Watch Authentication
Verify any luxury watch serial number against our global stolen and lost watch database. Covering Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and all major brands — instantly, free.
The Watch Authentication Process
Check the Serial Number
The first step in any watch authentication is running the serial number against a stolen watch database. This verifies the watch has not been reported stolen, lost, or flagged.
Inspect the Movement
For high-value purchases, have the movement inspected by a qualified watchmaker. Genuine luxury movements have specific finishing, engravings, and components that replicas fail to reproduce accurately.
Verify the Documentation
Original box, papers, warranty cards, and service records add significant value and provenance. Cross-reference serial numbers on documentation against the case. Forgeries are common but often detectable.
Confirm with the Brand
For the highest-value pieces, an Extract from the Archives (Patek Philippe) or factory service records can confirm the watch's production history directly from the manufacturer.
Watch Authentication by Brand
Rolex
Rolex is the most counterfeited and stolen luxury watch brand. Verify any Rolex serial number instantly — covering Submariner, Daytona, GMT-Master, Datejust, Day-Date, Explorer, and all other references.
Serial location: Modern Rolex: inner bezel ring at 6 o'clock between the lugs. Pre-2005: between the lugs on the case back.
Cartier
Cartier watches — Santos, Tank, Ballon Bleu, Pasha, Panthère — are among the most frequently stolen and faked pieces on the secondary market. Run a free Cartier serial number check before any purchase.
Serial location: Typically engraved on the case back. Also between the lugs on some models. Found on the warranty card and original box.
Omega
Omega Seamaster, Speedmaster, Constellation, and De Ville watches are widely targeted. Verify any Omega serial number against our database to confirm the piece is not registered as stolen.
Serial location: Engraved on the case back. Also printed on the chronometer certificate and original warranty card.
Audemars Piguet
The AP Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore command some of the highest prices on the secondary market — making them prime targets for theft and fraud. Always verify before purchase.
Serial location: Located between the lugs at the 6 o'clock or 12 o'clock position, or on the case back. Confirm against original documentation.
Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe Nautilus, Aquanaut, Calatrava, and Grand Complications are the most valuable pieces in the luxury market. A serial number check is essential due diligence before any purchase.
Serial location: On the case back or between the lugs. Each Patek Philippe comes with an Extract from the Archives — the definitive provenance document.
All Other Brands
Our database covers all major luxury watch brands including TAG Heuer, Breitling, IWC, Hublot, Panerai, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, Richard Mille, Tudor, and many more.
Serial location: Serial number location varies by brand and model — typically on the case back or between the lugs. Check original documentation if unsure.
Why a Serial Number Check Is the First Step
Stolen Watches Look Genuine
A stolen watch may be in perfect condition with original papers. Physical inspection alone cannot determine if a watch has been reported stolen — only a database check can.
You Could Lose the Watch
Purchasing a stolen watch — even in good faith — means law enforcement can seize it. A 30-second serial number check is the only way to eliminate this risk before purchase.
The Market Is Enormous
The global pre-owned luxury watch market is worth over $22 billion annually. Our database of 120,000+ registered watches is cross-referenced by professionals worldwide, making it the most effective authentication tool available.
Authenticate Any Watch — Free
Run a free serial number check against 120,000+ registered stolen and lost watches. No account required.