Should I Authenticate?

[rickyslam]

I'm hoping to pick up a sub this weekend. This will be my first watch. Its preowned but the seller claims it being new.
I'm just debating to buy if straight off his hands, or meeting him at a dealer to authenticate the watch. The seller agrees to meet up at a jeweler but I'm kind of started to get anxious to just take it off his hands. What do you guys think?

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=36939

[funlab]

if you aren't certain about the authenticity of the watch you should take it with him to an a.d. you're anxious and excited about a new watch, that's completely understandable. however, you'll be a lot more anxious if you buy a fake. take the time to do things the right way.

[frostie]

Even though the watch looks legit i would advice you to authenticate it so that you have peace of mind

Have a nice stay on TRF and welcome

[uncle-gee]

I would be very careful in buying a used Rolex.

I would be afraid to get a fake or authentic with some fake parts or authetic with parts coming from different watches. To my opinion, either of these three and the watch loses all its value.

Just to tell you about how selective I am, there are two AD in my city, for some reasons I chose to go to another AD in another city to get mine, and I do plan to always go there for maintenance in the future. I'm just an authenticity freak I guess. I read too many horrible stories.

I would say, go with a model you can afford brand new and be proud of your authentic time piece. Carefully chose your AD as well.

Are you going to buy this watch and tell everyone "yes, its a real Rolex" without any mental hesitation? Ask yourself this question and give you a honest answer. Don't try to convince yourself either, that would be selflying.

When I see someone with a Rolex I never ask "is it real?" I always ask "where did you get it?"

[Trurolexer]

Originally Posted by frostie

Even though the watch looks legit i would advice you to authenticate it so that you have peace of mind

Have a nice stay on TRF and welcome

X2!!!
And WELCOME TO TRF!!! Enjoy your stay...

[rickyslam]

One other thing is that I'm scared of jewelers swapping the insides of the watch, but I guess I'm just being paranoid. But for the price he's asking for after I authenticate it, its close to buying one straight from the AD

[frostie]

Originally Posted by rickyslam

One other thing is that I'm scared of jewelers swapping the insides of the watch, but I guess I'm just being paranoid. But for the price he's asking for after I authenticate it, its close to buying one straight from the AD

They can't swap the inside of the watch that easily cause it takes time

If the price is close to the one at the AD has go and buy it from the AD for 100% peace of mind

[Hamilton Carvalho]

Hi, check your PM.

[entropydave]

What I don't understand is why would someone buy a watch and then sell it immediately unworn and as new.

Weird.

[frostie]

Originally Posted by entropydave

What I don't understand is why would someone buy a watch and then sell it immediately unworn and as new.

Weird.

In some cases people buy them and don't wear them and they just decide to sell them

There are some cases also where the watch is given as a present and the wants to flip it because he doesn't like the watch

[sphereman]

Originally Posted by entropydave

What I don't understand is why would someone buy a watch and then sell it immediately unworn and as new.

Weird.

well. because i want to get another watch..

[entropydave]

Originally Posted by sphereman

well. because i want to get another watch..

Not a Rolex, then? Sorry just confusing as you are losing a lot of bucks but at least if it's your Rolex on Craigslist and you are a member of the TRF then I reckon then authentication is less necessary!

[sphereman]

Originally Posted by entropydave

Not a Rolex, then? Sorry just confusing as you are losing a lot of bucks but at least if it's your Rolex on Craigslist and you are a member of the TRF then I reckon then authentication is less necessary!

oh no.. it is going to be another Rolex. nothing else interests me AT ALL.

[2careless]

Originally Posted by entropydave

What I don't understand is why would someone buy a watch and then sell it immediately unworn and as new.

Weird.

A lot of times when you want to get a very rare watch, the AD will tell you "I'll sell this beauty to you if you buy another abc and xyz together".

A guy wrote in another forum that he got 2 Milgauss GVs by:
1. buy a 3 carat diamond, a Patek Philippe 5712/1A, and a GV, and
2. buy a white face Milgauss and a GV.

[Bobareno]

I would take the time to authenticate the watch.

[rickyslam]

It looks pretty new and very legit at the same time. I guess I should meet him at a jeweler. i don't wanna get jipped on my first watch. That will taint me for life.

[entropydave]

He says he bought it and now wants to chop it in for another model. Why did he do that? Why not wait and get the one he wants?!

[rickyslam]

Originally Posted by entropydave

He says he bought it and now wants to chop it in for another model. Why did he do that? Why not wait and get the one he wants?!

He's probably as anxious as I am. I was going to opt in on an AK but I decided to save up for the Sub instead. How much would it cost to authenticate?

[Tombstone]

Yes pay a Rolex authorized dealer to check it out. Would you buy a used car without taking the car to a expert to check it out? $50.00 - $100.00 is very little to ensure your not being taken for several thousand.

[rickyslam]

How long does it take to authenticate a watch?

[sphereman]

hey.. that is my watch..
and you emailed me about it.

if you see the sales section here, you will see my AD there too..

also, please remove the photobucket link as it has links to MY other pics not related to this watch.
thank you

[rickyslam]

I'm starting to feel that authentication isn't necessary anymore.

[rickyslam]

What do you guys think? Yay--Nay?

[colemanitis]

The watch in the pics is definitely legit. I'd just make sure the serial number on the case matches the paperwork. You can do this by removing the bracelet and looking between the lugs at the 6:00 position.

[rickyslam]

Originally Posted by colemanitis

The watch in the pics is definitely legit. I'd just make sure the serial number on the case matches the paperwork. You can do this by removing the bracelet and looking between the lugs at the 6:00 position.

I don't want to dismantle his watch before buying it.

[cbrenthus]

I'd take to get it authenticated for peace oof mind. Nothing against the seller, I would do the same thing if it was coming from a family member, best friend, etc.... Its just a good idea.

And unless the AD wants a grand for authenticating, your not going to spend anywhere near the same as a brand new one from an AD

[CPCC]

Spend the 50$ and buy yourself a piece of mind. I'm sure no one would be offended.

[Norm]

Meet him at the dealer. Authenticate the watch, still cheaper than new, and you have piece of mind. Then, report back here that he's the upstanding guy he seem's to be on this forum and he becomes an authenticated seller.

[sphereman]

of course.. as i said to Rickyslam over the phone, i do NOT mind meeting at a dealer at all...
see you shortly.. cheers

[rickyslam]

I was seriously considering to opt out for an AK when I first thought about a Rolex. Now I'm pretty happy that I saved up for a Sub =D