A fake Rolex 278273 is a counterfeit of the 31 mm Datejust in yellow Rolesor, the two-tone pairing of Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold. Genuine examples carry the in-house calibre 2236, a solid gold fluted bezel and gold-capped bracelet links, so the fastest ways to separate a fake from the real watch are weight, bezel material, bracelet construction and dial printing.
What the Genuine 278273 Actually Is
The reference 278273 sits in the Datejust 31 line, which makes it the smallest current Datejust case size after the 28 mm Lady-Datejust. Rolex builds it as a Rolesor watch: the case middle and case back are Oystersteel, while the fluted bezel, winding crown and the center links of the bracelet are 18k yellow gold.
- Case: 31 mm Oyster case, yellow Rolesor, water resistant to 100 m
- Bezel: fluted yellow gold, with smooth and diamond-set variants on related references
- Bracelet: Jubilee with a concealed Crownclasp, or Oyster with an Oysterclasp
- Movement: calibre 2236, Syloxi hairspring, about 55 hours of power reserve
- Dials: chocolate, olive green, silver, azzurro blue, mother-of-pearl and diamond-set options
- Certification: Superlative Chronometer, rated to -2/+2 seconds per day
A genuine two-tone 31 mm Datejust on a Jubilee bracelet usually lands between roughly 90 and 100 grams. Any seller quoting far less is describing a lighter case or hollow links.
Why This Reference Gets Copied So Often
The 278273 combines three things replica makers like: a two-tone color scheme that reads as expensive from across a room, a mid-size case that suits many wrists, and strong resale demand. The gold content is also the hardest part to fake convincingly, which is exactly why so many fake Rolex 278273 listings fall apart under close inspection.
The Tells: How to Inspect a Suspected Fake Rolex 278273
1. Weight and Balance
Gold is dense. A genuine Rolesor case with a gold bezel and gold center links feels noticeably heavier than a plated steel copy. Hold the watch in one hand and the bracelet in the other. A top-heavy, hollow feeling is a warning sign.
2. Bezel and Gold Color
Genuine yellow gold has a warm, slightly muted tone. Plating tends to look brassy or overly bright, and it wears through at the crown guards and bezel edges. Check the fluting: real Rolex fluting is crisp with sharp inner corners, while many copies show rounded, shallow grooves.
3. Bracelet and Clasp
On a Jubilee bracelet, the center links should be solid gold and the Oysterclasp or Crownclasp should close with a firm, even snap. Look for laser-etched Rolex coronets on the clasp blade, correct reference codes, and no sharp edges where links meet. Loose, rattling links on a modern 31 mm Datejust are a red flag.
4. Dial, Date and Cyclops
Print quality is one of the easiest checks. Genuine dial text is razor sharp under a loupe, with even spacing and clean serifs. The cyclops should magnify the date about 2.5 times with no distortion at the edges, and the date wheel should sit centered in the window. Copy dials often show fuzzy text, misaligned markers, or a date that sits slightly high or low.
5. Case Back, Engravings and Movement
Rolex keeps modern case backs plain. Heavy engraving on the back of a 278273 is usually decorative, not authentic. Serial and reference engravings between the lugs should be crisp and correctly placed. If you can see the movement, a real calibre 2236 shows Geneva stripes, polished bevels and a free-sprung balance, while most replicas use a stock or cloned automatic with visible machining marks.
What a First Copy Usually Gets Right, and Wrong
A high-grade first copy of this reference often matches the case diameter, dial layout and bracelet look closely enough for daily wear. What it rarely matches is the material spec. The gold is plating, not solid 18k, the movement is a clone or an off-the-shelf automatic rather than a calibre 2236, and the finishing inside the case is simpler. Timekeeping can still be reasonable, but service intervals are shorter and water resistance is not something to trust without testing.
Legal and Buying Risk
Counterfeit watches are illegal to sell as genuine in most countries, and importing them can lead to seizure. Reputable replica sellers describe their product openly as a replica or first copy, never as an authentic Rolex. If a listing claims to be a real 278273 at a fraction of market price, the risk is on the buyer.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- Is the case size a true 31 mm, or a 33 to 34 mm case described as 31 mm?
- Which movement is inside, and what is the stated power reserve?
- Is the gold plating, gold filling or solid gold?
- How thick is the plating, and is it covered by any warranty?
- Can you send clear photos of the dial, clasp and case back?
Caring for a First Copy 278273
Keep the watch away from chlorine and salt water, wipe it with a soft cloth after wear, and have the bracelet cleaned in warm soapy water if it is rated for it. Plated gold will thin over time on the bezel and crown, so rotating the watch rather than wearing it daily stretches the finish. If the movement starts running fast or slow, a local watchmaker can often regulate a clone movement for a modest fee.