Today, I tried to get a Rolex No-Date Black Submariner, a fake one, of course. I heard that determining whether a watch is real or fake from pictures on a website is nearly impossible, so I decided to go out and look at it in person.
First, I checked some info online. They said, “By carefully examining these key clues, you’ll be well-equipped to spot a fake Rolex Submariner and make an informed purchase.” Well, I guess I need to remember these clues.
I thought about going to an authorized dealer but realized I’d have to wait my turn. I did consider a gray dealer, but the price is always higher. I wanted to save some money, so I skipped that option.
Then I went to some local watch stores that sell all kinds of watches. I saw a two-tone Submariner that weighs about 130g, and the seller said less than 1/5 of it is gold. He explained that only the middle links, the crown, and the bezel are gold, and the main increase in cost is due to the exclusivity of these versions – they are less common than their all-steel counterparts. It sounded reasonable, but that wasn’t what I was looking for.
Looking for the Fake
I continued my search and finally found a store that had some high-imitation watches. I specifically asked for the Rolex No-Date Black Submariner. The seller showed me a few, and I started to examine them based on the clues I remembered.
- The Bezel: I checked the bezel and how it rotates. The real ones are supposed to be smooth, while the fakes might feel rough or make clicking noises.
- The Crown Logo: I looked at the Rolex crown logo closely. The real ones have a very detailed and crisp logo, while the fakes might look blurry or poorly made.
- The Date Window (or Lack Thereof): Since it’s a no-date model, there shouldn’t be a date window at all. Some fakes might still have one, which is a dead giveaway.
- The Weight: I held the watch in my hand to feel its weight. Real Rolexes are made with high-quality materials, so they feel substantial. Fakes might feel lighter or flimsier.
- The Movement: If possible, I tried to listen to the movement. Real Rolexes have a smooth, sweeping second hand, while fakes might tick or have a jerky movement.
After checking a few watches, I found one that seemed pretty good. It passed most of the tests, and the price was right. I decided to buy it. I know it’s not a real Rolex, but it looks good and fits my budget.
In the end, I got what I wanted – a high-imitation Rolex No-Date Black Submariner. It was an interesting experience, and I learned a lot about spotting fake watches. It’s not easy, but with some patience and knowledge, you can find a decent replica.
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