Do yo know how to Spot a Fake Rolex?
As one of the world’s most recognizable and coveted luxury watch brands, it’s no surprise that Rolex is a popular target for counterfeiters. Fake Rolex watches can be found almost anywhere, both online and offline, and there are reportedly more replica Rolex Submarines on the market than real watches. Counterfeiters continue to improve their techniques, making it difficult for even seasoned collectors to spot a fake Rolex.
However, due to the quality of today’s fakes, checking the weight of a Rolex is a bit trickier than simply comparing light vs. important. For example, we compared the weight of the screw-down case back and internal movement cover of this fake Rolex Air-King to that of a genuine watch, and the differences are as follows:
Rolex dials are known for their high level of detail and craftsmanship. If the dial looks fuzzy or misprinted, it’s probably a fake – especially on modern Rolex models. In addition, the hands-on a genuine Rolex watch will be perfectly aligned and move smoothly; if the hands are misaligned or shaky, it’s probably not the real deal.
If we compare the dial of this authentic Rolex Air King with a fake one, they look almost identical at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, we will see that the printing on the imitation is not as clear, especially the words “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified.” In addition, the shapes of the Arabic numerals 3, 6, and 9 are inconsistent, and the spacing of the “Air-King” logo is slightly different. The laser-etched “ROLEX ROLEX” around the detonator is also in a slightly different position. Finally, the green Rolex logo and yellow crown are more pronounced on the dial of the real one and stand out more than the flat style of the fake dial.
Modern Rolex bracelets and clasps are well-designed and popular for their quality and durability, not to mention the fit and feel. Not only do replica Rolex bracelets feel different on the wrist, but many times, they don’t snap open and close as precisely as the real thing.
Unless you put two Air Kings together, one fake and one real, it can be difficult for even experienced buyers to see the difference. Visually, the fake Air-King watch is a close replica. The counterfeiter apparently used the highest quality 3-D printer to create the dial, which is a good replica. In addition, the printing on the steel bracelet clasp is near perfect. The construction of the case and bracelet is very good for a counterfeit Rolex.
