Download Article
Download Article
A Rolex watch is a significant investment, so you want to make sure you're getting the real deal. Some counterfeit watches may look pretty convincing, but there are tell-tale signs you can look for that will confirm a Rolex's authenticity. In this article, we'll walk you through all the special characteristics of an authentic Rolex watch so you'll know exactly what to look for. If you're ready to put your Rolex to the test, read on.
Things You Should Know
- Listen for a ticking sound. If the watch is ticking, it's not a real Rolex.
- Look for an etched Rolex crown logo near the 6 o'clock position and on the dial above the 12 o'clock position to confirm the watch's authenticity.
- Check the Rolex box for a certificate of authenticity, warranty paperwork, and a manual.
Steps
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionHow can I check if a Cartier watch is fake?Bill Green is an Expert Jeweler and Appraiser. He is also the Founder & Creative Director of Jewelry & Timepiece Mechanix, and the Founder and Designer of Amaroo Handmade Opal Jewelry, based in Haddonfield, New Jersey. With over 40 years of industry knowledge, he and his team are known for restoring everything from new watches to vintage jewels and being one of the few shops that still design and make jewelry and watches. Jewelry & Timepiece Mechanix is part of the American Society of Jewelers and Gemologists and Ethical Metalsmiths. Bill studied at the Miami Jewelry Institute and the Gemological Institute of America as well as apprenticed with many accomplished craftspeople.Start by inspecting the dial. Grab a jeweler's loupe or a magnifying glass and zero in on the numerals. Authentic Cartier watches usually have the word "Cartier" discreetly engraved somewhere within the numeral system on the dial. If you spot those minuscule letters, you're likely looking at an original Cartier.
-
QuestionI have a 16013 but it does not say orig Rolex design at 12 o'clock, just the model number. I bought it from a reputable dealer. It's about 30 years old and the movement and bracelet all check out 100%.This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerTake it to a reputable jeweler for analysis. A few models don't bear the "ORIG ROLEX DESIGN" marking, but you'll want to have it confirmed as authentic by a professional.
-
QuestionIs there a Daytona 1992 24 model of a Rolex?Community AnswerYes, there are. These special edition Rolex Daytona watches are given to the winners of the Rolex 24 at Daytona Race Event. These are collector timepieces and are probably not available in the mass market. If you see one at the same MSRP of a simple Daytona or cheaper, it's probably fake.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
- Compare your watch to an authentic product image on the Rolex website to make sure they look the same.Thanks
- If the price is suspiciously cheap, the watch is fake. If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is!Thanks
- If you aren't sure, take the watch to an experienced jeweler for deeper analysis.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about watches, check out our in-depth interview with Bill Green .
References
- ↑ https://topvegasbuyer.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-a-rolex-is-real/
- ↑ https://millenarywatches.com/check-if-a-rolex-is-authentic/
- ↑ https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/day-date.html
- ↑ https://millenarywatches.com/check-if-a-rolex-is-authentic/
- ↑ https://precisionwatches.com/rolex-year-serial-numbers-lookup/
- ↑ https://topvegasbuyer.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-a-rolex-is-real/
- ↑ https://www.rolex.com/watch-care-and-service/faq.html
- ↑ https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/oyster-perpetual/m124300-0001.html
- ↑ https://millenarywatches.com/check-if-a-rolex-is-authentic/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To tell if a Rolex is real or fake, hold it next to your ear and listen to the sound it makes. If it's making a slow ticking noise like cheap watches normally do, it's a sign that it's fake. You can also tell if a Rolex is real or fake by examining the second hand. If the second hand is moving around the watch in a jerky motion instead of moving smoothly at an even pace, the watch is probably fake. Also, if the Rolex feels really lightweight when you hold it, it's a sign that it's not real. For other ways you can tell if a Rolex is real or fake, keep reading!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,196,360 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I used the tip to inspect subtle lettering differences to catch a fake. Doubting my discounted vintage Rolex, I scrutinized the A's shape. Unlike the authentic font, the A's top was pointed, proving this was a counterfeit. Now I know to look for subtle typeface red flags." ..." more
Advertisement
100%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"I used the tip to inspect subtle lettering differences to catch a fake. Doubting my discounted vintage Rolex, I scrutinized the A's shape. Unlike the authentic font, the A's top was pointed, proving this was a counterfeit. Now I know to look for subtle typeface red flags."
..."
more
"Even without original packaging, I could confirm authenticity. Lacking the original box and papers, I'd worried my used Rolex might be fake. But the checklist here on weight, engraving placement, magnification and mechanics reassured me of its legitimacy."
..."
more
" I'd inserted a Seiko movement into a fake Rolex trying to mimic real function. But the guidelines here on precise lettering, crown logos, and magnified date windows clearly showed my watch wasn't genuine, helping prove its fakery."
..."
more
"I appreciated the clear overview for spotting fakes, though it notes some Datejust and Cellini models actually have quartz rather than automatic movements. With that exception clarified, these are still astute authentication tips."
..."
more
"For ages, I'd wondered if my Rolex was real. This straightforward article gave me the exact telltale signs of genuine branding, materials, and function. Now I can rest assured my luxury watch is the real deal."
..."
more
