WPB Watch Co.
Est. 2015
Rolex is the most counterfeited luxury watch brand in the world—and for good reason. Its name carries unmatched prestige, and its craftsmanship is second to none. But with popularity comes imitation. Knowing how to authenticate a Rolex watch is essential if you’re buying or selling. Whether you’re examining a Submariner, Datejust, or Daytona, here’s how to tell if a Rolex is real.
Start with the rehaut, the inner ring between the dial and crystal. On Rolex watches made after 2002, the rehaut is laser-engraved with the word “ROLEX” around the dial. Starting in 2007, the serial number is also engraved at the 6 o’clock position inside the rehaut.
These engravings should be crisp, clean, and perfectly aligned. Counterfeit watches often have shallow, uneven etching that lacks the precision of Rolex’s laser engraving.
The Cyclops magnifying lens—located over the date window—is one of Rolex’s signature features. On a genuine Rolex, it magnifies the date 2.5 times, making it bold and easy to read. On most counterfeits, the magnification is much weaker (often 1.5x or less), or the lens is misaligned altogether.
Tilt the watch and examine the date from multiple angles. If the number doesn’t look dramatically enlarged, that’s a red flag.
If you can access the movement or have it opened by a watchmaker, this is one of the clearest indicators of authenticity. All modern Rolex watches use proprietary in-house mechanical movements—not quartz—except for a few discontinued Oysterquartz models.
Look for smooth, sweeping motion of the second hand, not a ticking movement. The rotor inside should be engraved, well-finished, and mounted with precision. A noisy or shaky movement is a telltale sign of a fake.
Rolex has added a micro-etched crown logo on the sapphire crystal at 6 o’clock since around 2002. This tiny etching is nearly invisible without magnification and is difficult for counterfeiters to replicate.
Use a loupe or jeweler’s magnifier to check for the crown. If it’s missing or appears etched by hand, the watch likely isn’t authentic.
Most Rolex watches have a plain, brushed or polished case back. If the back is clear (exhibition-style), engraved, or overly decorated, that’s a red flag. While some vintage or rare models may differ, 99% of Rolex models do not use transparent case backs.
If you’re holding a Rolex with a glass window on the back, it’s almost certainly fake or heavily modified.
Rolex engraves the model and serial numbers between the lugs, located at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions underneath the bracelet. These numbers should be deeply etched—not lightly printed—and should line up perfectly.
You can verify the numbers with a Rolex-certified watchmaker or an experienced dealer. At WPB Watch Co, we reference these against Rolex records and known model specifications.
Even with all these steps, the most reliable way to authenticate a Rolex watch is through a trusted professional. At WPB Watch Co, we specialize in Rolex authentication, offering:
Same-day in-person authentication in West Palm Beach
Two-day turnaround for nationwide clients
Full evaluation of serial numbers, case structure, dial alignment, movement, and more
Insured shipping to protect your investment
We’ve seen every kind of counterfeit—and we know what to look for.
Authenticating a Rolex isn’t just about avoiding fakes—it’s about protecting your reputation, investment, and future resale value. Buying a counterfeit can cost thousands, while selling one unknowingly can cause legal and financial issues.
Getting expert watch authentication ensures your watch is genuine and gives buyers peace of mind.
Learning how to authenticate a Rolex watch means understanding what sets the brand apart—its engineering, consistency, and attention to detail. While fakes are getting more sophisticated, Rolex still leaves behind distinct clues that experts know how to catch.
If you ever have doubts, don’t risk it. Let WPB Watch Co help you verify with confidence.
