Simple piece of advice needed

[punta del este]

Hi All,


I am in the process of selling my Tudor 79180 Big Block Chrono and a potential buyer has requested I send him the serial number, I sent him over a pic of the number between the lugs and blurred the last 3 digits. He replied that he needs the full number as he wants to check it against the stolen watch register, something I have never heard of. I dont know the buyer in any way as it is an online sale.

The advice I need is whether to send it him and if it leaves me open to any risk? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Verdi]

Why would you not share it?
The guy wants to buy it and you have nothing to hide, right?

[punta del este]

Originally Posted by Verdi

Why would you not share it?
The guy wants to buy it and you have nothing to hide, right?

I am just being cautious,nothing to hide. I read online that someone can take your serial number and claim it as theirs as a stolen watch.

I rarely sell anything from my collection so was just finding out if I am at risk in any way.

[SpeakWithMichael]

It's a valid question I'd be interested in understanding as well. Would he even have access to a Tudor stolen watch register if he's not an AD? Sellers here on TRF blur the serial numbers.

At least you get legitimate buyers in the UK. In Spain it's just turdbags trying to launder their money, scam you, or make absolutely ridiculous offers. Such a waste of time that I removed the listings and I will only post them here.

[punta del este]

Originally Posted by SpeakWithMichael

It's a valid question I'd be interested in understanding as well. Would he even have access to a Tudor stolen watch register if he's not an AD? Sellers here on TRF blur the serial numbers.

At least you get legitimate buyers in the UK. In Spain it's just turdbags trying to launder their money, scam you, or make absolutely ridiculous offers. Such a waste of time that I removed the listings and I will only post them here.

He said you can pay a fee and check on this website, thewatchregister.com

I don't know if its legit or not as its the first time I have ever encountered it.

[sillo]

Originally Posted by punta del este

He said you can pay a fee and check on this website, thewatchregister.com

I don't know if its legit or not as its the first time I have ever encountered it.

You can, I've used it once when my mom found a GMT at a thrift store. I'm not sure how comprehensive the database is, but it is a legit option to check if the watch is stolen.

If you don't feel comfortable giving it to him maybe you can run it through and show him the results. It might not satisfy him, but you can always ask.

Originally Posted by zapokee

I wouldn't give it. If he reports it as stolen and you send it in for service, you lose it. I'd never divulge a full serial number.

I don't think you can just report a watch as stolen without some documentation detailing the theft. Like a police report or something. Otherwise people could just go into stores selling second hand watches, find the serial and start reporting them stolen.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by sillo38

I don't think you can just report a watch as stolen without some documentation detailing the theft. Like a police report or something. Otherwise people could just go into stores selling second hand watches, find the serial and start reporting them stolen.

What's to stop a scammer from getting a police report? I don't believe you'd need to produce proof of purchase to get one. You may be right, but I wouldn't risk it.

There's a reason why they're always blurred out online. Jack Road - a major vintage dealer here in Japan - won't let you remove the bracelet to look at the serial number until you've bought it, and I believe this is why.

[rootbeer7]

do you know anything about purchaser? perhaps he knows someone in the business. I personally wouldn't purchase a watch without full disclosure of serial number, both in an image and during communication. Provided you have proof of ownership there are no concerns.

[punta del este]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

do you know anything about purchaser? perhaps he knows someone in the business. I personally wouldn't purchase a watch without full disclosure of serial number, both in an image and during communication. Provided you have proof of ownership there are no concerns.

Unfortunately I know absolutely nothing about him, I bought the watch over 15 years ago and with box no papers. So again not sure if I should provide the serial number

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by punta del este

Unfortunately I know absolutely nothing about him, I bought the watch over 15 years ago and with box no papers. So again not sure if I should provide the serial number

As a private seller, it’s important to do your due diligence on purchaser so that there’s trust on each end and then there’s no issue providing serial numbers etc.

[cpefy3]

I'd simply pay the small fee (as the seller) and then you can send him a copy of the report with the numbers blurred and tell him on completion of the sale you will enclose the report as part of the sale. That way you do not have to divulge the serial number, he is getting the report he wants, and everyone is happy. Good luck!!

[Old Expat Beast]

I'd give him the number.

[zapokee]

I wouldn't give it. If he reports it as stolen and you send it in for service, you lose it. I'd never divulge a full serial number.

[springer]

Give him the number. I don't purchase anything without a serial number - especially from a stranger.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by springer

Give him the number. I don't purchase anything without a serial number - especially from a stranger.

I have noticed yours is always the voice of reason in these conversations and always provide excellent advice.

[BlakeA]

I’d give the serial number and if he later claims it to be stolen, then someone has to try to get it from me...which would not happen.

[Dan S]

I think it's reasonable for a buyer to request the serial number. If I think a buyer is serious, I wouldn't hesitate to give the number to him.

[punta del este]

Thanks for all the advice