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
Vintage Rolex Zephyr Oyster Date 35mm Watch
By Rolex
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Vintage Rolex Zephyr Oysterdate reference 5501 circa 1966 two tone. This watch is in very nice condition considering its age, the engine turned bezel is still crisp along with the cr...
Category
20th Century Contemporary Wrist Watches
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
1950's Ladies Rolex Cocktail 17mm Solid 14K Yellow Gold Watch with Gold Dial.
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Dial: Gold.
Year: 1950's.
Brand: Rolex.
Crystal: Glass.
Model: Cocktail.
Dial Color: Gold.
Gender: Women's.
Weight: 29.5 Grams.
Condition: Very Good.
Case Dimensions: 17mm.
Movement: Manual-Wind.
Bracelet Size: Fits Max 6.5" Wrist.
Metal Type: 14K Solid Yellow Gold.
Bracelet / Strap: 14K Solid Yellow Gold.
Service: Complete Overhaul Service on 04/14/2026.
Box / Certification: Custom Box / Certificate of Authenticity.
Warranty: Includes One (1) Year Limited Service Warranty.
NOTE: The bracelet featured on this Rolex Cocktail...
Category
Vintage 1950s Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold
Ladies Rolex 31mm Midsize DateJust Two Tone 18K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Brand: Rolex.
Dial: Diamond.
Bezel: Diamond.
Crystal: Sapphire.
Condition: Good.
Gender: Women's.
Case Dimensions: 31mm.
Reference Number: 6827.
Dial Color: Mother of Peal.
Bracelet ...
Category
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
Materials
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
1999 Rolex 34mm Oyster Perpetual Two Tone 18K Yellow Gold / Stainless Steel
By Rolex
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Year: 1999.
Brand: Rolex.
Indices: Arabic.
Gender: Men's.
Type: Wristwatch.
Dial Color: Silver.
Case Size: 34mm.
Bezel Color: Gold.
Bezel Type: Smooth.
Band/Strap: Bracelet.
Model Nu...
Category
1990s Wrist Watches
Materials
Yellow Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
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


