What do Rolex serial numbers look like?

The number is found between the lugs right above the 12 o'clock location on the side of the case. The number can be used to identify the model, bezel, and material of your specific watch. For example, if you have a Rolex watch with the reference number 116506, this number would be divided as follows: 1165/0/6.

How can I tell if a Rolex serial number is real?

Rolex watches include a serial number stamped between the watch lugs at the 6 o'clock position. You will need to remove the bracelet in order to find this. An authentic watch will have a deeply engraved serial number. You should be able to hold it to the light and see a slight glow around the edges.

How many numbers are in a Rolex serial number?

Rolex watches are special for many reasons, one of the unique characteristics of every Rolex is the exclusive five to eight digit serial number on each timepiece. The serial number is engraved between the lugs at the 12 o'clock position.

Does each Rolex have a unique serial number?

Every Rolex watch that comes out of the factory is designated with its own serial number. As a result, each Rolex serial number is unique (there are exceptions, as we'll see shortly). So in theory, a Rolex serial number can tell you what year (approximately) the watch was made in.

How can I verify my Rolex?

One way to check if a Rolex is authentic is to look at the serial number. This serial number can be found on the side of the watch case, right behind the bracelet. This means that in order to access this serial number, you need to remove the bracelet on that side.

How to Find Rolex Serial Number

Can Rolex serial number be faked?

Serial numbers can be faked, but this is extremely difficult to do well — especially on the inner bezel, where you find the serial number of Rolexes made after 2005. Fraudsters tend to acid-etch the serial number onto the watch rather than engrave it, as engraving is much more difficult.

What is Rolex scrambled serial number?

Starting about mid-way through 2010, Rolex started to “scramble” the serial numbers. These are also known as “random serials” or “scattered serials” and are not as bad as they sound. It just means it's a watch from after 2010 that Rolex began implementing this new serial number system with.

Does a Rolex have engraved on the back?

Caseback

A real Rolex will almost never have engraving on the back. Engravings on the back almost always mean the watch is a forgery.

Where is the serial number on vintage Rolex?

If you are buying a piece without papers, the serial number is also engraved on the watch. Older Rolex watches have the serial number engraved on the exterior of the case, in between the lugs on the 6 o'clock side.

How do I find my Rolex model number?

Rolex model or reference numbers are listed on the certificates Rolex issues, but it's also available on the watch case itself. You will have to remove the bracelet to find it. The reference/model number is engraved between the lugs on the 12 o'clock side where the bracelet meets the watch case as pictured below.

Does a Rolex Sweep or tick?

Most models of Rolex tick at eight ticks or movements per second, so it is not a continuous sweep. Also some models move at slower speeds.

Do all Rolex have etched glass?

Rolex began with the laser-etched crystal in 2001, and it was implemented in the entire Rolex collection, including the Cellini models in 2003 or the beginning of 2004. The only Rolex watch that does not have the laser-etched crystal is the Milgauss with green glass.

Can a fake watch have a real serial number?

Engravings. A watch's engravings can give you important clues about its authenticity. Model and serial numbers are etched in luxury timepieces with solid, very fine lines. If a replica has a serial number, it's usually made up of tiny dots, and therefore, it has a sandy appearance.

Does Rolex stamped 18K?

Rolex President bracelets are stamped with hallmarks and other markings including Rolex logo, Geneve, Swiss Made, 18K, bracelet reference number etc on the inside of the folding clasp, as shown below. On the counterfeit bracelet you will notice how marks and markings lose their detail when viewed under magnification.

Do you need papers for a Rolex?

A legal document isn't required for transferring ownership. However, sales receipts and watch documents do help in verifying authenticity and legal ownership. But, a network of dealers transfer many Rolex watches within the secondary market. The watches are in fact authentic and the dealers legally own them.

Do Rolex watches come with a certificate of authenticity?

As with most highly ticketed luxury items, every genuine Rolex comes with a certificate of authenticity. While older models will have an aged certificate, newer models come with a smaller sized plastic card.

Do all Rolex have engraved?

Most Rolex watches do not have engraved words on the caseback. The few exceptions to this rule are the Sea Dweller, military watches, COMEX, and other very rare editions. Older Rolex models like 69172, 69173, and 69174 also have engravings on the back with “Stainless Steel” and “Registered Design”.

Do real Rolexes have a green sticker?

Rolex used the green holographic sticker for decades but stopped with them in late 2007. Now, the green holographic Rolex caseback stickers were replaced by a transparent sticker. Therefore, Rolex watches that are dated after 2007 should not have the green sticker on the caseback.

What do the dots on a Rolex crown mean?

The little dots/dash will tell you if your watch has a Twinlock or Triplock crown. The combination of dots and the dash changes depending your Twinlock or Triplock crown and tells you which metal is used in your Rolex.

Does Rolex run on battery?

Rolex watches are powered by a Perpetual rotor inside the watch that gently swings as you move your wrist, transferring energy to the mainspring of the watch. If you take your watch off and set it aside it will retain its charge for about two days, depending on the model.

What do the numbers on the back of a Rolex mean?

Rolex model numbers are four, five or six numerical digits long. The first two to four digits describes the type of watch. If the model number is five or six digits long, the second to the last number describes the bezel and the last number describes the metal type the watch is made from.

Can I sell a Rolex I found?

So to elaborate on the actual question, yes, you can sell your Rolex without the original papers, but almost certainly, you will get less money for it compared to if you would have the original papers. The ideal is of course that you have the box, papers, manual, and other original accessories.