Rolex is a legendary brand with a reputation as the leading name in luxury wristwear. Unfortunately, that popularity also means that Rolex is one of the most frequently faked watch brands.

Counterfeit Rolexes can be found at flea markets and street vendors the world over, but what if it’s not so obvious? From time to time, even a reputable seller can get ahold of a well-made counterfeit.

To make sure you don’t pay a fortune for a phony, here are 5 tips on how to spot a fake Rolex.

1. Serial Number

This is one of the first things you should look at when purchasing a Rolex secondhand. The quality of etching is going to be worlds apart.

On a real Rolex, the serial number will be etched in deep, fine lines that are clear and legible. They’re cut with such precision that the serial number should even glow in the light at a certain angle.

With a fake, you’ll see a serial number that is either made up of many tiny dots or looks sandy and distorted due to low-quality acid etching. If the characters seem uncharacteristically large, that’s another dead giveaway.

2. Stampings

The stamping on the face of the watch can be one of the most obvious signs you’re dealing with a fake. While some higher quality ones are hard to differentiate, some lower quality fakes are missing elements altogether.

A real Rolex will typically feature the famous crown logo, the brand name, and the model. If any of these elements are missing, you’re dealing with a cheap imitation.

3. Caseback Engravings

With very few exceptions, Rolex doesn’t include any etchings on their casebacks. Some notable exceptions are the vintage Rolex Sea Dweller, COMEX, Military watches, and a few rare vintage models.

A few older women’s Datejust models featured “Registered Design” and “Stainless Steel” on the back, but you’re unlikely to encounter them. As a rule, if your watch has any engravings on the caseback, it’s almost certainly a fake.

4. Weight

Rolex watches are made with incredibly high-quality materials. As such, they have some noticeable weight to them. Most counterfeits use shoddy materials, so they tend to feel considerably lighter.

If your watch doesn’t have that weighty quality, it’s probably a fake. But if you’re having any doubts, you can also just weigh it. You should be able to find what a particular model should approximately weight online, and you can weight your watch against that standard.

5. Micro-Etched Crown

From 2002, Rolex began micro-etching their crown logo on the crystal that protects the dial. It should be located at the 6 o’clock position and be so tiny that it’s hard to spot with the naked eye.

The fine detail makes it very hard for fakers to replicate. While this will only apply to newer models like the Rolex GMT Pepsi and other post-2002 models, that still covers almost two decades worth of watches at this point.

How to Spot a Fake Rolex: Don’t Get Fooled

Now that you know how to spot a fake Rolex, you’re better equipped to deal with potential imitations. Don’t let someone take advantage of you. Check for all the details on this list to make sure you get what you’re paying for.

One other thing you shouldn’t do is rely on an expensive timepiece to look good no matter what. A Rolex won’t do you any bit of good if you don’t know how to wear it. Check out this list of watch wearing tips to ensure you always look suave in your wristwear.