Security Features

Laser coronet

Picture of a laser coronet

In 2002 Rolex introduced a new security characteristic, because counterfeits were getting better and better: the laser coronet in the sapphire crystal. This laser coronet is at the lower edge of the crystal at 6 o'clock position and is so small that one can hardly see it with the naked eye. It can be found most simply if you take a look from the opposite side with strong oblique light directed upon the crystal. Usually only a small mark on the crystal can be seen, which, viewed with the help of a magnifying crystal or loupe, becomes a coronet.

	A laser coronet with an additional "S" means that the crystal was exchanged during a service (source: Sloth, RLX forum)

However, the introduction of the laser coronet was done step by step. It was not introduced for all models at the same time. It was introduced first in the Air King, Submariner (without date), Explorer and Daytona models. Other models followed with the Y series (autumn 2002). Other sources report that the introduction lasted until the end of 2003, perhaps even until the beginning of 2004. If you buy a new Rolex now the laser coronet can be found on every watch. Watches manufactured between 2002 and the beginning of 2004 can possess this security characteristic, but depending on the model reference, it may not be present.

Corroded Counterfeitkrone (source: Hannes, RLX forum)

With an exchange of the sapphire crystal this laser coronet is present in the new crystal. The coronet looks however slightly different: Within the laser coronet there is an additional "S" lasered (s means changed by service).

Although Rolex introduced the laser coronet as new security characteristic, it did not take long to find counterfeits with a coronet in the crystal.

At this time it is "only" a corroded or etched coronet with a thicker, more constant structure as a result. You can recognize these with the naked eye easily and therefore it is quite easy to expose a counterfeit. However, it is only a question of time when better laser coronets occur in the counterfeit market and the laser coronet on its own is no 100% identification of a genuine watch.

Hologram sticker

As a sign of authenticity, new Rolex watches have a reference sticker applied to the back of the case.

Watches of newer manufacture (approximately 2002 onwards) wear a green hologram sticker. The letters of the company name (R-O-L-E-X) are implemented as a hologram matrix, which are always repeated without gap. The name Rolex can be read horizontal and vertically due to the arrangement of the letters. In the centre of the sticker a crown (the Rolex coronet) is brought in as a hologram. Under the crown the reference number of the watch is printed in plain black letters.

This reference number also wears off quickly when wearing the watch, although the holographic sticker itself remains for a long time. So, it can be determined quite quickly whether an offered watch is really unworn or was worn (a few weeks), if the print is missing totally or partly.

It makes sense to remove the sticker directly after the purchase because at the edges of the sticker bacteria cumulates, which can increase there ideally. With a shaving or a carpet knife the sticker can be removed easily and without damages, so that this sticker can be collected with the watch.

Before the hologram stickers Rolex used "simple" green stickers without holograms, only with a golden crown and reference number on it and before the green stickers golden stickers were used printed with a black pitch circle above and below the reference numbers.

To recognize the authenticity of the watch on the basis of the sticker is today hardly possible. Since their introduction, counterfeiters have caught up and produced quite good fake hologram stickers. These are often offered on the Internet. However, older fake stickers are not a really good copy of the original and can be identified quite easily. Often incorrect numbers were printed which do not correspond to a reference number.

As a result it could be said that the sticker does not give sufficient security of buying an authentic Rolex. The authenticity can only be confirmed by a specialist (Rolex Authorised Dealer). A purchase with the Rolex Authorised Dealer is the safest method by which to protect yourself.