Difference between the Rolex 16mm Gold Buckles (Solid Gold, Plated Gold and Fake)

Introduction

After the previous blog update a few days back, it is time to pick things up and post some happier things. For information, I had been sicked for the past few days following the ordeal and it is really unbearable.

Wished that i can rest longer but it is not quite possible based on the current schedule.

Enough say of that, let's go into the topic of today's blog update, which is the Rolex 16mm Gold buckle. Usually, i would hear people saying that it is kind of hard to differentiate between an authentic Rolex 16mm Gold buckle versus a fake one, hence, i decided to re-post my previous post from Sg-ROC forum with more information to illustrate on the difference.

For easier reading, i had categorised the review of the Rolex Buckles in the following sequence, 1) Rolex Solid Gold Buckle, 2) Rolex Plated Gold Buckle and 3) Fake Rolex Gold Buckle

The Rolex Gold Buckles

1) First to start off would be the 18k Rolex Solid Gold Rolex Buckle

 

Pic 1. Three of a Kind - 3 x Rolex Solid Gold Buckles

Seriously speaking, i am kind of fortunate to own 3 sets of Rolex Solid Gold Buckles. The 3 sets are as follow: 1 set from my Dad's 16018, 1 set from my 16238 and another 1 set which i sourced from the watch trader market at a reasonable price. It is noted that you are able to purchase the Rolex Solid Gold buckle from Rolex Service Centre at S$1000+ with a compulsory purchase of Leather Strap (e.g. Calf, Lizard, Alligator) or at USD $650 from the US Market.

Notes for a Rolex 750 18k Gold Buckle, it must be:-

1) 16mm size for Rolex Datejust and DayDate (Authentic Rolex Leather Straps for these models are tailored in 20mm (lug) tapered to 16mm)

2) Comes with the "750" Hallmark (For 1980s Buckles)

3) Comes with the "RolexSA" Hallmark (For 1980s Buckles)

4) Comes with the "Common Control Mark (750 Scales)" Hallmark  (For 2000s Buckles)

5) Comes with the "Official Swiss Hallmarking (Dog Head)" Hallmark (For 2000s Buckles)

Let's see some photos of the 18K Gold Buckle, I shall post the 1980s Rolex 18K buckle first for illustration.

a) A 1985 Rolex Solid Gold Buckle

This 1985 Rolex Solid Gold Buckle comes from my Dad's 16018 Yellow Gold Datejust.

Pic 2. Front View of a 1985 Rolex Solid Gold Buckle

As seen in the above photo, the shape of the crown for a Rolex Solid Gold Buckle appears to be flatter and the matchsticks are shorter. But overall, crisp and clear.

Pic 3. Back View of a 1985 Rolex Solid Gold Buckle

In the above photo, kindly note that there are 2 hallmarks on the Solid Gold Buckle that is "RolexSA" in oval shape which denote the company while "750" which means the material in Full Gold.

b) A 1989 Rolex Solid Gold Buckle

This 1989 Rolex Solid Gold Buckle comes from my 16238 Yellow Gold Datejust.

Pic 4. Front View of a 1989 Rolex Solid Gold Buckle

As seen in the above photo, there isn't much difference between the 1989 Solid Gold Buckle and one from 1985.

Pic 5. Back View of a 1989 Rolex Solid Gold Buckle

Notice that there is a slight difference in the position of the Hallmarks? It is ok as the position of the Hallmarks are interchangeable and the markings are slightly different in the stamping as it has been changing over the years.

c) A 2000s Rolex Solid Gold Buckle

This 2000s Rolex Solid Gold Buckle which i sourced from watch trader market.

Pic 6. Front View of a 2000s Rolex Solid Gold Buckle

As seen in the above photo, there isn't much difference between the 2000s Solid Gold Buckle and the ones above. Usually matchsticks for the Solid Gold Buckles are short, but i might be wrong too. (Observations based on my 3 x Solid Gold Buckles)

Pic 7. Back View of a 2000 Rolex Solid Gold Buckle

In the above picture, it is very interesting as it contains 4* hall marks in 2000s compared to the 2 hall marks from the 1980s. 

From the above 3 Solid Gold Buckles, i would conclude that the Matchsticks for Solid Gold Buckles are shorter compared to the plated gold ones for easier identification. (But i could be wrong as well as i only have 3 pieces of the Solid Gold Buckles)

2) Next up would be the Current Plated Gold Rolex Buckle which i got from RSC in Nov 2014

a) A 2014 Rolex Plated Gold Buckle



Pic 8. Front View of a 2014 Rolex Plated Gold Buckle

The above picture shows the front view of a Rolex Plated Gold Buckle with longer matchsticks and the crown is more curved and incline with the buckle.

Pic 9. Back View of a 2014 Rolex Plated Gold Buckle

In this picture, there are 3 hallmarks, namely, RolexSA in oval shape, SWISS and PLAQUE G. The first hallmark would mean the company, second hallmark means swiss made while the last hallmark means Plated Gold. As highlighted by a Friend, the print of the original hallmark is more detailed compared to a fake.

3) Last but not list is a Good Quality Fake Rolex Gold Buckle which i got from one Preown Shop

a) A Fake Rolex Gold Buckle



Pic 10. Front View of a Fake Rolex Gold Buckle

The above picture shows a good quality fake Rolex Gold buckle that is modelled after the Rolex Gold Plated Buckle. As we can see, the crown is more curved and the buckle catch is much fatter than the original.

Pic 11. Back View of a Fake Rolex Gold Buckle

The picture shows the 3 hall marks of the Fake Rolex Gold Buckle, namely, Acierinox, RolexSA in oval shape and Swiss. If i am not wrong, Acierinox is a name of a stainless steel company in spain and as for the RolexSA and Swiss, the quality of the hallmark stamp is not accurate and of poor quality as seen in the picture.

 

*Update - as advised by my Friend, Darrell from Singapore Vintage Rolex Owner Club, "The stamps on the AM buckle is for SS, and wrong spacing."

Conclusion

Hope that my above post regarding the Rolex Gold Buckles are able to help you to differentiate the Rolex Gold Buckles.

Feel free to advice if there is anything i need to amend.

Thanks and Regards,

theteddybearman

25 July 2015