Do Rolexes have writing on the back?
Discussion
Hi,
Somebody I know says he has a real Rolex but I'm not so sure. He says the information that was formally on the back is now displayed around the watch face on the inside of the bezel. It has Rolex written all around this part of the watch and then some numbers at the bottom on the middle.
Is this what real Rolexes actually have? Of course it could be a good fake but still... Also is it meant to have a Rolex shell on the strap where it clips.
It's an Oyster Date Adjust or something and was bought in 2008 (or perhaps earlier this year) brand new for 4k apparently. It's a limited edition as well.
Any sure fire ways of knowing if it's fake?
Somebody I know says he has a real Rolex but I'm not so sure. He says the information that was formally on the back is now displayed around the watch face on the inside of the bezel. It has Rolex written all around this part of the watch and then some numbers at the bottom on the middle.
Is this what real Rolexes actually have? Of course it could be a good fake but still... Also is it meant to have a Rolex shell on the strap where it clips.
It's an Oyster Date Adjust or something and was bought in 2008 (or perhaps earlier this year) brand new for 4k apparently. It's a limited edition as well.
Any sure fire ways of knowing if it's fake?
Well.... I've just taken the Oyster Perpetual Datejust I am wearing this evening off my wrist and there is no writing on the back.
I have owned loads of Rolexes over the years and I don't recall any of them having any kind of writing or design on the back. All of them have the Rolex Crown on the strap clip IIRC.
I have owned loads of Rolexes over the years and I don't recall any of them having any kind of writing or design on the back. All of them have the Rolex Crown on the strap clip IIRC.
Edited by AlexKP on Monday 20th April 22:16
I bought a new 16613 Sub Date in January this year from an AD. There are no writing on the back but around the inside of the face/bezel are Rolex/Serial No. etc. as you describe. As far as I recall there have never been writing on the back of a Rolex.
These are very recent changes so if it is a fake it's a very up to date one. If you're that concerned what your mate wears around his wrist take it to an AD as already suggested.
These are very recent changes so if it is a fake it's a very up to date one. If you're that concerned what your mate wears around his wrist take it to an AD as already suggested.
Edited by Mr MoJo on Tuesday 21st April 00:13
'Some' models have the Rolex engraving on the rehaut, 'some' models have oyster perpetual blah blah on the case back. 'some' had a green sticker with hologram on the back.
The serial number (I believe) is between the lugs.
'Some' fakes will have all of these with a cloned serial.
The serial number (I believe) is between the lugs.
'Some' fakes will have all of these with a cloned serial.
Edited by digger_R on Tuesday 21st April 11:51
I have various modern Rolexes -
(a) To my knowledge with the exception of the Prince which has a display back, the only Rolex with writing on the back is the Sea Dweller - which says Rolex Oyster - original gas escape valve, with a rolex crown each side of the script.
(b) As an anti-counterfeiting device, I believe from 2007 onwards the chapter ring (i.e the silver inner ring between the glass and dial) has rolexrolexrolex all around it and the serial number of the watch at the bottom which you can make out with a keen pair of eyes or better still a jewellers loupe. The serial number should tally with the warranty card (also issued for the first time that year rather than the old style paper item) he should have with the watch (plastic credit card type thing). You will see these on datejusts, GMTs, Daytonas but not on the old seadweller. On older rolexes the serial number may be on a hologram sticker on the back of the watch but these were fairly easily faked.
The serial number should also be stamped between the lugs at the 6 o'clock position on the case side (hidden by the bracelet) but I wouldn't try to prise it off yourself.
And checking the movement will verify it properly with an AD
(a) To my knowledge with the exception of the Prince which has a display back, the only Rolex with writing on the back is the Sea Dweller - which says Rolex Oyster - original gas escape valve, with a rolex crown each side of the script.
(b) As an anti-counterfeiting device, I believe from 2007 onwards the chapter ring (i.e the silver inner ring between the glass and dial) has rolexrolexrolex all around it and the serial number of the watch at the bottom which you can make out with a keen pair of eyes or better still a jewellers loupe. The serial number should tally with the warranty card (also issued for the first time that year rather than the old style paper item) he should have with the watch (plastic credit card type thing). You will see these on datejusts, GMTs, Daytonas but not on the old seadweller. On older rolexes the serial number may be on a hologram sticker on the back of the watch but these were fairly easily faked.
The serial number should also be stamped between the lugs at the 6 o'clock position on the case side (hidden by the bracelet) but I wouldn't try to prise it off yourself.
And checking the movement will verify it properly with an AD
Edited by Captain Chaos on Tuesday 21st April 12:50
Captain Chaos said:
The serial number should also be stamped between the lugs at the 6 o'clock position on the case side (hidden by the bracelet) but I wouldn't try to prise it off yourself.
Not stramped - diamond cut. If you run your nail over it you can feel it. Fakes invariably have acid etched serial numbers - this is one of the biggest give aways.
Check to see if it has the etching on the crystal glass at the 6 o' clock position. If you shine a light (LED is better!) over it at an angle you should spot it no problem its around 3mm high. I know some of the fakes have it but they are not as 'neat' as the original. Also a genuine rolex will just 'feel' like one and also check the cyclops date magnification, again real rolex numbers are neat and well finished and just look 'right' when viewed.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
Out of the modern sport Rolexes, only the Sea Dweller, IIRC. Presence of a green hologram sticker isn't really much of a tell since they come off when worn regularly (learnt this the hard way with my first, I peeled the sticker off my Daytona and bunged it with the paperwork instead!).
The question I have is whether the engraved 'Rolex Oyster Original Gas Escape Valve' on the back of the Sea Dweller should always be filled in black or whether the black comes off over time. I've seen both casebacks with new black-lettered writing and a well-used example where the engraving was clean with no black writing. Both looked legit but telling a *really* decent fake without taking the thing apart or playing with the date quickset is a bit tricky...
The question I have is whether the engraved 'Rolex Oyster Original Gas Escape Valve' on the back of the Sea Dweller should always be filled in black or whether the black comes off over time. I've seen both casebacks with new black-lettered writing and a well-used example where the engraving was clean with no black writing. Both looked legit but telling a *really* decent fake without taking the thing apart or playing with the date quickset is a bit tricky...
Another check is to see if the Rolex crown appears within the glass at the 6 o'clock position.
This will be hard to spot without either a jewellers eye-glass or in bright light shone through at an angle. Some copies have this visibly etched in - if it's too easily seen, it's a give away to be a copy. I understand Rolex laser this into the glass laminates somehow?
G
This will be hard to spot without either a jewellers eye-glass or in bright light shone through at an angle. Some copies have this visibly etched in - if it's too easily seen, it's a give away to be a copy. I understand Rolex laser this into the glass laminates somehow?
G
GPM3D said:
Another check is to see if the Rolex crown appears within the glass at the 6 o'clock position.
This will be hard to spot without either a jewellers eye-glass or in bright light shone through at an angle. Some copies have this visibly etched in - if it's too easily seen, it's a give away to be a copy. I understand Rolex laser this into the glass laminates somehow?
G
How interesting. That's a new one on me. Must check to see what it looks like.This will be hard to spot without either a jewellers eye-glass or in bright light shone through at an angle. Some copies have this visibly etched in - if it's too easily seen, it's a give away to be a copy. I understand Rolex laser this into the glass laminates somehow?
G
Hi
I have a similar problem with identifying the exact model of my Rolex. It's a Submariner Oyster Perpetual Date, though in black … which I think some refer to as 'Blackout'. There are no markings on the rear cover to see, so without taking the thing apart, is there anyway of knowing the model number? I would refer to the certificate, but as I was left the watch when my brother passed I don't have access to any of that.
It's a lovely watch, but it seems really difficult to get insurance quotes on it because 'apparently' you don't see many of the Blackout version! Is this right? Any help would be appreciated.
Regards
I have a similar problem with identifying the exact model of my Rolex. It's a Submariner Oyster Perpetual Date, though in black … which I think some refer to as 'Blackout'. There are no markings on the rear cover to see, so without taking the thing apart, is there anyway of knowing the model number? I would refer to the certificate, but as I was left the watch when my brother passed I don't have access to any of that.
It's a lovely watch, but it seems really difficult to get insurance quotes on it because 'apparently' you don't see many of the Blackout version! Is this right? Any help would be appreciated.
Regards
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