Is this warranty document legitimate?

[RolexFan0049]

I'm thinking about buying the watch but I have some doubts. The region code (207) is correct for a greek island, and Grèce is the country specified. But then what surprises me is that the stamp looks to have japanese (or chinese, I guess) characters. What do you think?

[ColdFusi0n]

I wouldnt feel comfortable with that

[Mick P]

nando

I was involved in the security print trade for many years and printing fake documents is widespread, very easy and cheap.

To be frank, your paperwork may be legit or fake, it is impossible to tell from a pic.

Fakers use the correct paper, they even use old paper in case, it is carbon dated, they make sure it weighs the same and so on. Perforations and water marks are also easily faked.

The only way to truly ensure it is genuine is to take it to a printer or RSC.

No AD has the ability to determine if the papers are fake.

I am just amazed why WIS's, who in the main are intelligent, are so relaxed about a watches authenticity because it has a sheet of paper in the box. It is difficult to fake a watch but easy to fake papers.

I would forget about the paper and just get the watch checked out.

Regards

Mick

[RolexFan0049]

Thank you. That's a very interesting point of view, I was already thinking about buying some cheaper piece without papers an getting it officially serviced as soon as it arrives so I have trustworthy service papers from Rolex.

[Quailhunter]

I am far from being an expert, but I do know from personal experience that having the correct paperwork enhances the resale value of a fine watch. I agree totally on getting the watch validated, but I would also ask for a reduction in the asking price based on questionable papers.

[Smarties]

The stamp shows the address of the shop in Sapporo, Japan written in mix of Japanese character and Kenji (Chinese Character).

Possibly a grey import to Japan from Greece???

[RolexFan0049]

Originally Posted by Smarties

The stamp shows the address of the shop in Sapporo, Japan written in mix of Japanese character and Kenji (Chinese Character).

Possibly a grey import to Japan from Greece???

Could you translate the name of the japanese shop so I can try to find it, if it still exists? I could ask them directly if so.

[Smarties]

Originally Posted by nando87

Could you translate the name of the japanese shop so I can try to find it, if it still exists? I could ask them directly if so.

The first 3 characters in hiragara read "Makino" and the rest of the characters mean "precious metal shop"

[Old Expat Beast]

Strange, and interesting. Does the serial number on the paper (covered by the watch in the photo) match the number on the watch itself?

[RolexFan0049]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Strange, and interesting. Does the serial number on the paper (covered by the watch in the photo) match the number on the watch itself?

I'm trying to find out, but I guess that if they can fake the paper they'll be able to put the correct serial number too. On the other hand, faking a paper with characters that could look like chinese to a western would be incredibly stupid.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by old expat beast

strange, and interesting. Does the serial number on the paper (covered by the watch in the photo) match the number on the watch itself?

x2

[japenney]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Strange, and interesting. Does the serial number on the paper (covered by the watch in the photo) match the number on the watch itself?

Agree, serial should be between the lugs on that model I think see if they match is a good first step.

[hoppejung]

I could only read part of the name. It's Makino .......

[WAK4]

Can't say legit or not, so will just repeat the warning to buy the seller, have watch checked out if you do, etc etc.

Where is the owner? Any chance they lived in an Asian country and that stamp is a customs duty stamp or something similar?

[sensui]

Makino Kikin Zoku is the store name in Japan. Good luck with the research....sounds a bit iffy to me but the Japanese shops have all sorts of ways to get watches grey so I wouldn't be surprised if this is legitimate.