I think a good way to start to become a expert is to learn some of the history behind Rolex watches. The company was founded in the year 1905 and registered Rolex trademark in 1908. In 1910 they received the first official timing certificate for a wrist-chronometer. In 1919 Rolex which was based out of Europe moved to Geneva, Switzerland. Originally Rolex watch company, then changed to Montres Rolex, SA and then finally changed to Rolex, SA. Soon after in 1926 Rolex created the first waterproof watch case, called oyster. In 1931 Rolex came out with the first self winding movement. In 1945 Rolex created a wrist watch that had an automatically changing date, called the datejust. About 25 years later in 1953 Rolex made the first wrist watch made for diver’s called the submariner, water proof up to 100m or 300 feet. Finally, in 1954 Rolex made the first Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer wrist watch for a lady. The same year they made the GMT Master, which was the first timepiece to show two time zones simultaneously.
Now some tips to see if your Rolex is Real or fake.
The First thing experts of over 20 years at West Town Jewelry & Loan look for is the Back of the watch called the case back. If the case back is see through, the watch is fake. Easy right? The next issue I look for is the over all look of the watch. Remember Rolex is thousands of dollars and will always be crisp and perfect. Ask yourself if the watch you are holding and looking at is a watch you yourself would pay thousands for. The next issue I would check for is if there is any writing or logos or anything on the back of the case. There should be nothing on the case back. Besides a slim few, nothing on the back of the watch. The next step would be to take a jewelers loupe or a magnifying glass and look at the front of the Rolex called the Dial. Look and see if all wording is crisp. Check date, make sure not to small or big in cyclops. Remember again, Rolex will be perfect, if something is not, the watch is fake. The last step before you would bring it in would be to take a magnet to the band. If the band is attracted to the magnet its fake. Hope this helps, West Town Jewelry & loan would be happy to look at your Rolex and anything you may have. We will be glad to help you and answer any questions you may have. Besides those steps, I would then take the back of the watch off and then do more testing.