New member with a simple question for the pros

[jurob]

Thanks for allowing me to join.

I'm on the hunt for a Pre-owned Rolex for my wife's 50th (she is worth new, but my bank account is not).

My buddy (BEN) insists that a Rolex is fake if the watch case/body has holes on the exterior for the watchband to attach. He says all are smooth with no holes on the outside to push in to remove the band (I lack watch lingo).

While searching pics online, I am finding 26mm Rolex's for sale with and without the holes. Majority are smooth, but some are popping up with holes and they guarantee that it is authentic.

Can anybody clear this up for us?

Thank you

[MasonDixon]

They're called lug holes and your buddy has a lot to learn.

[ltmgeller]

Lug holes were normal on older models

[ltmgeller]

Spend some time reading the different threads here, you will learn a lot.

[jurob]

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly, I will definitely let him know.

I’m sure we will feel dumb for looking down on everyone with lug holes.

[Pantheon]

Good luck in your search!

Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk

[Dbirdy914]

My first datejust has lug holes and my 2 newer ones do not. All 3 are 100% authentic outside of a diamond bezel on the first.

[garyk]

Originally Posted by jurob

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly, I will definitely let him know.

I’m sure we will feel dumb for looking down on everyone with lug holes.

Your friend can feel dumb, you were smart enough to come here and ask!

[HogwldFLTR]

Lug holes or not is no guarantee on authenticity, fwiw.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by garyk

Your friend can feel dumb, you were smart enough to come here and ask!

Agreed.

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Lug holes or not is no guarantee on authenticity, fwiw.

OP please think about Lee's point. No offense intended, but if you try to get a "bargain" Rolex with your current knowledge level, you will probably be flushing your money down the plumbing.

Many TRF members have spent decades gaining their knowledge base. Unless you are going to put in a lot of time, your best bet is to use a trusted seller that has been vetted by this forum.

Good luck.

[REFZ]

Also be sure your wife will like the 26mm case watches because they are the smallest available and they are really very small and women are wearing larger watches nowadays.

[e dantes]

Originally Posted by mountainjogger

OP please think about Lee's point. No offense intended, but if you try to get a "bargain" Rolex with your current knowledge level, you will probably be flushing your money down the plumbing.

Many TRF members have spent decades gaining their knowledge base. Unless you are going to put in a lot of time, your best bet is to use a trusted seller that has been vetted by this forum.

Good luck.

The above is the way to go. Buy the seller! There are a number of trusted sellers who will be happy to help you through the process.

[brandrea]

Good luck OP

Use a trusted seller to acquire this. You may pay slightly more, but you will have piece of mind knowing it’s authentic

[THC]

Women are very finicky. Just cause you like it, she may not. Find out her likes, prior

[garyk]

I wish someone had given me this additional advice too, as you acquire Rolex Watches throughout your life, try to keep them all. I traded away some as I went and over time, the ones traded are now worth more than most of my current collection. Good hunting...

[Tridor]

Your pal doesn't have a clue. In fact, lug holes are a sought after feature of older Rolexes.

[jurob]

We both know now, thanks again.

[cerendigit]

Don't bother trying to authenticate watches by looking at pictures online (or asking friends to give you their opinion), buy from a reputable dealer (even if their price is not the lowest you can find on the internet).

[atn_uk]

A few points from my own experience, some may not be entirely relevant to your situation, but...

1) Drilled lugs are the norm on older watches
2) Drilled lugs can be a godsend if you like to change up your bracelet/strap options, as spring bars in concealed end links can be a major pain to get out and in, whereas a drilled lug hole makes it quite easy to push the bar in and out
3) Of all the "tells" I have ever heard about how to spot a fake Rolex, this was never one of them. Having a "sweeping" second hand is not proof of authenticity either, nor is having an etched crown on the crystal on newer watches.
4) A 26mm watch is really, really small. Unless you are certain that is the size your wife likes/would want I would carefully consider going up in size. My wife was certain she wanted a 28mm and found it too small. Now she has a 31mm she semi-secretly wishes she had gone for the 34!

Good luck and I hope you buy the right watch.

[214270Explorer]

I would NOT take ANY further advice from "Ben." He knows only enough to be dangerous.

[jurob]

He got bad info, but means well.

[Chewbacca]

Welcome.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by jurob

He got bad info, but means well.

Please do a lot more research. Please.

Look at the offerings of sellers here who get stellar reviews in the Who's who section.

You MUST find a reputable seller.

[jurob]

I don't know if I did the right thing or not, her birthday is next week.

I purchased a brand new 26mm no date. She is very clear that she wants a small watch. If she is not happy, I'll get her a Swatch watch.

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by jurob

Thanks for allowing me to join.



I'm on the hunt for a Pre-owned Rolex for my wife's 50th (she is worth new, but my bank account is not).



My buddy (BEN) insists that a Rolex is fake if the watch case/body has holes on the exterior for the watchband to attach. He says all are smooth with no holes on the outside to push in to remove the band (I lack watch lingo).



While searching pics online, I am finding 26mm Rolex's for sale with and without the holes. Majority are smooth, but some are popping up with holes and they guarantee that it is authentic.



Can anybody clear this up for us?



Thank you

Op, buy the seller not the watch, there are plenty of great trusted sellers right here on trf

Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk

[Chadridv]

reach out to Takuya! He'll take great care of you. Congrats and happy b day to your wife!
https://www.rolexforums.com/member.php?u=53005

[DtownRRS]

Agree on how small a 26mm is. My wife gave up wearing hers. She said it was so hard to read especially now that we hit 50. LOL!

[marcr92]

According to your buddy - my verified authentic 16610 by RSC NYC literally today - is fake... do your own diligence and then teach him :)

[dwjez14]

Don’t listen to your buddy. He is incorrect