It is an uncertain world out there and the last thing you want to do is spend a bunch of money on a pricey Rolex watch, only to find out later that it is a fake. There is no doubt that Rolex watches are some of the most coveted ones throughout the world and this has paved the way for scammers and thieves who prey on the weakness of people to own a Rolex. Initially, the copies were easy to spot, but over the years, these scammers have become sophisticated, which has made it difficult to identify a fake Rolex.
How to spot a fake Rolex? If you are in the market for one and want to distinguish between an original and fake one, here is what you need to look for:
- Cyclops Lens
One of the biggest indicators that the Rolex you are about to buy is a fake is the magnification on the right side of the timepiece. If you are buying a genuine classic Rolex, the magnification values will be drastically different when it comes to making sure the legibility of the date. A number of counterfeit watchmakers attempt to replicate the trademark 2.5x magnification seen in the high-end watches of the brand, but they almost always fall short. In fact, some scammers completely forgo the magnifier because they know it is a giveaway.
- Weight of the Watch
This may seem strange to some, but the weight of the watch also helps in determining whether it is a fake or legitimate. The actual Swiss-made timepieces comprise of higher-grade materials due to which they weigh considerably. In contrast, the cheap materials used in counterfeit watches will not carry a lot of weight. Furthermore, Rolex is one of the few brands forging their metal casing and bands with 904L steel whereas fake watches use lower grade aluminum and steel.
- The Movement
Mirroring the infamous movement of the Swiss watchmaker is immensely tough. A number of counterfeit watchmakers have attempted to copy the silky smooth moves, but they have been unable to emulate them perfectly. Rolex’s movement is renowned for its silent nature, which means if you have a true Rolex, you can hold it to your ear and it will never make a sound. Apart from that, it also utilizes a smooth second-hand rotation between minutes and rather than using a stuttered action, it uses a continuous one. The former, on the other hand, is found in low-end watches or fakes.
- Serial Number and Stamping
Attention to detail is another specialty of Rolex and they take a lot of pride in their engraving and stamping practices. The stamp placement, the laser engraved rehaut, depth and texture are all indicators of an authentic Rolex watch. The depth of the stamp can help you in identifying a counterfeit Rolex as original timepieces have precise and deep line work that tends to glow when seen from the correct angle. This doesn’t happen in counterfeit watches, helping you spot a fake timepiece easily.
