Rolex watches are often the gold standard for those who are looking for luxury watches to add to their collection. Many people who don't know anything about watches recognize this name-brand product. On top of the brand recognition associated with Rolex watches, you can count on Rolex to offer you access to a quality watch that will look beautiful and work flawlessly for years to come.

The used Rolex market can be a great place to get started when you are looking at a pre-owned watch. Rolex watches hold their value really well and offer timeless styling that will look great today, and in twenty more years. This is one of the best watch brands out there, and you will notice the difference in quality the moment that you get your hands on a Rolex.

If you are shopping for used watches, you need to know how to tell if the watch you are considering buying is real or not. This guide will help you find a real Rolex so that you can invest wisely.

How to Tell if the Rolex You Are Considering Buying is Real

1. The Serial Number

Every Rolex is assigned a serial number that consists of four to eight characters. These serial numbers correspond with the year that the watch was produced. In some cases, there will be letters as well as numbers in the serial number associated with the watch you are considering buying. Serial numbers can be verified by watch experts and appraisers if you are not sure if they are real.

2. Documentation

Rolex watches are sold with an original authentication certificate if they are real. This documentation is almost always carefully kept by Rolex owners because they immediately verify the value and identity of the watch. There are ways to have the watch appraised for value if these documents are missing, but it can be a good idea to avoid watches without this documentation if you are new to the used watch market.

3. Placement of Serial Numbers

The serial number placement on a Rolex is just as important as its presence in the first place. There have been different patterns and styles of numbering for these serial numbers, but the location of their placement is consistent. The older watches will have serial numbers behind the bracelet at six o'clock.

After 2008, the serial numbers were moved to the rehaut, since it takes far more precision to place the serial number information here. This helps thwart scammers and cons and ensures that Rolex watches that are real are easy to recognize. Serial numbers that look jagged or sloppy are a key indicator that a watch is not genuine.

4. The Logo

The Rolex logo is highly recognizable, and this is one of the best ways to tell if a watch is fake or not. On genuine watches, the crown logo is placed at the top of the dial. Fakes will show the crown logo as well, but it is not usually placed properly in the very center of the dial face. Any glue or misalignment around the logo is a key sign that the watch is likely a fake.

5. The Case Back

The case back of the watch will be metal when you are looking at a real Rolex. The case back will be smooth, other than in a few cases. There are a few rare or exhibition models that did not have smooth case backs because of a window that was placed on the rear dial to show the workings of the interior of the watch.

The case back might be engraved in custom watches that are being resold, but this is not common, either.

6. Seconds hand

The seconds hand of a Rolex watch is a great way to ensure that you are looking at a real luxury watch. The smooth movement of a Rolex watch's seconds hand is very smooth, smoother than any knock-off can duplicate. Rolex has pioneered this aspect of the way that the seconds hand moves in their watches so that it is fully seamless and smooth.

7. Sound

The sound a Rolex makes is very unique. It hardly makes any sound at all, which is truly unique. You will be unlikely to find any other watch that is so quiet in its movement and simply holding a Rolex up to your ear can determine if it is fake or not. If you can hear any ticking at all, the watch in your hand is very likely a copy.

8. Weight

The weight of a Rolex can be a good indicator that it is real. Rolex watches are made with quality materials, which often makes them heavier than knock-off watches. Authentic models will weigh noticeably more than fakes. This is not the most important factor when you are considering whether or not a Rolex is fake, but it can be an additional determining factor as you are researching.

Being Able to Identify a Real Rolex is Easier Than You Might Think

A Rolex is made with key identifiers that help to recognize it as a real luxury watch. You should consider ensuring that the watches that you shop for always have their certificate of authenticity. You can also seek the help of an appraiser if you are not sure that the watch that you are looking at is real. Being positive about the authenticity of a Rolex is important before you invest in a fake watch by accident.

Knowing what to look for when you are shopping for Rolex watches can help you make an educated purchase. Investing in a Rolex is an ideal way to start your watch collection, and you will love your Rolex watch for years to come. Being able to recognize fake watches can make it a lot more fun to shop for the Rolex of your dreams and this guide will ensure that you are prepared to start shopping the smart way.