If you’ve made the decision to purchase a Rolex watch, you know that you are making an investment. Fortunately, most people who buy Rolex watches don’t mind putting out the money, as they know they are getting a quality watch that will last for a lifetime and carries the Rolex name. The problem however, is that with a number of watch retailers over the internet, you can mistake a fake Rolex for the real thing. It happens all the time, and once the purchase is made, you’re pretty much out of luck. And don’t think that fake Rolexes are necessarily that much cheaper than the real thing. Many people have been fooled and have paid hundreds or thousands for their lookalike.
So how can you identify a fake from a real Rolex? We’ll tell you how.
Identify the Source. It’s always best if you purchase your Rolex from a watch shop where you have certification and a warranty. That’s not to say that all physical locations are trustworthy, but it is better than buying online. Online however, is the worst place, as it’s filled with fake watches that are sold at discounted prices so buyers believe they are getting a deal. Basically, you want to know exactly who you’re buying the watch from, have a reputable name and contact information on hand and adequate certification.
Look for Smooth Hand Movements – Since you want to look at the watch before you buy it, see how the hands move. On Rolexes, the hands have an exceptionally smooth sweeping motion, and if you see the hands happen to lag or tick, know that you have a fake on your hands.
Identify Flawless Lettering – Rolexes are known for their perfect details, so make sure that the lettering is just that. Even under high magnification, the lettering should be smooth and pristine. If you notice that the letters look jagged, pass the watch up.
Feel for a Heavy Construction – Rolexes are known for being solid and sturdy, so make sure that you pick up the watch and determine its construction. The band edges should be finished and there should be no hollow links or open band links.
Look for a Sapphire Crystal Face – All Rolexes have faces made from sapphire crystal and not glass. Fake Rolexes will have glass faces. The sapphire crystal is exceptionally smooth and will not scratch.
No Skeleton Back – Many fake Rolexes have skeleton backs that are supposed to show the fluid motions, but these are indeed fake. Back in the 1930s, Rolexes with skeleton backs were made, but they were not sold for production.
Swiss Made Logo Verification – If you’re looking for a Rolex made after 2002, you will notice that the words “Swiss Made” are positioned under the Rolex logo. It’s extremely difficult to see and will only be visible under high magnification.
