Do You Need To Register Your Rolex Watch? (Find Out Here)


When it comes down to it, meticulously handcrafted Rolex watches are simply irreplaceable. As such, Rolex pieces come with a certification process that ensures peak performance. Here you will learn how Rolex watches are registered and what you can expect from the process.

The 5-year international guarantee offers buyers protection of their investment. All components, including dials and bracelets, must meet the company’s stringent demands. Rolex only confers this responsibility to trusted retailers. In some cases, secondhand pieces may still be covered. 

In the sections below, you will be guided through the registration process. You are invited to learn about what the process entails and how you can find out if any given watch is still covered.

Are Rolex Registered When You Buy Them or Do You Have to Register It Yourself?

You do not need to apply for a Rolex registration. This process is carried out by an official retailer. These stores employ resident experts who ensure that certification requirements are met at the point of sale.

What Is Registration & Why Does It Matter?

Rolex confers a 5-year international guarantee on newly-purchased watches. The purpose of this registration is to show that the watch has undergone rigorous quality control testing at Rolex laboratories. 

Registration also guarantees that the watch is covered under a chronometer certificate from the COSC. This artifact adds significant value to the piece, as only 6% of Swiss watches qualify for certification.

How Are Rolex Watches Registered?

The five-year guarantee can only be completed and dated at an Official Rolex Retailer at the time of purchase.

The following conditions must be met for registration to be valid:

  • Location of Sale: The watch must be sold by an Official Rolex Retailer. You can view a listing of official retailers here
  • .Guarantee Card: The retailer must fill out the card in its entirety at the time of purchase.
  • Serial number: The guarantee card must match the serial number of the purchased watch. 

How Do You Know That A Watch Is Registered With Rolex?

For starters, you must own the aforementioned guarantee card. The most recent version of the card is green and looks like this. Included on the card are the serial number, date of purchase, and in some cases, a description of the device.

Be on the lookout for a green seal at the back of the piece. This confirms the watch’s status as a Superlative Chronometer.

Guide To Buying A Rolex

It would be an understatement to say that a Rolex watch is a significant purchase. Therefore you will want to make sure that you can trust the retailer. In the section below frequently answered questions regarding the purchase process are answered.

Does The Guarantee Transfer During Secondhand Purchase?

Yes, the Five-year warranty is transferable. You must ensure that the seller has retained the original certificate and that it matches the serial number of the watch. Be sure to check the back of the watch for the green seal.

Please be advised that there are a variety of circumstances that could void a guarantee. Have the seller show you that all the parts and components are Rolex original parts.

If you’ve ever thought about whether or not Rolex watches hold their value, I have just the thing for you. In another blog post, I found the answer to whether Rolex watches hold their value or not. If you want to see this post, click right here.

Can You Buy A Rolex Online?

Yes, you can buy a certified Rolex watch online. However, you will need to take the steps above to ensure authenticity. It is therefore advised that you reach out to an official retailer and ask them about online purchases.

One of the greatest benefits of visiting an official retailer is their ability to size the watch by removing links in the band.

If you’ve ever wondered if Rolex watches hold their value, I have written just the article for you. In another blog post, I wrote about 8 different ways to differentiate a real Rolex from a fake one. If you want to see that article, click right here.

How To Choose A Rolex Watch

This is why it’s so imperative that you speak with an expert from an official retailer. You need to find a style that fits you. There’s the durable-and-yet stylish Submariner, the practical Perpetual, or the majestic Datejust 36, among a plethora of other choices.

Take a second to think about the features that you desire in your watch:

  • Do you want a date display?
  • Stopwatch functionality?
  • Dials?
  • What about the size of the watch?

Why Can’t I Find The Model I Want? How To Check Availability

Since Rolex watches are handcrafted, there is a chance that your local retailers do not have the watch you want. You may also need to add your name to a waitlist for a specific model. 

How To Take Care Of Your Rolex

How do you ensure that your Rolex watch stands the test of time? Rolex has an expansive network of official retailers and service centers that are here to help.

Guarantee Limitations

In some cases, a guarantee may be voided. Pay special attention to this if you are purchasing a Rolex watch second-hand.

The guarantee is not covered by the following circumstances:

  • Normal wear-and-tear, including bracelets and straps
  • Loss or theft
  • Damage due to misuse
  • Substitution or replacement with components that are not manufactured by Rolex

This heightens the importance that you take good care of your Rolex watch. In the section below are recommendations for how to maintain and repair your Rolex.

How To Find Your Local Rolex Service Center

Repairs and maintenance can be performed at Rolex Service Centers and Retailers. Here you can also find answers to all your questions about your Rolex watch and address any performance concerns.

Here are some of the services provided at these locations:

  • Ultrasonic bath: removes impurities out of components
  • Assembly and lubrication of disassembled parts
  • Repolishing & Satin-Finishing of case and bracelet
  • Precision Testing
  • Waterproof Testing

Final Thoughts

Rolex’s 5-year guarantee is applied to watches at the point of checkout, which then registers the Rolex. Certifications can only be granted by official retailers, although it is possible to buy a watch secondhand and still have it covered under these protections.

You can that a watch is protected based on a certificate that is provided to the original purchaser. On the certificate is the serial number of the watch, the date of purchase, the style, and in some cases, an item description. You may also check the back of the watch for a special green seal.

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