Watch Authentication

Before any watch is priced or listed, it passes through the same structured inspection. The process typically takes 45–90 minutes per piece and covers every area a counterfeit, franken-watch or misrepresented reference can hide in.

1. Reference verification — case-back and lug engravings cross-referenced against the manufacturer's reference registry for the production year.
2. Serial number check — serial format, era and known production range validated; any discrepancy is investigated before purchase.
3. Movement inspection — case opened and calibre confirmed under 10× loupe against reference photography. Movement finishing, engravings, jewel count and rotor markings are all checked.
4. Timing test — placed on a Witschi timing machine to verify amplitude, beat error and rate in all six positions. Any watch outside factory spec is flagged for service.
5. Dial and hands — printing quality, lume application, indices and hand style checked against factory reference for the exact reference and dial variant.
6. Case and bracelet — proportions, chamfers, finishing and end-link fit compared against factory reference. Over-polished or refinished cases are noted.
7. Hallmarks and engravings — precious metal hallmarks, rehaut engraving, crown logos and micro-etching (where present) inspected under magnification.
8. Bracelet and clasp — reference-correct bracelet, correct clasp code, matching end-links and factory-original links confirmed. Aftermarket clasp components disclosed.
9. Papers and provenance — where present, warranty card, service history, receipts and box are verified for internal consistency (dates, references, dealer stamps).
10. Final photography — the watch is photographed in the state it will be sold, with any noted imperfections documented.

Any watch that fails at any stage is either returned to source or offered back at cost, never re-listed as authentic.

An "aftermarket" part is any component not produced by the original manufacturer — most commonly bezel inserts, dials, bracelets, crystals or gem-setting. A watch that mixes factory and aftermarket parts is sometimes called a "franken" watch.

Our policy is simple: every non-factory-original part is disclosed in writing before sale. If a watch has an aftermarket bezel insert, service-replacement dial, non-original bracelet or aftermarket diamonds, it is described as such — never sold as fully original. Watches with undisclosed aftermarket work are not accepted into stock.

We describe stock using standard industry set terms:

• Full set — watch, original box, warranty card, booklets and any accessories.
• Watch and papers — watch with warranty card but no original box.
• Watch and box — watch with original box, no papers.
• Watch only — the watch head, no accompanying items.

Set condition materially affects value. We never overstate — a "full set" listing on our site means every original item is physically present in the showroom.

If you bought a Rolex elsewhere and want a second opinion, walk into our Hatton Garden showroom during opening hours (Please contact us before visiting). We will perform a free verbal reference and serial check, plus a visual inspection of the dial, movement (case-back open on screw-back references) and bracelet.

This is a courtesy service — no obligation to buy, sell or trade. Written authentication certificates for external watches are available as a paid service; contact us for a quote.

• A written 57 Jewellers certificate of authenticity, signed and dated.
• Full written disclosure of any non-original parts.
• Documented set condition (full set / watch and papers / watch only, etc.).
• Our 12-month mechanical guarantee — see the watch guarantee page for the full terms.
• An itemised VAT invoice from Custom Jewellery by 57 Ltd (Company No. 15839230).