How do I find out if a Rolex Yachtmaster is genuine, and it's date of manufacture?

The back of the watch is sealed with a sticker that has the number 16233 with the Rolex crown above it. I'd like to sell it, but want to make sure it's genuine, I purchased it an estate sell, in the hope's of saving my house. Any help would be greatly appreciated and desperately needed.|||I collect and repair watches. I can spot a fake in seconds, even sometimes from a photograph. But that is not going to help you.



The green sticker has changed over the years. Some have the crown and others do not. The crown may be gold, black, or green. So far every fake I have seen had a black crown. If the sticker is not holographic it is most certainly a fake.



In my experience a fake Rolex seldom has the correct case reference number on the sticker. Yours is incorrect for a Yachtmaster. A Yachtmaster looks like this or similar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolex_Yacht鈥?/a> Maybe you have a Datejust but Yactmaster paperwork?



16233 is the case reference number for a stainless steel Datejust. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000O5LC76/?tag鈥?/a> except your might not have diamonds, etc.



Often diamonds, and stuff are added by the dealer, and not by Rolex. Sometimes they swap bracelets. Such customizations do not mean the watch is fake.



If you remove the bracelet, you can see the case reference number and the serial numbers between the lugs. Do not do this unless you have the correct tools. Take it to a watch shop to have it removed. If there are no numbers then the watch is fake. The serial number and the case reference number are engraved between the lugs. Often the engraved case reference number is incorrect on a fake. That is another huge clue.



Once you have the serial number, then look here: http://www.qualitytyme.net/pages/numbers鈥?/a> to get the date of manufacture.



If you have a stainless bracelet, but it is stamped 18K near the clasp, then you know it is fake.



Next wind up the watch, set the time, and leave it on a desk (do not move it). After 24 hours it should be accurate within a few seconds. A fake or a Rolex in bad need of service will stop or loose about 5 min.



Even if the watch is real do not expect to get a lot for it. A new Submariner costs about $7000. The dealer only offered $2000 for mine, or $4000 in trade.