Saint Bernard The Dog: Rolex Precious Metal Stamping Explained!

Saint Bernard The Dog: Rolex Precious Metal Stamping Explained!

The title may sound odd, but this is a very useful and informative post about Rolex precious metal stamping that we hope will help you better understand the stamping process and look out for counterfeits!

In 1881, a uniform Switzerland law was enacted that states: “All watch cases made of gold, silver, platinum or palladium, of foreign or domestic manufacture, sold in Switzerland, are subject to inspection and compulsory official marking.”

There are 7 official Assay offices in Switzerland, and each office is designated a special letter/sign.

1) Biel/Bienne = B
2) Basel = *
3) Chiasso = T
4) Geneva = G
5) La Chaux-de-Fonds = C
6) Le Noirmont = J
7) Zurich = Z

Of course, Rolex moved its base of operations to Geneva in 1919, and uses the letter “G” in its watch stampings. Below is a chart for precious metal Rolex watches manufactured prior to August 1st, 1995.

“Gold 585” means the watch case is made out of 58.5% 24K yellow gold. In the case of Rolex timepieces, the “X” found in each symbol is replaced with the letter “G,” which represents the Geneva assay office.

After August 1st, 1995, the law was modified such that all watch cases made of gold, silver, platinum or palladium, of foreign or domestic manufacture, sold in Switzerland, are subject to inspection and compulsory official marking. Instead of the chart above, there is now a single official hallmark for all precious metals and all purity standards, the head of a St. Bernard dog as seen below.

Once again, the “X” is replaced with the letter “G” in Rolex precious metal timepieces. This symbol is not only stamped on the watch case, but also on bracelet clasps. Here are some pictures below of the back of a 18K yellow gold Rolex Cellini, both standard size and zoomed in.

The lovely St. Bernard the dog is clearly seen on the right, with the letter “G.” There is also a 750 stamp underneath a scale, for 18K 75% gold purity, and the Rolex symbol is stamped on the left.

The same St. Bernard stamp is found on the 18K yellow gold buckle of the same Cellini, as clearly seen below.

The dies used to stamp the timepieces are strictly kept securely in the assay offices, and they never leave the offices. These stamps are essential Swiss government hallmarks, and the level of detail is virtually impossible to copy. With a loupe, you can identify the beautiful details on these stamps found only on genuine Rolex precious metal watches. If you are fortunate to own a precious metal Rolex (excluding two tone), take out the loupe or magnifying glass and find that stamp!