How to Check an Original Rolex Watch
Copies of luxury watches are common. These checks help you tell a real Rolex (and other luxury watches) from a fake before you pay.
Updated 14 November 2026
1. Box, papers and receipt
A new Rolex comes with its green box, the warranty card with the serial and reference number and the date of sale. The numbers on the card must match the watch.
2. Serial and reference number
Modern Rolex watches have the serial number engraved on the rehaut (the inner ring under the crystal) next to the repeating ROLEX engraving, and the reference number between the lugs at 12 o'clock. Engravings are sharp and deep, never etched or blurry.
3. The Cyclops lens
The magnifier over the date makes it about 2.5 times larger and the date sits exactly in the middle. Fakes often magnify less.
4. The second hand
A Rolex automatic movement makes the second hand sweep smoothly. A ticking second hand usually means a quartz copy.
5. Weight and finish
Real Rolex watches are solid Oystersteel or gold and feel heavy. Edges are crisp, polishing is even and the bracelet has no rattle.
6. The crown and the coronet
The crown carries the Rolex coronet with dots or a line underneath that show the type of seal. A tiny coronet is also laser-etched in the crystal at 6 o'clock.
7. The dial
Printing is razor sharp, the hour markers are aligned and the lume glows evenly. Spelling mistakes or uneven text mean a fake.
8. The caseback
Most Rolex models have a plain, solid caseback. A clear caseback showing the movement is usually a sign of a copy.
9. Ask a service centre
An authorised Rolex service centre or an expert watchmaker can open and check the movement.
10. Buy from a seller that shows everything
We send every watch with its box and papers and you can check it before paying the balance. Compare models on the Rolex price list.
