Fake Or Genuine Rolex? 5 Ways To Instantly Tell
A fake Rolex is easy to spot if you know what to look for. You can pretty much tell in a matter of minutes if it’s real or fake by looking for features that Replica Rolex watches cannot duplicate well. Here are 5 ways to instantly spot a fake:
1. Sweeping Movement – A genuine Rolex has a smooth seconds hand that sweeps around the dial instead of ticking once per second. A second hand that ticks once per second is an instant sign you’re dealing with a fake. Rolex watches typically “tick” about 5-8 times per second giving the illusion of a smooth motion.
High-end replicas can also try and duplicate this smooth sweeping motion but don’t be fooled. They’ll typically use a fake Chinese or Swiss movement that is mechanical (not Quartz battery powered) that is not as smooth. It will tick about three to four times per second.
2. Clear Case-Back – A lot of high-end brands build their watches with a clear case back to show the complexity of the movement. Seeing the gears and cogs magically ticking away is mesmerizing but don’t be fooled!
Many replicas will try to show this fact off by sporting a clear case backing. While this is certainly an interesting feature that is employed by various other high end luxury watches, Rolex has never created a watch model with a clear case backing.
3. Watch weight – A combination of high quality materials in the movement, case and bracelet add up to quite a bit of weight. An all gold Rolex which is quite light is a good indication of hollow links, or simply steel that is gold-plated and thus, a fake watch.
4. Cyclops – All Rolex models with the date feature will feature a Cyclops magnification glass; which is a raised sphere of glass that is designed to magnify the date display on the dial. The magnification on a genuine Cyclops glass will be approximately 2.5 times. Like many other attributes, a counterfeit Rolex watch may fall short of the capabilities of a genuine Rolex watch.
Poor imitations of this are evident if you look directly at the date. A genuinie Rolex should almost completely fill the Cyclops lens, whereas the fake will only be about 1.5x magnification and not fill the lens.
5. Date Display and Rotating Bezel – Rolex watchces are “perfect” in that the way the lettering is printed and alignment is extremely well done down to the smallest detail. If there are any artifacts in the printing of the date or if alignment is slightly off, it’s a clear indication of a fake.
Genuine Rolex bezels are a dream to rotate. It is smooth and the click you get is very subtle yet solid. A real Rolex should click about 120 times while a fake one only clicks about 60 times. Fake bezels also make a louder noise and are very obvious to spot if you’ve felt a real one rotated.
Jaye Cadlah owns Time and Gems, an online retail store that has been selling Rolex watches since 1997. Go to their website to browse hundreds of pre-owned Mens and Ladies Rolex watches or stop by their showroom located in downtown Los Angeles. TimeandGems.com also has a number of guides on buying a preowned Rolex, as well as a frequently updated blog talking about all things Rolex.
Tags: fashion, Gifts, jewelry, luxury goods, rolex, rolex buying guide, rolex buying tips, rolex watches, shopping, style, watches
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