Detecting a fake Rolex: Original vs. fake Submariner
A fake rolex is still very tempting for many people given the poor availability (keyword: Rolex waiting list) and correspondingly incredibly high online prices (usually well above the list price; see Rolex price list and market prices here). I have been dealing with fake watches from Rolex & Co. for a long time and would therefore like to share my personal experiences with you in this article and specifically describe the original Rolex Submariner No-Date 114060 (effective market price > €10,000) as very well made directly compare the valid (“Super Rep / Clone”) Rolex Submariner replica watch from the Chinese counterfeiting workshop Noob (price: €350 including shipping) so that you don’t get a nasty surprise when buying a used one…
Recognize fake Rolex – no more bullshit bingo!
Unfortunately, you can hardly find any useful tips on how to recognize a replica watch on the internet – many of these so-called “guides” can safely be thrown into the trash. Because general information on distinguishing features such as…
Let’s take a closer look at the individual components of the Rolex Submariner…
Case, crown and back of the fake Rolex
The replica’s casing is impeccably crafted and very close to the original: polished and brushed areas are pretty well implemented. In detail, the brushed surfaces of the original appear somewhat finer and more even, but this can only be seen when you look very closely and in direct comparison with the original. Here you can see it quite clearly in the picture using the clasp (especially the left area):
Small notice: The horns and the steel band on the replica are almost flush, while on the original there is a small “offset” (you notice this especially when you run your finger over it).
It is similar with the transition from the screwed base to the housing, which is virtually seamless on the original, while the base on the replica protrudes slightly:
The crown can hardly be distinguished from the original without magnification. Only with a very close look at the details can you see that the stylized Rolex crown on the original has slightly finer nuances.
Only the mechanics of the crown do not reach the perfection of the original: While the crown on the original can be turned in and out evenly and smoothly, the replica crown can only be inserted into the thread with difficulty and with noticeable friction.
Fake Rolex: dial, hands, lume
The printed lettering, the logo, the indices – here the Rolex Submariner Replica is not naked at first glance – only the “=” is significantly longer on the replica (note: the font on the original has small decorations at the ends, so-called serifs : This is due to the slightly older version of my original, which is why this is not a distinguishing feature).
However, a corresponding close-up reveals major qualitative weaknesses in the logo and the “ROLEX” lettering:
The rehaut engraving (the ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX… “board advertising”) is coarser, thicker and fringier on the replica. With the naked eye (without magnification) and without the possibility of direct comparison, one would probably not be suspicious…
The hands on the replica have a “flat” look, while the hands on the original appear more sculptural – but this can only be seen at certain angles without high magnification.
After evenly irradiating both watches with a daylight lamp, no significant difference in luminosity could be determined. Even though I haven’t tested it, I firmly believe that the original Rolex Submariner shines significantly longer.
