While being able to see the inner workings of a Rolex might be really cool in theory, real Rolex watches do not have see-through case backs — outside of a few rare models from the 1930s. Any watch purporting to be a Rolex while sporting one of these case backs should not be trusted.

Which Rolex has a clear back?

Almost all Rolex watches do not have clear case backs and the only reason we have to say almost is there are two extremely rare models or Rolex from the 1930s that did in fact have case backs made of glass. So if you are buying a relatively modern Rolex with a clear case back it is almost certainly a fake.

How can you tell real Rolex from fake?

An authentic watch will have a deeply engraved serial number. You should be able to hold it to the light and see a slight glow around the edges. A fake will have worn down or sloppy engraving, as the process counterfeiters use is not exact enough to replicate the clean Rolex serial number.