Written by Menswear Style in Tips & Advice on the 4th September 2024

A watch is an indispensable item since time is a precious daily consideration for humanity. But people have other purposes for wearing them, like wearing a Rolex watch for prestige and social status. Sweden was the original Rolex watchmaker in 1905 until it reached a broader global market. This watch exhibited exceptional reliability and durability, which has evolved to this day as one of the most chased brands in the wristwatch market. These qualities made them eligible for the COSC-certified timers. Craftsmanship, precision, and classic design have been their symbols of excellence. People usually look up to those who wear this branded watch due to the fact that influential people, celebrities and leaders frequently wear it. The brand has become even more popular since it is worn by famous athletes, explorers, and even astronauts who made significant historical events for their personal style.

And what is good about these watches is that they retain their value, and some models even increase their value over time. Being functional for decades, they are handed down from generation to generation. And, with their timeless design, they can be worn anytime by people with different lifestyles and still maintain their prestige. So, how would you distinguish a genuine from a fake product of its kind if you’re interested in buying one? Of course, you must avoid purchasing from unauthorized dealers because their offer may lead you to buy fake ones. Since Rolex is one of the most imitated watches, many are fooled in the market. You may be paying too much for believing it’s a Rolex or purchasing a less expensive one but eventually owning a fake one. So, here are the things you must check when buying a watch to ensure its authenticity as Rolex:

Its unique serial number is engraved with precision between the lugs on the side of the case at 6 o'clock or on the inner bezel for new models, and the model number on the opposite side at 12 o’clock. The word “ROLEX” is engraved around the inner bezel in their latest models. 

Rolex is made from high-quality materials consisting of 904L stainless steel, gold, or platinum, which constitutes its heaviness compared to other watches, making its weight another determining factor of its authenticity. The timepiece is well-assembled and solid concerning its bracelet, case, and clasp, which are all accurately fitted and smooth. 

The Cyclops lens located over the date at the 3 o’clock position makes the date more straightforward to read. The colossus lens magnifies by 2.5 times the sharply printed numbers on the date. Fake ones have smaller or distorted date displays. 

Counterfeit watches fail to imitate the smoothness of the second hand. The high-quality fluid mechanical movement of the hand appears just gliding around the dial that operates at 28,800 beats per hour (BPH). 

In addition, all Rolex watches show the clear and perfectly aligned Rolex crown logo on the dial usually at 12 o’clock position. Also, since 2002, Rolex has been engraving a very tiny crown logo at the 6 o’clock position on the sapphire crystal, which is entirely invisible to the human eye but can be seen when magnified.

Authentic brands do not have any engraving on the case back, and they are usually smooth and unmarked. They also do not have a transparent or see-through case back. (Only extremely rare vintage models may have transparent back and minor engravings.) 

The secure and waterproof screw-down crown with the Rolex crown logo, often with dots or a line below it, should operate smoothly. Adjusting or winding the watch should not feel stiff. 

The links on the bracelet are closely fitted. The Rolex clasp snaps into place efficiently, and most clasps have the crown logo engraved or stamped on it. 

These watches are exceptionally water resistant. 

An original brand comes with an original box, warranty card, and essential papers. Their newer watches even feature a green plastic warranty card that showcases a hologram. 

Take time to research the market value of the model you are interested in; prices that seem “too good to be true” are more or less fake. 

As mentioned above, you may reduce the possibility of buying a fake item by being aware of the characteristics of a Rolex watch. However, to be sure, you can rely upon the services of a certified watch appraiser to examine the timepiece for you. You can buy from the secondary market, but be sure to choose reputable sellers with excellent reviews and legitimate certifications. Or the best thing to do, is for you to purchase the watch from the authorized dealers.

Certified watch appraiser, secondary market, and authorized dealers are covered in this article on How to Spot an Authentic Rolex.