1, Weight of the watch:
This is a cursory way of finding out whether a watch is a replica. All authentic Rolex watches are quite heavy since they are made of solid gold, steel, or platinum. Inexpensive Rolex replicas, on the other hand, will be lightweight.
2, Case Backs:
Many varieties of replica Rolex watches come with a clear case back, which are almost non-existent in vintage Rolex models. Modern Rolex models do not have clear case backs.
3, Case Back Markings:
Replica Rolex watches may be engraved with the famous Rolex “crown logo”, model numbers, serial numbers, and other reference numbers on the case backs–but these engravings are not found on genuine Rolex watches. All authentic and current Rolex models have a hologram-encoded sticker on the case back that contains the watch’s model reference number along with the “Rolex Crown” just above it. There are certain exceptions, however, such as the following:
Some ladies’ Rolex watches had the case back engraved with “Original Oyster Case by Rolex”. This is often true for models that were produced before the 1990s.
Rolex Sea-Dweller models are engraved with “Rolex Oyster Original Gas Escape Valve” on the case back. Some early models may also include “Rolex Patent” or “Patent Pending.” Also, the Sea-Dweller models made for the COMEX employees often bear the Rolex and Comex names along with a two, three, or four-digit identification number used by Comex.
4, Sweeping Movement:
In genuine Rolex watches (except the Rolex Oysterquartz), the second hand displays a sweeping movement as it ticks at the rate of 5-8 times per second. On the other hand, cheap Rolex replicas feature a second hand that may tick only once per second. Although better quality replicas may appear to have a sweeping movement of the second hand, they will not be as smooth as an authentic Rolex.
5, Crystal:
All Rolex models that were rolled out after 1991 were outfitted with laboratory-made synthetic sapphire crystal. These crystal models have a clear white appearance. Most of the replica Rolex models, however, feature either a glass crystal or plastic (acrylic) crystal. Some may also have a milky white appearance.
6, Finish:
Stainless steel replica Rolex models are the most difficult to identify. This difficulty is not true in the case of gold versions, as replica models look brassy unlike how the 18k gold (in some earlier models even 9k and 14k gold are used) appears in authentic Rolex watches.
7, Cyclops:
The Cyclops lens, attached to the crystal and found over the date aperture, does the work of magnifying the date by 2.5 times. In replica Rolex watches, this lens is usually not as powerful and may only magnify the date a maximum of 1.5 times. In cheap replicas, the lens is not even functional. Another way to distinguish replica Rolex watches from genuine ones on this parameter is the positioning of the Cyclops. In many counterfeit varieties, the lens is positioned incorrectly, either a bit higher or lower than it should be on the crystal.
8, Illumination Markings:
In authentic Rolex watches, the illumination markings on the hands and hour markers glow for a longer period of time in the dark once charged with direct light. However, do not expect vintage or older Rolex models to glow for long at night, as the effectiveness of this chemical does not last for an indefinite time. With cheap replicas, the illumination markings are only for show. Even in better quality replicas this luminescence may not last for an extended period of time. In addition, if seen with the help of a hand lens, the illumination fillings may not look as smooth as on genuine Rolex watches.
9, Winding Crown:
Genuine Rolex watches feature a winding crown that is not only smooth but also does not make noise while being unscrewed. In contrast, replica winding crowns are not smooth to operate. In addition, when you set the time, the second hand jumps aggressively whereas in the case of authentic Rolex watches, the second hand moves by only 2-3 second markers. It is interesting to note that Rolex produces winding crown with its “Crown” or “Coronet” logo engraved on it. However, in many cheap replica versions, the logo is simply glued on the end of the crown.
10, Crown Seal:
All Rolex models featuring a Triplock Crown have an additional seal. Looking like a black rubber o-ring, it can be seen when you unscrew the winding stem completely. Such a seal is not present in most of the replica models.
11, Date Wheels:
A very prominent feature that you will find in all genuine Rolex models is the positioning of the date wheel. Placed exactly at the center of the date aperture, the date wheel gives a clear view of the number and has a solid background color. On the other hand, misaligned date wheel positioning in replica models is a common phenomenon, and the rough background color on the date wheel is an immediate signal of an unauthentic and cheap replica.
12, Important Functionalities:
Rolex introduced the “Hacking Feature” circa 1972. All current Rolex models have this feature whereby the second hand stops dead when the winding stem is pulled out to set the time. In low quality Rolex replicas, there is no hacking feature. Take this into account before you make any purchase decision.
Similarly, if the “Quick Set” and “Double Quick Set” features (found in only “Date” and “Day Date” models) work in a jerky manner or simply drag, this indicates an unauthentic Rolex.
The subsidiary dials or registers found in Rolex Daytona also provide you with another opportunity to distinguish a replica from a genuine Rolex. Such dials available in unauthentic Rolex Daytona models may not be functional at all. You also will miss the concentric circles inside these registers that can be seen in an authentic Daytona. Unlike in the case of the genuine Daytona, the registers in fake versions are placed at a distance from the dial markings. Another important point to note is the large sweep second hand found in this model for the stopwatch function. In a replica model, it may move even when you have not initiated the stopwatch function.
Additionally, the extra 24-hour hand found in Rolex GMT and Explorer II models may not be entirely visible in cheap replica Rolex models.
Finally, the one-way gas escape valve that is positioned on the side of the case just opposite the winding crown in all Rolex Sea-Dweller models is almost always just a cosmetic feature, with no functionality in replica versions of the Rolex Sea-Dweller.
13, Dial Markings:
When viewed with a hand lens, you will find that the dial markings on replica Rolex wristwatches lack clarity, accurate spacing, correct font size, and appropriate shape. This also is true in the case of hour/minute indices and hour/minute/second hands. In some cheap replicas, you may find scratches on the markings as well as on the dial.
One more important way to establish the authenticity of Rolex watches is by viewing the outer edge of the dial from an angle. If the watch is authentic, the outer edge will have the same look as that of the entire case. If it is a replica, you will see a mirror finish on the outer edge.
14, Rotating Bezel:
The rotating bezel found in many Rolex sport models like the Submariner and the GMT-Master can be rotated smoothly in 120 “clicks” (with no sound) covering 2 clicks for every minute. When you turn the bezel in replica models, its rotation either will be loose or it will hang up in the middle. In some replicas, the bezel may make a sound while rotating. In other replica versions the bezel completes a rotation in less than 120 clicks.
15, Case Reference and Serial Numbers:
Most replica Rolex watches carry incorrect case reference or serial numbers. In low-level replicas, you will find no such numbers.
