Fake Rolex Watches: What To Know & Why You Shouldn’t Buy One

Replica Rolex

You will find a large range of Rolex watch models at most reasonable rates right here with us. These watches have such a pleasing appearance that you will fall in love with them right away. Their dependability and quality at the same time match those of the original timepieces. Additionally, knowing which material a specific Rolex model is made of can also help spot a fake.

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Additionally, comparison photos of a genuine Rolex Submariner LN and a replica are included to provide visual examples of the differences between the quality of the two watches. From 2002 onward, Rolex started engraving the crystal with a tiny crown logo next to the 6 o’clock mark as an anti-counterfeiting measure. Counterfeiters often fake this, but they make it too visible, so counterintuitively, seeing this laser-etched coronet in photos is actually a red flag. A skilled photographer can capture a real LEC with the right lighting though, as shown below, and legit LEC’s are more pointillated and less “foggy” than fake ones. These watches may seem fake compared to modern Rolexes, but they could still be genuine. Because Rolex is so popular, it’s also the most faked watch brand in the world.

How to Spot a Fake Rolex: The Ultimate Guide

Well, to be honest, it means that you can’t rely upon yourself to reliably determine if a watch is fake or not. Oftentimes, a real example of the watch needs to be present and, for watches with a closed case back, as most Rolexes are, you need to take the case back off to see the movement. That means there’s not just one version of a fake watch, there are many, and they are changing all the time, often reissued with a list of identified improvements made to closer match the genuine.

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Our goal is to provide informed and insightful luxury watch reviews that are based on facts and research that our readers will find resourceful. In our AP Royal Oak review we’ll discuss why the first luxury steel sports watch might be the best sports watch. The AP Royal Oak has earned the respect of watch enthusiasts and we’ll go into detail why. In this part of the world manufacturing is cheap and there is plenty of infrastructure in place. If you’re interested in Rolex as an investment, discover the best Rolex 2022 investment watches.

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This is a very subtle feature that can be spotted on newer Submariner models. The hook on the clasp is the only component that is soldered onto the clasp. Yes, there are legal imitation watches, often referred to as “homage watches.” These watches openly acknowledge their inspiration from Rolex or other luxury brands without infringing on intellectual property rights. Counterfeit Rolex watches are designed to deceive buyers by displaying the Rolex name and logo.

  • As previously mentioned, authentic Rolex timepieces are made of the finest quality materials, which is typically the most apparent indication of whether a Rolex watch is genuine or fake.
  • The relatively new program sees the authenticity of used Rolexes certified by the brand itself and includes a two-year guarantee, giving you no doubt that you’re purchasing the genuine article.
  • With the $500 or so I could spend on a fake I’d rather buy a cheaper Swiss watch, a Hamilton perhaps, or an upcoming indie brand like Studio Underd0g.
  • It’s an obvious thought that Rolex would be the most faked watch brand since it is generally the most popular Swiss watchmaker anyway, and that goes some way as to answering the question of why fake watches are so much cheaper.
  • Each year, Rolex subtly adjusts its pricing, often without a display or big announcement.
  • Spotting any discrepancy here, such as uneven lettering or blemished finishes, should immediately trigger doubts about the watch’s legitimacy.

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They are produced in rough conditions in Asia using machinery that the normal watch industry stopped using long ago. In fact, some replica watches are produced right next to inexpensive brands that you wouldn’t want anyway. Until there is someone even close to as good as Rolex making fake watches, I will go with a real Rolex. There is a legal version of a replica watch and it is called an “homage.” A number of small internet communities and forums are dedicated to producing, reviewing, and discussing homage watches.

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Polished watches, which have had scratches on their cases and bracelets buffed away by a watchmaker, tend to hold less value than unpolished watches. This also comes back to modern customers preferring all-original watches. Just because a Rolex has had parts replaced, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s fake. It used to be commonplace for Rolex to replace worn-out parts when performing a service, and that was also what most customers wanted. You just want to make sure that any parts that were replaced are disclosed in the sale because all-original Rolexes are generally more valuable. Renowned for combining heritage, exquisite craftsmanship, and exceptional value retention, these watches can be great investment pieces.

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Our independent experts test the best in cars, tech, home, outdoors, style and watches. We combine hands-on testing, decades of experience and original photography to craft reports, reviews and guides. Authentic Rolexes are carefully placed within the box, often with protective coverings and supports to secure the watch. Counterfeit watches might have less attention to presentation or protective measures.

Material Quality – 904L Stainless Steel

The serial number should be at 6 o’clock, so if the “ROLEXROLEXROLEX” writing goes all the way around with no break for a serial number at the bottom, that’s a sure sign of a cheap fake. Note that on vintage Rolexes, cheap aftermarket crystals are common, so bad magnification alone isn’t a guarantee of inauthenticity. Also, as noted below, If you’re looking at a Sea-Dweller manufactured before 2017, it should not have a cyclops. So if you see a tiny 1940’s Rolex cocktail watch, for instance, it’s probably real. If you’re shopping for a pre-owned Rolex it’s best to choose a trusted grey market dealer with a good reputation and an authenticity guarantee.

Who Makes Fake Rolex Watches

While there are still many obvious tells that can give away a fake Rolex, the increasing amount of sophisticated counterfeits on the market is concerning. The greatest watch movements have always been made in Switzerland, and you won’t find a decent timepiece without one. Our Swiss super clone movements allow us to duplicate the interior of our reproduction Replica Watches as well. Even an experienced watchmaker can’t tell the difference, since the movement was replicated to the smallest detail.

HOW TO SPOT A FAKE ROLEX YOURSELF

It has been that way for literally thousands of years as currency was among the first types of things that were faked. Fake watches exist to satisfy the desires of people who cannot afford “the real thing” but want to portray the same status symbols as those who can. The design of the clone rolex should be similar to the original Rolex watch. Even professionals will not be able to distinguish them from the real ones from the first time, and it is really a jewelry work.

IS FAKE ROLEX A REAL PROBLEM?

If you own a Rolex want to get a fast cash loan from a London pawnbroker or you are looking to sell your Rolex, then please get in touch. We are experts in luxury timepieces can guide you into this exciting world. Check that the serial number is located between the lugs (the metal pieces where the bracelet meets the watch case). Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches are of course famous for their water resistance. In fact, Rolex made history in 1926 by creating the first waterproof wristwatch. Today, Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches have a minimum water resistance of 330 feet (100 meters).

What Does “Oyster” Mean on a Rolex Watch?

Walk down specific streets in major cities such as New York, Hong Kong, and Tokyo to find known “fake districts” where everything from replica sunglasses to timepieces are peddled to consumers looking to find them. Many people seem to be worried that they will somehow receive a fake watch when buying from a legitimate store or retailer. Replica watches sold through more legitimate streams are relatively rare.

Replica watches are solely for you, not to fool other people by taking money from them. Yes, some Rolex imitations are crafted with impressive attention to detail and quality materials. However, they are not on par with the precision and craftsmanship of genuine Rolex watches. The legality of Rolex imitations becomes Replica Rolex more complex when consumers are informed about the nature of the product they are buying. If a seller clearly states that their watches are replicas or homages and not genuine Rolex watches, the legal waters become murkier. Consumers, knowingly purchasing imitations, may not be subject to legal consequences.

Luxury Watch Knowledge Test

It should be noted that there are some exceptions to the general rule outlined above. For instance, certain Rolex watches such as the Milgauss, Deepsea, vintage Sea Dweller, some gold Lady Datejusts, and military Submariners do have specific patented markings on their caseback. However, in the case of the counterfeit watch being discussed, which is a replica of a non-military Rolex Submariner, there should not be any engravings or markings on the caseback. Additionally, when purchasing secondhand watches, it is possible that the previous owner may have had personal engravings made on the watch. In such cases, it is best to have the watch authenticated by a reputable source to ensure that it is not a counterfeit.

It’s vital to remember that the essence of Rolex’s horological identity is predominantly mechanical. Encountering a Rolex with a quartz movement should raise immediate concerns. Throughout its illustrious history, Rolex has produced only a handful of quartz timepieces, making them an anomaly rather than the norm. These imitations may initially look convincing, but upon meticulous inspection, they fall short. The cloned movements miss the mark on the exquisite finishing touches and the dependable accuracy that Rolex is renowned for -the very attributes that make a Rolex much more than just a timekeeper. Discerning the authenticity of a Rolex can often come down to the subtle art of examining its serial and case reference numbers.

If possible, see the watch in person

Hence, if you come across a watch with a fluted bezel made of platinum or stainless steel, it is undoubtedly a fake Rolex. Understanding the key differences between a real and fake Rolex is important before spending your hard-earned money on a luxury watch. While some counterfeits are easy to spot, others can be well-designed with the intent to deceive buyers. With few exceptions (such as the Sea-Dweller and Milgauss), Rolex watches do not have specs, logos, or branding on their casebacks.

Replica Rolex

Why else would there be so many in production and the brand taking action against the counterfeit market? We have to ask ourselves what is the benefit to owning a fake Rolex watch to understand why people buy them. After much thought, there is only one benefit, which we already identified above, but many downsides to buying a fake Rolex. Let’s go into a few reasons why you shouldn’t buy a fake Rolex just in-case if you’re on the fence of buying one.

  • These prices are either on par with the competition or significantly lower.
  • For the date font itself, to verify it you would need an authentic watch to compare side by side.
  • However, their popularity has also fueled a shadowy market of incredibly convincing counterfeit replicas, capable of deceiving even the most seasoned collectors.
  • For many who buy a fake Rolex, it’s all about displaying wealth and status, which is the opposite of many actual Rolex owners.
  • Remember a pawnbroker or second hand trader has already invested in the watch and will have undertaken comprehensive and undisputable verification checks.
  • Similarly, watches from Rolex’s Day-Date collection are exclusively made with precious metals, specifically gold or platinum, and any made with other materials are likely to be fake.
  • I, like most people, get pleasure from being perceived to be successful, but achieving that through deceit, however small, leaves a knot in the pit in my stomach.

The Rolex Submariner is water-resistant to 1,000 feet (300 meters) while the Sea-Dweller is water-resistant to 4,000 feet (1,220 meters). Finally, the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea is water-resistant to 12,800 feet (3,900 meters). In the lexicon of Rolex aficionados, ‘The Cyclops’ holds a special place – it’s not a mythical creature but the signature magnifying lens that adorns the crystal over the date display. On an authentic Rolex, the Cyclops lens proudly stands above the date window, bulging outward in a convex shape that notably enhances the date numerals with 2.5 times magnification.

For many who buy a fake Rolex, it’s all about displaying wealth and status, which is the opposite of many actual Rolex owners. If you buy one of these Rolex replicas, you’ll be reminded each time you look down at your fake Rolex that you are not what you want others to perceive you as. To me, I wouldn’t want something as fun as a watch to be a constant reminder that you aren’t who you want to be. You get your ‘Fauxrrari’ and the first thing you notice is that it has a tiny engine which emits black smoke and stalls all the time.

Spotting any discrepancy here, such as uneven lettering or blemished finishes, should immediately trigger doubts about the watch’s legitimacy. Our high-quality Rolex models feature a double core silicone “O” Rings, made of solid tube rubber create an airtight seal, providing decent IP65 water resistance (rain/spash proof). In most cases, buyers of Rolex replicas are not subject to legal consequences. However, selling, manufacturing, or importing imitations that infringe on Rolex’s intellectual property can lead to legal issues.

If you are buying a watch via a kiosk on the street for $200, then you expect it to be fake. If you buy a watch from a respectable looking retailer for an amount within a few hundred dollars of retail, then it is real. The replica watch industry is a natural tangent of a market for items that are outside of the realm of affordability for most people.

Quality control is awful, warranties don’t exist, and the accuracy is terrible for fake Rolex watches. Looking like the real thing and performing like the real thing are very different. The number of elements on any given watch that can be copied legally is surprisingly numerous. This is why even legitimate brands end up “flattering” each other by borrowing design elements all the time.

This material gives authentic Rolex watches a distinctive weight and luster. If you compare a real Rolex with a fake, the difference in the steel’s finish and feel is often apparent. Pay attention to the shine and resistance to scratches, as 904L steel maintains its appearance longer and has a more luxurious feel.

Most of these sites are from Asia (where fake watches are made) and are pretty clear about the fact that they sell replica watches. The fact is that most people who sell fakes – no matter how shady they may appear – are very open with the fact that their goods are fake. People sometimes misunderstand the “gray market” to involve fake watches.

Our dedicated team of specialists verifies every detail, offering you the peace of mind that comes with certainty. Every watch in our curated collection is a testament to authenticity, backed by our commitment to transparency and excellence. For any inquiries or guidance through our selection, we invite you to reach out. Our experts are on hand, ready to assist you in securing not just a watch, but a piece of horological heritage. To achieve this water resistance, the cases of authentic Rolex watches have certain hallmarks. Additionally, the cases are equipped with screw-down winding crowns to keep the water out.

Forget about spending a fortune to enjoy the highest quality, great looks and functionality of a Rolex watch. We’re changing the game and offering great Rolex replicas at the most affordable prices on the market. Luxurious appearance, as well as the presence of a huge number of cool, reliable and useful functions. Thanks to its versatility and features, GMT-Master II watches are very popular among travelers. But even more delightful is its unique ability to show two different times at the same time. Experience the incomparable, most pleasant feeling of owning a quality Rolex right now.

You are probably doing it in an effort to wear a status symbol that will appear authentic to uneducated people of a low status. And isn’t that ironically the opposite of what a status symbol is supposed to do? Most people are better off simply purchasing the best timepiece they can afford, which is going to offer a dramatically better ownership experience than some cheap fake that will break. I’ve visited a lot of watch factories and been fortunate to handle thousands and thousands of watches as a watch writer.