How to Spot a Fake Rolex

Bling
Originally uploaded by bambino333

A savvy consumer took an impromptu trip to Manhattan's infamous Chinatown last week to show you the differences between real and fake Rolexes. He writes "Of course, my watch was a textbook fake, from the shoddy materials, clear-glass backing, and the inaccurate 'date bubble."

Some of his tips include:
1) Clear caseback--luxury watches don't have clear plastic backs! Total giveaway.
2) Micro-etched Crystal--"My counterfeit watch doesn’t even attempt to mimic this feature, but many fakes will try to match the micro-etched Rolex logo that has become standard on genuine watches made after 2002. Rolex began micro-etching their coronet symbol into the crystal just below the 6 o’clock position. The mark is so small, it is often difficult to see with the naked eye, but can be identified under magnification. The detail is so precise that counterfeit models often cannot replicate the logo accurately."
3) Hand movement--if the hands, particularly the second hand--clicks or moves in a jerky way, it's a fake. The real thing has a smooth, fluid movement that just can't be copied.

Read the full story here. And remember that the best way to ensure your watch is real is to purchase at an authorized distributor.