How to distinguish an original Rolex watch from a fake

The mention of Rolex watches always evokes associations with the world of luxury. This is one of the most desirable accessories in the premium segment. Therefore, the huge counterfeit market is not surprising. Moreover, sometimes you come across fakes of such quality that even an experienced dealer will not be able to immediately determine which is a replica and which is an original accessory. What can we say about a novice connoisseur of luxury things.

However, there are several characteristics, paying attention to which, you can accurately identify non-original products: case, logo spelling and type of emblem, as well as the main elements of the accessory, for example, mechanism or dial.

Inspection of Rolex watch packaging

Before purchasing an elite “chronometer,” you should definitely ask the seller to show the case. For real products it is made of high-quality cardboard. All joints are neat, there are no scratches, abrasions or other mechanical or visual defects.

The kit necessarily includes a small piece of cloth intended for caring for the product - wiping off dust and dirt. It is also important to ask the seller to provide the certificate and accompanying documentation. Original devices always come with instructions for use in several languages, a warranty card, and a passport confirming the authenticity of luxury models.

Evaluation of the external parameters of the original

The packaging was inspected, the documents were studied and everything seemed to be in order. You shouldn’t rush and buy a “luxury chronometer” without paying due attention to the other characteristics. This increases the chance of purchasing a counterfeit device.

Reference. Before purchasing, you need to check for a five-year international warranty. This is an important nuance, which, however, is unlikely to be useful.

Serial and model number markings

The markings and number of the original accessory are cleverly hidden - you can find them under the pin at the place where the bracelet or strap is attached. The latter is located on the side of the number “6”, the model designation is under “12”. The inscription “ORIGIN ROLEX DESIGN” is also located here. On a real chronometer, the engraving is deep and without breaks. The lines of the letters are thin, and if you place the accessory at a certain angle, the edges will reflect rays of light, as if it were a real diamond.

Reference. If the numbers and inscriptions are made of miniature dots, this is an imitation!

Clock face

This element of a luxury Swiss “chronometer” is perfect. It is simply impossible to find chips, scratches and other defects on it. All numbers and letters are written in an even font, have clear boundaries, and the spacing between characters is the same.

Spelling errors, stains, smudges, typos, even the slightest irregularities and roughness are not allowed.

Reference. The presence of at least one of the above defects indicates that the accessories are counterfeit.

Lens

The lens located on the dial of a genuine Rolex is called a cyclops. Here it serves as a magnifying glass - it expands the date by almost 2.5 times. The element on the original chronometer is always convex in shape, no exceptions are allowed - this is how the Swiss brand takes care to ensure that customers can comfortably read the numbers. The date window is located on the right side of the dial near the number “3”.

Attention. If you come across an option with a flat lens that does not magnify the image, it is a fake.

The manufacturer patented his invention, named after the hero of Greek mythology. Like the Cyclops eye, the lens allows you to read readings without straining your eyesight.

One more nuance deserves attention - the entire date is placed in the window of the original “chronometers”. This is a unique element that is unique to Rolex.

Back cover

This part is genuine products is never transparent. The exception is rare and very expensive models produced in the early 30s of the last century. You cannot buy them; you can admire rarities only at thematic exhibitions.

Manufacturers of fake parts produce similar accessories to confuse consumers. Therefore, in order not to run into a low-quality fake, you need to find out the release date before purchasing. Information can be found in the documents.

Reference. It is worth keeping in mind that Rolex does not place any markings, inscriptions, emblems or images on the back of the accessory.

If the buyer comes across a model with these elements, then a visit to a specialist cannot be avoided, even if other parameters do not raise questions.

Studying the mechanism

Most watch models are equipped with a mechanical “heart”. Therefore, the electronic version should raise suspicions. Similar ones, of course, were produced, but in extremely limited editions.

The small hand of the original moves smoothly, without sudden movements. When looking at it, you should get the impression that the element is working and not just sliding. If you look carefully, you will notice that the part makes 8 mini-movements.

Reference. A sign of a high-quality original is the “elastic” and smooth movement of the second hand.

If observing the arrow does not produce results, the product should be brought to the ear - the mechanism of a real “chronometer” works quietly. The sound is soft, pleasant, barely audible.

Location and appearance of the logo

Deserves special attention crown emblem. This is a mandatory attribute of genuine products.

Reference. If there is no crown on the dial, you can pass by. Rolex does not and has never had models without a company logo.

The crown in the trademark has round, voluminous ends - this helps to establish the authenticity of the accessory. Even the shine of the emblem is more noble.

In the early 2000s, the Swiss manufacturer began producing variants with micro-etched corporate logo next to the number “6”. There is a miniature crown on the glass of the dial. There is also the inscription “Swiss Made”. It is impossible to examine the logo with the naked eye; to do this you will have to use a magnifying glass.

The Rolex emblem is also located on the crown for winding the chronometer. In genuine copies, it is performed impeccably; even the slightest defects are not allowed. The emblem should depict the number of factories, which depend on the material of manufacture.

How does the appearance of original inscriptions differ from fakes?

Neat inscriptions around the dial are an important attribute of a real Swiss watch. You can check the quality using a magnifying glass or magnifying glass. All words and information on the original product are clearly legible, have clear, even borders, and are always engraved and not printed or drawn. If inspection says otherwise, the buyer has a fake in his hands.

You can only purchase genuine Rolexes in trusted dealerships. Their representatives have the necessary knowledge and will always help you choose the best watch from the options presented.