What does “Genuine” mean?

A genuine accessory or part is one made by the watch brand itself, whether it is a strap, bracelet, clasp, buckle, box, bezel or crown. Dealers also call this OEM or original. It is the opposite of aftermarket, where a third party makes a part designed to fit.

Genuine parts matter because they keep a watch as the brand intended, which supports resale value and avoids problems at service. When genuine accessories are sold on their own, buyers expect evidence: brand markings, part or reference numbers, correct materials and finishing, and ideally clear photos of stamps or labels. It is also worth remembering that genuine does not automatically mean correct for a particular watch. A genuine strap may be the wrong width, a genuine bracelet may belong to a different reference, and a genuine box may be from the wrong era.

A seller might write: “Genuine Rolex Oysterflex strap with clasp, removed from a Yacht-Master, light marks, part numbers visible.” A careful buyer would check that those numbers match the model they need.