(Genuine 16613)

(photo of genuine 1993 Rolex Submariner 16613)

(All photos by Robert Moseley, of my own watch)

The Rolex Submariner is by far the most sought after and popular watch on the market.

It is because of this that they are also the most counterfeited. The fakes of today are much better than they have ever been with the help of lasers, CNC computer cutting machines, better printing and scanning methods, and better materials. Most decent made fakes sell for about $100-$300 and are actually pretty decent watches. I have owned many of them and the stainless steel versions (16610) are very convincing however no one wants to pay $3000 for a $100 watch!

It seems all the watch fakers seem to make the same mistakes, and here are some of the most common to look for.

(Aftermarket / Fake)

First of all, the band/bracelet. Most people are looking for the two-tone gold model 16613. The most common manufacture mistake on these is that the links are solid inside, and plated in cheap gold.

(Genuine links)

Now look at these two GENUINE links. Notice how they are hollow, folded metal links. These are made of solid 18k gold. Each link has a thin metal tube, with another thin tube inside that one that the screw goes through.

(Fake -Top / Genuine-Bottom)

Let's talk about those screws for a minute.... like all Rolex parts they are finely machined and perfect. Notice the genuine screw on the bottom, and the fake one on the top. The genuine screw has deep and perfect threads with a tapered base and flush end. The fake looks stripped out and tapered on the end.

(Genuine)

Let's look at the face. Notice the font Rolex uses. Notice the (A) has a flat top and NOT pointed. Almost every fake watch I have seen has a pointed (A).

The thing is, we cold sit here all day looking at little examples like these, but there are really good fakes out there now but fakes are not the only problem. Another problem is parts swapping which is why I spend so much time on the band itself. Genuine Rolex links are $350 each, so you can imagine what the entire band, clasp and extension costs! You can buy aftermarket solid gold bands for around $300-$500, and gold plated for $50 and up. It is easy to see how a seller could swap out the more valuable parts like the band for cheap replica parts and the buyer might be so interested in checking the movement they over look the band!

Of course we all know by know to check for certain things on the watch like serial numbers, 2.5X magnification on the date, fonts, movement, etc... but there are other ways to get ripped off! It is easy to give a real box and kit with a fake watch, or put a cheap movement in a real case, or swap the bands, or convert a lesser Tudor watch to a Rolex, or even convert a 16610 stainless to a 16613 gold by adding the band and bezel....the list goes on and on.

I highly recomend that you invest in the book THE ROLEX REPORT by John E. Brozek sold here on eBay if you want to learn more about all this stuff, and if you are a genuine Rolex enthusiast. It is the best investment you will make towards buying a Rolex.

If you are a SELLER, you might want to use this information to your advantage by showing photos of your watch in this way, showing the band links, the screws, the lugs with model numbers and if you have a case opener go ahead and show the movement.

If you are a BUYER you might ask the seller for these photos, or ask for a custom photo of the watch with a time/date that you choose so that the seller can proove they actually have the watch and are not using stolen photos. If they are motivated to sell they will most likely do it.

The main thing to trust is the eBay FEEDBACK SYSTEM. A trusted Rolex seller will have a lot of feedback, and a history of selling Rolex's. Usually if it is too good to be true, it is. Don't fall for blurry photos and the old "I bought this at an estate sale" line of crap. Everyone knows what a ROLEX is and no one is giving them away cheap. There are no good deals on Rolex's, unless it is ripped off....

It all comes down to BUYER BEWARE. If you have that funny feeling about it, and it doesn't feel right then skip it, it isn't worth it. If the seller is not willing to talk to you on the phone and provide you with all the information you want then DO NOT BUY. Reputable sellers are more than happy to work with you.

I hope I have helped you in your quest to own one of the greatest watches ever made. The Rolex Submariner is a great investment to buy used, you can save a lot of money and skip the depreciation and get as much or more than you paid for the watch when you go to sell it, and maybe use these same techniques I have told you about when selling.

GOOD LUCK!

- Robert Videobob Moseley (rcmsales)