How to Tell if a Rolex is Real or Fake: 11 Signs of Authenticity

Co-authored by Bill Green and Amber Crain

Last Updated: October 9, 2024 Fact Checked

A Rolex watch is a significant investment, so you want to make sure you're getting the real deal. Some counterfeit watches may look pretty convincing, but there are tell-tale signs you can look for that will confirm a Rolex's authenticity. In this article, we'll walk you through all the special characteristics of an authentic Rolex watch so you'll know exactly what to look for. If you're ready to put your Rolex to the test, read on.

Things You Should Know

Listen for a ticking sound. If the watch is ticking, it's not a real Rolex.
Look for an etched Rolex crown logo near the 6 o'clock position and on the dial above the 12 o'clock position to confirm the watch's authenticity.
Check the Rolex box for a certificate of authenticity, warranty paperwork, and a manual.

1

Soundless movement

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A Rolex is soundless because it's powered by automatic movement. Ordinary watches are powered with quartz movement, which is why the second hand makes that “tick, tick, tick” sound. A ticking sound is a tell-tale sign of a fake Rolex.^{[1]
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- The mechanical movement that powers a Rolex is self-winding. You will never have to wind an authentic Rolex watch.

2

Smooth second hand

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The second hand of an authentic Rolex should turn smoothly without pausing to mark each second. If the second hand's motion is anything less than silky smooth, the watch is counterfeit.^{[2]
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3

Magnified glass

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A real Rolex will have a date window made of magnified glass. Rolexes have a small dial or window that displays the date on the right side of the watch face. The glass, called the cyclops, should magnify the numbers underneath. If the glass doesn't magnify the number, the watch if probably fake.^{[3]
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- Rolex magnification windows usually magnify the date to 2.5x; the date should take up nearly the entire window. Some good counterfeits may magnify the date a little, but the date won't fill up the entire window.
- If the magnification window is imperfect or off center, the watch is fake.

4

Heavy materials

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Test the weight of the watch in your hand. A Rolex feels solid and substantial in your hand and on your wrist. If your “Rolex” feels suspiciously lightweight, it's not the real thing.^{[4]
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5

Metal construction

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Rolex uses high-quality polished steel for their watches. An authentic Rolex will never be made with plastic or aluminum pieces. Turn the watch over and examine the back side. If any part of the watch is made from plastic or thin, cheap-looking metal like aluminum, you're dealing with a fake.
- Rolex uses a proprietary stainless steel alloy for their watches called Oystersteel.
- If the back casing looks metal on the outside but has a plastic inner case, the watch isn't genuine.
- Some imitations have a clear glass back so you can see the inner workings of the watch. No authentic Rolex model has this feature.

6

Serial number

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Every Rolex has an engraved serial number. Remove the watch band by pushing the joint holding the band out of place with a thumbtack. The serial number should be etched between the lugs (where the band attaches to the case with metal spring bars) at the 6 o'clock end of the dial. The lettering will look perfect and precise, never rough.^{[5]
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- Between the opposite set of lugs, you should see "ORIG ROLEX DESIGN" followed by a case reference number.
- To look up the date of your watch's manufacture with the serial number, you can use this handy online source.
Inspect subtle lettering differences. "I used the tip to inspect subtle lettering differences to catch a fake. Doubting my discounted vintage Rolex, I scrutinized the A's shape. Unlike the authentic font, the A's top was pointed, proving this was a counterfeit. Now I know to look for subtle typeface red flags." - James O.

Verify authenticity simply. "For ages, I'd wondered if my Rolex was real. This straightforward article gave me the exact telltale signs of genuine branding, materials, and function. Now I can rest assured my luxury watch is the real deal." - Gary K.

Note exceptions for quartz models. "I appreciated the clear overview for spotting fakes, though it notes some Datejust and Cellini models actually have quartz rather than automatic movements. With that exception clarified, these are still astute authentication tips." - Dean S.

Fake Rolexes don't match the real thing. "I'd inserted a Seiko movement into a fake Rolex trying to mimic real function. But the guidelines here on precise lettering, crown logos, and magnified date windows clearly showed my watch wasn't genuine, helping prove its fakery." - Keith B.

Confirm authenticity without packaging. "Even without original packaging, I could confirm authenticity. Lacking the original box and papers, I'd worried my used Rolex might be fake. But the checklist here on weight, engraving placement, magnification and mechanics reassured me of its legitimacy." - Pat N.

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7

Rolex crown logo

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A real Rolex dial has an etched logo at the 6 and 12 o'clock positions. Starting in the early to mid 2000s, Rolex began etching their trademark crown logo into the crystal of their watch's dials. The logo is very small, so use a magnifying glass or a jeweler's lens to find it.
- If the etching is large enough to easily see with the naked eye, you may have a fake on your hands.
- The logo above the 12 o'clock position should be made of high-quality metal. The circles at the end of the crown's points will be raised bumps, and the crown's outline has a different metallic sheen than the inside.^{[6]
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8

Precise lettering

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The spaces between words and letters should be consistent. If the lettering looks even slightly uneven or smudged under magnification, the watch is probably not a Rolex.^{[7]
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9

Etched dial

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An authentic Rolex dial has etched lettering inside the rim. Use a magnifying glass or jeweler's lens to check. The lettering around the dial should be fine, precise, and elegant, with no imperfections. If the lettering looks painted or printed (rather than etched), the watch is fake.
- All watches from Rolex's Oyster Perpetual series (which is one of their most famous lines) bear this etching.^{[8]
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- The only exceptions are from the Cellini series; they have non-standard designs (rectangular faces, etc.) so some of them won't have the dial etching.

10

Quality packaging

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All packaging should have the official Rolex name and logo. Everything about a Rolex watch should be elegant, dignified, and perfect, including the packaging. The watch should come in a fine jewelry box with a mount to hold and display the watch.^{[9]
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- Most Rolex packaging contains a certificate of authenticity, a manual, and 5-year warranty paperwork.^{[10]
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- If your watch is missing any of these things, it may not be genuine.

11

Waterproof

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Test the water-tightness to confirm authenticity as a last resort. All Rolex watches are waterproof; a fake watch won't be. To test it, fill a cup with water, dunk the watch into the cup for several seconds, and take it out. The watch should continue to work fine and there shouldn't be any water inside the dial.
- Rolex actually created the very first waterproof watch case in history. The case, which they named the Oyster case, is still used today.
- The Submariner is the only Rolex watch designed for deep water usage — while other Rolexes should be fine in the shower or swimming pool, they may leak under more serious aquatic conditions.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I check if a Cartier watch is fake?

Bill Green
Jewelry & Watch Expert
Bill Green is an Expert Jeweler and Appraiser. He is also the Founder & Creative Director of Jewelry & Timepiece Mechanix, and the Founder and Designer of Amaroo Handmade Opal Jewelry, based in Haddonfield, New Jersey. With over 40 years of industry knowledge, he and his team are known for restoring everything from new watches to vintage jewels and being one of the few shops that still design and make jewelry and watches. Jewelry & Timepiece Mechanix is part of the American Society of Jewelers and Gemologists and Ethical Metalsmiths. Bill studied at the Miami Jewelry Institute and the Gemological Institute of America as well as apprenticed with many accomplished craftspeople.

Bill Green

Jewelry & Watch Expert

Expert Answer

Start by inspecting the dial. Grab a jeweler's loupe or a magnifying glass and zero in on the numerals. Authentic Cartier watches usually have the word "Cartier" discreetly engraved somewhere within the numeral system on the dial. If you spot those minuscule letters, you're likely looking at an original Cartier.

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I have a 16013 but it does not say orig Rolex design at 12 o'clock, just the model number. I bought it from a reputable dealer. It's about 30 years old and the movement and bracelet all check out 100%.

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Take it to a reputable jeweler for analysis. A few models don't bear the "ORIG ROLEX DESIGN" marking, but you'll want to have it confirmed as authentic by a professional.

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Is there a Daytona 1992 24 model of a Rolex?

Community Answer

Yes, there are. These special edition Rolex Daytona watches are given to the winners of the Rolex 24 at Daytona Race Event. These are collector timepieces and are probably not available in the mass market. If you see one at the same MSRP of a simple Daytona or cheaper, it's probably fake.

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Tips

Compare your watch to an authentic product image on the Rolex website to make sure they look the same.

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If the price is suspiciously cheap, the watch is fake. If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is!

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If you aren't sure, take the watch to an experienced jeweler for deeper analysis.

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