, they are afraid to stumble upon the problem of identifying a real Rolex from its replica.

Rolex experts reveal useful tips how to avoid acquiring a fake Rolex watch. The major attention should be given to minor details never noticed by an unexperienced person - that's the secret of a successful buyer.

Five 'No-s':

No see-through case backs: Rolex has never produced timepieces with a transparent case back that gives a chance to view the inner life of a watch. If you see a Rolex with a see-though case back, be careful - it's a replica.
No skeleton dials: Only fake Rolex watches feature skeleton dials displaying the moving inner mechanisms of a timepiece. Even if you'd like to have a Rolex with a skeleton dial, it is possible only in case of a fake watch.
No rubber parts: Authentic Rolex watches do no include even minor parts made of rubber. It is equally true about their cases and bands.
No gold-plated watches: You will not find an authentic gold-plated Rolex timepiece. The brand's timekeepers are developed in 14 or 18K gold.
No Chinese-made Rolex: Although Rolex is a Swiss watchmaking company, you will find authentic timepieces of the brand produced in other countries, for example, the USA, Italy, Venezuela and Mexico. However, a Chinese Rolex is no doubt a replica watch.

Important Peculiarities:

Rolex produces its Oyster Perpetual models in platinum, gold and stainless steel, but never chrome or chrome-plate. All the Oyster Perpetual watches are provided with screwed case backs.
Rolex President models have 18k yellow or white gold or platinum cases. Only fake watches have cases produced from stainless steel or two-tone stainless steel and gold.
Very few Rolex watches are powered by a quartz movement. Ten percent of the Oyster Perpetual models make up the exception. As for the other ninety percent, they are equipped with automatic movement of the brand.
Day and date indications are featured only by full-size Rolex watches for men.

General Tips:

Smart customers should avoid buying a timepiece from street vendors.
Buying a pre-owned Rolex watch through Internet dealers also implies some risk. Still, if an on-line dealer provides the customers with an opportunity to visit his store and examine the timepiece given a warranty, the interested customers may try out their luck.
It is better not to buy a Rolex watch in the Far East or Turkey. There are really few, if any authentic Rolex timepieces, offered by the stores in these regions.
While buying a watch, it is preferable to pay by credit card, not by cash or check. In this case you will be able to return the purchase if you have strong reasons to consider it is a fake.

# Comments

May 14, 2008 01:36 PM » posted by: Debbie

Can anyone tell me how to find out if the watch I've recently purchased is real or not. It says Rolex Geneve at the top with a crown over Rolex near the 6 it says Japan Works (I think it's sooooo tiny). Someone told me proof it was a fake was the Japan but I found out otherwise doing a google search. It has Quratz on there too.

Thanks for any input.

May 06, 2008 07:31 AM » posted by: Unknown

i am in Korea right now and i just bought my FOLEX. looks good, has all the emblems and sweeps perfect. i am having another one hand made. i was on the net and found my model number and all 16523 balck face U series. I would like to have a real one someday and will work hard to get one. but for now this has to do. i truly like it and it is true that some of the hand made replica watches are really good. $120. for those who own real ones kudos to you but for those of us who have to continue to climb up the mountain to get the treasure piece keep going. like i said this is the best i can do for now and the real deal is that i am happy with it and it really doesnt matter who else is or not. later

Apr 17, 2008 10:03 PM » posted by: Eric

I agree with a previous poster. I would rather have a real Timex than a fake Rolex. I do have four genuine Rolexes I bought new on a SSgt's pay. My two-tone Submariner is 6 years old now and worn almost daily (I do have other watches I wear once in a while.) It is indestiguishable from new. I crawl around aircraft at work all day. I only take it off if I have to put my arm in a hole. The only difference between it and a new one is the minor enhancements on newer Subs (crown on crystal, no holes in case lugs and serial number in inside of bezel). I have also owned fakes. I had three Rolexes stolen from my apartment in 1999 and the burglars didn't even touch the fake Submariner I left on the coffee table as bait. My sub is my most expensive Rolex, but is my third most expensive watch. My Audemars Piquet Royal Oak Jumbo cost twice as much and it's stainless steel. Oh, I do have several Seikos and a few Casios on the low end. I even have Timexes. I have a TX by Timex that is finished WAY better than any fake Rolex I have seen or owned. Before anybody replies, I do have a supposed "Grade 1" fake Rolex that I bought for burglar bait. I never wore it, but it looks older each time I take it out of the box to wind it. It was supposed to have real gold in the band and bezel, but the gold is changing color. It's not even being exposed to the air and it's deteriorating. I can't imagine how long it would last on my wrist. Don't buy a Rolex to impress people, buy it because you like it. You can buy a $100.00 Seiko that looks like a Rolex clone if you want to impress people. They look as much like a real Rolex as most fakes + they are a genuine Seiko. Or, buy an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra. They resemble a Rolex Datejust for less money. I have a beautiful one. It has a sapphire back and a nicely decorated movement. BTW, Rolex stopped making the Oysterquartz a few years ago. It was available in a date and day-date model, in stainless, two-tone and solid gold. I wanted to buy one new to add to my collection, but will have to buy used. Rolex did make some gold-plated Air-King Precision models, but stopped producing them some time ago. All Rolex branded watches are made in Switzerland. Some Tudors may be produced elsewhere, but I highly doubt it. Certain Rolex dial and hand combinations may be produced for different markets, but they are all made in Switzerland. That may or may not hold true for vintage Rolexes. Having said that, I would be very suspicious of any "Rolex" produced outside Switzerland after Hans Wisdorf moved operations from England to Switzerland.

Apr 14, 2008 07:50 PM » posted by: the time keeper

what a bunch of sad peps who cares if u want fake the buy fake if u want real then buy real if u buy fake and it turns out real the bonus if u buy real and it turns out fake then.... SCREWIN HA HA HA I PROBLY MADE IT Ha ha ha

Apr 11, 2008 11:47 AM » posted by: RolexMan

No not all presidential,day and date Rolex watches are quartz. Infact Rolex only did that for so many years in the 80's that is use the quartz movement.I do not recall what years in the 80's but I do know at max they made the presidential quartz is 3 years and it was the in the 80's.Whoever said all fakes are quartz only are wrong,these days you can buy fakes that can only be identified by being opened and knows there way around automatic movements.

Mar 26, 2008 08:02 AM » posted by: drJ

I am curious if anyone knows anything about a few watches that were previously acquired, by my girlfriend of 7.5 yrs. At least 10+ years ago, she came into possession of several presidential watches, a submariner, and various other tangible items from her ex-significant other. She is a U.S. citizen with family in Canada. She recently was cleaning out her bank vault, up in Canada, and asked me if knew of any statue of limitations, (a five- year or a 7-year one), just in case her ex boyfriend had come upon the merchandise in an unusual manner. As I am sure you have surmised, she had no idea how they were acquired . He actually put them up as collateral for a loan she wrote him, of about 13.8K., at that time. I do believe he defaulted on that loan years ago, only making 3-4 payments. They have had no contact in last 8 years. I really would like to wear them, sell them, or do something w/ them. I also would like to have them serviced for her, A.S.A.P.! I am the cynical one of the pair, as is obvious and any help you all have, would be markedly appreciated.

Mar 21, 2008 12:25 PM » posted by: Steve

I have a Rolex Oyster with a clear back. I know it's a fake but I paid 16£(around $30). It looks fine and keeps great time. my only concern is how the hell anyone made it to sell at the price????

Mar 06, 2008 09:19 AM » posted by: Ret Navy Diver

In the 60's I was issued my first Rolex, it was a Tudor. I wore it for work and pleasure. Late in my Naval career I was issued a Submariner. It was the real deal. I also wore it for work. I still have both watches, both run as good as they did when I first received them. I purchased a Fake Rolex Submariner later in life because I have willed the two real ones to my Grandsons. I use my fake one daily, the only thing I find wrong with it is this. It stops running around midnight when the date changes, if I wear it to bed it keep running all the time. So if you want a LOOK - A - LIKE be carefull where it was made. Have had mine for about 6 years now and some times I pick up the real one by accident to wear because they both do look a like......

Mar 04, 2008 06:22 PM » posted by: Caro1

Vinelles ....No President models are powered by Quartz movements

Mar 04, 2008 06:08 PM » posted by: caro

Yes Kristin you can get Tudor made in Mexico ....but they are rare!
I have one .........Mens day/date model 707 Gold filled incabloc, someother models must have been made but I have only seen two mine and another guys who is a watchmaker who has the same model.
I have many Rolex Tudor Bucherer Eterna (ETA) so please nobody tell me its a fake !

Feb 29, 2008 03:42 AM » posted by: KackieB

I continue to find the 5 grade method of rating fake Rolex's as very amusing---it's nothing more than BS marketiing propaganda invented by those who sell fake rolex's...My favorite is grade 1 swiss!---you'd think your buying cheese---what a crock!...Sure there's different levels of quality out there in the world of fake swiss timepieces but all of them come from Asia and most are so over priced here in the west it's just plain pathetic...the whole concept behind buyiing a fake rolex in the first place is to provide an opportunity for someone who's to low on dough the chance to look like they own one---or simply because you like it for novelty purposes---And the price should never exceed 100.00...If you spend more your a sap---How in the hell can it make any sense to pay 500.00-1000.00 for a fake rolex?---only a moron would do it...if you have that kind of dough, put it aside and save some more untill you've got enough to buy a real nice used one--do your research and buy from a reputable dealer...I have a very nice 2-tone datejust I bought around 6 or 7 years ago and it works perfectly & looks great--I paid a little less than 3 grand for it---which works out quite well being the watch has easily retained it's market value compared to what I spent on it!--can anyone say a replica ever goes up in value?...In conclusion, I have no gripes with replicas--I still own a few myself but I got them from friends who bought for me while they were on trips to China...they look very nice for fakes and I wear them--no swimming or showers though---and the prices range anywhere from 10.00 through 50.00 dollars---there's your 5 grade system--10 to 50 bucks!---do yourself a favor, if you cant find a decent fake for a song---dont buy one

Feb 01, 2008 11:18 AM » posted by: David

There's some very good information and shopping tips at this Google Answers discussion on replacing lost links in the watchband of a Rolex watch:
...

Well worth a look for anyone who's figuring out the best repair and replacement options.

Jan 25, 2008 12:44 PM » posted by: In response to GUY

"Replicas will be rated to somewhere between 30m and 100m where as the real Rolex is rated to 300m". It doesn't even make a difference 300 meters is 984 ft you can't go that deep even on mixed gas tanks...

Jan 21, 2008 07:27 AM » posted by: Bob

By the way, Rolex DOES and has for 20 years made a watch with a quartz movement...fact. Some people feel that a Rolex is like a piece of fine art as opposed to a print, a Lexus compared to a Chevette, a genuine Colt handgun vs. the $100 special, a diamond rather than CZ, a purebred German Shepherd over the free mix down the street, and so on. Life is but a vapor...

Jan 15, 2008 08:38 PM » posted by: tony

I bought a gold-plated genuine Oyster Perpetual Rolex at Bucherer in Geneva, Switzerland in 1984.
Bucherer has this day confirmed that they sold gold-plated Rolexes in the Air King model, the Oyster Perpetual, and a third model that is unclear to me. The gold-plate was called "Goldshell." Google it.

Jan 14, 2008 01:08 PM » posted by: BuddhaG

I bought a genuine Rolex, the timekeeping was poor, after 2 years and many adjustments I part exd it for a Tag.Recently I bought a Rolex from China, it looks great and keeps near perfect time. If you just like the look, why spend thousands.

Jan 07, 2008 01:31 PM » posted by: Actually Buying

I will buy my Rolex Replica today, I just can´t wait. I´m buying a blue submariner, for $100, because I like blue watches, not for being a rolex. I will use it, but the first thing I will say is that It´s a Fake (if someone ask).
The odds are that I can´t go away in the streets with it, I live in Brazil, someone should kill me for a replica.

Jan 06, 2008 02:56 PM » posted by: Guy

Wow you people amaze me. Information is easily accessible on the internet. First of all I am not going to sit here and say I own all these watches and make all this money. I am however, considered to be somewhat of a watch expert. Second of all, Rolex watches are NOT hand made and time is not spent on making them. Rolex produces somewhere between 1,000,000 watches per year. Do you know how many that is per work day? Rolex also states that they have 5000 employees in their Geneva factory. Granted not all 5000 are watch makers 2/3 of them are employees of which run machines that effectively make these high quality time pieces. Third of all, there are 5 grades of replicas. Swiss (grade 1), Japanese & Italian (grade 2-4) and Chinese (grade 5). Most of the High Quality Grade 1 replicas actually use genuine Rolex parts such as the Dial, Band, Crystal, and Case. The only difference between the two is the internals. Though many of the replicas are now using Rolex internals as well. Hard to believe? I know, this is how I reacted when I found this out. Just to let you know some of the mechanical replica Rolexes actually tell time more accurately than real Rolexes. Believe it or not some of these replica's are actually rarer than the genuine Rolex they are crafted after. Some are actually hand made! I'm not saying that replica Rolexes are better; what I am saying though is replicas are as highly crafted as real ones. One major difference between some high quality replicas and real is the water proofing. Replicas will be rated to somewhere between 30m and 100m where as the real Rolex is rated to 300m.

Dec 10, 2007 09:49 AM » posted by: Unknown

rolex has a see-through case back watch as a display model for its main page on the official rolex site, just to let you know.

Nov 05, 2007 12:10 PM » posted by: K

Vinelles - no Rolex President watch has ever been produced using a quartz movement - all Rolex, except one, exclusively use proprietary automatic/perpetual movements.

Nov 05, 2007 11:58 AM » posted by: K

To purchase any jewelry is a decision to spend hard earned money that can be otherwise spent in many other ways. Purchasing a genuine Rolex is much like purchasing art or diamonds - you don't need them but they hold a special value to the owner. Purchasing a Rolex replica holds no value or meaning other than wanting something to impress another or to fill an empty void to be someone you are not. People who purchase Rolex typically have no reason to impress anyone - they already have the income to purchase many other expensive possessions and hardly feel the need to impress the cashier at Wal-Mart. It represents another masterpiece of art that no replica, no matter how exacting it may be, can possibly reproduce. A fake is and always be a fake and so goes the person who owns one. I own many watches, 17 to be exact - all are genuine and valued in the tens of thousands of dollar including you guessed it just one Rolex. Some I rarely ever wear others a little more frequently. I own them not to impress or to sell for a profit someday in the future but because they are masterpieces of engineering and beauty. Nothing wrong with owning a quality $100 quartz watch but paying $100 for a replica Rolex is the same as purchasing a forgery of the Mona Lisa or a lab produced diamond - there's no value in owning a fake anything. P.S. Sorry to inform those who own fake Rolex watches that nearly anyone can literally spot a fake at more than 20 feet away no matter how precise the detail seems to be due to the quality of gold plating (it’s always too yellow in color and the glass or plastic crystals do not refract light like sapphire crystals.) At closer inspection a fake watch case isn’t milled and polished to the same specifications as are genuine Rolex and as in nearly all cases fakes have quartz movements causing the second hand not to smoothly sweep around the dial like Rolex automatic movements. These are just a few very easy ways to spot those great bargain fakes that everyone thinks is fooling others.)

Oct 23, 2007 04:00 PM » posted by: oy vey

oy vey. Its just a watch! If you find a replica of the rolex and love it, good for you. If you want to spend the thousands of dollars on something that just tells you what time it is, more power to you. Either way both people have a watch.

Oct 22, 2007 04:11 AM » posted by: Mike

I frequently buy "replica" Rolex watches in Cambodia and they are of surprisingly high quality. My cost? $10 to $11.

Oct 18, 2007 05:11 PM » posted by: Unknown

Well, only a snob would poopoo a fake watch buyer but only a fool or someone who's naive enough would spend thousands of bucks on a fake when they can be had for a C note. As long as there's folks who value more a person with a snob watch, you'll have smart buyers buying fakes to impress plastic minds. 'nuff said.

Oct 13, 2007 04:48 PM » posted by: George

This is simple guys. If you have the money and feel like buying the real thing, go ahead. If not, that is also great, but not to get a replica, replicas are to show off what you don't have. I personally prefer a real Casio over a fake Rolex.

Oct 10, 2007 09:28 PM » posted by: Kristin

Has anyone ever seen a Tudor Rolex made in Mexico?

Sep 27, 2007 11:49 AM » posted by: you're just bitter

enjoy that fake while it lasts (which will not be very long)

Sep 22, 2007 03:32 AM » posted by: mike miller

I PAID 3500.00 FOR A ROLEX AIR KING!!! IN 2005. YES IT IS THE REAL DEAL. AND YOU PEOPLE BUY FAKE ROLEXES, THAT IS INSULTING. CONSIDERING I TAKE HOME, $30,000. A YEAR!!!!

Sep 08, 2007 05:10 AM » posted by: jerry

i bought a replica Rolex submarnier. it looks, feels, and runs like a "real" Rolex. even the crystal has the crown etched in it at the number 6..Sweep second hand just like a real one.cost? $100.00

Sep 04, 2007 01:07 AM » posted by: Windy

Even if you think it' great there are people faking Rolex, why not no feel respectful towards the producers of authentic watches? They put a lot of work into their creations! And if you think Rolex watches are over-priced and 'are becoming a joke in the real world where people are starving', these are not the only amazingly expensive things one may buy just to match one's social status. Anyway, I'm sure Rolex deserves respect and admiration even if you are owning a fake one.

Aug 19, 2007 10:37 AM » posted by: Greg

Some joker here actual wrote down the words, ..in case you need an authentic Rolex and are ready to pay the price..." What kind of pretentious pile of flesh needs a rolex? I bought my replica with the see-through back and I love it. Im going to spend my 7k on a nice dirt bike and some camping gear and go have fun! :)

I think it’s great we have people faking rolex as they are over priced status symbols that are becoming a joke in the real world where people are starving. Haha my speller wanted me to capitalize rolex. Now that’s sad.

Aug 10, 2007 12:00 AM » posted by: grumbler

I completely agree with 'in response to lady'. Not everyone is crazy about branded things that cost amazing money. I personally prefer to buy moderately-priced items - just the style I like and not to pay for the prestigious status.
I'd better spend the money on a trip somewhere to the mountains.. or buy another good book, or some cool toy to my kid. I own my Casio for over 6 years and the only problem I had - it was necessary to replace the battery.
Rolex watches look great even if they are fake. Well, about the reliability - I'm not so sure...In general, women would rather have a collection of different watches rather than just one extremely highly-priced... and no matter are these fakes or branded...

Aug 10, 2007 12:18 AM » posted by: in response to lady

I bought a replica today - the guy who sold it to me assured me it was real, but for the price I paid it, I know it\'s not. He said they were kind of stolen and he got them from China (yeah, right). But I just wanted a nice looking watch, and I shopped in stores and couldn\'t find anything. This one looked exactly like what I wanted, and even though it\'s a fake rolex, it is still good quality. And I don\'t see why I would prevent myself from buying such a watch because some snob wants me to work harder to buy one. I\'m sorry but I got my university degree in science and work 70 hours a week, and I don\'t do it for the money. And unless I discover a rich family member about to die or become a gold digger and marry some old man, I\'ll stick to my budget and won\'t ruin it to know what time it is. Plus I don\'t need any brand name to show me what I\'m worth.

Aug 08, 2007 12:00 AM » posted by: Rifenburg

I bought a nice Rolex Replica watch from a website about 6 months ago. The site was called The site said the watch was SWISS MADE and was guaranteed water-proof AND it was an AUTOMATIC movement just like the real rolex. I love it. It looks identical to a real one. I went to a local Rolex dealer and compared. I was very pleasently surprised. I thought it would be a piece of junk, but I've gone swimming and in the jacuzzi with it. Works great.

Aug 07, 2007 10:17 PM » posted by: Ol4

I'm not really an expert myself, but I read a lot about real and replica watches. The advantage of authentic watches is that their producers constantly work on innovations, improve their design and technical features. As a result, the quality and durability of their watches get better - so owners of authentic watches have a chance to really enjoy using their watch and rely on precise timekeeping.

Besides that, just imagine the difference between your inner feelings - when you wear a rear thing based upon well-established traditions and a replica. Surely, sometimes replicas are quite qualitative imitations and probably you don't really feel the difference as for the watch's performance.

The point of the article is actually to learn how to avoid fake Rolex watches in case you need an authentic Rolex and are ready to pay the price.

Jul 31, 2007 02:24 PM » posted by: stan

Instead of buying replica rolexes why not buy a rolex tudor which is cheaper than other rolexes and unlikely to be fake.

Jul 16, 2007 10:53 PM » posted by: Lady

If you can't afford to buy a real Rolex than buy yourself a swatch. If you want to show off work harder to buy a real watch.

Jul 10, 2007 11:51 AM » posted by: z

does anyone have a rolex than you like or dont like.

Jul 10, 2007 11:29 AM » posted by: Z

I also have a replica watch and i cant tell a diffence in looks or time keeping.Iit keeps perfect time.

Jun 29, 2007 12:00 AM » posted by: Patrick

I don't think so. only replica watches are powered by quartz movements, cause that's what makes them cheap. inthe end, who's going to check the inners of your watch??? i got myself a replica watch, and not relly dissappointed: it's cheap and functional and it looks pretty much the same. but if you've got some $16 grand, go ahead and buy yourself a real rolex... now that would be an invesment!!!

Jun 29, 2007 06:19 AM » posted by: Vinelles

are all day date president watches powered by a quartze movement

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