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8 July 2021, 05:46 PM | #1 |
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Spotting a fake Rolex DD 18238A
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!! |
8 July 2021, 06:17 PM | #2 |
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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.
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9 July 2021, 02:04 AM | #3 |
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I'd say fake. Not least as the hands seem a little short
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9 July 2021, 03:19 AM | #4 |
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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.
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9 July 2021, 11:15 AM | #5 | |
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9 July 2021, 11:18 AM | #6 |
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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. |
9 July 2021, 11:24 AM | #7 | |
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Quote:
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. |
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9 July 2021, 11:25 AM | #8 |
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Might I mention, the watch had no box and papers!
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9 July 2021, 05:11 PM | #9 | |
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Quote:
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. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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9 July 2021, 05:24 PM | #10 |
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No box and papers... Well, I will feel comfortable making such purchase.
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9 July 2021, 07:16 PM | #11 | ||
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Quote:
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10 July 2021, 12:25 AM | #12 |
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Spotting a fake Rolex DD 18238A
Good luck
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10 July 2021, 06:12 AM | #13 | |
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This Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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10 July 2021, 08:17 AM | #14 |
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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. |
10 July 2021, 11:29 AM | #15 | ||
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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!! :) Quote:
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10 July 2021, 06:34 PM | #16 |
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So I've asked for more pictures and they've literally just told me that the watch has been sold. Happy accident? :)
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