How do you tell a real Submariner from a Grade 1 replica?

[jblaze]

I've recently purchased a Rolex Sub (non ceramic) and love it. I'm 99.9% sure it's real, as the seller has a lot of references. However, I came across these "Grade 1 Swiss replicas" which use ETA movements and even have the etched crown in the crystal (and the ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX on the inner bezel). I won't link to any of their sites, since I don't want to promote any of them.

I'm sure I'm paranoid, but is there a way (besides opening up the caseback) to tell one of these fakes from a real Rolex? I was comforted by the laser crown and ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX, but not I'm (slightly) concerned. Thanks!

[MikeyMouseWatch]

I had a fake Rolex which a Jewler I went in to ask about, told me he was suspect it was a replica simply due to the weight difference. He spotted the anomaly just by holding it in his hand, no scale was needed.

[bayerische]

Take it to an AD.

Or buy the seller not the watch.

I wouldn't want to be 99.9% sure, I need to be 100% sure.

[bellvederecar]

try doing a search on this forum under watchout. it might help.

[Rolex116520]

Post some good shots of the watch

[gqllc]

I want you to set the time. Use the crown and adjust the time. When you turn the crown CLOCKWISE what way do the hands move? Do they move clockwise or counterclockwise?

[sullycape]

If its a replica it will fall apart.

[bayerische]

Originally Posted by gqllc

I want you to set the time. Use the crown and adjust the time. When you turn the crown CLOCKWISE what way do the hands move? Do they move clockwise or counterclockwise?

Depends on caliber and model of sub.

3035 counter clockwise
3135 clockwise

[jblaze]

Originally Posted by gqllc

I want you to set the time. Use the crown and adjust the time. When you turn the crown CLOCKWISE what way do the hands move? Do they move clockwise or counterclockwise?

When I turn the crown clockwise, the hands move clockwise, and vice versa for counter clockwise. From what I googled, that means it is legit, because an ETA is the opposite, correct? That's a great way to see if a watch is legit.

I bought the seller and he's 100% legit from people's reviews. I really am being a little paranoid, because of the replicas having the ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX and laser etching.

[jblaze]

Originally Posted by sullycape

If its a replica it will fall apart.

I certainly believe that. I think the stated WR on fakes is like 10m, so they will crumble in a deep pool!

[bayerische]

Why not take a few pics?

What model sub is it? 16610?

[mickyvee]

If I had any doubts whatsoever about my 16610, I'd take it to an AD, and let them take a look. Peace of mind is priceless!

[Kevin B]

If its a replica it will fall apart.

That's a pretty bold statement. Is it based on any personal experience or fact?

[Jan Davis]

Originally Posted by sullycape

If its a replica it will fall apart.

Originally Posted by Kevin B

That's a pretty bold statement. Is it based on any personal experience or fact?

lol

[bayerische]

Originally Posted by jblaze

When I turn the crown clockwise, the hands move clockwise, and vice versa for counter clockwise. From what I googled, that means it is legit, because an ETA is the opposite, correct? That's a great way to see if a watch is legit.

Look at my post above.

[Rolex116520]

There is only one grade of counterfeits ... DEgrade .

[kizerman]

Open the caseback then you'll be 100% one way or the other.

[eelpie]

Originally Posted by Rolex116520

There is only one grade of counterfeits ... DEgrade .

The idea of one worthless fake being better than another is ludicrous.

[jblaze]

Originally Posted by bayerische

Why not take a few pics?

What model sub is it? 16610?

Yes, it's a 16610 with a random serial # (made in I think 2009 or early 2010).

I'll try and take pics with my camera tomorrow.

[gqllc]

Originally Posted by bayerische

Depends on caliber and model of sub.

3035 counter clockwise
3135 clockwise

Correct...the clockwise/counterclockwise ONLY works for newer models. The ETA movement in replicas are counterclockwise.
I would only use this on "newer" Rolex's
There are a great deal of replicas of vintage models as well.
3135 was introduced in 1988 I think

[gqllc]

Originally Posted by jblaze

Yes, it's a 16610 with a random serial # (made in I think 2009 or early 2010).

I'll try and take pics with my camera tomorrow.

Z serial numbers were the most common Sub replicas but now they are adding M and V series. I have never seen a random as of yet
To be precise Z754008 has been used on multiple replicas

[sullycape]

Originally Posted by Kevin B

That's a pretty bold statement. Is it based on any personal experience or fact?

Yea I actually bought one when I was 19 in the Bahamas, it fell apart in about a week.

[sylvain8]

noise!!! a fake is fiel noizy than a real one, easy to be sure

[mountainrivera]

Rotors in the real deal are silent. Not so in replicas. Put in on your wrist and shake to and fro.

[SUPERDOC]

The position of the crown on the case is a dead giveaway.

The ETA movement will demand that the crown sit lower.

Look at the watch in profile from either the 12 o'clock or 6 o'clock position...

wear does the crown sit - if more of the crown sits below the mid point, it's fake.

[NHav8or]

Originally Posted by jblaze

I'm sure I'm paranoid, but is there a way (besides opening up the caseback) to tell one of these fakes from a real Rolex? I was comforted by the laser crown and ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX, but not I'm (slightly) concerned. Thanks!

Can you actually see the etched coronet without close examination - i.e. when it's on your wrist can you -clearly- see the crown? You shouldn't be able to.

Does the RolexRolexRolex line up correctly? The coronet should be directly above the 12 marker. Directly next to the date an X should perfectly align. Next to the 9 marker an R should also line up perfectly.

Also, what serial number is etched there at 6? Go back to your replica site. Does the number match? Oops, Many replicas have the same serial number.

[NHav8or]

Originally Posted by MikeyMouseWatch

I had a fake Rolex which a Jewler I went in to ask about, told me he was suspect it was a replica simply due to the weight difference. He spotted the anomaly just by holding it in his hand, no scale was needed.

That is absolutely NO way to tell a gen from a fake. I've been told my gen 5513 is fake for the same reason. Everyone thinks Gens weigh a ton. But between the tropic 19 crystal instead of a sapphire, and the 7206 bracelet, which is a far cry thinner and lighter than modern oyster bands, it's a fairly light watch.

[Atsol]

Hello Everyone, I'm new to the forum so please be gentle but see the post and had to reply..

I have many family members and friends with Genuine Rolex watches however none of my own. I have recently married and for the occasion was wearing one of my brothers Rolex for the special day..
Seen by many of my neighbors who were also at the ceremony. One of them has now, some months later and not knowing that I know little about watches asked me to do checks on hes known fake item.. Why me!

Bought from Turkey as a fake but very interestingly the post below has really help me explain to him just how clever the counterfeits are becoming.

When looking for this model on the internet I've been unable to find a model even close..(don't think site rules allow photos ?) however nearly all of your points have been checked below and have been very interesting to tick off. Please see below on my findings on a good known Fake..

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX spot on and aligned absolutely perfectly.

Laser etched crown on the crystal aligned spot on (only visible with 2X eye glass..

Watch (with bracelet ) weighs 182 grams , he thinks he had just one link removed.

Crown rotates clockwise to adjust clockwise.

No:754008

I also did a slow motion video of the hand moving and it pulses 7 beats a second..

And a very noisy automatic movement.

Number as mentioned by one of the members was a real home run....

Atsol.

[usrudiver932]

It’s a fake case closed, save ur money. Buy real and feel proud knowing it’s not a fake.
Identifying a fake is like a court case.

It’s not the individual flaws it the culmination of all the evidence as a whole that makes the case or makes it a fake

[heygawgaw]

Originally Posted by sullycape

Yea I actually bought one when I was 19 in the Bahamas, it fell apart in about a week.

how much did you pay for the fake,may I ask?