Check the watch.
Check the seller.
Photos can help you ask better questions. They cannot authenticate a watch. Arrange a physical inspection before relying on an expensive purchase.
Start with a traceable seller
Use the seller’s independently verified contact details. Ask who owns the watch, who will invoice you and where an inspection can take place. A social profile, copied business name or professional listing is not proof of ownership.
For an official Rolex retailer, check Rolex’s own store locator. Rolex says its site lists official retailers and service centres. Do not rely solely on a logo shown in a seller’s advertisement.
Keep the reference separate from the serial
The reference identifies a watch configuration. The serial identifies an individual watch. Ask the inspector to compare the watch with its documentation and record any inconsistencies. Avoid publishing the complete serial or an unredacted ownership document in an open listing.
A matching number is one check. It cannot establish the condition of the movement, the origin of every component or the seller’s right to sell the watch.
Agree the inspection before paying
Ask a qualified watchmaker or appropriate brand service centre what they can inspect and what written findings they will provide. Confirm the fee, timing and any limitations directly. Do not open the watch yourself.
Write down what happens if the inspection identifies replacement components, undisclosed damage or a mismatch. Ask the seller to record any claimed originality, service history and guarantee in the sale documents.
Use price as context
A low asking price is a reason to investigate. A high price provides no assurance of authenticity. Compare the exact reference and set with the source listings in our guides. We do not authenticate watches or endorse the sellers whose prices appear here.
Sources checked
Checked against the following sources on 26 October 2026. Prices and terms can change.