How To Tell If A Rolex Watch Is Real Or Fake: 11 Signs - WikiHow

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• Watches

How to Tell if a Rolex is Real or Fake: 11 Signs of Authenticity Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Soundless movement 2 Smooth second hand 3 Magnified glass 4 Heavy materials 5 Metal construction 6 Serial number 7 Rolex crown logo 8 Precise lettering 9 Etched dial 10 Quality packaging 11 Waterproof + Show 8 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Article Summary Co-authored by Real Authentication and Amber Crain

Last Updated: August 15, 2025 Fact Checked

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This article was co-authored by Real Authentication and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Real Authentication is an app offering authentication services for a variety of luxury designer goods, including handbags, shoes, clothing, jewelry, watches, and accessories. Founded in 2016, it is now the world’s leading process to verify the authenticity of new and used luxury goods, servicing clients in more than 95% of the world. Real Authentication has highly skilled authentication experts and utilizes proprietary Intelascan™ technology to conduct authentication through images provided by their clients. Real Authentication has been featured in publications like Business Insider, Vogue, Fashion United, Tech Times, and more. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,223,787 times.

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.

Steps

1

Soundless movement

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1. 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]
   • The mechanical movement that powers a Rolex is self-winding. You will never have to wind an authentic Rolex watch.
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2

Smooth second hand

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1. A regular watch's second hand will jerk from one position to the next. 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]

3

Magnified glass

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1. 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]
   • 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.
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4

Heavy materials

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1. Rolexes are made of quality materials that have some heft to them. Test the weight of the watch in your hand. A Rolex feels solid and substantial in your hand and on your wrist.[4] If your “Rolex” feels suspiciously lightweight, it's not the real thing.[5]

5

Metal construction

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1. 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.[6]
   • 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.
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6

Serial number

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1. 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.[7]
   • 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. Have a story our readers should hear? Share it with 1 billion+ annual wikiHow users. Tell us your story here.

7

Rolex crown logo

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1. 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.[8]
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8

Precise lettering

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1. Each letter should be perfect, with straight lines and smooth curves. 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.[9]

9

Etched dial

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1. 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.[10]
   • All watches from Rolex's Oyster Perpetual series (which is one of their most famous lines) bear this etching.[11]
   • 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.
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10

Quality packaging

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1. 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.[12]
   • Most Rolex packaging contains a certificate of authenticity, a manual, and 5-year warranty paperwork.[13]
   • If your watch is missing any of these things, it may not be genuine.

11

Waterproof

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1. 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.
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Join the Discussion...

How can you tell if a rolex is fake? Daniel Gbenle Sneaker Authenticator & Founder of Certisfied Here's what to look for to tell if a Rolex is fake:

• A shallow engraving. The engraving on a Rolex should be deep. If you rub on it, you should be able to feel it. Sometimes when they're fake, it’s just a scratch, or it's just light on top, but it should be deep.
• Wrong or no serial number. Rolex has started making the serial numbers alphanumeric. The older ones were just numeric, but now they're alphanumeric serial codes.
• Small or no manufacture date. Some rolexes have the dates they were manufactured on them, and if your date looks small and not magnified, particularly on the screen of the watch, that's a red flag.
• Light weight. Rolexes are usually heavy. They're made out of high-grade metals that are solid. If you pick up a Rolex and it feels really light, that's another red flag.
• Transparent or engraved back. The backs of Rolexes are almost always smooth, with no engravings, and no transparency.
• Low-quality finish. Overall, Rolexes have high quality, beautiful finishes. If it looks rusty or the details are inconsistent, beware.
• No warranty card. Check the warranty card in the box. If the Rolex does not come with one, that's another red flag, especially if it's brand new.

Read More Real Authentication Fashion Authentication Experts A fake Rolex can be identified by carefully analyzing the logos on all areas of the watch, the serial number engraved on the inner watch case, the shape of the bezel, and the movement within the watch case. Fake Rolex watches are often made with low-quality materials that affect the overall shape of the watch as well as the way the metal finish reflects in the light. The weight of the Rolex watch is also a helpful indicator of a genuine or counterfeit timepiece. Read More See all 2 Replies and Read Discussion

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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 3
• Question 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 14
• Question 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 38

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

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Tips

• Compare your watch to an authentic product image on the Rolex website to make sure they look the same. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
• If the price is suspiciously cheap, the watch is fake. If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is! Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• If you aren't sure, take the watch to an experienced jeweler for deeper analysis. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about watches, check out our in-depth interview with Bill Green.

References

1. ↑ https://topvegasbuyer.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-a-rolex-is-real/
2. ↑ https://millenarywatches.com/check-if-a-rolex-is-authentic/
3. ↑ https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/day-date.html
4. ↑ Bill Green. Jewelry & Watch Expert. Expert Interview
5. ↑ https://millenarywatches.com/check-if-a-rolex-is-authentic/
6. ↑ Bill Green. Jewelry & Watch Expert. Expert Interview
7. ↑ https://precisionwatches.com/rolex-year-serial-numbers-lookup/
8. ↑ https://topvegasbuyer.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-a-rolex-is-real/
9. ↑ https://www.rolex.com/watch-care-and-service/faq.html

More References (4)

10. ↑ Bill Green. Jewelry & Watch Expert. Expert Interview
11. ↑ https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/oyster-perpetual/m124300-0001.html
12. ↑ https://millenarywatches.com/check-if-a-rolex-is-authentic/
13. ↑ https://www.rolex.com/en-us/buying-a-rolex/the-rolex-guarantee.html

About This Article

Co-authored by: Real Authentication Fashion Authentication Experts This article was co-authored by Real Authentication and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Real Authentication is an app offering authentication services for a variety of luxury designer goods, including handbags, shoes, clothing, jewelry, watches, and accessories. Founded in 2016, it is now the world’s leading process to verify the authenticity of new and used luxury goods, servicing clients in more than 95% of the world. Real Authentication has highly skilled authentication experts and utilizes proprietary Intelascan™ technology to conduct authentication through images provided by their clients. Real Authentication has been featured in publications like Business Insider, Vogue, Fashion United, Tech Times, and more. This article has been viewed 1,223,787 times. 8 votes - 75% Co-authors: 52 Updated: August 15, 2025 Views: 1,223,787 Categories: Counterfeit Products | Watches Article SummaryX

To tell if a Rolex is real or fake, hold it next to your ear and listen to the sound it makes. If it's making a slow ticking noise like cheap watches normally do, it's a sign that it's fake. You can also tell if a Rolex is real or fake by examining the second hand. If the second hand is moving around the watch in a jerky motion instead of moving smoothly at an even pace, the watch is probably fake. Also, if the Rolex feels really lightweight when you hold it, it's a sign that it's not real. For other ways you can tell if a Rolex is real or fake, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

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  James O.

  Sep 28, 2016

  "I used the tip to inspect subtle lettering differences to catch a fake. Doubting my discounted vintage Rolex, I..." more

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Yes No Did this article help you? Say thanks with a small tip. $1 $3 $5 Leave a Tip Support our mission to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything. Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Real Authentication Fashion Authentication Experts 8 votes - 75% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 52 Updated: August 15, 2025 Views: 1,223,787

James O.

Sep 28, 2016

"I used the tip to inspect subtle lettering differences to catch a fake. Doubting my discounted vintage Rolex, I..." more

Pat N.

May 11, 2016

"Even without original packaging, I could confirm authenticity. Lacking the original box and papers, I'd..." more

Keith B.

Apr 17, 2019

" I'd inserted a Seiko movement into a fake Rolex trying to mimic real function. But the guidelines here on..." more

Dean S.

Nov 30, 2016

"I appreciated the clear overview for spotting fakes, though it notes some Datejust and Cellini models actually have..." more

Gary K.

Mar 14, 2018

"For ages, I'd wondered if my Rolex was real. This straightforward article gave me the exact telltale signs of..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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