How to Buy Genuine Rolex Watches

Without knowing what tell-tale signs to look for, the average Rolex consumer may easily fall victim to scammers. And while connoisseurs will certainly discern between a $5,000 Rolex and a $50 replica, the existence of large number of counterfeits inevitably affects demand at some level

The best and most accurate way to tell a Rolex from a replica is by checking its Serial#, Model#, Case back ID, and Movement Signature (the 4 primary verification methods used by professionals) by looking between its bottom lugs (part where the band connects to case), top lugs, and by opening the case back respectively.

Clear Casebacks – If you encounter one of these, don’t bother strapping them on. Often times, a replica will have a clear caseback allowing you to see the inside of the watch. Rolex does not make watches with clear casebacks!

Engraved Casebacks – Again, with the exception of a rare Ladies model (circa 1990’s) and the “Sea-Dweller” model, Rolex does not engrave any logos or slogans on their casebacks. Moreover, they are free of any engravings.

Hologram Stickers – A newly purchased Rolex watch will come with a 3-D hologram-encoded sticker on the caseback. The Rolex “crown” trademark is featured just above the case reference number and can be easily identified when viewed. Often times, a fake hologram sticker won’t even have the 3-D effect when viewed. It is simply a hard, concrete pattern that won’t change in appearance one bit. If this is evident, it is surely a counterfeit Rolex.

Date Magnification – All genuine Rolex watches excluding the “Sea-Dweller” features the cyclops that magnifies the date by 2.5x. As you can see in the picture above, the cyclops on the counterfeit is significantly smaller and a bit misaligned. These are common flaws made by counterfeits and you will see many of them today with a larger font date to fool the average consumer.

Triplock Crown Seal – This pertains to the owners or future owners of the Sea-Dweller, Submariner, and the Daytona. These three models feature the “Triplock crown”. The image above shows that the genuine Rolex utilizes the extra seal by the rubber o-ring on the winding tube whereas the counterfeit comes with no seal at all. It is also worth mentioning this to be a case by case situation when purchasing a Pre-owned Rolex wristwatch, in which many original Rolex parts or accessories can be replaced by aftermarket parts and accessories.

Micro-etched Crystal – In 2002, Rolex began micro-etching the Rolex “coronet” or “crown” right below the 6 o’clock marker. Though it is better distinguishable using a jeweler’s loupe, you can see by the illustration that the genuine “crown” is much more distinguishable and robust as opposed to the counterfeit. Moreover, the counterfeit is poorly designed and is a clear indication of a fake.

By: Daniel Rutberg

Things to Consider When Buying a Watch

Watches not only serve as time keepers, but also as fine pieces of jewellery. In fact for many men, watches are the most visible and expensive pieces of jewellery that they own. Purchasing a watch, like any expensive item, demands that the buyer consider many factors before spending a lot of money.

The first consideration a watch shopper must make is to determine his budget. The price of watches varies tremendously, ranging from a few dollars for a digital watch that can be found in a local thrift shop, to tens of thousands of dollars for a diamond encrusted luxury watch. The buyer’s budget will for the most part determine the materials and quality of the watch. Inexpensive watches may be fabricated from plastic while more expensive watches are crafted from precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum . The budget will also determine the material of the crystal that cover the face of the watch. Crystals can be made of plastic polymers, glass, or synthetic sapphire. Synthetic sapphire crystals cost the most money, but are the most scratch resistant.

Next, once a budget has been determined, buyers need to consider whether they want a digital or an analogue watch. Digital watches display the time by illuminating liquid crystals. Analog watches, in contrast, have the typical hand motion with numbers on the face of the watch that most people are familiar with. The needs of the purchaser plays an important role in making this choice. For some people, being able to tell the time as quickly as possible with a short glance is a top priority. They may also be in need of a watch that can double as a stop watch or has an alarm. These consumers may find that utilitarian digital watches are best suited for their needs. For others, to whom the watch serves more as jewelry, an analog watch may be more to their liking. Newer, more avant-garde watches provide the best of both worlds, combining the benefits of a digital watch with the looks of a more classic analog watch.

One final thought that a person wishing to purchase a new watch should think about is whether they want an automatic watch or a quartz watch. Automatic watches are powered by an intricate system of gears and springs, while quartz watches are powered by quartz batteries. Quartz watches have the advantage of being significantly cheaper than mechanical watches although they require battery changes after several years of wear. They also keep better time. Automatic watches, on the other hand, are fine artisan products, meticulously crafted. They need to be adjusted from time to time and require servicing every few years to make sure the inner workings of the watch remain in good condition. Most luxury brand watches like Rolex and Breitling are automatic watches.

Buying a watch can be a huge investment. Doing a little research and making a list of important features that one wants can go a long way towards making the right purchase.

By: Peter Farrar