Rolex is one of the most recognized and respected luxury watch brands in the world. The Rolex brand was founded in 1919 by Hans Wilsdorf, and today it is part of the Swatch Group. Many people assume that buying a Rolex watch means you’re getting an authentic piece of Swiss watchmaking history, but this is not the case. This article will outline everything you need to know about getting your rolex authentication process finished in just minutes.
Research your Rolex and its sub-brand
If you’re planning to buy a vintage Rolex watch, you’ll first have to determine whether or not it is a genuine Rolex. If it’s not a genuine Rolex, then you’re likely looking at a fake. If you’re unsure whether a watch you’re interested in is a genuine Rolex, it’s wise to ask an expert.
Visit the Rolex factory and see first-hand how watches are made
Once you’ve determined that you’re looking at a genuine Rolex, you’ll need to make sure that the watch you’re interested in actually comes with a manual. Some of the newer automatic watches come with owners’ manuals, but many of the vintage models don’t. This is because the company that manufactures the watch doesn’t need to keep a manual on file for the watch to function properly — it’s an automatic movement, after all. You can find the address and phone number of the Rolex factory in Switzerland here: https://www.rolex.com/en/rolex-factory-switzerland.html
Confirm your watch is a genuine Rolex
Once you’ve gone to the trouble of visiting the Rolex factory, it’s time to confirm that your watch is actually a genuine Rolex. This is where things get a little trickier. First, you’ll need to send your watch off to be authenticated. Once it arrives, you’ll need to send your watch to a specialized watch lab to test for authenticity. This procedure can take anywhere from a week to two months, during which time you’ll need to stay patience, as your watch will be in transit. You can find the address and phone number of the Rolex authentication lab in Switzerland here: https://www.rolex.com/en/rolex-authentication-labs.html
Ask Rolex’s authentication experts about authenticity – easy steps for verification
Once you’ve sent your watch off to be authenticated, you’ll have some information to work with. The first thing you need to do is compare your watch’s scan data with that listed on the serial number. If the two match, then your watch is probably authentic. If not, then you can contact the seller and ask them to resend the watch with a different scan data. Now, your watch has been sent off to be authenticated, and you’ve got some information to work with. The best way to proceed is to use that information to strengthen your suspicions about the authenticity of your watch. You can use this information to compare your watch’s scan data with that of other vintage watches that were sold by the same seller. You can also do a manual check with a watchmaker if you’re unsure about the authenticity of your watch.
If you’re unsure whether a watch you’re interested in is authentic or not, or if you want some guidance on how to proceed, we recommend contacting an expert. You can find a list of authorized Rolex dealers here: https://www.rolex.com/en/rolex-dealers.html You can also find a list of specialty watch retailers that sell vintage watches here: https://www.rolex.com/en/rolex-watches-sold-through-specialty-watch-retailers.html
