Everything To Know About Rolex

To know if your Rolex is genuine, examine the serial number. You will find it on the back of the case between the lugs at the bottom. Hold your watch up to the light and look at the number while you tilt it. An authentic Rolex will show off a subtle glow around the edges of the stamp. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of expertly vetted Rolex watches.

There are a few things you should know before buying a Rolex. The first question to ask yourself is whether you want a new, pre-owned or vintage Rolex. Although definitions vary, pre-owned watches are generally those less than 20 years old, while vintage watches are 20 years old and up.

Buying a new, never-worn watch enables you to build a history with it that isn’t shared by anyone else, but the greatest advantage to buying a pre-owned Rolex is that it opens up a wider range of models to consider, including rare ones that have been discontinued. (Everyone seems to have heart-shaped eyes for vintage watches right now.)

Before shopping for a Rolex online, you may want to become acquainted with its components, such as the movement, the case and the lugs, so that you can easily compare and contrast your options.

Familiarize yourself with popular Rolex models, which include the Oyster Perpetual, the Submariner and the Daytona. Which one is a good fit for you? Each model has its own look, features and personality.

The choice of a strap or bracelet can drastically affect the look of your watch, making it formal or casual, traditional or daring. Although often an afterthought, it’s an important element.

See our official Rolex buying guide, and find an exquisite collection of vintage Rolex watches today on 1stDibs.

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.