Spotting the differences between an Original and a Fake Rolex Submariner

I watched a fantastic video on how to spot a fake Rolex Submariner I wanted to share with you some notes and further research in order to get the word out. Here are some of my key takeaways. 

Crystal Height

The crystal is the first thing you want to look out for. If you look at the side profile of the watch the crystal is nearly flush with the bezel on the authentic and on the replica it's about double the amount of height. Which is very minimal on the authentic. 

There is also a laser engraved crown on the 6 'o' clock on the authentic. Tricky to see with the naked eye. Although top fakes will have the same capabilities to make a laser indented crown. 

With a Bezel ASMR the authentic will always have a lower pitch when turned. A replica is like a high squeal and unnatural sound. It’s a subtle difference. 

Typeface of date just

On the date just check the font. Most fakes will have a 3 that will have a peak. That is a classic character trait that the Rolex is fake. 

The overall casing let’s talk about that. The submariner is very different to the Daytona and the Datejust as it requires lapping polishing. The 9 o clock side has sharp edges where the polish looks natural. On the replica they are very similar. You can't tell really. 

Hook and Clasp 

The hook and the clasp there should be a flawless spot welding surface so the distance between each point is perfect. And there is no discolouring. Overall it’s very difficult to distinguish to the naked eye. 

Balance and Hairspring

Inside the movement here is the only way to tell. The replica is using brass, and rhodium plating the brass. It’s the same surface finish in the same areas. 98% of the components will work if you took it out of the original and placed them into the replica. They will most likely fit because they are reverse engineering them. 

But the balance and hairspring, the original has bright blue rings and the replica has a very dull blue. They haven't got the blue right. You will notice a distinct blue on the original. 

Is it illegal to buy a Fake Rolex? 

The legality of purchasing a fake Rolex can vary depending on where you are located. In many countries, selling counterfeit goods, including fake Rolex watches, is illegal and can result in legal consequences. Purchasing counterfeit items may not always be explicitly illegal, but it's generally considered unethical and supports illegal activities. 

How badly are counterfeit watches damaging the watch industry?

Counterfeit watches can have several impacts on the watch industry:

1. Economic Loss: The watch industry suffers significant economic losses due to counterfeit watches. These fake products undermine sales of genuine watches, leading to financial losses for legitimate watch manufacturers and retailers.

2. Brand Reputation: Counterfeit watches can tarnish the reputation of luxury watch brands. Lower quality fakes can cause customers to associate the brand with poor craftsmanship, affecting the perception of the genuine products.

3. Legal Costs: Companies spend considerable resources on anti-counterfeiting measures, including legal action against counterfeiters. This incurs additional costs for the industry.

4. Consumer Confidence: Counterfeit watches can erode consumer trust and confidence in the market. Buyers might become hesitant or sceptical about purchasing genuine watches due to the prevalence of fakes.

Overall, the proliferation of counterfeit watches has a negative impact on the watch industry, affecting revenue, brand image, and consumer trust. Manufacturers and authorities continue to work on various measures to combat the production and sale of counterfeit watches.