Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
How do you know if a Rolex watch is real?
1 Answer

To know if a Rolex watch is real, you’ll want to look at several factors. For one, if a Rolex is $50 or less, it’s certainly not genuine. Additionally, if a Rolex watch is real, it will have its serial and model numbers deeply engraved into the metal between the lugs attaching the band to the body (fakes often just have them etched on with acid). Real Rolex movements are self-winding and mechanical, as opposed to quartz or battery-powered. The lettering is also a reliable tell: All lettering on the face of a Rolex watch should have an exquisitely crisp appearance. It should be centered and perfectly aligned without inconsistent spacing, blurs, splotches or misspellings. On 1stDibs, you can find vintage Rolex watches for sale from expertly vetted sellers.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 26, 2024
Related Questions
- How do you know if an old watch is real gold?1 Answer
- How do I know if my Picasso is real?1 Answer
- How do you know if ametrine is real?1 Answer
- How do I know if my Bulgari is real?1 Answer
- How do I know if my IWC is real?1 Answer
Shop for Rolex Watches on 1stDibs
2001 Rolex Men's Oyster Perpetual Watch Two Tone 14233M Champagne Dial #22567
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
2001 Rolex Men's Oyster Perpetual Watch
Model: 14233M
Serial: K881198
This classic Rolex Men's watch is set in stainless steel and 18K yel...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel
Rolex 2023 Submariner 126618LN 41mm 18k Gold Black Dial Watch w/ Box and Papers
By Rolex
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The 2023 Rolex Submariner Date 126618LN is a bold fusion of luxury and performance. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this 41mm timepiece features a sleek black dial with luminous hour mar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1963 Rolex Day Date Special Millanaise Bracelet Ref. 1803
By Rolex
Located in Dubai, AE
Millanaise
When looking at Day Date configurations, the bracelet is usually the most generic part of a watch. In most cases a President bracelet, occasionally an Oyster or Jubilee b...
Category
Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1989 Rolex Day Date Pavee Dial With Sapphires Ref. 18388
By Rolex
Located in Dubai, AE
Diamonds & Sapphires - Here's a very glamorous Day Date 18388 in yellow gold. With factory diamond setting on the bezel as well as on the lugs. The watch features a beautiful Pavee d...
Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1967 Rolex Day Date Platinum Arabic Hindi Dial Ref. 1804
By Rolex
Located in Dubai, AE
The Sultan
The reference 1804 represents a very special model reference in the 4-digit Day Date era. The rarest of the rarest dial variants have been configured with the 1804 refere...
Category
Vintage 1960s Wrist Watches
Materials
Platinum
1994 Rolex Daytona Patrizzi Ref. 16520
By Rolex
Located in Dubai, AE
The Patrizzi Daytona - The Rolex Daytona has always been and will always remain the King of the Sports models and was initially racing inspired. It was in 1987 that Rolex intr...
Category
1990s Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel