How to authenticate a Rolex: an eight-point specialist checklist

Counterfeit Rolex watches have improved dramatically in the last five years. A convincing "super clone" can fool a casual glance, but never survives a proper specialist inspection. Here is the eight-point checklist we run on every Rolex that comes through our door.

## 1. Weight

A genuine Rolex Submariner on Oyster bracelet weighs approximately 155g. A high-quality fake typically comes in 10–20g lighter because the case metal and clasp components are cast rather than machined from solid billet. This is the fastest first-check.

## 2. Cyclops magnification

Rolex's cyclops magnifies the date 2.5x. Fake cyclopses almost always magnify 1.5–2x. Hold the watch at arm's length and compare against a known-good Rolex.

## 3. Rehaut engraving

Since 2005 Rolex has engraved the inner bezel ring (rehaut) with "ROLEXROLEXROLEX" and the serial number. The engraving should be crisp, evenly spaced, and glint under angled light. Poorly-executed rehaut engravings are the single most reliable tell on modern fakes.

## 4. Second hand sweep

A Rolex movement runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour — the second hand appears to sweep smoothly with eight ticks per second. A fake with a cheap Chinese movement runs at 21,600 vph (six ticks) or even ticks visibly.

## 5. Crown logo and text quality

Under 10x loupe the coronet at 12 o'clock should have sharp, symmetrical points. The dial text (model name, depth rating) should be perfectly aligned with no bleeding or fuzziness at the edges of letters.

## 6. Bracelet end links and clasp

Genuine solid end links (SEL) fit the case with zero side-play. The clasp should engage with a definitive click, and the Rolex crown on the clasp should be deep-etched, not surface-printed.

## 7. Caseback

Except for a small number of vintage references, Rolex casebacks are unadorned. Any watch with an "exhibition" caseback showing a decorated movement, or with commemorative engravings, is either a fake or a modified (and therefore no longer authentic) piece.

## 8. Movement inspection

The final check requires opening the case. A genuine Rolex movement is finished to a standard no counterfeit reproduces — cotes de Genève on the bridges, blued screws, and the calibre number engraved on the barrel bridge. This is a job for a specialist with the correct case-opening tools.

## Buy with confidence

Every Rolex sold by Royal Windsor Watches has passed all eight checks and comes with a written authenticity guarantee. If you're inspecting a private-sale watch, bring it in — we offer a paid authentication service for £150.