Rolex watches are known for their precision, quality, and luxury. One of the lesser-known but still important features of Rolex watches is the engraved rehaut. The rehaut is the inner bezel ring of a watch that surrounds the dial.
This is also known as the flange, and it is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the “chapter ring.” However, this area is not the chapter ring, which is the circular ring on a clock or watch dial on which the minutes (and sometimes the hours) are marked.
The engraved rehaut is a feature that is unique to Rolex watches. It is a small but important detail that sets Rolex watches apart from other luxury watches.
The engraved rehaut is a ring that is located on the inside of the watch face, just above the dial. It is engraved with the word “Rolex” multiple times, and it is designed to be visible only when the watch is removed from the wrist and turned over. The purpose of the engraved rehaut is to provide an additional level of security and authenticity to the watch.
Key Takeaways
- The engraved rehaut is a unique feature of Rolex watches that sets them apart from other luxury watches.
- The engraved rehaut is a ring that is located on the inside of the watch face, just above the dial, and it is engraved with the word “Rolex” multiple times.
- The purpose of the engraved rehaut is to provide an additional level of security and authenticity to the watch.
Rolex Engraved Rehaut
The rehaut is the inner bezel ring of a watch that surrounds the dial. Rolex started introducing engraved rehauts as a way to combat counterfeit watches. The engraved rehaut is extremely precise and difficult to replicate.
The engraved rehaut can almost be viewed as a transitional change between vintage and modern Rolex history. It was during the period in which the engraved inner bezel rings that Rolex started ” modernizing” its collection. It also introduced watches which are still available to date.
Why did Rolex introduce the engraved rehaut?
The introduction of the engraved rehaut was an action taken to make it more difficult for counterfeit watches to be instantly recognized. A particularly interesting detail about this is that at the beginning of the engraved rehaut era, Rolex photographed its new watches in a way that led counterfeiters to think that the ”RolexRolex..” text went all the way around the rehaut. In reality, the serial number can be found at 6 o’clock.
Another reason for the introduction of the engraved rehaut was that moving the serial number meant making it much more accessible. You no longer have to remove the bracelet only to see the serial number.
When was the Rolex engraved rehaut introduced?
The time at which the engraved rehaut was introduced varies between models, as Rolex slowly but surely introduced it for all their models.
In the beginning, Rolex introduced engraving on many solid gold models. However, the engraving was first introduced on the Turn-o-graph around 2004. The Rolex GMT-Master II got the engraved rehaut in 2005, and in 2007, the rest of the models got it as well.
Sports watches such as the Submariners, Explorer II, Yacht-Master, and Daytona were updated half through the Z serial in 2007. The Daytona in stainless steel got it around 2007 with the Z-series. The same applies to the Explorer II 16750. The GMT-Master II reference 16710 and Rolex Explorer 14270 never got the engraved rehaut.
The last of the Explorer 114270 did get the inner engraving. This was near the end of the model run, before Basel when the new one was introduced. All the 116400 Milgauss have the engraved rehaut. All white gold Daytonas on Oyster bracelet have the engraved rehaut. This particular model was introduced at Basel 2004.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of an engraved rehaut on a Rolex watch?
The engraved rehaut on a Rolex watch is a circular ring on the watch dial that surrounds the watch face. It is inscribed with the word “Rolex” multiple times around the inside of the ring.
The significance of the engraved rehaut is that it is an indicator of the watch’s authenticity. It is a feature that is unique to Rolex watches and is not found on any other watch brand. The engraved rehaut is also an added security feature that makes it harder for counterfeiters to replicate a Rolex watch.
How can you tell if a Rolex rehaut is authentically engraved?
An authentically engraved Rolex rehaut should have the word “Rolex” repeated around the inside of the ring. The engraving should be precise and sharp, with no smudging or blurring of the letters.
The letters should be evenly spaced and the same size. The engraving should also be deep enough to be visible and feelable under a magnifying glass. If the rehaut is not engraved or the engraving is not precise, it may be a sign that the watch is counterfeit.
What impact does an engraved rehaut have on the value of a Rolex?
The presence of an engraved rehaut on a Rolex watch can have a positive impact on its value. It is a feature that is unique to Rolex watches and is not found on any other watch brand.
It is also an added security feature that makes it harder for counterfeiters to replicate a Rolex watch. As a result, collectors and enthusiasts may be willing to pay a premium for a Rolex watch with an engraved rehaut.
Can the rehaut of a Rolex be replaced or customized?
The rehaut of a Rolex watch cannot be replaced or customized without affecting the watch’s authenticity. The rehaut is an integral part of the watch’s design and is unique to each model.
Any attempt to replace or customize the rehaut would be considered a modification and would devalue the watch.
How does rehaut alignment affect the authenticity of a Rolex watch?
The alignment of the rehaut on a Rolex watch is an important factor in determining its authenticity. The rehaut should be perfectly aligned with the dial and should not be tilted or crooked.
Any misalignment could be a sign that the watch has been tampered with or modified.
In which models and year did Rolex first introduce the engraved rehaut?
Rolex first introduced the engraved rehaut in the mid-2000s. The exact year and model are not known, but it is believed to have been introduced in the mid-2000s.
The engraved rehaut is now a standard feature on most Rolex models. These include the Submariner, Daytona, and GMT-Master II.
