Rolex buckles

[FabrizioRSA]

I need some advise from the experts.

I had been looking for a buckle for my Rolex Date 18k yellow gold circa 1966 .

After some search I found this on GoAntiques.com from the Watchcompany.com in Santa Monica:
"Vintage Rolex 16mm logo buckle yellow gold circa 1965".
The buckle was advertised as a stainless steel yellow gold-plated original Rolex.

I just received the buckle and after looking at it with a very strong magnifying glass I can say it looks of poor quality. On the inside the following markings can be seen:

Left - ACIER INOX
Middle in an oval frame - ROLEXSA
Right - SWISS

I went back to the same site and found another Rolex buckle for sale and this time I found this comment:

"This buckle is part of a limited quantity of logo buckles produced by an ROLEX authorized National dealership in 1965. Rolex watch logo buckles and Logo bracelets were very often subcontracted and approved by this manufacturer in the 1940s - 1960s. This pratice was common then, today production and distribution is tightly controled out of Geneva. Therefore, differences in the style and markings commonly exist, causing the casual observer to confuse this buckle with a fake or replica. This history is also not commonly understood buy pre-owned dealers, the loco jeweler, and independent watchmakers. Without knowledge of this history of subcontracting, the casual viewer sees the differences that exist and incorrectly concludes that the item is either a current Chinese fake or a replica. We assume the vintage watch collector would want to complete his watch with original vintage assessories, not overpriced current production or fakes".

Can anyone confirm the above?

I do not have a picture yet but I can provide one if needed.

Fabrizio

[stevemulholland3]

you need pictures,but I can tell you that if it looks to be poor quality then 99.9 % of the time it is a fake-rolex believes in quality and does not put out shabby looking products.

[Alcan]

Rolex has indeed subcontracted buckles, and bracelets in some cases. This buckle is original to one of Nancy's vintage Rolex watches:

[tudorman8276]

...it sounds, to me, that you are talking about a buckle for a leather strap.

...it sounds like you MAY have a genuine Rolex buckle, that has been LATER plated with gold (NOT plated at the factory).

...the markings you talk about are a simple S/S.

...it could also be simply a COUNTERFEIT all together. IF COUNTERFEIT, the markings will also APPEAR to be LASER ETCHED, as opposed to stampings.

...ALL FACTORY plated buckles, WILL HAVE the word "Plaque" stamped on it.

...hope this helps. There is a previous thread that I had posted pic's of GENUINE Rolex buckles.

Stan.

[Mr. Manners]

Gentle reader,

I once purchased a "Stainless Steel" 16mm Rolex buckle from Watch Company in Santa Monica on Ebay. It turned out to be a fake buckle made of silver. I reported this to Ebay and told the guy if he ever attempted to sell one on Ebay again I would report him yet again. I watch this guy's auctions on Ebay regularly to see if he ever lists more of them. He also used to list the same buckle as gold plated. I suspect that is what you have.

Respectfully,

Mr. Manners

[FabrizioRSA]

Could anyone have a look at the picture on the GoAntiques web site:
http://www.goantiques.com/scripts/im...,1478477.html#
The pictures are of what I received.

Thank you for the feed back

Fabrizio

[Mr. Manners]

Gentle Fabrizio,

It looks exactly like the fake buckle he sent me, except yours looks gold, right down to the small gap between ACIER and INOX.

Respectfully,

Mr. Manners

[FabrizioRSA]

I this is a fake I wonder how many other fakes he is selling out of his web site:
http://www.watchcompany.com/
The guy should be exposed for what he is, a conman.

Fabrizio

[Cubinican]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110973314982...84.m1438.l2649

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by Cubinican

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110973314982...84.m1438.l2649

eBay one is fake, as for the antique site, i am on a phone so i need to examine the buckle on my computer to see the stamping quality ona bigger screen I believe both of them are suppose to be made of steel and not plated

[garpesce]

fabrizio,
i think the two california dealers are bluffing that they know about the rolex buckles, exploiting the general lack of expertise on an item that isn't worth the time to research, since the market for buckles is relatively small.
you would be wise to locate a reputable watch dealer, or retailer you can visit.
if you must have a genuine rolex buckle, you're less likely to get scammed by a store that is factory authorized to sell high quality watches. and if they don't have one in stock, let them find one for you.

[garpesce]

fabrizio,
after my reply this morning, i came across an online seller that appears to be legitimate and expert in rolex matters. other members may know of it.
i haven't searched for a rolex buckle here, but you might want to.
no harm in trying.
http://www.bernardwatch.com/About