How to Tell if Rolex Watch Is a Real or Fake

Rolex watches are a symbol of wealth for many people, and as a result there are many imitations and fakes out there. Telling the difference between a real Rolex watch and a fake one isn't always obvious, but there are signs you can look out for.

   
  1.  Look at the source. The first thing to do when assessing the authenticity of a Rolex is to look at where it comes from. A reputable jeweler or a fine watch dealer is probably going to be selling the genuine article.Pawn shops are something of a mixed bag because they depend on the scruples of the individual sellers. Some pawn shops will make sure that they only receive genuine watches, but others wont worry about selling fakes and stolen items, meaning buying from a pawn shop is often a risk.

   
   
 2.   Check the magnification. Many Rolex watches have a magnification panel over where the date is displayed. Fake watches will have what appears to be a magnification panel, but will actually only be plain glass. Real Rolex watches of course always have real magnification. The magnification on a genuine is 2x, however be careful with this as counterfeiters are continually improving.

   
   3. Take off the back. Looking at the back of any Rolex will reveal that the case and innards are all made of metal. Fakes will generally use plastic because it is much cheaper to produce. Rolex uses only the best materials and of course metal lasts a lot longer and costs a lot more to make. Many fakes will also have a plastic inner case underneath a metal outer casing.

   
  4.  Listen to the second hand. The second hand on most watches is what makes the ticking sound as it jerkily moves along. Rolex, and other fine watches second hands do not make this sound because they cleanly sweep along rather than jerking along. The motion of a real Rolex is also a lot smoother than fakes that do not make this sound.