It was a natural consequence of the high prices and the recession that the 'fake market' business became booming in the last couple of years.

And as any growing industry, the fakes are competing each other and getting better all though. A good example of this is the watch market. Rolex fake versions' sales are incomparable now with those of the 'real' Rolex which, as a result of the global economical crisis, have been confined to specific customers.

Even the fake Rolexes now have grades. The highest of which, the Replica, is of an astonishing quality and resemblance to the original due to the latest technology and machinery used in the design and making. The thing which can yield a Rolex that need an expert to determine whether it is a real or a fake one!

So in order not be a victim of spamming, even if you know you are buying a fake one, there are some points you should consider before you pay a couple of hundreds in your new watch.

Rule no.1: The place to buy from

Make sure that the online shop you're dealing with is digitally signed and safe.

Rule no.2: The movements

The most important price-telling point (like the processor in the computer). Supposedly the movement of the Replica is automatic with the chronographs working. To make sure of this point check the second hand, typically you must not hear it ticking loudly every second, but it should rather tick smooth and ultra-fine ticks

That's for the second hand, as for the chronograph: they should be able to work as a stopwatch upon pressing little buttons on the watch side. If they don't and they just function for keeping a record for the seconds, hours and day then they MUST be fake.

Although most watches are easily faked, the Rolex is a special case (even in faking!). That's because the manufacturers of the original Rolex pay much attention to fine details that needs an equal faking attention!

Strangely, with all the technology used, the sizes of the dial and markers are the fake tellers! In a replica like Cartier Replica, the roman numeral markers are larger than the original ones, the same goes with other Replicas which are sometimes smaller not larger. Another size issue is the hands, sometimes their sizes are not as the original. A picture of an original Rolex for comparison could be of much help in comparison I guess.

Replicas have many different versions, mostly due to the country of origin which is usually Switzerland, Japan or China. The differences come in the form of movement technology and case metal composition and polishing mainly.

My advice is: do your homework of research to get good Rolex grades.