Read A&E Watches’ authenticity guarantee, what we verify, what we disclose, and how we help buyers shop pre-owned Rolex with confidence.
36 years of Rolex.
A Name You Trust
Since 1990, A&E Watches has been the gold standard for Used Rolex in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our 36 year Rolex History guarantees that every Watch we sell is 100% authentic, triple signed and A&E Certified.
The Science of the Rolex Authentication
True Rolex Authentication is found in the details that most overlook. A Rolex Submariner (link) from the 1990s may appear identical to a model from the 2000s, but to our experts, the evolution is clear.
From the transition of Tritium to Super-LumiNova dials to the subtle shift from ‘hole’ case to ‘no-holes’ case, every era has its blueprints and its rare exceptions. Daytona, GMT and virtually every other Rolex model has variations.
A&E Certified pre-owned Rolex: Triple-Signed standard
Our Rolex Authentication process goes beyond the surface to meet the international Triple-Signed Standard. We study the watch to ensure that ite is exactly as it left the manufacturer. Our master watchmakers verify the authentic brand hallmarks in three critical locations: the Dial, the Case, and the Movement. A&E Watches is a proud member of the International Watch and Jewelry Guild (IWJG).
Rolex Authentication
Led by founder Avi Dayan, a Rolex specialist with over 35 years of hands-on experience, our team brings unmatched depth to every inspection. Using high power microscopes in our (San Francisco Rolex Repair Center, Link) we inspect the architecture of movement upgrades, the quality and make of the bracelet, and the chemical composition of bezel materials. Being able to verify micro printing, holograms, and hallmarks that even the best counterfeiters cannot replicate, ensuring the heart of your watch matches its body and protecting your investment from mismatched components.
All products provided to our customers are carefully serviced by our professional watchmakers before being given to their future owners.
How to authenticate your Rolex watch:
Buying a Rolex is a lifelong investment. which is why we verify
the Rolex authenticity by finding the following key items:
1. The model (reference number)
2. The serial number (ID number of the watch)
3. The movement’s serial, caliber & signature
4. The inside case back ID & stamps.
5. Bracelet stamps & reference.
The model (reference number)
On most Rolex Watches, the model number is located on the 12 o’clock position of the case, where the band connects to it. The band will need to be removed by a watchmaker to view the model number.
Serial Number
On most Rolex watches, the serial number is located at the six o’clock position. Prior to the year 2007, the serial number was engraved on the case, where the band joins the case. To see this, the band has to be removed by a watchmaker. Towards the end of 2007, Rolex started making the bezel engraved model, where the serial number appears at the six o’clock position on the inner bezel.
The movement
As shown below, each movement has its own serial number, caliber number and Rolex Signature. To view these, you must open the case back. The movement’s serial number is always a unique number and never the same as the case serial number.
Back Case
The case back ID & Rolex signature are always located on the inside of the back case. The back case of most Rolex watches do not have any inscriptions; its surface is usually clean and free of any inscriptions.
There are only three watches exempted from this feature and have their back cases engraved: the early Datejust 26mm (18K Gold, 18K White Gold, Stainless Steel, & Two Tone), the Milgauss and the Sea-Dweller models for men.
The complete guide to Rolex
Bracelet Stamps & reference:
Rolex bracelets are also equipped with a bracelet code or number. It is usually located on the inside of the clasp hinge. The code you’ll find represents the year and month the watch was manufactured.
The Rolex bracelet code may tell a different date/year than the watch case, especially for modern Rolex watches. It will not affect the watch’s value as long as the bracelet is a genuine Rolex and for the correct model. The Rolex bracelet code on the clasp hinge is made up of one or two letters followed by a number. The letters represent the year when the watch was made, and the numbers represent the month. All genuine Rolex watches have letters and numbers as Bracelet Clasp Codes, because of the improving technology it may get tricky for an amateur to identify counterfeit Rolex bracelets as they may also have clasp codes. If the code is absent, then the band is counterfeit. To get precise information on which bracelet was made specifically for your watch check the reference number. it will have the information of your watch in full detail. The last digit of the Rolex reference number provides information about the material in which the clasp is made, generally out of six numbers.
Aftermarket Parts, Custom Diamonds & Accessories:
Due to the increasing popularity of diamond watches, A&E Watches provides pre-owned Rolex Watches with custom set diamonds at reasonable prices. Customizing your watch will add elegance and originality to your timepiece at a modest cost. In this way, we make our customers happy and confident in our products.
● Our diamonds are all natural, high quality (G-H/VS-SI).
● Diamond Bezels — Hand-set with natural diamonds, G-H color / VS-SI clarity"
● Gold parts - Our Custom Gold parts are all solid gold and NOT gold plated or gold filled
● Genuine parts - All parts with the Rolex logo are made by Rolex. Custom made parts are all disclosed, and all have cosmetic benefits (dials, bezels, straps, etc.).
● Custom parts - Watches provided by A&E Watches with custom parts will not carry any manufacturer warranty nor the manufacturer service custom watches.
● Dial restoration - Vintage watches may have discolored or disfigured dials that we send to a Dial restoration (refinish) professional to bring the dial back to life
● Per request - we offer customers personalized dials (colors, added diamonds and more).
For any uncertainties you might have with identifying a Rolex Watch, A&E will be more than happy to assist.
Learn From Our Experts
Part of our commitment to the Rolex community is education. Our YouTube channel features owner Avi Dayan walking you through the authentication process, model identification, and which references hold value over time. We're building a comprehensive library of videos and original Rolex literature — so whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector, you'll find something that sharpens your eye.
👉 A&E Watches YouTube channel
It is very important to know that Rolex makes changes to their watches about every few years, varying on the model. These changes are difficult to distinguish without having background knowledge about these timepieces, which is why we suggest you consult us about any question you may have.
A&E Watches is an independent company not affiliated with Rolex USA Inc., and is not an authorized agent for any watch manufacturer. All Watch manufacturers including Rolex will not Service or Repair any timepiece having custom parts (any customization).
