Rolex is tightening up the supply of genuine parts in an effort to more closely regulate, and imo stop frankening. Omega did this years ago, and as you can see, Omega parts are not as readily available as Rolex parts, and when you do find them, they typically are not cost effective.
Over the last week or so, a number of blistered crystals, inserts, etc. have been popping up on ebay. These parts don't have genuine labeling displayed, but it is not hard to reprint a Rolex or Omega label. A good printer, proper labels, and you now have what appears to many as a genuine blistered part.
Keep your eyes peeled, and only buy gen parts from the guys you trust. Some things to keep in mind when looking at parts. Most times, the serial number and barcode will be scratched out on Rolex parts. This is due to dealers not wanting to lose their parts account. Rolex frowns on selling parts, and supplies them with the intent of an authorized service center installing the parts. Also, check the pictures of the actual product. In the pictures below, you can see the difference between the fake and real crystal. If your seller wont give you pics of the actual product, move on to the next guy. A final thing to keep an eye out for in the case of crystals, is Rolex supplies 2 gaskets with their crystals. One is typically on the crystal, and one is floating free. As you can see in the fake, only 1 gasket provided.
As always, if you have any doubts or questions, get in touch with someone you trust to give you an honest opinion. This hobby attracts the shady, get rich quick type, so scamming is always something to be aware of.
Fake xtal packaging
Gen xtal packaging
Over the last week or so, a number of blistered crystals, inserts, etc. have been popping up on ebay. These parts don't have genuine labeling displayed, but it is not hard to reprint a Rolex or Omega label. A good printer, proper labels, and you now have what appears to many as a genuine blistered part.
Keep your eyes peeled, and only buy gen parts from the guys you trust. Some things to keep in mind when looking at parts. Most times, the serial number and barcode will be scratched out on Rolex parts. This is due to dealers not wanting to lose their parts account. Rolex frowns on selling parts, and supplies them with the intent of an authorized service center installing the parts. Also, check the pictures of the actual product. In the pictures below, you can see the difference between the fake and real crystal. If your seller wont give you pics of the actual product, move on to the next guy. A final thing to keep an eye out for in the case of crystals, is Rolex supplies 2 gaskets with their crystals. One is typically on the crystal, and one is floating free. As you can see in the fake, only 1 gasket provided.
As always, if you have any doubts or questions, get in touch with someone you trust to give you an honest opinion. This hobby attracts the shady, get rich quick type, so scamming is always something to be aware of.
Fake xtal packaging
Gen xtal packaging