Do genuine fluted bezels have Rolex hallmarks?

[nyyankees]

Looking at the auction site there is a wide range of prices for 18kt gold fluted bezels, anywhere from $125 to $398. How do you tell a genuine Rolex bezel from an aftermarket? I have seen that some of the fluted bezels have Rolex markings on the back but do they all have that or is the lack of markings a sign of non-authenticity?

[watchmaker]

I know for certain that fluted bezels have a Rolex crown stamped into them at two places, 12 o'clock and 6 oclock.

I can't say for sure whether or not these marks are present on polished bezels. Some things you see every day just don't always stick out in the mind.

[Safetrends]

My 1970 Date and Datejust do not have a hallmark however both have been authenticated and I was told that the old ones like mine could go both ways. I was worried about the hallmark until I had it authenticated.

[SLS]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

I know for certain that fluted bezels have a Rolex crown stamped into them at two places, 12 o'clock and 6 oclock.

I can't say for sure whether or not these marks are present on polished bezels. Some things you see every day just don't always stick out in the mind.

Is this true on SS models as well?
Scott

[watchmaker]

I forgot to mention the stamp is on the underside of the bezel, which must be removed from the watch in order to view it.

[nyyankees]

Seems like a few different thoughts here. If they do not all have the markings at 6 and 12 then how does an AD authenticate it?

[watchmaker]

Like I said, on the 18ct bezels it is present, however I'm not 100% sure abou the steel ones. I don't see that many of them to be honest. The stamp is just that. A Rolex stamp, not a hallmark, so I can't see why it would not be present.

[Safetrends]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Like I said, on the 18ct bezels it is present, however I'm not 100% sure abou the steel ones. I don't see that many of them to be honest. The stamp is just that. A Rolex stamp, not a hallmark, so I can't see why it would not be present.

Rolex stamp would be considered a hallmark. And again like I said my 18K does not have one however it is a Rolex authenticated fluted gold Bezel.

And I promise to be good and leave this tread alone from now on.

[buz-lh]

Originally Posted by Safetrends

Rolex stamp would be considered a hallmark. And again like I said my 18K does not have one however it is a Rolex authenticated fluted gold Bezel.

And I promise to be good and leave this tread alone from now on.

Actually the Rolex crown would be considered a maker's mark not a hallmark. A hallmark refers to the precious metal contained in an item.

[Safetrends]

Originally Posted by buz-lh

Actually the Rolex crown would be considered a maker's mark not a hallmark. A hallmark refers to the precious metal contained in an item.

I stand corrected thank you

[watchmaker]

No need to leav it alone. I did not notice your point about yours being from 1970. I'm sure they did not put a mark on the bezels that far back, not that I know when they were introduced. The two marks may constitute a hallmark, but as far as I'm aware, they are just identification marks, like the laser etched crown on the crystal. There are no assay marks, or finesse stamp. Just a Rolex crown at 12 and 6. If that is indeed a proper hallmark my full appologies go out to you.

[Safetrends]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

No need to leav it alone. I did not notice your point about yours being from 1970. I'm sure they did not put a mark on the bezels that far back, not that I know when they were introduced. The two marks may constitute a hallmark, but as far as I'm aware, they are just identification marks, like the laser etched crown on the crystal. There are no assay marks, or finesse stamp. Just a Rolex crown at 12 and 6. If that is indeed a proper hallmark my full appologies go out to you.

No appologies needed I am learning all the time. Mine being from 1970, Rolex did not have to worry about bogus watches.

Lets have fun.

[watchmaker]

Simpler days they must have been

[nyyankees]

So I bought an 18kt flted bezel with the logo at 6 and 12 and then was offered 2 others $100 less. Not sure if they have markings on the back. Very interesting thread this has become! I bought the right one!

[SLS]

There is a guy on timezone with a handle of Luger (and a dog for an avatar) who has spent a lot of time learning & researching Rolex hallmarks. He may be on this site, if not PM him on TZ and I am sure he would be willing to help...one of the old school guys!
Scott