Monday, October 3, 2011

Know Your Swiss Hallmarks.

Alright guys, so I am often in the field hunting for watches and have noticed many gold Rolex pieces that have aftermarket bracelets for showcase prices. I am posting this for reference for those of you out there also looking for great finds. Remember to always check the clasp for the following hallmarks. It is important to mention, if a watch does not have it's original bracelet further non-genuine pieces may also be present. So, an aftermarket bracelet is not necessarily a deal braker but it could allude to other issued.Please note the chart below are Swiss hallmarks previous to the year 1995. Since, most replacement bracelets are on vintage pieces this chart is applicable.

Please ALSO NOTE*** Nothing is certain or definitive when it comes to Rolex. There are some authentic bracelets that defy the below traits, but more on that later...



After 1995 the Swiss hallmark for gold became a St. Bernard


For a wonderful site on authentic bracelets vs. aftermarket visit HERE.





Please note, that I have seen bracelets like the above that are authentic. It is important to remember that with a company like Rolex there are variants! The above information should be used as tools to access and not as definitive traits.
I have seen some bracelets without Swiss hallmarks. Remember, because certain countries had higher tariffs/taxes on gold imports, Rolex outsourced and used third party manufactures for parts (such as bracelets!). As such, variance occurs.


-JKS

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