Rolex Deep Sea Special watch - GIF

[meyer77]

My previous (late) partner was going to buy a new car in early 80's and wanted to negotiate with a sales guy (who we knew negotiated) & I told her to remove all her fancy jewelery first. When we met the sales guy, the very first thing he said after introductions & before we were seated. "I love your gold rolex watch". and he wouldn't even take off the 10 cents that was over the round thousands. Of course we hadn't bought the watch : it was a gift from an Arab sheikh's brother whose life she saved. He wanted to buy her any car she wanted & she told him she didn't want one as she was returning to Australia. The watch was waiting for her the next day.

How did the salesman know about the Rolex?

[12bolts]

Probably because it was strapped to her arm

[Toolmaker51]

Probably because it was strapped to her arm

People notice details, often those who's livelihood relies on appraisals. Might be a lathe, house, oil rig, even a rusty anvil.
When it comes to Rolex, aside from trademark, some features too. One is distinct from common quartz watches, the second hand appears to sweep the dial; but actually tiny split second movements, like a analog chronograph, or most electric clocks.
Bulk of normal wristwatches and battery clocks move second by second.
Listening to one held to your ear a real giveaway, not ticking but kind of a humming tone.

In the world of counterfeits, a lot of effort goes into duplication. Dealers and pawn shops pick out fakes that look very real; but not the movement.