How to spot this one is a fake?

[mojodk]

Hi all,


As a new Rolex owner (I got my first one - a SD - 1 week ago), I am trying to learn more about Rolex: History, models, differences, details etc. I came across this one today:

http://www.watchmaker9.tv/products/r...iner_16610.htm

I am quite sure a newbie like myself would be fooled if it was presented to me in real life. What could reveal that this one is a fake?


BR,
Morten

[Lol-x]

The basic rule is buy the seller before you buy the watch.

In this case the seller has no address or other contact details other than an e-mail address, but of course what else would you expect from criminal activity on a commercial scale

You send the money off for this watch, chances are you get nothing, or if you do get something, it is a piece of junk with no warranty and a watch that could well see the buyer marked as a criminal him/herself for owning property with stolen intellectual property.

Anyway, on a lighter note, welcome to the forums.

[Scarface]

STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is fake

The seller is (almost) semi-honest in that he is selling a REPLICA (but he doesn't state this openly and he tries to create impression to very naive buyers that it is a Rolex):
For example:

- Grading: Grade 1, (AAA) - replicas are graded not Rolex
- 2007 made Swiss mechanical watch equipped with ETA 25 Jewels automatic movement - not the genuine mechanism
- 316L Stainless steel watchcase - not the Rolex steel
- And many other issues

He also shows the replica being compared to the authentic...

Anyway, if you want a replica ...

But that 's all what it is

[mojodk]

Hi - thanks for your replies.

I didn't plan to buy this watch at all - so I am staying FAR away! :-) And no, I don't want a replica. Even if it looked indistinguishable from the real thing, it wouldn't be a Rolex. Not the same history and tradition, not the same satisfaction when wearing it, not the same movement and probably far from the quality of a real Rolex. So you don't just cheat everybody else when wearing a "Rolex" like that - you also cheat yourself. Thanks, but no thanks! :-)

My point was: If I this watch was presented to me in real life (not on a website where the pics may actually show a real Sub and not the watch they claim to produce...), would any of the details, that can be seen in the pics, give it away as a fake (if the watch in the pics is a real Sub, then there aren't any of course) ?


BR,
Morten

[Rob_b]

Hi Morten, I look at the bracelet. I have not seen a replica, no matter how good, with hollow center links.

Rob.

[dopeymuppet]

I'm no expert but I have NEVER seen a fake sub where the crown guards look quite right....

[Lol-x]

I think the coronet on the crown looks out of proportion to the normal coronet logo. If I saw that I would think something was wrong

[Andad]

Well he does state that it is an ETA movement so he is selling a fake if he calls it a Rolex.

IMO.

The cyclops looks incorrect when compared to my 'M' Sub.

The crown guards look different and the bracelet finish is not as smooth as mine even when mine is viewed under a 6x loupe.


I have attached a pix of my SD "Z" LEC.

[ROLEX MAN]

very interesting thanks!

[KevinisGQ]

I've been doing quite alot of research and I've come to realize that most sellers selling "Replicas" online usually post Actual real Rolex photos. I don't think theres many ways you can determine If It's fake or not by looking at the pictures.

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by mojodk

Hi - thanks for your replies.

I didn't plan to buy this watch at all - so I am staying FAR away! :-) And no, I don't want a replica. Even if it looked indistinguishable from the real thing, it wouldn't be a Rolex. Not the same history and tradition, not the same satisfaction when wearing it, not the same movement and probably far from the quality of a real Rolex. So you don't just cheat everybody else when wearing a "Rolex" like that - you also cheat yourself. Thanks, but no thanks! :-)

My point was: If I this watch was presented to me in real life (not on a website where the pics may actually show a real Sub and not the watch they claim to produce...), would any of the details, that can be seen in the pics, give it away as a fake (if the watch in the pics is a real Sub, then there aren't any of course) ?


BR,
Morten

Morten, you are a wise man with respect to your take on fakes.

[meloncap78]

#1: The crown guards.
#2. The flare around the pearl is too flagrant.
#3. Most fakes (actually any I have ever seen) The SEL's on the bracelet come all the way out to the end of the lugs. Authentic SEL's stop a good 2mm before the lug points.

[frostie]

The bezel pearl sits lower than what's it's supposed to be

[Welshwatchman]

The fake is being sold for $529, some $300 more than the ETA fakes are being sold elsewhere.

An Oris is a more honest choice at that price.

[ROGERB]

This particular web site makes it very clear they are selling "replicas"....boy at that price you could own some very nice REAL watches...
R

[stevemulholland3]

yes they did state that they are replica's.
the way to tell is by familiarizing yourself with rolex fonts,and the way that rolex arranges there dial and such,also-look how on the bezel the minute markers are not quite centered.
if you really get to know rolex-there is just something that klicks when you see a fake,I guess its a culmination of different things that dont fall into place,you just have a strong feeling that urges you to be weary.

[punkajk]

You guys know your stuff. Great point about the pearl sitting too low!

[mojodk]

Thanks guys for your input on this one!

When looking closely I agree that the bracelet and the coronet on the crown does look a bit odd as does the pearl in the bezel. The inaccuracies are quite small and you really have to know your stuff to spot it!

Actually I find it very scary that fakes can be so hard to spot! Somebody out there is doing their counterfeiting jobs too well! So one really has to be careful when buying used or grey-market watches. I guess the advice from Lol-x "buy the seller before you buy the watch" is a good place to start.

BR,
Morten

[doherjo1]

Comparing it to my "Z" model, the black rubber gasket on the extended crown appears to sit too low. In the pics, you can barely see it, on mine it is very visible when the crown is popped out.