How to tell if a Rolex is stolen

There are many great advantages of buying a luxury watch online. On the internet, you’ll find a lot of discontinued and rare models, you’ll get the opportunity to complete your luxury collection, but you’ll also expose yourself to the risk of being scammed. Here are some easy tips to help you tell if a Rolex you’re planning to buy is stolen.

One of the great things about luxury watches is that most of them have a serial number engraved on the case. The first step to determine if you’re buying a genuine, legally obtained piece, is to check for the serial number of your watch and contact the Rolex headquarters to ask them if the watch has been reported missing. Rolex watches have two numbers listed on their case: a reference number and a serial number. Reference number indicates the type of a watch while the serial number tells when the watch was made. Both numbers are listed on watch certificate and they guarantee that a piece is a genuine Rolex.

The numbers are engraved on the case, right between the lugs. Nearest the 12 o'clock position is the reference number, and nearest the 6 o'clock position is the serial number.

Typically, Rolex owners register their serial numbers with Rolex USA and are able to report it as lost or stolen. If the new owner ever presents the watch to an authorized Rolex service center for repair or authentication, the watch will be located and returned to the owner.

Another great online tool to check the sourcing of your watch is the Rolex Tracker. Rolex Tracker tries to cut down on crime by ensuring that all Rolex watches are traceable and difficult to resell after being stolen. Original owners can register their watch and also report if the watch has been stolen or misplaced. In addition, this website issues a certificate of property.

Always ask the seller about the paperwork that is usually delivered in the box. A genuine Rolex comes with warranty papers and a chronometer certification. Their boxes are usually much bigger than a standard watch box, and perfectly complete the brand’s luxurious impression.

Remember that fake and stolen watches do not originate online. They first appeared in the traditional marketplace. Actually, scammers are everywhere but it takes just a little bit research to be one step ahead of them. Always buy from reputable sellers, check out their guarantee/return policy and never buy anything from a website that has no purchase protection.

Last but not the least, trust in your common sense. If you feel like something doesn’t seem right, the watch could very likely be stolen.

Recommended reading:
10 tips to spot a fake Rolex