How To Spot Fake Rolex Submariner — Real Vs Fake Rolex Submariner 116610 (116610LN)

Legit Check By Ch
15 min readFeb 25, 2021

--

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCnTpwQembg&

If you are here because you want to learn how to spot fake Rolex Submariner watches, then no wonder, you are in the best place, because in this article, we are going to teach you how to spot fake Rolex Submariner watches in just a few simple steps.

In this real vs fake Rolex Submariner guide, we are going to link fake vs real Submariner images for every step, so that you will understand the flaws on the fake Rolex watches easier.

Please be informed that this guide refers exclusively to the Rolex Submariner model/reference number 116610, which has been in production since 2010 and is still being produced after more than 10 years. During this period, Rolex changed few details of this model, but decided not to change the model number and not to release a newer version. This decision might have to do with their objective to fight against counterfeiters, without making small changes to their product public.

To put it shortly, the quickest way to spot a fake Rolex Submariner watch is to check out the number which indicates the date (magnification), located on the front side of the Rolex watch, because most of the time, the fake Rolex watches present glaring flaws on this element.

Another quick way to spot a fake Rolex Submariner watch is to check out the watch on the interior side, within the mechanism, as most of the time, the fake Rolex Submariner watches miss the inscriptions/engravings on the interior side, which are always present on the genuine watches. This step might require assistance from a service/watchmaker, or you might need some extra tools, but it is relatively an easy and efficient step to spot a fake Rolex Submariner.

However, it might be hard to notice these details we’ve mentioned, so we put together a full, comprehensive guide that is accompanied by genuine vs counterfeit Rolex Submariner comparison pictures, just so that it’ll be easier for everyone to understand how to authenticate this model.

What we need to mention before we start the proper fake vs real Rolex Submariner guide, is that the flaws which we’ll highlight apply to almost every model of the Submariner watch made after 2010 (starting with model number 116610), even if a few optic details differ from a watch to another.

This being said, let’s move on to the fake vs real Submariner guide.

How to spot fake Rolex Submariner

Step 1: Real vs fake Rolex Submariner weight

For the first step of the guide on how to spot fake Rolex Submariner watches, we are going to check out the weight of the fake vs real Rolex Submariner watches.

We have mentioned it above, but since it is important, we are going to say it again: this is one of the most reliable signs of authenticity when trying to spot a fake Rolex Submariner, and we recommend you to check this as one of the first spots when you want to check the authenticity of a Rolex Submariner watch.

When you want to learn how to spot a fake Rolex Submariner watch, you must keep in mind that the genuine Submariner watches have the following specifications:

  • 40 millimeters case diameter (excluding crown and crown guard)
  • 155 grams +/- 15% (case and original bracelet)

So, if your Rolex Submariner watch is out of this range of specifications, you are most likely looking at a counterfeit Rolex watch.

Step 2: Check the lettering on your Rolex Submariner watch

For the second step of the guide on how to spot fake Rolex Submariner watches, we are going to inspect both the fake vs real Rolex Submariner watches for the lettering on the front side, on the dial.

First of all, let’s have a quick look at the reference Rolex Submariner fake vs real image in order to spot the flaws on the fake Submariner easier.

At first sight, you might not see the differences between the real vs fake Rolex Submariner watches in the image above, but if you look closely and carefully, you can see how the fake watch has its text improperly font-weighted and positioned.

By improperly font-weighted, we mean that the fake Rolex Submariner watch has the letters in the “SWISS MADE” text looking too thick and a bit washed-out, compared to the letters met on the genuine Submariner watch.

Fake manufacturers must save up on costs with the production and the machines that they use, so they will often skip some details, or make them present on the watch, but not perfectly displayed / installed / engraved / written etc.

So, if you take a quick look at the real vs fake Rolex Submariner image again, you can see how the genuine Rolex watch has all of its letters at the same font-weight, unlike the fake watch.

With this being said, let’s have a look at a zoomed-in fake vs real Rolex Submariner image in order to spot the flaws with the placement on the fake Submariner easier, with a little help of the hand-emoji pointers.

In the Rolex Submariner real vs fake image above, we have pointed out how the fake Submariner Rolex watch has its “SWISS MADE” printings improperly aligned, as the “SWISS” text is placed too close to the tick which indicates the 30 minutes clock.

With the “SWISS” text being placed too close to the 30 minutes tick, you can see how the “MADE” text on the fake vs real Rolex Submariner is placed too far away from the tick.

Moving on to the genuine Rolex Submariner watch from the Rolex Submariner fake vs real image above, you can notice how all of the ticks and the words are placed correctly and perfectly, all of them at the same distance.

That aside, you can also notice several other minor differences in the way the characters on the fake watch are built: the “A” inscription on the genuine watch, for instance, is significantly different than the one found on the fake watch.

Step 3: Fake vs real Rolex Submariner date window

As for the third step of the guide on how to spot fake Rolex Submariner watches, we are going to check out the real vs fake Rolex Submariner watches for their date window.

As you may be used to already, we are first going to check out the Rolex Submariner real vs fake image in order to spot the flaws on the fake Rolex watch easier.

In the fake vs real Rolex Submariner image above, we have pointed out how the genuine Rolex Submariner watch has its number which indicates the date looking different than the one on the authentic Rolex Watch, due to the placement.

Looking at the authentic Rolex Submariner watch, you can notice how the number “1” is placed evenly, in the middle of the box, while the fake watch has its “1” placed higher than the one met on the genuine watch, leaving too much blank space at the bottom.

Let’s also have a look at another date number Rolex Submariner real vs fake image for your reference, in order to learn how to spot fake Rolex Submariner watches.

Once again, in the fake vs real Rolex Submariner image above, we have pointed out how the number “5” found on the genuine Submariner watch is perfectly centered in the middle of the box, while the fake “5” is not.

In fact, if you take a close look at the number “5” on the fake Rolex Submariner watch in the fake vs real Submariner image above, you can notice how the “5” is misplaced, as it is placed too close to the right edge of the box.

You can always expect perfection from an genuine Rolex Submariner watch, taking into consideration its price and the highly precise Swiss craftsmanship! The devils are in the details so fake manufacturers, on the other hand, will always have flaws in their Rolex Submariner replica watch.

Step 4: Inspect the engraved text on the rehaut of your Rolex Submariner

For the fourth step fo the guide on how to spot fake Submariner Rolex watches, we are going to check out the real vs fake Rolex Submariner watches for the engraving on the rehaut of the watch.

As usual, we are now going to see the Rolex Submariner fake vs real image, because it is easier to learn how to spot fake Rolex Submariner watches when you have the proper real vs fake Rolex Submariner image in front of your eyes.

In the real vs fake Rolex Submariner image above, we have pointed out how the fake Submariner watch has its “R O L E X” text on the rehaut, along with the Rolex Crown logo, looking too bold (engraved too deep) and improperly centered, being too close to the top, and farther from the bottom.

On the other hand, the genuine Rolex Submariner watch has both the “R O L E X” text and the Rolex crown logo deeply and perfectly engraved (again, at the same font-weight all around the dial), and easier to read compared to the fake Rolex Submariner watch.

Step 5: Look at the bracelet (strap) design

Moving on to the fifth step of the guide on how to spot fake Rolex Submariner watches, you have to flip your Rolex over to the bracelet (strap) and check out the quality of the design and of the materials used.

You can notice the poorer quality of the materials used for the fake watch in the real vs fake Rolex Submariner image right below.

Looking at the Rolex Submariner fake vs real image above, you can notice how the genuine Rolex Submariner watch’s strap material is made out of oyster steel, and how on the replica Rolex Submariner, the strap looks like it is made out of poorer quality material.

Also, keep in mind that the authentic Rolex Submariner watches are not bulletproof, but since they use oyster steel for the bracelet, it is really hard to scratch it, so a fake Rolex Submariner watch can be spotted out if it has a lot of easy scratches.

At the same time, you need to know that there are also older Rolex Submariner watches, and there is a high chance for every older second-hand Rolex watch (that is already a decade old, for instance) to be scratched and worn-out. Your judgement will be required here.

With this being said, if you look at an older Rolex Submariner with a lot of scratches, there are a lot of possibilities for the watch to be authentic, as the quality of the replica items of back in the day does not get to the level of the replicas out on the market today.

However, stay tuned as we plan to release a new for authenticating vintage and older models of the Rolex Submariner watch!

Step 6: Check the details and the fine touches on the side of the Rolex Submariner watch

For the sixth step of the guide on how to spot fake Rolex Submariner watches, we are going to move on to the side of the real vs fake Rolex Submariner watches, and check out the fine touches and little details.

Looking at the 6 o’clock area, on the side of the watch between the lugs, the authentic Rolex Submariner watches always need to have engraved the material and the serial number of that specific watch. In order to see those engravings, you would need to remove the bracelet.

You should really keep an eye out for this step as well, as the fake Rolex watches usually miss these little details, or they are just replaced with other inscriptions.

Let’s have a look at another example of an authentic Rolex Submariner so that you’d understand this perfectly. This time the engraving at the 12 o’clock area, between the lugs, where you will find engraved the “ROLEX” text, together with the reference/model number, as seen below.

Now let’s have a look at an example of a fake Rolex Submariner as well, in order to see how do the fake watches look like.

The differences from the real vs fake Rolex Submariner watches are not so visible at first sight, but if you look closely, you will always notice these differences on the counterfeit Rolex Submariner watches.

In the image with the example of the counterfeit Rolex Submariner above, you can see how the watch has its text looking too thin, improperly positioned, and not in tune with the authentic Rolex Submariner watches. furthermore, the model number is completely missing.

Step 7: Fake vs real Submariner pearl

For the seventh step of the guide on how to spot fake Rolex Submariner watches, we are going to check out the fake vs real Rolex Submariner watches for the pearl on the dial.

In the fake vs real Rolex Submariner watch image above, we have pointed out how the fake Rolex watch has its pearl improperly fit into the “case” in which it stands.

Looking at the legitimate Rolex Submariner watch, you can see how the pearl is placed correctly, as well as it has the same height as the “case” in which it stands. The material is also high quality and does not have any imperfections.

Going to the counterfeit Rolex Submariner’s pearl, you can notice how it is placed too deep, as the metal material “case” is higher and bigger than the pearl.

Step 8: Analyze the interior details of your Rolex Submariner

Moving on to the eighth step of the guide on how to spot replica Rolex Submariner watches, we are going to check out the interior of the real vs fake Submariner Rolex watches.

For this step, you’ll have to open the Rolex Submariner watch, and so, if you have the possibility to do it, we recommend you do it since this is one of the most important spots to analyze if you can.

In the fake vs real Rolex Submariner image above, we have pointed out a critical fault met on the fake Rolex watch, which is the missing of the interior inscriptions.

Please note: a Rolex Submariner is not automatically authentic if this detail is present. We expect fake manufacturers to pick up on this flaw eventually. This specific step is only added so that you can instantly call a watch fake if this flaw is present, but not the other way around.

Looking at the authentic Rolex Submariner watches, you will always notice the Rolex inscriptions, never missing.

Also, you can notice how the fake watch has poorer materials used because of the stains below the case on the bottom side of the watch.

On the authentic Rolex Submariner watch, you can see how there are no stains or flaws under the watch, as the quality of the materials is perfect and it does not have any comparison term to the fake Rolex Submariner.

Step 9: The quality of the window on the Submariner watch

For the ninth step of the guide on how to spot fake Rolex Submariner watches, we have to talk about the quality of the window of the fake vs real Submariner Rolex watches.

In the fake vs real Rolex Submariner watch image above, we have pointed out how the fake Rolex Submariner watch has its window scratched and improperly crafted compared to the authentic Rolex Submariner watch.

As we previously mentioned this at the fourth step of the guide on how to spot fake Rolex Submariner watches, the Rolex watches are not bulletproof, but they are hard to destroy, thanks to the high-quality of the materials used to craft the watches.

With this being said, an authentic Rolex Submariner watch can only be destroyed using high damage tools such as a screwdriver. However, a watch that is a few years old, but not older than 2010, might have superficial scratches on its window.

Step 10: Fake vs real Rolex Submariner cyclops

For the tenth and the last step of the guide on how to spot fake Rolex Submariner watches, we are going to check out the fake vs real Submariner Rolex watches for its cyclops.

By cyclops, we are talking about the crystal magnifier window above the number which indicates the current date set on your watch, visible in the fake vs real Rolex Submariner image right below.

Looking at the fake vs real Rolex Submariner image above, you can notice how the fake Submariner watches’ cyclops glass is improperly placed, as it is not centered in the middle of the box that displays the date number (magnification).

On the other hand, the authentic Rolex Submariner watch has its cyclopes crystal glass placed correctly, as it is centered in the middle, above the magnified number.

How can I spot the fake Rolex Submariner watches in 60 seconds?

The 10 detailed real vs fake Rolex Submariner steps outlined above might not be so practical when you are in a hurry or when you want to buy the item online.

That is why we have compiled this quick 60 seconds solution to authenticating your Rolex Submariner watch. Below are the top 10 indicators that can help you determine if you have a fake or real Rolex Submariner watch.

  1. Check the weight of your Rolex Submariner watch. The authentic Rolex Submariner watches must have a 40-millimeter case diameter and weight 155 grams +/- 15% (case and original bracelet)
  2. Inspect the lettering on your Rolex Submariner. Usually, the fake Rolex watches have their text improperly font-weighted and positioned
  3. Analyze the magnification on your Rolex watch. Most of the time, the counterfeit Rolex Submariner watches have their date number improperly font-weighted and positioned on the box
  4. Check the dial text on your Rolex Submariner. Usually, the counterfeit Rolex Submariner watches have their text poorly engraved on the dial
  5. Look at the bracelet (strap) design. Mostly, the fake Rolex watches use other materials than the unique authentic oyster steel, and the poor quality on the fake watches is commonly visible on the strap
  6. Verify the details on the side of your watch. The authentic Submariner Rolex watches must have inscriptions about the Rolex manufacturing and product ID number at 6 o’clock, and the fake watches commonly miss these inscriptions
  7. Examine the pearl of your Rolex Submariner. Usually, the fake Rolex Submariner watches have their pearl improperly heightened, as it is too small into the metal case, and the authentic watches always have their pearl as tall as the metal case
  8. Authenticate your Rolex Submariner watch on the interior side (by opening it). The fake watches are commonly missing the inscriptions on the interior side of the watch
  9. Check the quality of the window met on your Rolex Submariner watch. Mostly, the fake Rolex Submariner watches have their window’s quality as poor as to scratch easily, and the authentic Rolex watches are always hard to scratch
  10. Inspect the cyclops of your Rolex Submariner watch. Mostly, the counterfeit Rolex Submariner watches have their cyclops improperly positioned, as they are off-centred from the middle of the magnification

Where can I get my Rolex watch authenticated? The Rolex Submariner authentication service

If you need help with the authentication of your Rolex Submariner watch, we’ve got you covered.

All you have to do is send us high-quality pictures of your Rolex Submariner watch and we will get back to you with the results within 48 hours. The results will also come with a report on why we believe your Rolex watch is fake or authentic.

That brings us to the end of our guide on how to spot fake vs real Rolex Submariner watches. We will continue to update this article as better and newer comparisons are put out.

Want even more help from us? We’ve been working really hard:

  • Need more guides? All of our guides are carefully curated in the Legit Check By Ch Library of real vs fake comparison guides.
  • Been scammed with a fake? Want an expert opinion about your item? Our Authentication Service gets you the peace of mind you need about your item
  • Want to make sure you’re buying watches/designer products at the best price? Use our Price Comparison App
  • Check out our App or our YouTube Channel for Video guides!

--

--

Legit Check By Ch
Legit Check By Ch

Written by Legit Check By Ch

The Wikipedia of authentications. Our mission: building the infrastructure for safely buying luxury items. Aiming to prevent scams. https://legitcheck.app

No responses yet