In the previous article we spoke in great detail about how Rolex timepieces above all other luxury watches are the most counterfeited watches in the world. We went over the quality, and whom you should business with to help mitigate the risk of unknowingly purchasing a counterfeit. In this article we continue going into detail on how to tell if a Rolex is genuine or counterfeit by discussing the top 10 methods in how to determine so.
1. Serial & Model Number Stamping
Rolex strives for perfection and with that the luxury watchmaker goes the extra mile ensuring that every small detail about their watches is just perfect. One method at determining if a Rolex is a counterfeit is to look at the serial and model numbers of the watch. A genuine Rolex will have deep marks in a solid and very fine line that will appear to glow in the light when viewed at certain angles. Most counterfeits will not look quite so clean and will be made up of faint tiny dots or have a sandy-like appearance from acid etching.
2. Stampings
When determining whether a Rolex is genuine or counterfeit look for the stampings on the watch. A counterfeit Rolex can come in many different grades and the very low-quality ones will not even bother to put the Rolex name or crown logo on the timepiece. If you don’t see the crown logo it is a dead giveaway that you are dealing with a counterfeit.
3. Movement
If you are inspecting a Rolex to determine if whether it is genuine or not, you could open up the back of the watch to inspect the movements. A counterfeit Rolex will not be able to hold a candle to the flame when it comes to the precisions and craftsmanship of a genuine Rolex. Also, if the watch is a quartz there is a very good chance that it is an imitation as there have been very few quartz Rolex watches ever made.
4. Dial
When inspecting the dial of a Rolex watch if you come across any uneven fonts, smudges, misspellings, or inconsistent spacing between the lettering then it is absolutely a counterfeit.
5. Cyclops
The Cyclops, in Rolex terminology, is the magnifying lens that is above the window on the face of a Rolex watch. With a genuine Rolex, the Cyclops is convex and magnifies the date 2.5 times for the ease of readability. However, if the timepiece you are inspecting has a flat magnification lens and the date is not magnified then you are dealing with a counterfeit Rolex.
6. Waterproof
Rolex timepieces are built to be waterproof. Chances are a counterfeit will not be. If the questionable Rolex does not pass the waterproof test, then you are most definitely dealing with a fake. However, we would strongly discourage using this method as you may not be able to return the watch if you ruin it.
7. Weight
Most counterfeit Rolex watches will use cheaper construction materials and with such will most likely weigh less than a genuine Rolex. Using a scale that measures in grams place the questionable Rolex on it to find the exact weight in grams. If the weight does not match up to the Rolex series timepiece then you most definitely have a fake on hand.
8. Clear Caseback
All Rolex timepieces, excluding a couple of very rare vintage models produced in the 1930s will not have clear casebacks. If the Rolex you are considering purchasing has a clear caseback be very suspicious and further inspect the watch to determine whether it is a fake or not.
9. Caseback Engravings
With the exception of the Rolex Sea Dweller, COMEX, Military watches and some older rare models, Rolex does not engrave the exterior of their casebacks with words, logos, or pictures most of the time. If the timepiece you are inspecting features engravings on the back of the watch’s case, then there is a very good chance that it will be a counterfeit. Additionally, there are some older women’s Rolex Datejust models such as the 6918, 69173, and 69174 that will have stainless steel and registered design on the back.
10. Micro-etched Crystal
Starting in 2002, Rolex began micro-etching a very tiny crown logo at the 6 o’clock position on the crystal of their timepieces. If you are inspecting a Rolex that was made in or after 2002, this micro-etching should be present. Since it is so small, it is hard to see it with the naked eye and you may need to look at the crystal with a magnifying glass to see it. However, if the micro-etching is not present then you are dealing with a counterfeit.
About Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry
Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry has been providing quality products and professional services to the metropolitan Denver, CO area since 1951. The very first watch repair and service facility ever opened in Colorado. Dan Matheu, watchmaker, pioneered watch repair and services in Colorado. Today, Scott Matheu is at the helm steering Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry. With his vision, Scott opened a watch store in Highland Ranch and has made Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry not only one of the largest watch stores to provide watch repair in Castle Rock, CO but also the entire state.
Whether you need watch repair in Castle Rock, CO, watch engraving, or even if you have an antique watch that you would like appraised, you can count on Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry to provide you with superior service each and every single time. All of our watchmakers are factory trained and we have CW21 Certified by the American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) on site. This certification has the most stringent standards for watchmakers performing repair, restoration, and service work on watches. With one of the largest service centers in the metropolitan Castle Rock, CO we are not only able to provide watch repair in Castle Rock, CO but to the entire 50 states as well.
Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry is also a factory authorized service center for Cartier, Tag Heuer, Philip Stein, Swiss Army and many more brands. When you use Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry for your watch repair in Castle Rock, CO, you can rest assured knowing that you will receive our (3) three-year warranty on major watch repairs that we provide. If you are looking for the best watch repair service center throughout the United States, you cannot go wrong when you choose Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry. With certifications from not only AWCI but SAWTA too, we not only stand out from the pact; we lead it.
