Founded in 1905, Rolex is the most recognizable and luxurious watch house in the world. Celebrated for its fine watchmaking and technical innovations, Rolex watches are worn by discerning individuals all around the globe.
One of the most legendary and iconic watches from the Maison is the Rolex Datejust. Introduced in 1945, Datejust was the first self-winding wristwatch to have a date window aperture. The watch was a revelation, and it forever changed the world of horology. With its distinctive features and highly-developed, complex mechanism, Datejust is as impressive and one-of-a-kind as the ones who wear it. Over the years, Datejust has retained its unparalleled enigma and evolved spectacularly, resulting in popularity that rises with every passing year.
The illustrious status of the watch has, however, conjured an inundation of counterfeits. So, if you are planning on investing in this luxurious timepiece, knowing how to tell if a Rolex is real is crucial. That’s where our guide on how to spot a fake Rolex Datejust comes in — it will help you maneuver skillfully through the sea of fakes and find yourself an authentic gem.
The Date Window
When authenticating a Rolex Datejust, one must start with its most remarkable feature—the date window. The cyclops lens magnifies the date and is perfectly centered over the three o’clock marker on an authentic Rolex Datejust watch. However, on a fake Rolex, the lens might not fit uniformly over the window; either it’ll be too large or small. In addition, the lens magnifies the date numbers unevenly.
The Dial
The dial is a focal point of the watch, and hence, a close inspection can reveal much about its authenticity. The shape and size of the markers, the crown logo, and the brand label on a genuine Rolex Datejust are sharp, precise, and clean. They are evenly placed and properly aligned. While on a fake one, the font size may vary. Many counterfeit versions feature the brand label in a bolder font. The markers can be a little large and irregular. And the base of the crown logo is sometimes round as opposed to the original oval shape.
The Rehaut
Authentic Rolex Datejust watches have “ROLEX” repeatedly engraved on the rehaut. Interestingly, all the Rs in Rolex should coincide with the hour markers on the left of the dial, and all the Xs should conform with the hour markers to the right. The crown logo must be present on the rehaut parallel to the 12 o’clock indicator. Here, alignment plays a pivotal role and is a detail that is often poorly copied by the counterfeits.
The Mechanism
For the most part, Rolex Datejust watches are powered by an automatic movement. Hence, the second hand on the dial will move swiftly in a sweeping motion. On a fake Rolex Datejust, the second hand might jump from one second to the next following the ticking sound, suggesting quartz movement. An easy red flag.
When authenticating a Rolex Datejust, make sure that you also examine how the date changes in your watch. The date should change instantly at midnight. If your timepiece takes some time to change the date, it’s definitely a fake one.
The Serial Number
Hallmarks and serial numbers must be taken into consideration while examining a Rolex Datejust for authenticity. Every Rolex watch is appropriated with a unique serial number. While the older versions of the Datejust watches carry their serial number engraving between the lugs on the inside at the 6 o’clock position (one has to remove the bracelet to see it), the newer ones have it on the rehaut at 6 o’clock.
Material and Gemstones
Rolex is the best luxury watch brand in the world—a reputation built on impeccable craftsmanship. Each watch is assembled with such precision and delicacy that the construction and details are hard to replicate. While trying to spot a fake Rolex Datejust, one can look for red flags in the material used. Genuine Datejust watches are crafted in either stainless steel or 18k gold. If the watch features diamonds, they will be of high clarity range and will be set meticulously.
Rolex Datejust watches are the ultimate paradigms of luxury and horological excellence. With the Maison’s exceptional modus operandi and dedication to producing only the finest timepieces, the original Rolex Datejust exudes an enigmatic charm and refinement that is impossible to mimic. Yet, as the market for replicas is growing by the day, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish the genuine from the fake. To ensure that you invest in an original Rolex, shop smartly and use our guide to spot a fake Rolex Datejust watch quickly and easily.
