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
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Shop for Rolex Watches on 1stDibs
1981 Rolex Air King 5500 Silver Dial 34mm Watch Stainless #25018
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1981 Rolex Air King
Model: 5500
Serial: 6559514
Stainless steel case - 34mm in diameter
Silver dial with stick markers
No Date
Stainless steel oyster band - fits up to 7 3/4" br...
Category
Vintage 1980s Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials
Stainless Steel
Classic Rolex Datejust 6916 in Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in Bloomington, MN
Classic Rolex Datejust 6916 in Stainless Steel
This Rolex Datejust 6916 is crafted in stainless steel and features a clean silver-tone dial with baton hour markers, a date display, ...
Category
Late 20th Century Retro Wrist Watches
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
2000 Rolex Submariner 40mm Oyster Perpetual Two Tone Blue Dial and Blue Bezel
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Year: 2000.
Brand: Rolex.
Gender: Men's.
Dial Color: Blue.
Type: Wristwatch.
Case Size: 40mm.
Bezel Color: Blue.
Model: Submariner.
Condition: Excellent.
Band/Strap: Bracelet.
Indice...
Category
Early 2000s Wrist Watches
1946 Rolex Precision Vintage Mens Claw Lugs Square Dress Watch - 14K Gold & SS
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU?
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Category
Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
14k Gold, Stainless Steel
Antique Art Deco 1939 Rolex Ladies 18K Gold Diamond Manual Wind Watch 1.0CTW
By Rolex
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Antique 1939 Ladies Rolex Manual Wind Watch – 18K Solid Gold & Diamond Bracelet (1.0 CTW)
Elegant and timeless, this exquisite early 20th-century ladies Rolex wristwatch dates to app...
Category
Vintage 1930s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials
18k Gold
1932 Rolex Compteur Very Rare Vintage Antique Mens Stopwatch, 49mm Nickel Chrome
By Rolex
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU?
We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
Category
Vintage 1930s Swiss Pocket Watches
Materials
Other


