With Rolex popularity at an all-time high, counterfeits have unfortunately gotten better too. The good news? You don’t need to be a watchmaker to catch the big red flags.
Here’s a simple, beginner-friendly guide to spotting a real Rolex—perfect for anyone interested in buying pre-owned.
1. Weight matters
A real Rolex feels substantial. Cheap counterfeits are often light because they're made from low-grade steel.
Pick it up. If it feels flimsy? Walk away.
2. The seconds hand should glide
Rolex uses high-quality mechanical movements. That means the seconds hand has a smooth sweeping motion—not the ticking motion you see on a $20 quartz watch.
It’s not perfectly smooth, but it’s smooth enough that you’ll notice the difference instantly.
3. Cyclops lens magnification
For most Rolex models with a date window, the Cyclops lens should magnify the date by 2.5×.
On fakes, it’s usually 1.3× or barely magnified.
Once you see a real one, you’ll never forget how bold the date should look.
4. Engravings are razor-sharp
Rolex engravings are clean, deep, and perfectly aligned. Counterfeits often look messy or shallow.
A loupe helps, but even the naked eye can catch sloppy work.
5. Serial & model numbers
Modern Rolex watches have laser-etched rehaut engravings.
Authenticating these requires expertise—but you can still check for:
Consistent spacing
Sharp edges
No crooked alignment
If it looks like it was done by someone who was late to lunch, that’s a bad sign.
6. The movement test
You—yes, you—probably shouldn’t open a Rolex caseback.
But our watchmakers do. That’s why choosing a reputable platform like Shotengai matters: every watch is authenticated internally by Rolex-trained and CSGD-certified experts.
7. Ask for documentation
While papers aren’t mandatory, a trustworthy seller will always provide:
A condition report
Authentication details
Warranty information
Transparent photos
Transparency is everything in the pre-owned world.