Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Qualities of Authentic Rolex Watches

Rolex watches are the epitome of luxury and style, and can complement your tastes and personality. However, there are thousands of fake and replica watches on the market, and it can be challenging to find a genuine timepiece. Replica watches have a few key traits that set them apart from the original, and as mass-market watch manufacturers become better at replicating the genuine Rolex, it can be very difficult to tell the difference.

Whether you're interested in a men's or women's watch, here are some key qualities of authenticity:

1. Rolex watches are made with stainless steel, gold, or platinum. Many replica watches are made with chrome, and this is the first indicator of a fake watch. Look invicta watches watches made with pure metals and reinforced with the same materials.

2. Rolex watches are never made in China. If you find a China stamp on the case, the watch, or any other accessory, you may have purchased a fake Rolex watch. Genuine Rolex watches are from Switzerland, and you need to review the certificate and stamps of authenticity carefully to determine the real value of your watch.

3. Watches are constructed without skeleton dials and solid case backs. Rolex doesn't make watches with visible skeleton dials, so look for this characteristic right away.

4. A 3-D hologram encoded sticker on the back of the watch. This is shaped as a small 'crown' and is placed on the case back of an authentic Rolex. Fake watches may appear to have this sticker, but the hologram needs to have a three-dimensional effect in order to be authentic.

5. A serial number, model number, case back ID, and Movement Signature between the top and bottom lugs. These are the first things that jewelers look for when reviewing Rolex watches, and will determine authenticity right away.

6. A smooth and clean case back. Case backs are never engraved with any etchings, logos, or other enhancements on an authentic Rolex. Look for smooth and clean case backs without any markings to determine authenticity.

7. A small crystal etching below the 6 o' invicta watches position. This tiny mark can be easy to miss, but Rolex has started to engrave a small crown for authenticity. You may need a magnifying glass to find it, but it is located right under the 'Swiss Made' text on the face of the watch.

8. Weight and sturdiness. Genuine Rolex watches are fairly heavy since they are made with solid metals and materials. Fake watches are usually much lighter because most of the watch is simply hollow.

9. Sapphire crystal construction. Instead of using regular glass, Rolex watches are made with Sapphire crystal that provides a smooth and seamless surface. You can test this by dropping water on the surface; if it pulls together, it is real sapphire crystal.

10. 14- or 18-karat gold construction. Authentic Rolex watches are never gold-plated, but are made with solid 14 or 18-karat gold instead.

Buying authentic Rolex watches is easier when you know what key characteristics and qualities to look for. When you're looking for an authentic timepiece, make sure your watches have all of the above ten distinct qualities.

BestWatchAuctions.com provides an interface to shop new and used Rolex watches up for auction by the public.

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