Archive for the ‘Watch - real vs fake’ Category

How to Identify If The K Gold Rolex Strap Is Original?

August 15th, 2010

 

Rolex Watch is precious , including its parts and maintenance costs are very high , especially strap, watch its value accounting for the total value of the very large proportion , even just a longer , if it is K gold material Estimated to have about 2000 yuan.

A typical gold shell gold belt Rolex Watch model is 18,238 , with its famous Oyster watch case , usually with the “presidential “type strap ( strap model 8385 ) , about full with 22 ( not open file header ear , of which 7 Detachable living section). Most of the new form should no longer be subject to additional strap section , because the ” biggest names “who , after all, less ; However, if as a second-handRolex Watch , you may encounter this problem.

At present, many second-hand market, second-hand Rolex Watches, are commonly used domestic imitation of the strap section to be longer, and what models can have , including K gold , of course, this cost will be lower , but the craftsmanship is poor, the fineness and weight May be a problem .

Most people may not notice this problem, only concerned with watches , but they vary greatly in value , earn money from the parts is , this is the same in any industry (such as a typical mobile phone, camera , Computers, cars) . So , how do we distinguish Rolex K Gold Bracelet Watch for the original section is it? The key is to decompose and compare them.

Rolex Watch strap part of Easter , that is used to adjust the strap length , usually connected to studs with screws , so be removed is not difficult , there is a small screwdriver and a pliers enough , another magnifier Be .

The biggest difference is false ( anti- ) K Gold Bracelet Rolex Day the bolt connections for the hole is not round, there will be about a dog-ear should be welded with sheet metal bending , this phenomenon and its related processing technology Then there is the strap section of the surface is not bright , rough machining lines , and even there the situation of burrs and flanging . (See photo)

False Rolex K gold bracelet stud screw section , the end makes the whole head and face polishing , that are pulling the sand , there will be a lot of screw -cap opening slot skewed straight , when fully screwed into the bolts after Speak out or retraction over the case , strap section added in the new position of tight Sleek crepe or not . (See photo)

The other is the geometric shape and size of non-standard , multi and thin narrow , and some imitation of K gold bracelet festival, not a single piece of material used in processing , so there will be hollow , the ends of the strap section can see the traces of mosaic Years, this is all fake gold Rolex The appearance of the typical features of the watch .

Strap section connecting bolts must also be K gold material , imitation of the turnbuckle end of the income position of the root is often not handled properly , there will be a transition is not perpendicular to the slope . (See photo)

Of true and false Rolex K gold bracelet watch section for various models of the exact weight of the article in the future, the specific disclosure .

 

Identify Replica Watches by Checking the Letters on The Movement

March 11th, 2010

If your watch is original from Swiss, there are some letters engraved on the movement, usually including the following:

1, Movement manufacturer(for example: ETA)

2, Movement model(for example: 2824-2)

3, Patented marks

4, Movement JEWELS(for example: 25 JEWELS)

5, Production country(SWISS)

6, Particular marks engraved by this watch factory

7, Some famous brand watches also have reference number

8, “Geneva” letters on the movement

9, Certification marks

10, Watch’s brand name(usually engraved on the rotor)

Generally speaking, the watch is more complex and expensive, the more marks on the movement. However, most of replica watches can not achieve this.

Some replica watches also have letters engraved on the rotor, but the font size and colour are different from the original’s, it is easy to identify.

As we know, many brands are using ETA movement, so, it is difficult to identify a replica watch by just checking the movement model. However, different watch factories have their own identity engraved on the movement, for example, ENICAR will mark “AR” and TITONI watch have “PH” word.

Three secrets between replica Submariner and the genuine one

October 30th, 2009

The Rolex Submariner is by far the most sought after and popular watch on the market.

It is because of this that they are also the most counterfeited. The fakes of today are much better than they have ever been with the help of lasers, CNC computer cutting machines, better printing and scanning methods, and better materials. Most decent made fakes are sold about $100-$300. But it seems all the watch fakers seem to make the same mistakes in making Submariners, and here are some of the most common to look for.

Fake link(fake link)

First, the band/bracelet of Submariner. The most common manufacture mistake on fake Submariner is that the links are solid inside, and plated in cheap gold.

Genuine linkGenuine link(genuine link)

Look at these two genuine links. Notice they are hollow, folded metal links. These are made of solid 18K gold. Each link has a thin metal tube, with another thin tube inside that one that the screw goes through.

Screws(fake-top / genuine-bottom)

Second, let’s talk about the screws. Like all Rolex parts, the screws of fake Submariner are finely machined and perfect, but the difference between the fake and the genuine is out there. Notice the genuine screw on the bottom, and the fake one on the top. The genuine screw has deep and perfect threads with a tapered base and flush end. The fake looks stripped out and tapered on the end.

Genuine(genuine)

Third, the face. Notice the font Rolex uses. Notice the (A) has a flat top and not pointed. Almost every fake Submariner watch has a pointed (A) except for some high quality replica Submariner watches(http://www.progiftstore.com/images/Rolex%20Submariner/DSC_0449_02.jpg) sold in Swiss Rolex Submariner category.

How to spot replica audemars piguet royal oaks

September 7th, 2009

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is one of the popular series of Audemars Piguet, and its replicas are sold well in replica watches market.

Although some improvements were made in replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, there are still ways to spot a replica Royal Oak.

1, The replica Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch has a thicker case back than the genuine watch.

2, The cyclops and date window on the replica is slightly too far to the right. This is because of the Asian 7750 used.

3, The black dials on replica Royal Oaks are missing the metal surrounds on the numerals.

4, Replicas have poor quality lume. Genuine Royal Oaks will glow brightly and consistently after being charged.

5, The pushers on the genuine Royal Oak are slightly offset above the centerline of the case. The replica has them directly center.

6, The rubber pushers on the genuine watch have a slightly different shape than the replicas. They are slighly beveled at the top.

7, Look for poor fitting of the band to the case.

8, Replica clasps are finicky and are prone to stick. Carefully look at the clasp.

9, “Safari” Royal Oak replicas have a white dial instead of the accurate cream color.

Genuine Rolex vs replica Rolex

August 24th, 2009

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.