Tips on Spotting Fake Rolexes

HEARTLESS-531 · Jul 29, 2010

SFers,
The Forum had some good threads on fake Rolexes (and other upscale watches) back in 2004. Has anything changed? Do people still buy Rolexes off of Ebay? Is this recommended? I had picked out two nice datejusts from Beckertime.com and did some research. Allegedly, they were selling fakes (according to iripoff.com). Anyone know some really reputable Rolex dealers? My gut feeling is that a lot of these sellers are cannibalizing parts and putting watches together like you would a car. Thoughts? Guidance? Thank you in advance , esteemed watch connosieurs.

MrNiebla · Jul 29, 2010

If you're not buying from an authorized dealer, you can assume you're buying a fake. You can try the sales forums at watchuseek.com - there are some trustworthy private sellers there. Buy the seller, not the watch. Stay the hell away from eBay!

Ianiceman · Jul 29, 2010

Look at www.usaveontime.com they SEEM to be selling genuine new and used Rolexes. There must be some genuine ones out there that were lost in a crap game, sold from an estate sale or whatever that find their way onto the market.

dv_indian · Jul 29, 2010

Originally Posted by MrNiebla

If you're not buying from an authorized dealer, you can assume you're buying a fake. You can try the sales forums at watchuseek.com - there are some trustworthy private sellers there. Buy the seller, not the watch. Stay the hell away from eBay!

+1

westinghouse · Jul 29, 2010

I've purchased over a dozen Rolexes over the years from at least half a dozen unauthorized dealers and never got a fake.

Caveat emptor

HEARTLESS-531 · Jul 30, 2010

Originally Posted by westinghouse

I've purchased over a dozen Rolexes over the years from at least half a dozen unauthorized dealers and never got a fake.

Caveat emptor

Westinghouse - was there anything special that you did? Did you take them to another jeweler for inspection before buying? That is an awesome track record

HEARTLESS-531 · Jul 30, 2010

Thank you!!

justaguy88 · Jul 30, 2010

the people on timezone.com are a pretty trustworthy group of sellers. might want to check there.

aleksandr · Jul 30, 2010

Originally Posted by justaguy88

the people on timezone.com are a pretty trustworthy group of sellers. might want to check there.

Was about to recommend timezone as well. They also have some form of feedback system so you can tell who is legit or not.

MyOtherLife · Jul 30, 2010

One obvious tip would be to research and know every minute detail of the model you want to buy.
I also agree with afore-mentioned advice.

sellahi22 · Jul 30, 2010

Originally Posted by MrNiebla

If you're not buying from an authorized dealer, you can assume you're buying a fake. You can try the sales forums at watchuseek.com - there are some trustworthy private sellers there. Buy the seller, not the watch. Stay the hell away from eBay!

this is probably true for rolex, since there are so many fakes and few grey market dealers carry them. other brands (iwc, jlc, etc) are commonly found at great discounts on the grey market.

Icehawk · Jul 31, 2010

I'd suggest the Rolex forum:

http://www.newturfers.com/

If you want to buy used Rolexes I highly suggest purchasing a book like Rolex Wristwatches by Dowling & Hess that will have plenty of reference photos and details. Things to look for are the band and how it mates to the casing, valid construction (ie, the offered the model) and the crown. Purchasing from a local jeweler is also a good bet and will yield a reasonable price if not the lowest.

Reevolving · Jul 31, 2010

Setting aside the fact that you're a fool for paying $5000 for a real Rolex... (or just wealthy and bored) My friend bought a few high quality replicas ($300+) He took them to Tourneau and they were not able to tell the difference. Even after opening them up, it was not entirely obvious. Without opening them up, the salesman said it was impossible to tell. This is how good the highest quality fakes are. And if they're $300, you should ask yourself why you're paying $5000 for something virtually indistinguishable. The money might is better spend on quality shoes, tailoring your clothing, and unique/stylish accessories. (or a therapist)

Prada_Ferragamo · Jul 31, 2010

^^^

rossobianchi · Jul 31, 2010

Originally Posted by Reevolving

Setting aside the fact that you're a fool for paying $5000 for a real Rolex... (or just wealthy and bored)

My friend bought a few high quality replicas ($300+)
He took them to Tourneau and they were not able to tell the difference.
Even after opening them up, it was not entirely obvious.
Without opening them up, the salesman said it was impossible to tell.
This is how good the highest quality fakes are.

And if they're $300, you should ask yourself why you're paying $5000 for something virtually indistinguishable.
The money might is better spend on quality shoes, tailoring your clothing, and unique/stylish accessories. (or a therapist)

Spot on with regard to the fakes. Some of them are near impossible to tell now as the technology has got better, its only if you open them up that you can really find out for definite.

Tips on Spotting Fake Rolexes

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