Expert: Melvin Mills - 7/16/2008

Question
Dear Melvin:

I have friends who owns a Rolex submariner and an omega seamaster, respectively. I noticed that the omega's light reflectors on minute markers (it was bigger than the Rolex with much greener than the Rolex) were much brighter than the Rolex when we were in a movie theater. Is it normal? I was curios! I wonder whether the Rolex was fake or not.  

Thanks.

David

Answer
David,

There are several factors that can make the difference.

First I will say that Omega has a reputation for having excellent luminous qualities.

1. the age of the watch.  The luminous material used to be made out of radioactive material.  That was a long time ago.  Now, companies are using products that are less harmful, and less effective.  The luminous material will fade over time.  If the Rolex is an older watch, it may just be that it is faded and needs to be "refreshed".  That is done by painting fresh luminous paint on it.

2. both watches need a light source to get them started.  If the Rolex was up a sleeve and not exposed to light for awhile and the Omega just came in from the sun, it would be brighter.

In the end, you cannot use that factor alone to determine if the Rolex is fake.  

Two things to do to determine if it is fake:

Everyone knows that the second hand should sweep, not tick like a quartz.  Even counterfeiters know that and make it sweep.

Rolex does not put there symbol on the back of their watches but many counterfeiters do.

The bubble over the date should be positioned correctly.  If it is not squarely over the date, its fake.