Characteristics of genuine Rolex watches versus replica Rolexes


Rolex watches are considered to be one of the most copied brands of all watches in the world. Genuine Rolex watches start at a price somewhere around $5,000 and go upto $30,000 for its premier models, which could only be afforded by the rich. The watch is considered to be a status symbol for the person wearing one, as much as owning a Rolls Royce car. Rolex is unique in its design and craftsmanship, and has an outstanding quality. This brand of watches are amongst the most which have been faked, and replica Rolex watches are sold in thousands to those who gets the satisfaction in wearing a copy of the most expensive watch in the world.

Replica Rolex watches are made with care, where every effort is made to adhere to the shape and looks of Rolex watches. However, there are certain details that Rolex puts in its watches, and these will not be found in the replicas. For example, Rolex watches have smooth case-backs, free from any type of engravings. At the most you may find a hologram sticker on the case-back if you happen to purchase a new Rolex model. Replicas have different kinds of engravings on the case-backs, which may be logos, and other designs. This is one way you can distinguish a genuine Rolex from its replica.

Rolex replicas are made with intent to copy the original look as far as possible. But there are certain variations. Take for example the Rolex watches with a date window, except the "Sea Dweller". You will find that the crystal on top of the date window has a glass bubble which magnifies the date figure. This magnification is 2.5 times of the actual size of the figure. More-over, you will find that this glass bubble, or what is commonly known as a "cyclop", is aligned immaculately right on top of the date window. As for replicas, the best magnification that you would get is 1.5 times, and the assembly is not as perfectly aligned over the date window.

Going a bit deeper to find Rolex unique characteristics, Rolex models Submariner, Sea-Dweller ,and Daytona feature Triplock crown, which is an extra seal found within the winding crown tube. When you unscrew the winding crown fully, you will find that the Triplock crown assembly resembles an O-ring. This is not found in replica Rolex watches. In replicas all that you will find is a rubber seal which does not have any function, and on closer look you will observe that it is there just for a cosmetic look. You will also find that the genuine Rolex models mentioned above have a trademark in form of a crown which is engraved on the end on the winding crowns. There is none such in replicas.

The other difference is the second hand of a genuine Rolex watch. The second hand in Rolex sweeps the dial with a continuous movement. In replicas you will find that the second hand stops and then moves every second. These replicas use quartz movement. Rolex did use this kind of movement in their earlier models. For example the watches that came out in the 1980's were of quartz monument, but the idea was soon dropped, and there-after all Rolex watches had continuous movement of the second hand. There is an exception to this. Geneve Cellini, which is considered to be among the classic Rolex watches, uses quartz movement for the ladies version, while the men’s version uses hand winding.