How to Spot Fake Rolex Watches

Without knowing what tell-tale signs to look for, the average Rolex consumer may easily fall victim to scammers.  And while connoisseurs will certainly discern between a $5,000 Rolex and a $50 replica, the existence of large number of counterfeits inevitably affects demand at some level

The best and most accurate way to tell a Rolex from a replica is by checking its Serial#, Model#, Case back ID, and Movement Signature (the 4 primary verification methods used by professionals) by looking between its bottom lugs (part where the band connects to case), top lugs, and by opening the case back respectively.  

Clear Casebacks – If you encounter one of these, don’t bother strapping them on.  Often times, a replica will have a clear caseback allowing you to see the inside of the watch.  Rolex does not make watches with clear casebacks!  

Engraved Casebacks – Again, with the exception of a rare Ladies model (circa 1990’s) and the “Sea-Dweller” model, Rolex does not engrave any logos or slogans on their casebacks.  Moreover, they are free of any engravings.

Hologram Stickers – A newly purchased Rolex watch will come with a 3-D hologram-encoded sticker on the caseback.  The Rolex “crown” trademark is featured just above the case reference number and can be easily identified when viewed.   Often times, a fake hologram sticker won’t even have the 3-D effect when viewed.  It is simply a hard, concrete pattern that won’t change in appearance one bit.  If this is evident, it is surely a counterfeit Rolex.

Date Magnification – All genuine Rolex watches excluding the “Sea-Dweller” features the cyclops that magnifies the date by 2.5x.  As you can see in the picture above, the cyclops on the counterfeit is significantly smaller and a bit misaligned.  These are common flaws made by counterfeits and you will see many of them today with a larger font date to fool the average consumer.  

Triplock Crown Seal – This pertains to the owners or future owners of the Sea-Dweller, Submariner, and the Daytona.  These three models feature the “Triplock crown”.  The image above shows that the genuine Rolex utilizes the extra seal by the rubber o-ring on the winding tube whereas the counterfeit comes with no seal at all.  It is also worth mentioning this to be a case by case situation when purchasing a Pre-owned  Rolex wristwatch, in which many original Rolex parts or accessories can be replaced by aftermarket parts and accessories.  

Micro-etched Crystal – In 2002, Rolex began micro-etching the Rolex “coronet” or “crown” right below the 6 o’clock marker.  Though it is better distinguishable using a jeweler’s loupe, you can see by the illustration that the genuine “crown” is much more distinguishable and robust as opposed to the counterfeit.  Moreover, the counterfeit is poorly designed and is a clear indication of a fake.  

Melrose Jewelers is an importer and wholesale distributor of genuine  pre-owned Men’s and Ladies’ Rolex wristwatches & Italian 18k/diamond bracelets for Rolex watches.
daniel@melrosejewelers.com