The appropriate way to appraise a Rolex fake watch is to have an authorized dealer inspect it, make an appraisal and then state the value in a signed document on Rolex letterhead. The cost of an appraisal ranges from no charge to about $100 or 1 percent of the value of the watch. Rolex fake watches should be appraised for insurance purposes. However, keep in mind Rolex appraisals by amateurs are only a useful tool between private buyers and sellers and serve no other purposes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need:

Jeweler's loupe

Rolex serial number sheet

Instructions to Appraise Rolex Fake Watches :

Identify the model of a Rolex watch by examining with a jeweler's loupe the model number between the case lugs at 12 o'clock and serial number between the lugs at 6 o'clock. Record the numbers.

Note that the first two or three digits identify the type of watch to determine the country where the Rolex watch was first sold, such as "010" for Switzerland.

Examine the movement, which is the spring mechanism that powers the watch, to determine whether it's engraved with the Rolex name and serial number. Compare the serial numbers on the case with the serial number on the movement and ensure they match against the authorized dealer's serial number sheet. If the numbers don't match, the watch likely has been cobbled together from other Rolexes and is worthless.

Examine with the jeweler's loupe the clasp on the steel bracelet. Examine the three-digit code to the right of the Rolex logo. There will be two letters followed by a number, which is a manufacturing date of the bracelet. Absence of digits may indicate an aftermarket bracelet, which will devalue the watch.

Examine the crystal, case, bracelet, dial and hands for dents and scratches. Determine whether any scratches can be buffed out or need repair. Plastic crystals on vintages Rolexes don't hold the same value as sapphire crystals on newer versions.

Examine the inside case back to determine the gold content of the case. If the case is marked "18k gold," add $1,072 for each ounce the case weighs.

Note whether the dial and hands are faded because of exposure to sunlight and other conditions. Pre-1970s Rolexes may show patina across the dial due to aging. The degree of patina and spotting will affect the value of the watch.

Visit online auction websites and Internet dealers that sell vintage and secondhand Rolex watches. Chart the prices of the watches that are similar to the model you are appraising. Appraise the value based on existing market prices.

Tips & Warnings

Rolexes with 14k and 18k gold cases can boost value as much as 50 percent.

Your Rolex watch is worth only what the buyer will pay for it, so your appraisal may be meaningless if no buyer is willing to honor it.