Spotting a fake Rolex DD 18238A

[philhendrix]

Hi guys!

I've been after a vintage date date (reference 1803, or 118238) for a whole now, so I usually stop by most shops that sell vintage watches I happen to walk past just to take a look at what they have on offer - though I would also do so just out of interest even without wanting that particular day date.

To cut a long story short, I walked into a quite big second-hand watch seller on a major high-street in a Chinese city (been working in China for several years, and yes, we all know China is a haven for fake goods, though you can find real vintage pieces I'm sure).

Anyhow, I tried on this DD (reference number 18238A), and while doing so, I think I might have just spotted a fake. I must admit, I didn't notice this while trying on the watch - I wasn't going to buy anyway and went through a bunch of watches at the time. After seeing closer images of the watch, something seemed a bit off to me and I wanted to confirm with you guys, who I am sure know more of this than I do.

Below are pictures (taken by the shopkeeper who sent them to me after).

https://ibb.co/w0JYDqr
https://ibb.co/dWQNF1L

I think the D in THURSDAY looks off, not like the usual rolex D. Also not sure about the distance between some of the lines on the face of the watch.

Sorry I can't offer better images, I didn't walk in just to spot this particular fake, otherwise I would have taken clearer images.

What do you guys think? Is this a fake or am I seeing things. Thanks!!

[Casotakar]

Don’t know much about telling fakes but a local shop near me called Vintage Concept has great items including Rolex. If they ever have something send me a PM and I can drop in and take pics for you…I see they sold a few of the reference numbers you’ve mentioned.

[Oyster Perp]

I'd say fake. Not least as the hands seem a little short

[offrdmania]

If it is a fake then its the best one ive ever seen. From the photos provided it looks real but may have had aftermarket parts used. Day and date wheels are available in the aftermarket as well as hands and dials. We need to see the back of the watch, the codes on the clasp of the bracelet as well as the codes on the end links, the inside of the case back and a movement shot to be 100% sure.

[philhendrix]

Originally Posted by Casotakar

Don’t know much about telling fakes but a local shop near me called Vintage Concept has great items including Rolex. If they ever have something send me a PM and I can drop in and take pics for you…I see they sold a few of the reference numbers you’ve mentioned.

Hi, thanks for your reply! Does your local shop have a website I can browse from time to time? I'm currently still based in China and buying from here is still a bit tricky.

[philhendrix]

Originally Posted by Oyster Perp

I'd say fake. Not least as the hands seem a little short

Good shout, I didn't check the hands actually. I thought the font, especially the D was a giveaway. Again, I'm not sure, wouldn't want to do them any wrong.

They had a hulk and a pepsi in store too. I know that Chinese factories can produce super good hulk fakes, so that would be another one to spot.

[philhendrix]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

If it is a fake then its the best one ive ever seen. From the photos provided it looks real but may have had aftermarket parts used. Day and date wheels are available in the aftermarket as well as hands and dials. We need to see the back of the watch, the codes on the clasp of the bracelet as well as the codes on the end links, the inside of the case back and a movement shot to be 100% sure.

Handling the watch, weight wise it didn't feel fake, it was heavy. I commented at the time that I thought that the bracelet was a little too immaculate to be a 20-30 year old watch.

I didn't use the word 'fake' while I was at the shop, but I did comment that I wasn't sure if they used after market parts on the watch (bracelet) and whether the diamonds were original.

If the really was a fake, and if I'd ask for more images from them, they'd think I'm onto something fishy - they'd probs say its been sold.

[philhendrix]

Might I mention, the watch had no box and papers!

[Casotakar]

Originally Posted by philhendrix

Hi, thanks for your reply! Does your local shop have a website I can browse from time to time? I'm currently still based in China and buying from here is still a bit tricky.

https://thevintageconcept.com/

They’re nice to deal with. I have bought 1 watch from them in the past that I’ve since sold. Walk by them almost everyday.


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[Highend7]

No box and papers... Well, I will feel comfortable making such purchase.

[philhendrix]

Originally Posted by Highend7

No box and papers... Well, I will feel comfortable making such purchase.

Haha, yes. Well, you do come across genuine pieces without boxes or papers. Faking papers and getting a box isn't difficult nowadays either.

Originally Posted by Casotakar

https://thevintageconcept.com/

They’re nice to deal with. I have bought 1 watch from them in the past that I’ve since sold. Walk by them almost everyday.

Cool, will check them out. Cheers!

[Holishi]

Good luck

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

If it is a fake then its the best one ive ever seen. From the photos provided it looks real but may have had aftermarket parts used. Day and date wheels are available in the aftermarket as well as hands and dials. We need to see the back of the watch, the codes on the clasp of the bracelet as well as the codes on the end links, the inside of the case back and a movement shot to be 100% sure.

This


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[shredder]

Originally Posted by philhendrix

Might I mention, the watch had no box and papers!

I dont think that many 30 year old watches that have box and papers. Often they have been through multiple owners or the owners died.



I do have my 20 year old box and (some) papers, but Im not sure how complete it is after sitting in the bottom of multiple dressers and surviving 4 moves.

[philhendrix]

Originally Posted by Holishi

Good luck

Originally Posted by crowncollection

This

Originally Posted by offrdmania

If it is a fake then its the best one ive ever seen. From the photos provided it looks real but may have had aftermarket parts used. Day and date wheels are available in the aftermarket as well as hands and dials. We need to see the back of the watch, the codes on the clasp of the bracelet as well as the codes on the end links, the inside of the case back and a movement shot to be 100% sure.

Perhaps I am getting a little too careful these days.

As mentioned, I work in China, and while you get the luxury of having several Rolex (or other brands) stores in one city - a real abundance due to the size of the urban population - there's equally an abundance of high-end fakes sold as real watches to a watch audience that simply isn't as 'educated about watches' than say in Europe or the US. Here, you get 'watch enthusiasts' who've never held a Royal Oak before, but have plenty of money to spend and easily get ripped off from fake dealers. But again, I believe thats the case everyone now.

I was put off by two things. One thing I noticed inside the store, the other while looking at pictures of the watch late. 1. The fantastic condition of the bracelet - the whole watch looked like it has never been used. 2. The weekday letters seemed a little different to images I found online of the same watch (searched according to serial number). I found the most striking difference was the letter D.

I do understand that I am asking a lot from you guys to spot a fake from just those images, clearly not enough to give a 100% precise answer, so thank you guys very much for your time looking at those two images and telling me your thoughts!! :)

Originally Posted by shredder

I dont think that many 30 year old watches that have box and papers. Often they have been through multiple owners or the owners died.

I do have my 20 year old box and (some) papers, but Im not sure how complete it is after sitting in the bottom of multiple dressers and surviving 4 moves.

Sure, I own some watches that were my grandfathers, and they are now all without box and papers but certainly authentic. Its fine, its not a must, but having them is nice when you buy or sell.

[philhendrix]

So I've asked for more pictures and they've literally just told me that the watch has been sold. Happy accident? :)