Watch guide: How to spot a fake watch

In the year 2019, we want our readers to be more enlightened when it comes to investing in a new watch.

I am always taken by surprise at how many discussions I have had with friends and colleagues who acquire high-end wrist watches online or from the markets in Dubai

The reality is that fake watches are becoming more and more well made and can easily deceive the people.

This article will highlight how to identify fake watches – in this article, I will focus more on Rolex watches.

Know your brand

Whatever watch you are looking to purchase, do make sure research the brand thoroughly before parting with your hard earned cash – if you are buying  a Rolex, ensure you identify the model and study the features.

Check the Sapphire Crystal

Rolex Crystals for example is an organic material that is hard to scratch – if the glass looks light and plain, then do seek advice from a reputable dealer.  In actual fact, there s micro-etching to create a tiny image of the crown logo on the underside of the crystal above 6 o’clock

Dials and Numbering

All quality and high-end watches are made to perfection – I have seen a number of fake Rolex watches and you notice imperfections all over, for example the funny looking dials; spaces between letters; irregular fonts and smudging – these are all the signs of a fake watch

Bracelet Clasp

The bracelet clasp is one of the most distinguishing features of a Rolex – the clasp must have the Rolex crown logo, and the underside engraved with “Rolex” and other lettering such as “Swiss made”

The movement

High end watches have beautiful movement that are unique and flawless – this is the most difficult and hardest thing to fake – the movements are smooth, silky and continuous – the Rolex for example is powered by the in-house calibre 3135 – made with advanced technology. Replicas are fitted in most cases with mass produced ETA and have quartz like movement

Movement Sound

If you put a Rolex to your ear and hear ‘tick-tock’ then reject it immediately – a Rolex submariner is dead quiet

Date window

The display at 3 o’clock should have bold, easily legible numbers , and should be magnified to 2.5 times by a “Cyclops” lens directly above

Compare the weight

Fake watches use cheaper materials that male them light and flimsy.  Go to a reputable showroom and get used to the weight of the Rolex you intend to buy on your wrist.

Luminous Bezel

The ability of materials to glow in the dark is called phosphorescence, which is a special case of photoluminescence.  Numerals and markings on a Panerai Luminor are applied with an advanced PVD process. The difference with the fakes is that they are painted bezels and can be easily spotted – the paintings sometimes can be untidy and quite bad

Our recommendations

Look closely at the watch for smaller things – such as the crown guards which are usually wrongly positioned.

Check the dials – all texts must be immaculate – no smudging or inaccuracies allowed

The logo should be perfect – bright and sharp with no trace of blotching

Inspect all parts, such as applied symbols on the crown or dial, for signs of glue – a very clear giveaway of a poor fake.

Most importantly always deal with a reputable retailer.

Whatever watch you get – enjoy it