Movements,,, FAKE??? REAL- how to identify- HELP EXPERTS!!!

[nch209]

Due to my current search for a used Yachtmaster, I have become obsessed with knowing more about Rolexs, specifically there movements. Upon looking at replica sites, it is VERY scarry to find YMs with fat minute hands, laser enscribed crowns, full engravings, etc.

With all of that said, what do I need to look for when checking out the movements? Are fakes making the movements look like actualy Rolex 3185s, or is it apparant that once you pop the back and see everything polished and with 3185 on the baseplate that its authentic. I am new to the world of used watches, as most all of my past have been new.

Any and all insight about how to identify a true 3185 is greatly appreciated!

[Jedi]

the YM contains the 3135 is memory serves me correctly.

do a search here as there are quite a few pics of the movement floating around.

look for the anodised reversor wheels and full bridge over the balance.

[nch209]

Yea, I have been finding some VERY nice pics on here and elsewhere on the net. I actually got a grey dealer to pop the back off of one that didnt have paperwork, and soon found I didnt have a clue what I was looking at! Just being honest! LOL! It had what appeared to be anodized wheels and 3185 stamped very close to the pics I am seeing on here.

My question, is how close are the replicas? Are their efforts for pure appearance outside of the watch- or does it extend to the movement?

This one is likely legit, but the more I am learning the scarrier this all is!

[Jedi]

If you're seeing 3185 stamped on a movement inside a Yachtmaster, I think you'd better look twice to see if you're looking at a GMT Master II instead of a Yachtmaster.

Best would be to take it to the RSC for an authentication check, something you might want to get your second dealer to procure for you.

But if the watch and papers match in terms of reference number and serial number you should be okay. Movements are hard to fake. Most replicas contain cheaper ETA or Chinese or Japanese automatic movements, or worse, quartz

But do check again if you saw 3185 inside the Yachtmaster as I'm pretty certain it's 3135.

[nch209]

Originally Posted by Jedi

If you're seeing 3185 stamped on a movement inside a Yachtmaster, I think you'd better look twice to see if you're looking at a GMT Master II instead of a Yachtmaster.

Best would be to take it to the RSC for an authentication check, something you might want to get your second dealer to procure for you.

But if the watch and papers match in terms of reference number and serial number you should be okay. Movements are hard to fake. Most replicas contain cheaper ETA or Chinese or Japanese automatic movements, or worse, quartz

But do check again if you saw 3185 inside the Yachtmaster as I'm pretty certain it's 3135.

Yea, I may be wrong. Seems as if I need to check it again! Any other insight to checking into the guts of a Plat YM anyone!

Thanks
nate

[Sky..]

I have not seen a single fake Rolex with a movement that looks anything close to a real Rolex movement (I see about half a dozen of them per day). The most they have is if the watch has a glass back case, and the rotor has Rolex geneve or something printed on it. Even then, one look at the movement and you know it's not a Rolex.

[nch209]

Cool... This is prob the real deal I just saw the number wrong...

THANKS!

[Trurolexer]

Bring that watch to RSC, and let 'em check it.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Sky..

I have not seen a single fake Rolex with a movement that looks anything close to a real Rolex movement (I see about half a dozen of them per day). The most they have is if the watch has a glass back case, and the rotor has Rolex geneve or something printed on it. Even then, one look at the movement and you know it's not a Rolex.

I'll agree with this.

To date, from sources I have read and knowledgeable watchmakers, no replica/fake has made any attempt to duplicate the Rolex movement in any way.

They do engrave Rolex on the rotors and engrave crowns etc. on those with plexi casebacks...but that in itself is usually a give away. However, if you know what a Rolex movement looks like, you are unlikely to be fooled.

This is shot through a plexi case-back: