The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Classifieds > WatchOut!!!

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 25 October 2016, 02:13 AM   #1
watchuneedthemost
"TRF" Member
 
watchuneedthemost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Real Name: Ro
Location: Chicago
Watch: Aqua Terra 2503.33
Posts: 598
Buying Rolex GMT Master Head Only

Hello forum members:

Need some quick advice. I have an opportunity to purchase a Rolex GMT master head only. It is authentic but not in working condition. No idea how much it would cost to fix it or whats wrong with it. There is no asking price on it, I have to make the offer. Now my question (if you have not already guessed it by now :D) is, how much should I (would you) offer for this piece in its current condition?

Thanks, any help will be much appreciated!

P.S. Something inside the case is loose/rattling.....any guesses on what that might be/mean would also be helpful :)

Last edited by watchuneedthemost; 25 October 2016 at 02:15 AM.. Reason: more information
watchuneedthemost is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 02:16 AM   #2
The GMT Master
"TRF" Member
 
The GMT Master's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Real Name: Chris
Location: England
Posts: 8,150
Welcome

It would be impossible to put a figure based on what you've said. So much depends on which model reference, how many original parts are on it, what condition the movement is etc. A repair could potentially cost many, many thousands, and if the seller is not willing to disclose exactly what's wrong, I would steer clear

Chris
The GMT Master is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 02:18 AM   #3
WAK4
2024 Pledge Member
 
WAK4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Real Name: Bill
Location: NJ
Watch: Always changing
Posts: 4,172
You won't be able to get an answer without a lot more info, starting with which model...and including pics.

Otherwise, offer $10 and go from there. I'd assume a full rebuild, new movement, etc at a minimum. Case, dial, hands TBD depending on their condition. Many variables to consider.
WAK4 is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 02:25 AM   #4
watchuneedthemost
"TRF" Member
 
watchuneedthemost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Real Name: Ro
Location: Chicago
Watch: Aqua Terra 2503.33
Posts: 598
Thank you, WAK4 and The GMT Master. Unfortunately, that is all the information I have. What I do have is a few pictures.....let me know what you think. Thanks again!
Attached Images
       
watchuneedthemost is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 02:31 AM   #5
WAK4
2024 Pledge Member
 
WAK4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Real Name: Bill
Location: NJ
Watch: Always changing
Posts: 4,172
I was expecting something vintage. Short of taking it to an AD with a watchmaker in house or something similar to assess it, not sure what advice we can offer.

Any idea on history? What happened to the bracelet? How certain are you that it is not a fake?
WAK4 is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 02:34 AM   #6
watchuneedthemost
"TRF" Member
 
watchuneedthemost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Real Name: Ro
Location: Chicago
Watch: Aqua Terra 2503.33
Posts: 598
Pretty certain its not a fake, having owned a couple of Rolex's myself. However, seller bought it as part of a bunch of things on an estate sale......no more history available that that....I guess I have to (if I do at all) go into this one blind. Thanks for the input. Much appreciated!
watchuneedthemost is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 02:37 AM   #7
Luap1976
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: London Uk
Watch: 116610lnBBetaBBhar
Posts: 1,005
That gmt 2 is not real looking at the terrible out of focus photos.the hand stack is wrong hour hand should be on the bottom and everything else is wrong compared to the real watch
Luap1976 is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 02:38 AM   #8
watchuneedthemost
"TRF" Member
 
watchuneedthemost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Real Name: Ro
Location: Chicago
Watch: Aqua Terra 2503.33
Posts: 598
Quote:
Originally Posted by Luap1976 View Post
That gmt 2 is not real looking at the terrible out of focus photos
What makes you think that its not real? Just the "out of focus" aspect of the photos or something else that you see on there?
watchuneedthemost is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 02:41 AM   #9
Luap1976
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: London Uk
Watch: 116610lnBBetaBBhar
Posts: 1,005
Quote:
Originally Posted by watchuneedthemost View Post
What makes you think that its not real? Just the "out of focus" aspect of the photos or something else that you see on there?
I know it's not real.read what I posted above
Luap1976 is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 02:45 AM   #10
watchuneedthemost
"TRF" Member
 
watchuneedthemost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Real Name: Ro
Location: Chicago
Watch: Aqua Terra 2503.33
Posts: 598
Quote:
Originally Posted by Luap1976 View Post
I know it's not real.read what I posted above
Sorry missed it:). I will take a closer look at those things if I decide to go with it.....thanks for the input!
watchuneedthemost is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 03:22 AM   #11
Valkyrie
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 121
Quote:
Originally Posted by Luap1976 View Post
That gmt 2 is not real looking at the terrible out of focus photos.the hand stack is wrong hour hand should be on the bottom and everything else is wrong compared to the real watch
The hour hand is on the bottom as far as I can tell from the photos. If the 24 hour hand was on the bottom it would not pass over the hour markers. And as for "everything else" it looks just like mine which I purchased directly from an AD and is most certainly real.

It may well be a fake but I see nothing in the photos to suggest it is not real. Poor photography by itself is not evidence of a fake.
Valkyrie is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 03:27 AM   #12
Luap1976
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: London Uk
Watch: 116610lnBBetaBBhar
Posts: 1,005
Quote:
Originally Posted by Valkyrie View Post
The hour hand is on the bottom as far as I can tell from the photos. If the 24 hour hand was on the bottom it would not pass over the hour markers. And as for "everything else" it looks just like mine which I purchased directly from an AD and is most certainly real.

It may well be a fake but I see nothing in the photos to suggest it is not real. Poor photography by itself is not evidence of a fake.
It's up to you what you belive my friend,but I can see its not a genuine gmt2
Luap1976 is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 03:51 AM   #13
Valkyrie
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 121
Quote:
Originally Posted by Luap1976 View Post
It's up to you what you belive my friend,but I can see its not a genuine gmt2
Indeed. We'll just have to agree to disagree. I don't really have a dog in this fight but I was just hoping to understand why some folks see this watch as clearly fake based on these photos with an explanation more than it's fake because I say so.
Valkyrie is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 02:46 AM   #14
Chewbacca
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2012
Real Name: CJ
Location: Kashyyyk
Watch: Kessel Run Chrono
Posts: 21,112
Quote:
Originally Posted by watchuneedthemost View Post
Pretty certain its not a fake, having owned a couple of Rolex's myself. However, seller bought it as part of a bunch of things on an estate sale......no more history available that that....I guess I have to (if I do at all) go into this one blind. Thanks for the input. Much appreciated!
i think we can close this one up.
Chewbacca is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 05:04 AM   #15
beshannon
"TRF" Member
 
beshannon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Real Name: Brian
Location: Northern Virginia
Watch: One of Not Many
Posts: 17,892
Quote:
Originally Posted by watchuneedthemost View Post
Pretty certain its not a fake, having owned a couple of Rolex's myself. However, seller bought it as part of a bunch of things on an estate sale......no more history available that that....I guess I have to (if I do at all) go into this one blind. Thanks for the input. Much appreciated!
Hmm, lets see:

Who is the seller?
No box or papers?
No bracelet?
Non-working?
Estate sale where the owners of the estate did not know what they own?
Open the case to see what is loose?

Too many red flags here, I would walk away.
__________________
IWC Portugieser 7 Day, Omega Seamaster SMP300m, Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar, Glashutte PanoInverse, Glashutte SeaQ Panorama Date, Omega Aqua Terra 150, Omega CK 859, Omega Speedmaster 3861 Moonwatch, Breitling Superocean Steelfish, JLC Atmos Transparent Clock
beshannon is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 02:41 AM   #16
cdmorenot
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
cdmorenot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Real Name: Carlos.
Location: NNJ - MDE
Watch: = Want them all.
Posts: 3,700
I wouldn't pay more than around high 3's after proving that it is indeed authentic.

Give myself room for a service and a bracelet.
__________________
| Breguet | Cartier | Casio | Hublot | IWC | Omega | Rolex | Seiko |
cdmorenot is online now  
Old 25 October 2016, 02:51 AM   #17
Valkyrie
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 121
ASSUMING this is not a fake, I would offer a few hundred dollars at most. If it were working and keeping good time I might offer $3K if I were in the market for a GMT Master 2 but since it not only isn't working but has something rattling around inside it could easily cost that much for you to get it running again. And a new bracelet will run about $1800 so as is it isn't worth very much unless you're a watchmaker and need parts.
Valkyrie is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 02:59 AM   #18
sachal007
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Real Name: Sachal
Location: San Francisco, CA
Watch: Hulk/BLNR/D-Sea
Posts: 294
the watch is a fake!
sachal007 is offline  
Old 26 October 2016, 01:17 AM   #19
TempoKing
Banned
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Real Name: Anastasios
Location: Athens Greece
Watch: Rolex GMT 1675
Posts: 8,497
Quote:
Originally Posted by sachal007 View Post
the watch is a fake!
------->
TempoKing is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 03:19 AM   #20
Meme-Dweller
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: TX
Watch: Meme-Dweller
Posts: 498
Ceramic bezel GMT numbers are supposed to be 3D-ish because of the platinum in the craters.... the first pic clearly proves it is fake. Crystal is also not supposed to be that thick. Just buy from an AD. No point in saving a few bucks from the guy in the alley with a trenchcoat when you can get scammed out of your entire payment.
Meme-Dweller is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 03:48 AM   #21
Valkyrie
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 121
Quote:
Originally Posted by 6R15 View Post
Ceramic bezel GMT numbers are supposed to be 3D-ish because of the platinum in the craters.... the first pic clearly proves it is fake. Crystal is also not supposed to be that thick.
You raise good points. The numerals in the bezel do indeed have depth in a real Rolex. I believe you can see that depth in the last photo in the "0" of the "10" where the light hits just right to highlight the depth. Of course you would want to check this in person or at least get higher quality photos to confirm this but based on the available photos I cannot conclude the bezel is fake.

The crystal on the GMT is virtually flush with the bezel as you say. The photos taken at an angle do seem to show a thicker crystal. But when I hold my GMT up at the same angle seen in the photos I see the same apparently thick crystal which is nothing more than the edge of the crystal peeking out from the small gap between the crystal and the bezel.
Valkyrie is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 03:32 AM   #22
kdo2milger
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: USA
Posts: 2
Nice!
CHS?
kdo2milger is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 03:34 AM   #23
breitlings
Banned
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Bethesda
Watch: Apple TV
Posts: 5,744
"You know how you can tell if a Rolex is fake? If it doesn't work." - Pawn Stars
breitlings is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 04:43 AM   #24
slipperman
"TRF" Member
 
slipperman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: westcoast
Posts: 134
the last pic clearly shows the hour hand higher in the stack than the gmt hand. you can see the shadow underneath the hour hand on the dial. this watch is definitely a chinese fake, this is exactly how they are.
slipperman is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 05:29 AM   #25
Valkyrie
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 121
Quote:
Originally Posted by slipperman View Post
the last pic clearly shows the hour hand higher in the stack than the gmt hand. you can see the shadow underneath the hour hand on the dial. this watch is definitely a chinese fake, this is exactly how they are.
I'm not seeing it. The hour hand looks nearly flush with the dial to me. At best, I would agree the pics are inconclusive. To be clear, I am not arguing the watch is genuine but rather nothing in the pics is an obvious fake.

While scratching my head as to why an undamaged GMT head with something rattling around inside and no bracelet is offered for sale it occurs to me that someone with the skill and tools might have swapped out the 3186 movement into a 16710 GMT, turning a $6K watch into a $15K watch and selling off the 116710 head and bracelet. They should be able to get $1500 for the bracelet and whatever they get for the head is gravy. They may not have taken the effort to make the head work since you could then tell it had the wrong movement. In any case, pure speculation on my part.
Valkyrie is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 08:11 AM   #26
slipperman
"TRF" Member
 
slipperman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: westcoast
Posts: 134
Quote:
Originally Posted by Valkyrie View Post
I'm not seeing it. The hour hand looks nearly flush with the dial to me. At best, I would agree the pics are inconclusive. To be clear, I am not arguing the watch is genuine but rather nothing in the pics is an obvious fake.

While scratching my head as to why an undamaged GMT head with something rattling around inside and no bracelet is offered for sale it occurs to me that someone with the skill and tools might have swapped out the 3186 movement into a 16710 GMT, turning a $6K watch into a $15K watch and selling off the 116710 head and bracelet. They should be able to get $1500 for the bracelet and whatever they get for the head is gravy. They may not have taken the effort to make the head work since you could then tell it had the wrong movement. In any case, pure speculation on my part.
open the last pic in a browser window by itself and zoom in; the shadow from the hour hand is plain as day.
slipperman is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 04:57 AM   #27
SeaAndSky
"TRF" Member
 
SeaAndSky's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Wild Blue Yonder
Watch: 116710 LN
Posts: 1,613
Quote:
Originally Posted by watchuneedthemost View Post
Hello forum members:
P.S. Something inside the case is loose/rattling.....any guesses on what that might be/mean would also be helpful :)
That would probably be the non-Rolex movement.
SeaAndSky is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 05:03 AM   #28
watchuneedthemost
"TRF" Member
 
watchuneedthemost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Real Name: Ro
Location: Chicago
Watch: Aqua Terra 2503.33
Posts: 598
Quote:
Originally Posted by seaandsky View Post
that would probably be the non-rolex movement.
lol!!!
watchuneedthemost is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 05:04 AM   #29
watchuneedthemost
"TRF" Member
 
watchuneedthemost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Real Name: Ro
Location: Chicago
Watch: Aqua Terra 2503.33
Posts: 598
Ok, update! I made an offer of a 100 bucks....guy said he already has people offering more than 2K....I said, take that and run (and don't look back). Overwhelming response BTW from this forum. Thank you all!
watchuneedthemost is offline  
Old 25 October 2016, 06:09 AM   #30
MVP
"TRF" Member
 
MVP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Real Name: Mike
Location: North East, USA
Posts: 258
Quote:
Originally Posted by watchuneedthemost View Post
Ok, update! I made an offer of a 100 bucks....guy said he already has people offering more than 2K....I said, take that and run (and don't look back). Overwhelming response BTW from this forum. Thank you all!
If he has people offering over $2K then why can't he at least give you that as a starting price/ why isn't he taking those offers? How did you find this clown? Seems so sketchy
MVP is offline  
Closed Thread


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.