PRELUV Journal

Fake Spotting – How to recognize an original Rolex watch

Fake Spotting – How to recognize an original Rolex watch

Hardly any other label is more desirable and luxurious in terms of wristwatches than the watch manufacturer Rolex. This is also the reason why the label is clearly one of the brands that is most frequently counterfeited worldwide. We will show you which features you need to look out for when buying an original Rolex watch to avoid falling into the trap of counterfeiters.

1. Engraving

Uhr Rolex

The engraving can already give you the first indications of whether it is a fake product. Almost all original Rolex watches do not have an engraving on the back of the watch case but have a smooth structure. Exceptions are, however, for example, models from the 90s or limited watches such as the quartz model (number Rolex). You should also take a closer look at alleged Rolex watches with glass backs because apart from vintage models from the 30s, the label has not made any such watches. If you are not sure whether your Rolex watch is one of the exceptions, it is best to have it examined by an expert or simply ask Rolex directly.

2. Hologram Sticker

Until 2007 all original Rolex watches were provided with a hologram sticker. Since 2002, this sticker includes the famous gold Rolex crown, which is placed above the black reference number. In the years before, the crown was not yet included in the hologram as a trademark and the numbers of the reference numbers were printed in gold instead of black. The 3-D effect is especially important for the hologram sticker because many fakes only have a two-dimensional or silver sticker.

3. Date and magnifier

Uhr Rolex Lupe

Except for the Sea-Dweller model, all original Rolex watch crystals are equipped with a magnifying glass on the lens. This is positioned exactly above the date display and magnifies the date by a factor of 2.5 to the original size. Many fakes contain only a factor of 1.5 due to the lack of quality or deceive the buyer by simply printing the date in a larger size and simply pretending to enlarge it. You should also make sure that the date display always fills the complete area.

4. Minute hand

Depending on the model, the minute hand may also provide information whether it is a fake. All minute hands on the Yacht-Masters and Submariner models are thicker than those on Rolex sports models. Many fake models are fitted with a thinner one, but in the case of originals, these are only used for the sports models. All Daytona models, on the other hand, have a long minute hand and all newer models have a slightly rounded minute hand. This extends to the lines on the dial that represent the minutes. If you hold a supposedly real Daytona with a rather short and square hand in your hands, it is probably not an original Rolex watch.

5. Serial number

Many luxury labels provide their products with serial numbers to make life increasingly difficult for counterfeiters and to offer customers a way to check the product for authenticity. The Swiss luxury label Rolex also takes advantage of this and assigns a serial number to each watch. This number is located on the inside of the case between the lugs of the strap at 6 o’clock. Always make sure that the engraving on an original Rolex watch is very fine and shimmers in the light like a diamond engraving. Fake products, on the other hand, often have a blunt and squashed engraving. It is also noticeable that many fakes often have the same serial number. An example is the number R863698, if your Rolex watch has this number, it is very likely that it is not an original.

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Marlena