How to Tell If Your Rolex is Real or FAKE

[@WadhaPetruszka]

There are rumors that igrotum has the Rolex database of serial numbers and sells replicas with the same serial numbers as the originals

[@samsantana]

This is why I prefer Seikos, if the 12 marker isn't perfectly aligned to the marker on the bezel then I can trust it's a real Seiko.

[@te86a]

are seikos rep'ed?

[@thebludragon8353]

Surprisingly, yes. SKX007s and SKX013s, mainly.

[@johnfranklin6394]

I just got the Seiko 5 GMT which has a bidirectional friction bezel. So, I can align it perfectly. So, I can effectively create a fake Seiko just by doing that 🙂

[@Irishboyz]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your Seiko is fake too ☠️

[@godGottgod]

google the serial number. Replicas tend to use the same number over and over again. And if google shows plenty of results, get a bit nervous.

[@AAGGHH4]

I’ve got a fake Daytona. I’ve had it next to a real one and it’s identical. If there’s differences you’d need a microscope to spot it. The movement was identical too. It wasn’t even an expensive fake. It was about £150 in UK. Came with box, card and the little tag thing. Had to get it through an invite only group though so buying was a bit dodgy, but it’s worked great ever since and had a few admirers of it. If I ever get robbed for it, I haven’t lost £35,000 either. Went back and bought a fake tag heuer as a daily too. Was fantastic quality. Invested the money I would’ve spent on the real one, win win.

[@samkitty5894]

What web site?

[@emiliogato]

I'd be curious to know what % of people who bring their Rolex in to Watchfinder end up being told it's a fake.

[@Arya-Rachana555]

That is an AAA China watch. it cannot be compared to ziarex watches because they sell real super clones, basically the same watches as the originals.

[@TheNoerdy]

If you can’t tell, does it matter? I had an AD say they needed to open the back to confirm. If they couldnt tell, as far as I care, a fake is as good as a real, as long as it keeps time as good.

[@TripleDDDD]

It would matter when it comes to buying or selling. and maybe a moral question when wearing it. Therefor is go with „homages“. You get the design but you ain‘t a faker.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

@@TripleDDDD Moral…… that’s a good one.

[@darshanmalde497]

In the current Rolex models, there is a laser etched “Rolex” in the inner part of the bezel. The “R” of the Rolex lines with the hour markers from 6-11 and the “X” of the Rolex lines up with the hour markers from 1-5.

[@Murdoc370]

Regarding the magnifying cyclops: actually, there was a short period of time - roughly around 2013 - when there were original Rolexes (mostly Submariners and GMTs?) available that had a sub-2,5x magnifying cyclops. People got quite upset about this and pitchforks & torches were - at least - shown in the forums. The watches were still genuine though :)

[@Tony16610]

Yup, my GMT Batman has this, glaringly obvious next to another Rolex. The AD has offered to replace the crystal and I'll be doing it when it goes into service next year.

[@ting280]

I got a fake day/date like 15 years ago and it came with box and papers and the little tassel thing. It's still in good condition till this day

[@geoffreyaugust0]

Counterfeiters have gone so much farther than this video suggests. They often plate their movements with nicely finished platinum; they can create carbon fiber cases; they produce watches with different serial numbers in batches. Now some of them are identical in quality and finish to an original especially if you find a group that modifies/refinishes movements, some with real Rolex parts. You have to be insanely careful especially with steel watches now.

[@formolzinho]

In the 90's I used to travel a lot and many friends asked me to bring a fake Rolex Submariner for them, from a very specific Asian source. They were expensive but almost impossible to identify as fake. A friend's father who had a Rolex collection asked me to see one and was amazed by the quality, he called other watch enthusiasts and they were very impressed, the only visible difference was in the balance wheel. They had to open the case and stop the movement to find a difference. This was decades ago.

[@call1a1rich]

„the only thing worse than a fake rolex…is a real one.“ I love jerry clarkson for this 😏👍

[@geoffwatches]

Jeremy clarkson*

[@davidsubotin7122]

@@geoffwatches *Jennifer

[@BabyJesus66]

@@davidsubotin7122 *Kelly

[@o0usf0o]

*Clark Jeremyson

[@sotecluxan4221]

Zo luvely!

[@tylerevans369]

I'm gonna go ahead and say the rehaut on the inner ring is a really good tell for some fakes. On genuine pieces it is crisp and clean and the fake ones clearly don't use as strong or precise of a laser.

[@mikeysrants4527]

I’d love to see another one of those “guess the fake” videos

[@kealanmcateer124]

The reason I would never get a rolex is the first question people ask," is it real" thats the reason not to get one

[@TripleDDDD]

Sad but true

[@iwnl_vale]

Never seen it happen

[@pussylord69]

Never happened to me in 3 years. If you drive a Corolla maybe but if you got the lifestyle there's no doubt for people 🤷‍♂️

[@kevinparker461]

They wouldn't have to ask if they knew & most don't, i usually say no, saves me getting mugged!

[@TECHFIGHTER]

I used to say this......until I decided I wanted to buy one for me and nobody else. Now I don't care what anyone else thinks about it.

[@yep279]

Spelling is always a good sign, nobody wants a superlaxative chronomeater on thier wrist!

[@kevinparker461]

Or even their wrist!!

[@Gigantasy]

11:45 Except Rolex doesn't use SuperLuminova anymore, They use a branded compound called CromaLight which is blue rather than the luminova green.

[@xTwistedFleshX]

These bozos just make money off talking about watches they aren’t actual experts.

[@markclayden7654]

So do some of the fakers...

[@ThelittledirtyMcNasty1683]

The fakes have had the blue lume for the last 8-10 years

[@dimman77]

Super Luminova has a wide range of colours, including blue. Rolex just adds a stupid name to everything they use whether it's original to them or used by anyone else in the industry.

[@bazoggy]

The other way to tell a Rolex is real is by buying one from an AD, oh no you can’t do that !

[@JChang13]

Some other identifying tips Rehaut alignment Black hole effect on the date window Sharpness/dullness on fluted bezels Bezel coloring on GMTs Dial color on 126610LV General alignment on indices

[@msharkman]

At 1:54 the Daytona has a flaw on the second hand and at 2:02 there are two other flaws visible .

[@samsantana]

By the time it's 'your' Rolex, it's too late. The safest way, I have found, is to ask the seller to meet at your local Rolex AD, offer to pay for their travel (parking etc) and if there's any hesitation walk away from the deal.

[@jsytac]

Bought a brand new Rolex and the bezel didn’t align at 12 o’clock. They’re not always all that perfect.

[@kevinparker461]

I have seen that with the Rolex crown on the rehaut at the 12 o'clock, it was slightly out. I have seen perfect fakes!

[@wildernessofzinn17]

If you want to check the lume, take a small UV light with you. That's what I use to make the lume glow in a hurry. A few seconds under a UV light and it's bright as can be.

[@teruphoto]

How about the tiny etched crown on the crystal, and the serial number printed inside the edge of the dial. These can also be faked, but are still details to look for.

[@papricep6248]

If grey stuff rubs off on your hand when you rub your Rolex is that a bad sign?

[@PocketUau]

I’ve never seen a Rolex or Tudor without at least one minor defect, whether it was dust on the dial, scratching on the rehaut or other nearly invisible cosmetic issues of the sort.

[@VicharB]

I thought you shall compare the 2 and point out the differences, that would have been great. BTW, even Rolex services find it hard to state whether the one if fake or real, so they have gone that good.

[@kevinparker461]

Not yet, i don't know where you heard that from?. I had a mate who knew his Sub was a generic case from Star time but the 3135 calibre was real. The case wase made as near perfect as could be with the lugs being altered by an expert. All the numbers were engraved correct & it was a peach, real dial , hands, date wheel, crown & bracelet. A good Rolex trained watchsmith serviced it & when he went to pick it up told him the case was not Rolex!!

[@RandomGuyRandomNumber]

​@@kevinparker461 Wow, an actual sighting of the apocryphal "I had a mate who did something extremely unlikely, yet also at the same time, supposedly totally believable, that proves my point despite being completely un-verifiable" quote. Was your mate also in the pub, or do they go to a different school, or did they move to Canada at the end of a magical summer ? And do you often call people your "Bro", as in "Source: Trust me, Bro" ?😄

[@SonOvaSon]

@@RandomGuyRandomNumber It’s true I’m the watch he’s talking about

[@RandomGuyRandomNumber]

@@SonOvaSon OoooooooKaaaaaaay… A generic look-alike case with lugs worked on by an “expert”, but everything else including steel bracelet was genuine… Why ? And just who is an expert at altering cases to resemble genuine Rolex cases ? "Experts" are not cheap - why not a genuine replacement case from an AD ? But regardless of why: as was pointed out - it was "A good Rolex-trained watchsmith" that identified your fake case. Which is totally consistent with the OP's assertion that "even Rolex services find it hard to state whether... one i[s] fake or real" - a less experienced or talented service technician (i.e. not a watchmaker) might have missed it. And it was a hacked-about, readily available generic case, so how difficult was it really to spot in the first place ?

[@Poita316]

Love the explanation, but they feel like tips and points an expert would be able to spot. I don't think I'd be able to sport fake from real based on these tips. And like others here say, that "is it real?" question would tick me off despite me hoping to own a Daytona ar some point in my life.

[@loganoftherockies9453]

Easiest way to tell in my book is by the seller. Any GM dealer worth their salt will have a profile on C24, will be known on forums, locally in the watch scene, etc. Not so with people selling fakes, or you can tell by a mile away. Beyond that, I'd take off the case back and look at the movement under a loupe. But my real answer would be buy Grand Seiko, bc no fake could ever even remotely approach their dials or zaratsu polishing, lol. That begs the bigger question---if a watch can be convincingly faked in a low cost factory, is it really that good?

[@randylaw3368]

I use the camera, without the flash, on my newer iPhone in place of a loupe. Enlarging the photo with my fingers gives me amazing detail that easily shows “bleeding” and other sloppiness on the watch face.

[@MerlinsTeaboy]

Trouble is that a used Rolex will show many signs of wear, tear and time making it differ from new images. They can also be underwhelming.

[@donaldduck7628]

The name of the person selling the watch is Guido.

[@cristobalosuna3106]

How about the weight? I'm sure every reference has a registered weight, it should be easy to distinguish with a precision scale.

[@samsantana]

nope, top grade fakes weight the same, literally.

[@ryantan5963]

Thank you very much for pointing out these details that the factories have been missing out. I have forwarded this video to the product manager for their reference and they promised to strive hard to improve the build and quality of the watches to be up to standard. 😉😎👍

[@eazy_cookup6506]

Lmao😂

[@moregoldjewellers]

Y’all getting smart😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@motorcarclassics2922]

My advice is bring a loupe magnifier with you when making the purchase (if in person), its very easy to notice the imperfections, especially on the dial hands when you have a loupe at your disposal.

[@MrEpiadmin]

The real Rolexes are perfect? I have seen many real ones that have more flaws than the fake ones.

[@nickhannam103]

You forgot to mention. The movement sound. The ting ting ting that gets louder then quieter. Very soporiphic.

[@noobsniper12k71]

I have Golden rolex watch model72200cl5 genuva Please tell me price this watch

[@latheful]

The first tip is already nonsense. Go look around on Rolex forums (or even the big replica forums) and you'll find example after example of genuine Rolexes with shocking manufacturing variance. People often talk about SELs (solid end links) being a tell on some replica Rolex models but then you see the exact same issues in genuine watches as well. There is absolutely no way for an amateur buyer to compare a top tier replica and a genuine Rolex and accurately determine between them, even if they have a loupe. There are plenty of blind side-by-sides under macros floating around the forums where pretty knowledgeable users will be split down the middle on which is actually the genuine. The issue is that, although this might be hard to believe, the replicas often look "better" in certain aspects". They might not look like the Rolex on a given detail but to somebody who doesn't know explicitly what that detail is supposed to like it's almost certain they'd guess that the replica is the genuine.

[@mikegeary2112]

Since when do Rolex sports models have AR coating?

[@JamesAlexander14]

A good indicator is the price being asked. It’s a little like a good wine, the only way to really tell if it is exceptional is by the price.

[@sunreallife5048]

I stopped two minutes into the video. “First have a real Rolex in your hand. Hopefully that’s a real Rolex.” 😂😂😂 Yeah, I’ll go out and get a Rolex Daytona Panda tomorrow 🤣🤣

[@fredlarke3806]

Lum? Really? Rolex lum is considered poor - just check out comments on Rolex Forum regarding Explorer 2

[@pizza.doctor]

I agree

[@shahbazshaikh5047]

My friend, what about the etched crown within the sapphire at 6 o'clock which is visible at 16x zoom???

[@hirobosch38]

Don't look after any overhyped watch (like these Rolexes) and it's more likely do get the real deal.

[@astorbeijer9424]

The best way to avoid buying a fake Rolex is to simply not buy a Rolex. Buy an H. Moser or Glaschutte or 20 other brands that make better quality watches who the counterfeiters have no knowledge of nor interest in.

[@HK-NYC]

What about the laser crown at 6?

[@LuisGonzalez-uh8ki]

where i can buy it?

[@cookingwithwatches]

Since you are showing stela dials. The one thing I would look for is for hour markers, especially on 36mm watches. Those hour markers would take a lot of skill to replicate

[@stephens2r338]

One easy way to spot most fakes is to adjust the hands by twisting the crown clockwise. If the time moves forward its likely to be real or a super fake. Most movements turn anti clockwise. The other way to check is to take off the back and look at the balance spring. If its pinched then its a fake. Real ones are adjusted by small weights on the wheel.

[@edn.3442]

A bit disappointed with this video. As you stated initially, the best way to learn the differences between fake and real is by comparing them. Why not have a fake one to show us like you did some time ago with the Nautilus? Also, doesnt Rolex have a crown laser engraved in the glass?

[@CrazyOregonBeaver]

And the Crown is made up of tiny dots. Some of the fakes have the Crown also but It is a continuous line.

[@davidpinnington213]

If you dig back a couple of years on channel it’s already done

[@pedramtajeddini5100]

@@CrazyOregonBeaver also some fakes have laser engraved crown with dots lol

[@TrojanThugMusic]

So the one that I got off Temu could be fake?

[@johnmonachelli5256]

I can always tell by a few turns of the crown

[@charlesflint9048]

Listening to the watch is informative, Rolex watches have a distinctive sound.

[@MrHighbury]

My explorer is barely 2 months old and has a squeaky bracelet and also the lume ain't that great 😟 Bought from an AD

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Rolex doesn't put anti reflective coating on the crystal so the owners can see there selves in the glass.

[@streather]

Ok so step 1, own several rolexes.... well,,, dammit...

[@formolzinho]

Just to be safe is better to just buy a fake, zero chance of being scammed.

[@spittinvenom9843]

I bought a fake, turned out it was real. Can’t trust anyone anymore

[@mariceldb2990]

My husband’s real Rolex was snatched…on Father’s Day, I’ll give him a fake one, or an Apple Watch that detects the heart along with his whole health.

[@alphaenterprise2232]

when your counterfeit watch has better finishing and quality than the genuine one, it speaks for itself

[@mraugenringe6997]

I'd say the laser edged crown

[@Robert32064]

What you address at 10:50 is the subject of the book "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell. Cool read.

[@StrumstickJoe]

This video perfectly illustrates how that ugly gel blob obscures the date window that it is supposed to be clarifying.

[@mtbkmaniac1]

Why does Rolex leave the hands center pinion hole open and do so much on the rest of the dial? Some models it is covered, some models not. If they are So focused on detail, why do they leave this? Grand Seiko didn't. I don't own either. But I do notice this detail.

[@impexRQ]

One of the reasons I got the Rolex Sea dweller 116600 (SD4K) as you might always never find a fake as it was only produced for 2 and a half years …

[@xTwistedFleshX]

The 116600 sea dweller is one of the best replicas that are made actually lmao.

[@markclayden7654]

Been faked by numerous factories lol

[@lamb-chops]

Loads of really great quality superclone fakes of the SD4K, some of the best replicas available of that model.

[@impexRQ]

@@lamb-chops no true …

[@JChang13]

@@impexRQ actually very true

[@gregglewis5405]

Clean factory..... unbelievable watches...I've only seen them in video...

[@appleratpipe]

VSF > clean any day

[@markclayden7654]

Clean or Noob, both are good. VSF? not quite as accurate.

[@johnfranklin6394]

Rolex does not use Superluminova as far as I know. That's a brand name. Rolex claim to use their own lume, called Chromalight.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

I’ve bought four Paganis and saved myself boatloads of cash. Tom, I don’t have hair. So I’m not too fussed if it’s real or not. And the saved cash went into boats….. (well just one big one)

[@MrDead1975]

until you factor in resale values lol

[@Jazda1Jazda]

@@MrDead1975 Why would you care about a resale value of 100$ watch?

[@PhilbyFavourites]

@@Jazda1Jazda made me smile. Resale value…. I tried to sell a Seiko FRANKENMONSTER on eBay last year. I had so much crap from buyers (loving called flippers) who wanted it at all costs. But then they faded rapidly. I got messed about so much I withdrew it. Can you imagine the stress and grief trying to flog a Rolex. Not for me thanks, life’s too short

[@FKnoph]

I believe the only sure way to tell is the micro-stella screws on the balance wheel. The fakes still can't/don't make them.

[@Chris-mh3vf]

Another tell is if the paint on the gmt hand looks like it’s been painted on by a blind drunk and splashed all over the triangle at the end of the hand it’s probally real.

[@kevinparker461]

Yes, but you will need a loupe to see that. To the naked eye it will look perfect. Best investment anyone can make is to buy a Rolex & look after it. And 30 years later it may be worth twice as much as your house if you brought right ...Fact!

[@RandomGuyRandomNumber]

@@kevinparker461 Rolex Daytona in SS RRP in 1992 was $ 3,750. Rolex Daytona in SS (un-worn) grey market price in 2022 is $ 32,600. Average USA house price in 2022 is $ 348,000. $3,750 invested in 1992 in the S&P 500 would be worth $61,500 in 2022. Please stop talking nonsense.

[@Chris-mh3vf]

@@kevinparker461 don’t disagree with any of that but as an owner of 10 rolex plus jlc omega ect ect including two gmt,s the paint on the gmt hands is not up to their supposed standard you can even see it on the gmt in the video I know they still don’t make their hands but quality control should be better than that FACT!

[@peterbradshaw8018]

Rolex should keep a register of ownership.

[@michaelfierman3256]

I'm looking forward to the super clones costing more than Rolex RRP!

[@vicioussky1256]

Why would they ever become so expensive?

[@MrDead1975]

@@vicioussky1256 because your can actually buy them

[@kevinparker461]

@@vicioussky1256 They never will, the only reason the fakes sell is because they are much cheaper.

[@vicioussky1256]

@@kevinparker461 yes they never will. The point of getting a superclone is that you get 95% of a watch for 5% of the price. Even if reps/fakes (whatever you call them) get closer to gen and thyey still remain priced accordingly (let's say $1000 for a very good, 99% superclone replica of the future) they would still be a better deal than gen Rolex (retail or grey).

[@vicioussky1256]

@@MrDead1975 yeah, but they can't provide any kind of warranty for the product - for obvious reasons. That is the main issue. Cosmetically, top fakes are VERY close to gen watches. Movements are the problem - QC and quality in general. But they invest big money in their movements as well (I heard one factory invested $500k in making a clone4130 movement, which came out very good actually) but they will never reach gen prices. On the other hand, if gen watches were priced reasonably and accordingly to their real cost production (let's say steel Sub costing $1500), there would be no place for fakes.

[@beeapple4824]

Rolex real or fake is a cat-and-mouse game which never ends. With copying technology advancing together with 3D printing rapidly increasing, comparing dial lettering and lume color together with exterior casing and inside movement finish aren't just enough. One and only way to avoid is to purchase new at your trusted Rolex Official Retailer or Authorized Dealer. That's what I do.

[@cdipsingh]

The 80:20 rule on the 80:20 rule.....epic explanation 👌

[@charlesharper7292]

Fun video, thanks!

[@9118693223]

the best way to avoid being fucked by purchasing a suspicious rolex, is by not purchasing it at all ...

[@anonymoususer1231]

If the only way to tell a fake is side by side then who really knows if yours is fake or not. Lol I’m sure so many people who drive nice cars have a nice house wear fake shit mixed with real shit know one would know.

[@ruadhagainagaidheal9398]

As far a retaining value goes, a $600 clone retains is value quite well. It can be sold on replica forums for the same money as long as it was made by a well regarded factory. At $600 or £500 , there is no risk of losing thousands as is possible with a genuine Rolex.

[@octocube3607]

I just got a Rolex from my dead grandfather and I need to know if it is real or not, I’m not keeping this ugly watch I need to sell it

[@007-i6z8v]

As far as I can remember, one surefire for me was always the weight, the original just feels more heavy and solid.

[@subsilkdj]

Most half decent fakes are very similar in weight now, this only works for the really bad ones!

[@markclayden7654]

The weight of a superclone is identical.

[@rashakor]

If you are watch lover, the only way to feel comfortable buying a Rolex and wearing it is to knowingly buy a really good clone. For $600 you get a virtually undistinguishable piece from the real deal. You can wear it and enjoy it without worrying about having been hoodwinked. Lol.

[@jamied931]

This makes ansolutely no sense

[@kevinparker461]

Most people wont know if it was real, i have a friend, a watchmaker who can smell a fake at 10 yards!!!

[@jamied931]

@@kevinparker461 plus the person wearing it knows its real and when asked “Is that a Rolex?” will eitger admit its fake or lie through their teeth

[@jonnyrotten8095]

And you get robbed and injured for a fake one.

[@BadGuyDennis]

Most information provided in this video, in front of what people called a “super clone”, were outdated. Recently I watched another video, a watch enthusiast with his watch making magnifying glass, examine the external only, could barely distinguished an real one from a fake one side by side. Other people with naked eye only, all wrongly recognized the fake one as the genuine one. That indicated the external built quality of the most updated super clones were superior than the real deal. Without sending the watch back to Rolex, opening and seeing the movement with magnifier is by far still the most reliable way to tell the authenticity by ordinary people.

[@outlawebikebuildshow492]

The fact that people think that perfect replicas have not been produced and are in Circulation is just silly.

[@scottydogg78]

Use a loupe and look at the date window (if has one obviously 🤣) the white background that the date numbers are printed on Is grainy on a real Rolex smooth on the fake.

[@GMC2001]

I want to see some really good fakes... Please

[@corinnaness5808]

I just sold my rolex for 300 pound what's your thought

[@Marco-vy9hc]

Buy a Rolex CPO watch to make sure it is not fake

[@ddeboy002]

you literally can't tell anymore unless you take it apart, which voids your warranty. One reason i'll never ever buy a rolex.

[@JohnThomas-bi2dx]

I presume the authorised Rolex showroom is safe from fakes ..

[@alejandroj.ramirez8208]

Watchfinder has been eerily quite about Rolex Certified Pre-owned program even though it would normally affect them significantly also it is very big news and finally everything Rolex will generate more traffic as previously explained, now this video comes out, my hot take: Watchfinder wants to be part of the CPO program, just like Bucherer.

[@keysersoze503]

By the price...

[@vaughanatkinson8421]

The fake manufacturers have also realised that actually they are making really good watches that if they branded them they could sell them for more!!

[@jasonkrick1614]

100% guaranteed real from an AD. 99.99% sure from an incredible respected reseller.

[@TripleDDDD]

When there is reason to ask: fake or not? It‘s probably fake.

[@kevinparker461]

Most people who have to ask wouldn't know ... or they wouldn't be asking, simple as that!

[@seaweed719]

I wouldn’t say Rolex’s finishing is impeccable… In fact it’s visibly subpar compared to many second or third tier brands.

[@kevinparker461]

No way!, i wouldn't call Rolex my favourite but there is no doubt their finish is outstanding, or it wouldn't be allowed to leave the factory.

[@markclayden7654]

@@kevinparker461 Um no. Its piss poor even compared to Omega or Breitling.

[@LoraMutiSiddiq]

igrotum is the only replica manufacturer that has stock in the US and EU

[@alexmood6407]

The odd thing is, with naked eye I think the fake one looks better 😮

[@garyguest.1885]

Do you think Rolex will ever make a GPS Master to catch the watch thieves..?

[@derKunstler]

So you say, if it doesnt look and feel right, it is not right? Got it. :)

[@pitbull2005]

Why need a watch when you can tell the time on your mobile!