How to Tell if a Rolex Watch is Real

What do you think of when you think about a Rolex watch? Chances are that luxury, expensive, and status are three words that come to mind. That’s because Rolex watches are just that.

Since its inception, Rolex watches have been the epitome of prestige. But just like with other high price tag items, Rolex watches are subject to counterfeiters who tirelessly try to replicate this watch brand. With so many fake Rolex watches out in the world it can be difficult to spot a fake, especially if you don’t know the in’s and out’s of a watch.



Not knowing whether a Rolex watch is real can be risky, especially for those who have purchased one from third party seller and are looking to cash in on their investment. The good news is, we’ve got you covered on this topic. Keep reading to find out six ways you can identify a real Rolex watch from a fake one.

1. Inspect the Weight

One of the quickest and surefire ways to determine if your Rolex is fake is to inspect the weight of your watch. Given that Rolex watches are a symbol of status, they come at a hefty weight due to the high-quality metals that are used to make them. Fake Rolex watches are usually much lighter because they aren’t constructed with these costly, high quality metals and crystals.

2. Look for the Crown Logos

The iconic Rolex logo, the crown, is strategically placed on the watch in a place it’s hard for counterfeiters to replicate. If you look at a real Rolex watch you will find a crown not only perfectly centered at the top of the watch face, but you will also find a small crown that is etched at the 6 o’clock position. This is too small to spot with your bare eye and you will need a magnifying glass to see it, which is why fake Rolex watches often do not bother to include this feature.

3. Examine the Case Back

Another way how to tell if a Rolex watch is real is to turn your Rolex over and examine the case back. There should be no visible etchings or engravings, which fake Rolex models typically include to try to look more authentic. The case back should also be smooth, solid metal like the rest of the watch, not clear glass. Counterfeiters sometimes include a clear case back to let you see the “inner workings” of the watch, but a real Rolex will never have this.

4. Listen to the Dial Movements

Rolex watches have a reputation for being perfect. That means their second-hand moves smoothly, moving 8 times a second. Knockoff Rolex watches often don’t do this because it is hard to replicate, and instead the secondhand stutters along. Since a real Rolex has continuous movement, it doesn’t make the ticking sound you are used to because it has automatic movements, not quartz.

5. Inspect the Date Magnification

Most Rolex watches include a small window, typically on the right hand side of the watch, that displays the date. On an authentic Rolex, you’ll often find a “cyclops,” or small magnification lens, over the date dial which magnifies the date 2.5x. This is a difficult feature to duplicate so many fake Rolex watches will just include clear glass over the date. To gauge whether your Rolex is authentic, look to see if the date looks larger, or whether it is just a window that shows the date underneath.

6. Look for the Serial Number

You’ll never encounter a real Rolex watch without a serial number engraved on it between the watch lugs at the 6 o’clock position (you’ll need to remove the band to see this). A fake Rolex can sometimes have a fake serial number, but with an authentic Rolex, the serial number engravement is always perfect, precise, and smooth, rather than being etched in. If you also hold the engravement to the light, there should be a slight glow around the edges.

7. Get an Expert Opinion from a Trusted Watch Buyer

If you have any doubts about the authenticity of your Rolex watch, it’s best to take it to a trustworthy watch expert to authenticate and ensure all watch parts are real. At Diamond Buyers, we have over 40 years experience with authenticating luxury watches. Our staff is expertly trained in inspecting all parts and components of Rolex watches and can quickly determine whether your watch is real or fake as well as provide you with the true market value of your watch.