[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

I don’t know if the rule of thumb still applies, but it used to be that a real Rolex had a smooth sweep to the second hand, but fakes used cheaper quartz watch mechanisms that ticked. It was slightly ironic, because quartz watches are regarded as somewhat more accurate than sweep mechanisms.

[Drew68]

I don’t know if the rule of thumb still applies, but it used to be that a real Rolex had a smooth sweep to the second hand, but fakes used cheaper quartz watch mechanisms that ticked.

Those were the fakes of 25 years ago. Today's fakes sweep, self-wind and actually have a bit of weight to them. They look pretty good when they're new! I'm sure an expert can spot 'em a mile away but I can't tell the difference.