First off, and this is kinda obvious, right? Use your eyes, man. Seriously. Does the thing *look* cheap? Like, are the edges kinda rough? Is the printing on the dial all wonky and blurry? If so, huge red flag. Rolex doesn’t mess around with quality control. Their stuff is pristine, even if it’s, like, a vintage Submariner or somethin’. Also, pay attention to the weight. Real Rolexes have some heft to ’em. If it feels like a toy, well, you got your answer.
Now, some fakes are getting seriously good these days. Like, scarily good. That’s where you gotta get a bit more detective-y. I read somewhere (maybe it was Reddit, who knows) that the serial number is a biggie. Apparently, it’s engraved between the lugs (that’s where the strap attaches, for all you non-watch nerds) and you can, like, cross-reference it somehow. I’m not entirely sure how, but Google is your friend. Just be careful you don’t end up on some dodgy website. I actually tried to do this with my dad’s old watch once, but I couldn’t even find the serial number, haha.
Also, official Rolex dealers are your best friend. I mean, duh, right? They know their stuff inside and out. If you’re seriously considering buying a watch, especially from some random guy online or at a flea market, take it to a dealer first. A legit dealer will be able to spot a fake in a heartbeat. And if the seller seems all squirrely about taking it to a dealer? Big, HUGE red flag. Walk away, run away, do whatever you gotta do.