When you make a decision to buy a Rolex watch, you make an investment. Rolex, like many brands, goes to great lengths to protect its name. There is no substitute to a 100% authentic Rolex timepiece. Not even a “custom” part of the watch can keep the investment value at its peak like being 100% authentic. Parts of the watch that may be custom or aftermarket only take away value. There are a few things you can do to make sure you are, in fact, getting a 100% authentic Rolex timepiece.
1. Make sure the source of the watch is reputable. Check references, past clients, and qualifications of the dealer.
2. Check the watch model number and serial number. These numbers are generally located at the 6 o’clock and 12 o’clock position of the watch case. You can find a diagram of a Rolex watch here. http://watchchest.com/company/watch-diagram.html Make sure the model number matches the watch you are looking at. Also make sure the letters and numbers are perfectly engraved and even. The manufacturer does not allow error in this process.
3. Check the watch for markings such as 18Kt gold. Look for things that may not be correct and ask questions concerning these items. Also, do some outside research on anything you have a question about.
4. Study the face of the watch. Look at the condition of the dial and the markings it has. Compare this to known authentic photos of the same watch. If anything at all is different, it may be best to find another watch.
5. Check the characteristics of the watch. Make sure these characteristics are in line with the year, model number, and style of the watch. An example may be that Rolex only made a certain model in yellow gold during a certain period. Check this out and verify everything.
6. Focus on the actual, physical watch more than on the paperwork it has. In these times, paperwork can be forged very easily. You are safer to ignore the paper and study the watch.
7. Get everything in writing on the company letterhead. If a dealer makes a promise that he intends to keep he will have no problem with this. Also, ask the dealer to put into writing that the watch is 100% authentic Rolex.
8. Ask to see the movement of the watch. Sometimes this is not possible due to the resources but it never hurts to ask. If you are able to see this part check for reference numbers and verify with good sources.
9. Check the bracelet of the watch with references to ensure the correct one is on that model. At this point you can look at the stretch of the bracelet as well as the clasp.
10. If buying the watch online, check references. On sites like eBay.com you can look at customer feedback ratings. A couple of dealers that have excellent ratings on eBay are Watch_Chest and SantBlanc aka GeneralWar. These are two examples of what type of feedback to look for. It is good to be able to call and speak to the dealer directly as well.
This is a detailed list that should get you off to a good start when you choose to make that big purchase. I have learned from experience the importance of having a 100% authentic Rolex watch with no custom parts or aftermarket additions. Keeping these things in mind, you will have a pleasurable experience.
Sources Used:
Rolex Watch Diagram: http://watchchest.com/company/watch-diagram.html
eBay Feedback Reference 1: http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid;=watch_chest&ftab;=AllFeedback&sspagename;=STRK:MEFSX:FDBK
eBay Feedback Reference 2: http://feedback.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid;=generalwar&ftab;=AllFeedback&sspagename;=STRK:MEFSX:FDBK
