How do 1 check if a Rolex is real?

[Gab27]

Please provide more context for your request--did you buy a watch and are concerned about authenticity, or are you looking to purchase used and wish to know how to ensure the transaction is for a valid watch?

If the former, I would recommend posting pictures for an opinion, but with the understanding that RSC (Rolex Service Center) is the ultimate authority who can tell you definitively, and that there are some VERY convincing fakes out there that can be very hard to distinguish without pictures of the movement.

[dpt.calvin]

Originally Posted by amphora001

To me, as an amateur, I'd look for the crown at 6 o'clock on the crystal. That's a pretty good indicator isn't it? I mean there are some really good fake out there, but this is a detail that's not as easy to execute.

It’s commonly done on high end copies. Do not use this method to authenticate a modern Rolex.

[dpt.calvin]

Originally Posted by SocialMediaUser

If it has a battery it is no good right?

In 2015 I went to an AD to pick up my first Rolex, a BLNR. My buddy came with and decided to wear his replica thinking it would be funny. As soon as he walked in he got shy. The SA caught a glimpse of it and asked him about it. My buddy quickly confessed it was not authentic and the battery was actually dead. The SA offered to change the battery free of charge on the spot. They were good sports about it.

[Sprezzatura!,]

Originally Posted by arcampado

I can’t imagine what TRF would be like without your pointless and inaccurate feedback.

See what I did there *sarcasm*

I don’t see why you did there, no… ?

But if you read the responses properly before replying, you’ll see certain things are said in jest.

Oh, hang on a minute…

#savethepoorsaps

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by zohaibbutt

How do i check if a Rolex is real?

Is there an online way to verify the product ?


Regards

Buy from only a trusted source

[amphr1]

Originally Posted by dpt.calvin

It’s commonly done on high end copies. Do not use this method to authenticate a modern Rolex.

I'm thinking that a majority of fakes are not high end?

[zengineer]

Originally Posted by SS Oyster

Sorry - that’s bad advise


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes...but good comedy.

Did you actually see it as a serious suggestion?

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

[IamJacky]

Originally Posted by zohaibbutt

How do i check if a Rolex is real?

Is there an online way to verify the product ?


Regards

As far as I'm concerned there is no 100% way to authenticate your Rolex online. The surest way is to send it for service at a Rolex Service Center. If RSC accepts and takes your Rolex for a service, then it is widely accepted in the Rolex community that your Rolex is authentic.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by ltmgeller

Go to an AD that sells preowned watches. Ask them what they'll offer you for your watch. When the inspect it, they'll figure it out. If its real they'll make an offer, if its fake they'll tell you. Free authentication.

I never thought of that.

Or RSC.

You should be able to some research before you part with your money. If you cannot be sure from the evidence presented pre purchase, don't buy it. If it's being offered at a reduced price and you don't want to miss it, don't buy it.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by joli160

Your average SA is not capable of checking a watch.
The RSC is your best bet

This where you should stop reading OP.^^^

Welcome to the forum

[m j b]

Assuming the OP is not a troll, these attempts at humor are probably not appropriate for the seriousness of the question. You know, IMHO.

There is a subforum here for identifying fakes. Start there.

[NCD1979]

Buy from an AD or trusted seller and you’ll have your answer!

[Rags]

Go to an AD & pay to have it authenticated.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by THC

Where did you get the watch? Why the need to check is always my first instinct..

X2

If you need to check authenticity you bought it from the wrong source.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by Nairn1980

Buy from only a trusted source

This is really the only meaningful answer.

[subby718]

This may help. Seem to be having a problem posting the url, but if you go on YouTube and search that video, you might get something from that.

69FC4357-D337-4C30-A529-9C6573C73469.jpeg

[majidessa]

Originally Posted by the dark knight

No, you need to take it into a professional watchmaker who is familiar with Rolex to be absolutely sure.

Some of the things I do personally (and that's assuming I've already dismissed a readily apparent fake, like something that ticks or where the date magnification is completely off), these are not in order:

(1) Crystal at 6 o'clock on the crystal
(2) Overall fit/finish of the watch (like bezel action, solidity of clasp, feel of bracelet, text, etching, etc)
(3) Check papers for serial number and match it against case. I feel much better if I have at least 2 "external" sources with a serial matching up with case. So like the warranty card AND the hangtag.
(4) I check accuracy and power reserve. I think this is easier with a newer 32xx movement watch. I've owned 4 of these so far, and none have deviated from the promised -2/+2 no matter the position. So I give the watch a full wind, and then observe timekeeping. I also move it around a bit for positional variance.

If the above 4 conditions are met AND I purchased from a fairly reputable seller, I don't feel the need to do anything else.

In addition to the above,

1- The date function should change instantly at 12.
2- The date cyclop should magnify at 2.5x in most cases.
3- Check the spacing, sharpness, and type of fonts on the dial and the date and compare them to photos of the same from the Rolex website.

Kindly note that the above criteria is more applicable on newer references

[S7gpt]

Originally Posted by majidessa

In addition to the above,

1- The date function should change instantly at 12.

The date cyc

And if you open the Case back

all our dates change between 5 and 10 minutes past midnight !

[subby718]

Originally Posted by majidessa

In addition to the above,

1- The date function should change instantly at 12.
2- The date cyclop should magnify at 2.5x in most cases.
3- Check the spacing, sharpness, and type of fonts on the dial and the date and compare them to photos of the same from the Rolex website.

Kindly note that the above criteria is more applicable on newer references.


The date cyc

And if you open the Case back

No. 2 is a sure fire give away. The magnification, most replicas seem to fall down on this. Also the number font is a very difficult one to get right. Also look for clarity, the anti reflective glare that Rolex use under the cyclops is something else replicas struggle with. The give away is a discolouration, usually you get a bluish glare if it’s a replica.

Have to echo what’s been said previously though, if you are asking this question, maybe you didn’t acquire your watch from the right channel. I’m not suggesting it has to be an AD, albeit that is the best way to confirm it’s authenticity. You can acquire from very reputable grey dealers where the authenticity would also not be in question.

[majidessa]

Originally Posted by S7gpt

all our dates change between 5 and 10 minutes past midnight !

Well, in recent ones they change faster but even 5 to 10 minutes is acceptable compared to other movements that usually take few hours to fully change.

[Mr. K]

If you buy used. Get the paperwork if possible. Just helps to verify that it's not stolen.

No guarantee, but I don't think stolen watches typically have the paperwork. Unless it's kept together when a house was broken into.

[Swearengen]

What is its a 17000?

Originally Posted by Sprezzatura!,

If the seconds hand ticks then it’s fake. If it moves continuously, then it’s real.

It’s the only way to determine a fake from a genuine.

[Mr. K]

Originally Posted by Swearengen

What is its a 17000?

I miss my OQs. Shouldn't have sold those.

Water under the bridge.

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by Sprezzatura!,

If the seconds hand ticks then it’s fake. If it moves continuously, then it’s real.

It’s the only way to determine a fake from a genuine.

What about an oysterquartz? That’s probably the worst possible advice on authenticity.

[Sprezzatura!,]

Originally Posted by shaunylw

What about an oysterquartz? That’s probably the worst possible advice on authenticity.

Oh read the thread will you.

The fact that you are naive enough to think its a genuine comment says a lot.

This forum…

[malba2366]

Take it to a dealer who buys used watches (preferably a Rolex dealer) pretending to want to sell your watch. They will tell you if it it is fake.

[rambo99]

Originally Posted by malba2366

Take it to a dealer who buys used watches (preferably a Rolex dealer) pretending to want to sell your watch. They will tell you if it it is fake.

sure the grey dealers can check if the watch is authentic, but they cannot check if the watch is stolen. my advice is send it to the RSC.

[Sprezzatura!,]

A bogus question and the OP hasn’t even responded…

Talk about planting a seed.

He def came to the right place.

[Alex71168]

Originally Posted by SocialMediaUser

If it has a battery it is no good right?

Rolex Oyster Quartz has a battery!

[Flintstone]

Put in your dishwasher and run it for an hour. If it still works when the dishwasher is done then your Rolex is real. If not, you’ve been scammed.