ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Swiss Mad! · 31 December 2019, 06:04 PM

Apologies if everyone knows this or if it’s been covered before, but I personally wasn’t previously aware, so just thought I’d share for any other members who might appreciate the info.

A couple of simple checks to test the authenticity of your Rolex guarantee card or the card of a watch you were thinking of buying used from someone you didn’t know.

For this example I’m using the card from my GMT 126711 CHNR purchased from my local AD in early 2019.

On the left hand side of the card, at the top of the wide green strip, is a secret hologram that can only be viewed under UV light.

Simply shine a UV light source over this area to reveal it.

The next thing is relating to the thin green lines that separate the reference & model numbers printed on the front of the card.

These aren’t actually lines at all, but when viewed under magnification reveal themselves to be the words ‘Internationale Rolex Garantie’ printed continually over & over to give the illusion of a line.

The font the black text is printed in is also quite specific and needs to be viewed under strong magnification to fully appreciate & see properly.

I don’t know the correct name or terminology for this font (or even if there is one)

It appears to be based on a grid formation with each part of the letter or number made up of little squares all connected either horizontally, diagonally of vertically.

For example, look at the diagonal part of the number 7 to see how it is made up of interconnecting squares and appears almost pixilated.

This is highlighted further when viewed alongside the vertical & horizontal parts of the number 1 next to it which are smooth & straight in comparison.

This is also true of the letters as well as the numbers.

As can be seen in the vertical & horizontal parts of the F & L which are smooth compared to the diagonal parts of the A which appear pixilated.

This is the case for ALL the black printed font on your card, including the very small day/month/year text on the rear section the AD fills in on the date you purchase your watch.

The only other thing I can think to mention is the gold print on the front edge of the card should have a metallic effect when viewed under magnification, as should the magnetic swipe strip on the rear & the gold coronet printed next to the white box where the AD’s name goes.

Hope the above info proves useful to someone & helps prevent a member from getting duped by an unscrupulous seller on eBay or any other selling platform.

Apologies if all the above is common knowledge & has been covered before, but also please feel free to add any info you think I’ve missed for the benefit of all members.

Comments welcome & expected as always lol....

Regards

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Doood · 31 December 2019, 06:16 PM

Thanks for sharing.

I just had to crawl under the bed to check my cards even though purchased from AD.

Swiss Mad! · 31 December 2019, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doood

Thanks for sharing.

I just had to crawl under the bed to check my cards even though purchased from AD.

Haha! I did exactly the same thing when I first learned about it... lol

SydR · 31 December 2019, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swiss Mad!

Haha! I did exactly the same thing when I first learned about it... lol

My cards are at home and I’m not

Roll on home time so I can check

Swiss Mad! · 31 December 2019, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SydR

My cards are at home and I’m not

Roll on home time so I can check

You will be fine, I'm sure

SydR · 31 December 2019, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swiss Mad!

You will be fine, I'm sure

No doubt I will be (doubt from ADs) it’s simply got me curious to see it up close

Ragna · 1 February 2020, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doood

Thanks for sharing.

I just had to crawl under the bed to check my cards even though purchased from AD.

+1 lol

Dave1863 · 2 February 2020, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doood

Thanks for sharing.

I just had to crawl under the bed to check my cards even though purchased from AD.

Same

42itus · 31 December 2019, 06:34 PM

That’s good stuff!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

WatchLurv · 31 December 2019, 06:53 PM

Very useful info!

Wish this could be pinned in here. Thank you very much for sharing. Knowledge gained.

joli160 · 31 December 2019, 07:02 PM

Some people like yourself cover the serial number to avoid copy cats from using it and yet you give away all the security measures from the card.
At least fraudsters now can step up their game and make perfect fake cards.
I appreciate the effort, good info and all, but it's a real pity that you made this post for the same reason we don't discuss fakes.

Swiss Mad! · 31 December 2019, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joli160

Some people like yourself cover the serial number to avoid copy cats from using it and yet you give away all the security measures from the card.
At least fraudsters now can step up their game and make perfect fake cards.
I appreciate the effort, good info and all, but it's a real pity that you made this post for the same reason we don't discuss fakes.

Its a forum for sharing knowledge about all aspects of the brand.

If that knowledge saves one single member from getting duped by an unscrupulous seller then it will have been well worth it.

I am fully aware of the forum rules as to what can/cant be discussed and do not feel my post breeches any of them - if the moderators think differently then fair enough, delete the thread, no issues.

The fact you think 'its a real pity' I made this post surprises me as it was made purely with the best intention to educate forum members, not give away state secrets.

regards

joli160 · 31 December 2019, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swiss Mad!

Its a forum for sharing knowledge about all aspects of the brand.
The fact you think 'its a real pity' I made this post surprises me as it was made purely with the best intention to educate forum members, not give away state secrets.
regards

I don't doubt that for a second and it's really a good quality post

Swiss Mad! · 31 December 2019, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joli160

I don't doubt that for a second and it's really a good quality post

Appreciate your comments - I’m not here to fall out or upset anyone.

Apologies if my initial reply seemed a little curt - honestly, the last thing I want to do is give any kind of help or assistance to the counterfeiting scum that plague our hobby.

Unfortunately this is a public forum, so unless I send the info out as a PM to every single member individually, unfortunately I/we have no control over whoever else reads it.

Realistically though (fingers crossed) it won’t go any further than the genuine TRF members it was originally intended for.

Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

214270Explorer · 2 January 2020, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swiss Mad!

Its a forum for sharing knowledge about all aspects of the brand.

If that knowledge saves one single member from getting duped by an unscrupulous seller then it will have been well worth it.

I am fully aware of the forum rules as to what can/cant be discussed and do not feel my post breeches any of them - if the moderators think differently then fair enough, delete the thread, no issues.

The fact you think 'its a real pity' I made this post surprises me as it was made purely with the best intention to educate forum members, not give away state secrets.

regards

Max, I totally agree with your view - - - - and I posted a similar "UV Light "ROLEX printing" notes test " quite a while back, both here and at WUS, if I remember correctly.

At that time no fuss was ever made about giving undo info to "counterfeiters", etc.

I guess it just depends upon who sees and responds. Some things draw attention and some do not.

But the UV "ROLEX" notes are VERY VALUABLE to ID a card if you are in a questionable situation.

How could anyone be offended by that sort of info? Even my AD and his sales associate did not know of the UV printing, and they have run their shop for many decades.

Thanks for your post. I for one appreciate all the EDUCATION I can obtain here. (And YES, other posters, all the fakers out there truly do know all the tricks; there is nothing we can do to assist them in their endeavors.)

Swiss Mad! · 2 January 2020, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 214270Explorer

Max, I totally agree with your view - - - - and I posted a similar "UV Light "ROLEX printing" notes test " quite a while back, both here and at WUS, if I remember correctly.

At that time no fuss was ever made about giving undo info to "counterfeiters", etc.

I guess it just depends upon who sees and responds. Some things draw attention and some do not.

But the UV "ROLEX" notes are VERY VALUABLE to ID a card if you are in a questionable situation.

How could anyone be offended by that sort of info? Even my AD and his sales associate did not know of the UV printing, and they have run their shop for many decades.

Thanks for your post. I for one appreciate all the EDUCATION I can obtain here. (And YES, other posters, all the fakers out there truly do know all the tricks; there is nothing we can do to assist them in their endeavors.)

Thanks for the support - much appreciated

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

VintageVagabound · 31 December 2019, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joli160

Some people like yourself cover the serial number to avoid copy cats from using it and yet you give away all the security measures from the card.
At least fraudsters now can step up their game and make perfect fake cards.
I appreciate the effort, good info and all, but it's a real pity that you made this post for the same reason we don't discuss fakes.

I think the fraudsters start with the same real card that everybody else has and copied it. Just like copying real currency though, they have trouble making fake holograms and special fonts. It just gets to too technical and cost too much to replicate to make it worth their while. This post allows users to identify fake cards. I don’t think this helped fake card manufacturers anymore than pointing out holograms on US currency or Euros allows counterfeiters to make fake money.

MTdweller · 2 January 2020, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VintageVagabound

I think the fraudsters start with the same real card that everybody else has and copied it. Just like copying real currency though, they have trouble making fake holograms and special fonts. It just gets to too technical and cost too much to replicate to make it worth their while. This post allows users to identify fake cards. I don’t think this helped fake card manufacturers anymore than pointing out holograms on US currency or Euros allows counterfeiters to make fake money.

Well said! Excellent comparison.

Tavli3 · 1 February 2020, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VintageVagabound

I think the fraudsters start with the same real card that everybody else has and copied it. Just like copying real currency though, they have trouble making fake holograms and special fonts. It just gets to too technical and cost too much to replicate to make it worth their while. This post allows users to identify fake cards. I don’t think this helped fake card manufacturers anymore than pointing out holograms on US currency or Euros allows counterfeiters to make fake money.

+1

What year did these security measures on the card start. Think it's important to know since you don't want to inspect a card prior to the start date and wrongly think you have a fake card.

kohe321 · 1 February 2020, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tavli3

+1

What year did these security measures on the card start. Think it's important to know since you don't want to inspect a card prior to the start date and wrongly think you have a fake card.

Checked the card for my Explorer 16570 from 2012, and it has the hologram that pops under UV light as well as the other details listed in the first post. Perhaps someone can chime in with information from an earlier card.

DaninFlorida · 31 December 2019, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joli160

Some people like yourself cover the serial number to avoid copy cats from using it and yet you give away all the security measures from the card.
At least fraudsters now can step up their game and make perfect fake cards.
I appreciate the effort, good info and all, but it's a real pity that you made this post for the same reason we don't discuss fakes.

strongly disagree with your posts. you should go spend some time on those replica forums...they know EVERYTHING that is off on their fakes, and i guarantee this all very well known.

RJRJRJ · 1 January 2020, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joli160

Some people like yourself cover the serial number to avoid copy cats from using it and yet you give away all the security measures from the card.
At least fraudsters now can step up their game and make perfect fake cards.
I appreciate the effort, good info and all, but it's a real pity that you made this post for the same reason we don't discuss fakes.

The counterfeiters already know all about this and everything else. It's a matter of whether they want to spend the money to implement it in the fakes.

Claven2 · 2 February 2020, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joli160

Some people like yourself cover the serial number to avoid copy cats from using it and yet you give away all the security measures from the card.
At least fraudsters now can step up their game and make perfect fake cards.
I appreciate the effort, good info and all, but it's a real pity that you made this post for the same reason we don't discuss fakes.

As if the fakers don't have examples of real warranty cards. Very naive.

Swiss Mad! · 31 December 2019, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WatchLurv

Very useful info!

Wish this could be pinned in here. Thank you very much for sharing. Knowledge gained.

No worries - thought it might be useful and make a change from the usual "My AD said..." or "How much will my Daytona be worth in 200 years...??? type threads.

thanks for your kind words.

Zakalwe · 31 December 2019, 06:55 PM

Good post Max. Glad to see you’re having fun with your loupe

Swiss Mad! · 1 January 2020, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zakalwe

Good post Max. Glad to see you’re having fun with your loupe

lol - cheers, I do love a good macro me...!

Bluside · 1 January 2020, 01:09 AM

Thanks. Great info.

It's nice to know Rolex puts almost as much detail into their cards as they do their watches.

skkali168 · 31 December 2019, 07:01 PM

That is amazing. I feel smarter already!! Thanks for sharing

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

PepsiBezel · 31 December 2019, 07:08 PM

Wow! Thank you — very interesting details.

crowncollection · 31 December 2019, 07:24 PM

good post

31 December 2019, 06:04 PM	#1
Swiss Mad! "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Real Name: Max Location: UK Watch: Various Posts: 3,727	Warranty Card Authenticity Check Apologies if everyone knows this or if it’s been covered before, but I personally wasn’t previously aware, so just thought I’d share for any other members who might appreciate the info. A couple of simple checks to test the authenticity of your Rolex guarantee card or the card of a watch you were thinking of buying used from someone you didn’t know. For this example I’m using the card from my GMT 126711 CHNR purchased from my local AD in early 2019. On the left hand side of the card, at the top of the wide green strip, is a secret hologram that can only be viewed under UV light. Simply shine a UV light source over this area to reveal it. The next thing is relating to the thin green lines that separate the reference & model numbers printed on the front of the card. These aren’t actually lines at all, but when viewed under magnification reveal themselves to be the words ‘Internationale Rolex Garantie’ printed continually over & over to give the illusion of a line. The font the black text is printed in is also quite specific and needs to be viewed under strong magnification to fully appreciate & see properly. I don’t know the correct name or terminology for this font (or even if there is one) It appears to be based on a grid formation with each part of the letter or number made up of little squares all connected either horizontally, diagonally of vertically. For example, look at the diagonal part of the number 7 to see how it is made up of interconnecting squares and appears almost pixilated. This is highlighted further when viewed alongside the vertical & horizontal parts of the number 1 next to it which are smooth & straight in comparison. This is also true of the letters as well as the numbers. As can be seen in the vertical & horizontal parts of the F & L which are smooth compared to the diagonal parts of the A which appear pixilated. This is the case for ALL the black printed font on your card, including the very small day/month/year text on the rear section the AD fills in on the date you purchase your watch. The only other thing I can think to mention is the gold print on the front edge of the card should have a metallic effect when viewed under magnification, as should the magnetic swipe strip on the rear & the gold coronet printed next to the white box where the AD’s name goes. Hope the above info proves useful to someone & helps prevent a member from getting duped by an unscrupulous seller on eBay or any other selling platform. Apologies if all the above is common knowledge & has been covered before, but also please feel free to add any info you think I’ve missed for the benefit of all members. Comments welcome & expected as always lol.... Regards Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ instagram: max.parkin

31 December 2019, 07:02 PM	#11
joli160 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: NL Watch: Yachtmaster Posts: 14,757	Some people like yourself cover the serial number to avoid copy cats from using it and yet you give away all the security measures from the card. At least fraudsters now can step up their game and make perfect fake cards. I appreciate the effort, good info and all, but it's a real pity that you made this post for the same reason we don't discuss fakes. __________________ Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711.

31 December 2019, 06:55 PM	#25
Zakalwe "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2017 Real Name: Sal Location: London Posts: 2,496	Good post Max. Glad to see you’re having fun with your loupe __________________ “Never argue with idiots. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience." - Mark Twain

31 December 2019, 07:24 PM	#30
crowncollection "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: David Location: australia Posts: 20,216	good post __________________ watches many

31 December 2019, 06:16 PM	#2
Doood "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Socal Posts: 1,027	Thanks for sharing. I just had to crawl under the bed to check my cards even though purchased from AD.

31 December 2019, 06:34 PM	#9
42itus "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Real Name: Tom Location: Honolulu Watch: 116519LN Posts: 3,828	That’s good stuff! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

31 December 2019, 06:53 PM	#10
WatchLurv Banned Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Moon Watch: Swiss Posts: 2,270	Very useful info! Wish this could be pinned in here. Thank you very much for sharing. Knowledge gained.

1 January 2020, 01:09 AM	#27
Bluside 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Florida Posts: 3,081	Thanks. Great info. It's nice to know Rolex puts almost as much detail into their cards as they do their watches.

31 December 2019, 07:01 PM	#28
skkali168 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Real Name: RP Location: irvine Watch: 116689 Posts: 1,222	That is amazing. I feel smarter already!! Thanks for sharing Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

31 December 2019, 07:08 PM	#29
PepsiBezel 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: USA Watch: Neo-Vintage Posts: 1,212	Wow! Thank you — very interesting details.

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