How to Tell the Authenticity of Rolexes
The massive popularity and prestige associated with Rolex watches have made them one of the most replicated watches in the world. A movement toward online shopping has increased the distribution of fake merchandise, amplifying the need for consumers to be educated about their online purchases. Before buying what you think is a Rolex watch, take note of some features that can tell you whether the product you purchase is real or fake. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Look at the back of the watch case. A counterfeit often has a clear display on the case back, which reveals the watch's gears.
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Inspect the back of the case. Look for an engraving. Counterfeits sometimes have an engraving on the back, while genuine Rolexes are rarely engraved. Watches with the engravings: "Original Rolex Design" from the 1990s or the "Sea-Dweller" on the back is an indication the watch is genuine, though it is not a guarantee.
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See if there is a hologram-encoded 3D sticker on the back of the case that features a crown. If it is not there, it could still be genuine, but the sticker is a good indication the watch is real.
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Take note of the price. One of the most popular Rolexes, the Daytona, sells used for approximately $6,000, so a "Rolex" that is priced for substantially less could be fake. The Daytona Rose black dial sells for around $27,900, as of September 2011, and the Daytona 18K Paul Newman was listed on eBay at $25,990, for example. The used watches are generally listed at around $13,000, while the unworn are in the $20,000 range. A decent Rolex ripoff sells for around $300.
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Look at the dial. Some counterfeits have a slight purple color to them with tiny bubbles that can be spotted with a jeweler's loop. Rolexes have a perfect convex appearance.
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