How Do I Verify The Authenticity of A Second-hand Rolex?

Despite there being a number of benefits to buying second-hand Rolex watches there is one big risk - buying a fake. Unfortunately, the market is ripe with counterfeit Rolex watches. Dodgy sellers charge high prices for watches that only cost a few pounds to produce. We recommend assessing the authenticity of a Rolex before buying to ensure you don’t waste your money. There are a few ways to determine whether a Rolex is authentic including the materials the watch is made from, the original papers and the box.

Here are some things to look out for:

The Serial Number

All Rolex watches have a unique serial number that consists of between 4 and 8 digits. When people make counterfeit Rolexes, they may add a serial number to the watch in an attempt to make the watch look authentic. However, despite the effort, the serial numbers rarely match genuine Rolex codes. This is because the sequence of the serial number may consist of purely numbers or a combination of numbers and digits depending on the year the watch was produced. The serial number on an authentic Rolex can be in a number of places including the rehaut. Over the years the placement has changed making it difficult to determine if the serial number is real. Therefore, it’s worth researching when the make and model of the watch were produced and finding out whether the placement of the serial number matches the placement Rolex used at the time. If the seller provides official papers with the watch we recommend checking the serial number on the watch to that stated on the paperwork. If it doesn’t match then that might be a warning sign the watch is fake. If the papers are not available don’t worry, there are other ways to verify the watch’s authenticity.

The Logo

A logo is crucial to a brand and the Rolex logo is among the most recognisable. On all genuine Rolex watches the logo sits at the top of the watch dial and whilst most counterfeits also have this detail it will not be as precisely placed. Noticing flaws in the logo is a surefire way to tell the difference between an authentic and a fake Rolex. Additionally, since 2002 all Rolex watches have had a second smaller logo etched on the glass of the watch. The logo is so small that only a trained eye would be able to recognise it but if you are unsure of the authenticity of a watch we suggest inspecting this closely.

Metal Case Back

It’s important to always examine the back of a watch, as it may tell you a few things about the watch’s authenticity. Unlike most luxury watch brands, Rolex is renowned for its smooth metal case back. In fact, only a small number of models have clear case backs allowing you to see the inner movements of the watch. With this in mind if a Rolex has a clear case back and is not one of the rare models you can guarantee it is a counterfeit.

Movement & Sound

The quality and craftsmanship of Rolex watches are unlike that of any other so the performance of the seconds hand watch can indicate whether the watch is genuine. All Rolexes have a mechanical movement (with the exception of a few battery-operated models) that is unlikely to be replicated in a counterfeit due to the cost. Additionally, Rolex has a fast-moving seconds hand whose motion is seamless rather than a staggered ticking transition, which is more common. This smooth movement is difficult to reproduce so a watch that doesn’t have this seamless seconds hand is not a genuine Rolex. Due to the seamless motion, the seconds hand on an authentic Rolex makes no sound. Not only is this one of the reasons why Rolexes are so desired and luxurious but it can help establish if a watch is a replica. So if in doubt a sound check is a good way to determine authenticity. Hold the watch to your ear, if you can hear the ticking sound then the Rolex is fake. When buying a second-hand Rolex you can expect some wear and tear but significant damage or visible errors for example glue residue or a misaligned baton may indicate that the Rolex is fake.

When producing counterfeits poor quality materials are used to keep costs low so if you notice anything that looks out of place it is likely a fake as genuine Rolexes are made to the highest of standards. While there are ways to verify the authenticity of second-hand Rolexes we always recommend buying from a reputable source to protect your yourself. Here at Christopher Brown Jewellers, we specialise in buying and selling pre-owned Rolex watches and thoroughly examine every timepiece to ensure it is authentic. Our Rolexes also come with official papers, and a 2-year warranty so you can have peace of mind.

Browse our collection of pre-owned Rolex watches online or visit us in-store. If you have doubts about your Rolex watch contact our experts today.