How to Spot a Fake Rolex: 13+ Expert Tips

Smartphone cameras are good enough these days to capture clear photos of a product, so anything blurry or out-of-focus is an automatic red flag. Today, almost all Rolex dive watches have the Triplock crown, but older models still in production, including the Submariner 14060M, still use the Twinlock technology. It’s important to check the manufacture date of a particular model to determine which crown technology was used. On an authentic Rolex, the winding crown and its stem are made from a single piece of metal.

Reasons why you shouldn’t buy a fake rolex

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. But even if you’re not going the Rolex CPO route, you can still take some steps to protect yourself. Things have changed a lot since then, obviously, so here are Manjos’s tips on how you can protect yourself from buying a fake when it’s time to make your big Rolex investment. The reality is that in a situation where you are pressed to make that call at the risk of many thousands of dollars, it is very, very easy to come a cropper. So, if the poor-quality fakes are purchased for not very much by people who know what they’re buying, who’s purchasing the more accurate fakes?

A Comprehensive Timeline of Breitling Superocean Models

Also, as noted below, If you’re looking at a Sea-Dweller manufactured before 2017, it should not have a cyclops.
Any authentic Rolex feels substantial and solid, whether it’s made from the heavy-duty Oystersteel or the lighter-weight RLX Titanium or platinum.
This is where most of the writing is located, and the appearance of the text can be a dead giveaway of a counterfeit.
But if you’re out shopping and a Rolex catches your eye, getting hands-on with the watch is pretty valuable when it comes to determining its authenticity — especially if you’re dealing with a modern Rolex.
Overall, it’s not worth it to buy a Rolex for a few hundred to a thousand dollars if it’s not going to last.
With stainless steel, gold, and platinum pieces, Rolex watches have high-quality materials that are not likely to be found on fake watches.
Forgery of watches became a serious problem in the eighteenth century when Britain came to rival France as the leading producer of quality clocks and watches.

When buying a vintage Rolex the ‘box papers’ are highly useful because they assist the buyer in establishing whether the watch is authentic or not. A watch made in 1960 will not have a valid warranty, but the card will still have the serial number. The joy a Rolex brings to its owner is unparalleled, yet for those looking to change their collection, selling a Rolex can be part of the journey. If you’re contemplating a pre-owned Rolex, the significance of confidence in your purchase cannot be overstated.

What is the Price of a Rolex Sky-Dweller in 2025?

More often than not, the only interaction people have with fake watches are with the ones that don’t look particularly convincing. It’s true that these extremely low-quality products make up the bulk of the fake watch production, but there is an element of bias going on. Only the fake watches that are noticeably bad register as being fake, and that can lead to a false sense of security when it comes to understanding the wider problem. Authentic Rolex watches come with thorough documentation, including a warranty card, owner’s manual, and sometimes a certificate of authenticity. The paperwork is well-printed, with sharp text and accurate information. Counterfeit watches may have documentation that looks rushed, with printing errors or missing elements.

The Best Rolex Alternatives

The hour markers, five-pointed crown and hands don’t catch the light as they should; their edges aren’t crisp and, when you zoom in, you can see evidence of machining which the genuine watch would never display. So far, that’s enough effort to fool a lot of people, but what’s new – and somewhat jaw-dropping – is that inside the watch you will find a Clone rolex watches for sales sale movement, an eerily good mimic of the real Calibre 4130 introduced in 2000. Partly, that is an unavoidable consequence of the explosion we have seen in demand for Rolex’s key models.

How to Sell a Rolex Watch in 2025

This is a bit tricky to check, since Rolex is adamant that only brand-certified watchmakers can access the movement. Founded in 2007, Gear Patrol is the definitive buying guide for enthusiasts. 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.

Where is the serial number on a Rolex?

As of 2002, Rolex started including a tiny micro-etching of the Rolex crown, aka the “coronet,” on the crystal at the 6 o’clock position. Extremely difficult to see without a loupe and almost impossible to replicate properly, this mini marking is a hallmark of authentic Rolex watches. Another marking of authenticity sits under the sapphire crystal on the rehaut, which is engraved with “ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX” all around, along with the serial number engraving at 6 o’clock.

Luxury Watch Knowledge Test

In fact, it’s also the world’s most valuable watch brand according to global reports. However, with its status and great demand comes a vigorous counterfeit market — therefore one can easily be duped into buying a fake Rolex watch. 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. It stands to reason then that Rolex is also the most faked watch brand in the world, followed closely by genuine market runners-up Cartier and Omega, but what’s surprising is just how big the scale of that fakery is.

Grand Seiko’s 2025 Releases So Far: Five Colorful Steel Watches

The most complex part that requires the most skilled labour to make, the movement, is still a long way off the originals. That’s why the most accurate fakes are often considered to be the ones with closed case backs. Those are huge numbers in relation to the watch industry, but generally luxury watches aren’t worn by the majority of people, so you would expect that in terms of fakes, it sits pretty low down in the overall priority of things. As it happens, despite the relatively high cost of luxury watches compared to other fashion items, it still sits in the top five of the most faked things in the world, making up 7% of all the products produced by fakers. It sits just behind fake electricals, leather goods, clothing and, at the top, footwear, which makes up almost a quarter of the faked goods made globally.

What is the Price of a Rolex Submariner in 2025?

The risks outweigh the benefits, especially if the authenticity of your Rolex is in question. Submerging a potentially counterfeit watch could cause irreversible damage, closing the door on any possibility of a return. Moreover, vintage pieces or those requiring service might also fail such tests, despite being genuine. For peace of mind, and to safeguard the intricate craftsmanship of your timepiece, it’s wise to entrust this verification to the seasoned expertise of a professional. Their evaluation will not only confirm authenticity but also ensure the enduring legacy of your Rolex remains uncompromised.

A genuine Rolex’s numbers are cut deeply enough that they will glow in the light when raised at an angle.
A missing logo or the absence of the Rolex moniker is more than an oversight; it’s a telltale hallmark of a watch that won’t measure up to the legacy of quality synonymous with a genuine Rolex.
In contrast, a counterfeit Rolex might betray itself the moment it’s picked up.
Trust your senses as much as the aesthetics; a genuine Rolex not only looks the part but feels it too.
Your best defense against buying a fake is to purchase your Rolex from a reputable dealer.

In addition to the top tips for spotting a fake, it’s also important to keep a few things in mind to ensure you’re buying authentic Rolex watches. While that will never be a concern when buying from Bob’s, it’s still useful to arm yourself with some knowledge. So, we’ve compiled a quick rundown of the anatomy of authentic Rolex watches with some basic guidelines to keep in mind. Please note that these rules are only applicable to Rolex watches made after 2002.

Crown Etching at 6 O’clock

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. The legality of Rolex imitations is a complex matter that revolves around the fine line between imitation and counterfeiting. While owning a Rolex imitation as a stylish accessory may not raise legal concerns for most individuals, it is crucial to remain informed and make purchases from reputable sources. Remember that the world of horology offers a diverse array of watches, including legitimate homage pieces that honor the legacy of Rolex without breaching legal boundaries. So, whether you’re seeking the prestige of a genuine Rolex or the charm of a well-crafted homage, it’s essential to choose your timepiece wisely and within the confines of the law.

How to Spot a Fake Rolex with Laser-Etched Coronet (LEC) on Glass

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.
To achieve this water resistance, the cases of authentic Rolex watches have certain hallmarks.
Generally, an authentic Rolex is heavier than a counterfeit one, as it is made of high-quality materials like 904L stainless steel, 18k gold, 950 platinum, or RLX titanium.
Extremely difficult to see without a loupe and almost impossible to replicate properly, this mini marking is a hallmark of authentic Rolex watches.
Compound this with the fact that there are multiple different factories competing to produce the most accurate edition and you have a surprisingly efficient iterative model.

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. One of the most subtle yet telling signs of an authentic Rolex is the micro-etched crown at the 6 o’clock position on the crystal.

– If the timepiece is genuine, but is vintage or in need of repair, it may also not withstand a pressure test. Today, the hermetic construction of the Oyster case guarantees Rolex watches to be waterproof up to 100m / 330 feet, and up to 3,900m / 12,800 feet for the Rolex Deepsea, their saturated diving watch. As of 2022, Rolex has released their most water-resistant watch yet, the Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge, which has a depth rating of 11,000 meters (36,090 feet). The “Cyclops” magnifying lens, or the lens that magnifies the date of the watch, is one of the hardest hallmarks to replicate. When looked straight on, the date should be magnified, about 2.5 magnification to be exact.

From the Air King to the Yachtmaster, Rolex watches have a consistent font style that’s unique to the brand. The font size may vary slightly, since it depends on the dial’s diameter, which can be as small as 24mm on women’s Rolexes and as large as 44mm on men’s models. When checking the font on the face of a Rolex you’re considering, compare it with authentic pictures of the same model. And with rising prices of Swiss watches, it’s easy to see why more and more people are willing to take the risk in buying a fake. Cheap labour and minimal overheads may make fake watches a lot cheaper than Swiss originals, but the most accurate fakes are still far from cheap, costing many hundreds and sometimes even thousands of dollars.

RELIABLE ROLEX DEALER

A Rolex is not only a luxury item but also an investment that can hold its value (or become more valuable) over many years. That is because they are powered with fully mechanical movements, as opposed to the quartz battery used by less expensive watchmakers, which causes a distinctive “tick, tick, tick” sound every second. That said, some Rolex models do tick every few seconds, so it’s the loud ticking every second that indicates a fake. They also have “Rolex” engraved on them, although the placement of the engraving differs depending on the piece. Rolexes manufactured before 2007 included a hologram of the crown logo on the caseback.

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.
Genuine Rolex watches have their serial and model numbers deeply engraved into the metal between the lugs attaching the band to the body — whereas fakes often just have them etched on with acid.
This information helps you compare the specific watch with its reference number to ensure that everything matches the description.
Many low-priced digital watches have also been counterfeited in a similar fashion to luxury watches.
A true Rolex is not just a timekeeper but a statement, marked clearly with the brand’s distinguished symbols.
Additionally, when purchasing secondhand watches, it is possible that the previous owner may have had personal engravings made on the watch.
Now you’ll see something that at first, and even second, glance, looks legit.

There is one design / model which is an exception to this, the Rolex Oysterquartz, which runs on a quartz movement instead of a self-winding or mechanical one, and does exhibit a ‘ticking’ motion and sound. Navigating the nuances of luxury timepieces requires more than just a keen eye – it demands expertise. 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.

When you are looking at Rolex watches, try to find all the information you can about what materials the watch or particular model is made with. If you are looking at a watch in person, such as when buying from a private individual, you will need to use other methods to check the materials of the watch. If a deal on a Rolex purchase appears too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid marketplaces like eBay, where fake Rolex watches are common, and make sure the photography is at least decent.

Without them, a watch not only loses its identity but also its claim to be part of a lineage of the world’s most prestigious timepieces. The devil is in the details, and with Rolex, each element is an example of precision engineering. From the lustrous case to the meticulous craftsmanship of the crown, the smooth sweep of the hands, the iconic bezel, the elegant bracelet, and the secure clasp – every aspect is a testament to Rolex’s commitment to excellence. Should you ever encounter a Rolex that doesn’t meet this high standard, with components that seem anything less than top-notch, it’s likely you’re looking at an imposter. In the world of high-end timepieces, Rolex stands out as a beacon of luxury and unmatched quality. Each watch is a masterpiece, featuring the renowned Oystersteel – a 904L grade stainless steel renowned for its exceptional resistance to rust and corrosion.

Note, that this photo is done using an ultra macro lens, for the purpose of comparison, here is a photo of two buckles from an authentic and Replica Rolex Daytona. Rolex started engraving the rehaut in 2004, therefore any model before that will not have it. For the date font itself, to verify it you would need an authentic watch to compare side by side.