Experience with Stolen Rolex that was recovered by Service Center

[samwoo2go]

I got a new DJ 41 back in October 2023. It was stolen around New Years (yes less than 3 months). Not going to get into what happened but I do want to talk about the recovery process and see if anyone has gone through it and can provide me with some guidance.

I reported the watch stolen of course and have a police report. I also reported it stolen with Rolex directly so the serial number is tagged.

About early March, I got a letter from a Law Firm ( Gibney, Anthony & Flaherty, LLP ) representing Rolex (I looked them up, legit) letting me know a Jeweler sent the watch into Rolex for service and it's now seized by Rolex pending outcome. Great! Watch found VERY QUICKLY!

Not so fast. The law firm is basically telling me it's not so simple to decide even though I have a police report, original serial card and receipt. They need the seller to relinquish claim to the watch. Since he didn't, the law firm now wants to "introduce" me to the other party directly so we can sort it out. This process feels completely insane to me and honestly feels like the law firm does not want any legal liability and just want to toss this over the fence. The only reason the other party would want to communicate direct with me is to probably try and settle (extort) money to release the claim.

This is so crazy that Rolex would not want to put a swift end to a shady grey dealer that bought a watch with no papers and was in possession of stolen property. I feel like the way they are handling this only continues to encourage all these crimes with owners around the world.

In so far, I have not been actively involving my Detective on the case because they actually hinted that involving the police will take longer, which also feels really shady to me. But it's been about 3 weeks now with no real resolution, so I think I am going to go the police route.

In so far, I told the firm I am not going to communicate with 3rd party, gave them all my documentation and requested that the watch be release to me or my local police dept.

My questions are:

- Does anyone know a customer email address for Rolex USA or Switzerland? I can't seen to find one via searching. Or a good phone number?

- Anyone have dealt with this before, how should I handle this?

[EndlessEight]

Pure speculation…Sounds like they are trying to get you to bring the warranty card to the seller to rob you

[hojlund]

Originally Posted by EndlessEight

Pure speculation…Sounds like they are trying to get you to bring the warranty card to the seller to rob you

wow! haha.

[CFR]

You can phone RUSA at 212-758-7700.

My two cents:

Rolex is reducing its own liability. That means holding the watch until the two parties in dispute work it out, or until law enforcement intervenes to take it. If Rolex sends the watch to either of you at this point, then the other party may take action against Rolex.

If I were you -- and I was you in the past (though with a different brand) -- I'd contact your detective as a first step. That'll increase the likelihood of your getting it back. Who cares if it takes longer, as long as you get it back?

Lastly -- and I could be wrong about this -- but I think Rolex maintains a stolen watch database as a courtesy to customers, not because Rolex would face greater liability if they didn't maintain a stolen watch database. In other words, Rolex could've said to you, "We don't take stolen watch reports." IF that's correct, then you should be grateful for what Rolex has done.

Good luck with this -- I hope you get it back, and please keep us posted!

[samwoo2go]

Originally Posted by CFR

You can phone RUSA at 212-758-7700.

My two cents:

Rolex is reducing its own liability. That means holding the watch until the two parties in dispute work it out, or until law enforcement intervenes to take it. If Rolex sends the watch to either of you at this point, then the other party may take action against Rolex.

If I were you -- and I was you in the past (though with a different brand) -- I'd contact your detective as a first step. That'll increase the likelihood of your getting it back. Who cares if it takes longer, as long as you get it back?

Lastly -- and I could be wrong about this -- but I think Rolex maintains a stolen watch database as a courtesy to customers, not because Rolex would face greater liability if they didn't maintain a stolen watch database. In other words, Rolex could've said to you, "We don't take stolen watch reports." IF that's correct, then you should be grateful for what Rolex has done.

Good luck with this -- I hope you get it back, and please keep us posted!

This is really great perspective. I was so angry at Rolex's position until I read this. Thanks for this. I will connect with the Detective asap.

[docmri]

Yes, they absolutely maintain a stolen watch directory that is only accessible my authorized dealers. Thus, supposedly, when you buy a watch from them they will have checked that it was not reported stolen.

[Joearch]

Interesting scenario. Will be keeping track of this thread to see what happens.

[Greenp]

I would just insurance for money to buy new watch.

[Kingcobb]

Rolex doesn't have the legal authority to return the property to you outright.

Both you and the other individual have a claim of ownership on the item. The legal route on this would be to go through the court system to establish ownership, especially if this is across state lines, Rolex can't just give it to you. By putting the two of you in touch they are hoping yall can arrive at an amicable agreement quickly that is satisfactory to you both. You think it is unfair but the other party who did no wrong and is now in danger of being out a large investment probably feels different. There are tons of water he's out there with no box or papers. Few of them are stolen.

[KMalone]

Originally Posted by Kingcobb

the other party who did no wrong and is now in danger of being out a large investment

They received stolen goods. With the value of the watch, that would be a felony.

So, yes! Under color of Law they did do something wrong.

[Dawgprint]

The gray dealer has to have records of who sold it to them. Hopefully they will assist in prosecuting the thief

[Mr. K]

This is interesting. I can see both sides.

I hope you get your watch back, but also hope the other guy doesn't get screwed either.

If you got paid out by insurance, the insurance company should be involved too as I believe they have the right to the watch, if you were paid.

[springer]

Report the watch was recovered to the police agency that you notified of the theft. They can go seize the watch as evidence and complete their investigation. Once completed, the police would release the watch to you.

[piratfisk]

Originally Posted by springer

Report the watch was recovered to the police agency that you notified of the theft. They can go seize the watch as evidence and complete their investigation. Once completed, the police would release the watch to you.

This seems like the move. Get the police to take the watch back themselves as evidence in an ongoing investigation. If that doesn't work, then collect your insurance check & get another?

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by springer

Report the watch was recovered to the police agency that you notified of the theft. They can go seize the watch as evidence and complete their investigation. Once completed, the police would release the watch to you.

^^^^^^ This

Is what Rolex is nudging you to do

[LndLord]

Originally Posted by springer

Report the watch was recovered to the police agency that you notified of the theft. They can go seize the watch as evidence and complete their investigation. Once completed, the police would release the watch to you.

I dont think its this easy?

[77T]

Originally Posted by LndLord

I dont think its this easy?

It can be that easy. I've done just what Springer posted to recover 2 of the 4 stolen Rolexes of mine.

The 1st one was a breeze. Took very little time. Probably because it was in a nearby jurisdiction and had not been sold yet (by the burglars).

The 2nd one took a couple of months. That was due to it being an International seizure. Plus I had several sales transactions to clear before Rolex and UK Police released it.

It can get more complicated if the submitter chooses to fight the matter in Court. That's why Rolex always recommends getting an attorney up front - they can never know how these seizures will unfold.


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[LndLord]

Originally Posted by 77T

It can be that easy. I've done just what Springer posted to recover 2 of the 4 stolen Rolexes of mine.

The 1st one was a breeze. Took very little time. Probably because it was in a nearby jurisdiction and had not been sold yet (by the burglars).

The 2nd one took a couple of months. That was due to it being an International seizure. Plus I had several sales transactions to clear before Rolex and UK Police released it.

It can get more complicated if the submitter chooses to fight the matter in Court. That's why Rolex always recommends getting an attorney up front - they can never know how these seizures will unfold.


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Interesting, I just felt it would be more difficult. But you have experience so I'm wrong.

[77T]

Originally Posted by LndLord

Interesting, I just felt it would be more difficult. But you have experience so I'm wrong.

I wouldn't say you're wrong - a good percentage of submitters can fight the seizure. I was just sharing my personal experience.

Here in USA, our citizens have become more litigious and that's a factor to consider.


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[jedione65]

Originally Posted by LndLord

I dont think its this easy?

That’s what I would do and I think that is sound advice. We already gave the police a full list and description with all serial numbers of the watches stolen. That was a supplement to the police report. So they should have this as proof.

[chro.nic]

Sounds fishy
Search online that law firm and "threat letters"....

.nic

[Kingcobb]

Originally Posted by chro.nic

Sounds fishy
Search online that law firm and "threat letters"....

.nic

Well a little searching online and it is pretty easy to verify they are the US law firm for Rolex and Rolex is their biggest client.

New York times article about Rolex having them go after the fake Rolex trade like blood hounds in the early 2000s.

[77T]

Originally Posted by samwoo2go

I reported the watch stolen of course and have a police report. I also reported it stolen with Rolex directly so the serial number is tagged.

But it's been about 3 weeks now with no real resolution, so I think I am going to go the police route.

In so far, I told the firm I am not going to communicate with 3rd party, gave them all my documentation and requested that the watch be release to me or my local police dept.

My questions are:

- Does anyone know a customer email address for Rolex USA or Switzerland? I can't seen to find one via searching. Or a good phone number?

- Anyone have dealt with this before, how should I handle this?

I'm confused a bit. If you reported it stolen with RolexUSA, then you have the phone number, or the email, otherwise how did it get on the theft list?

You should also know the name of the person who accepted your fax or email that included the police report.

Yes, I have done this twice with stolen Rolexes that were recovered after a home burglary.

I got an email directly from Rolex as you should have by now.

I did get with the police detective who handled my case and he was helpful getting the watch released.

Rolex usually releases the watch to the authorities in the jurisdiction where the watch was recovered.

In their letter RUSA will recommend getting an attorney in case the matter requires one.

I hope this helps - one of mine was recovered locally so that one was easy. The other was recovered in the UK - that one was much harder.

Do you know which RSC recovered it?


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[samwoo2go]

Originally Posted by 77T

I'm confused a bit. If you reported it stolen with RolexUSA, then you have the phone number, or the email, otherwise how did it get on the theft list?

You should also know the name of the person who accepted your fax or email that included the police report.

Yes, I have done this twice with stolen Rolexes that were recovered after a home burglary.

I got an email directly from Rolex as you should have by now.

I did get with the police detective who handled my case and he was helpful getting the watch released.

Rolex usually releases the watch to the authorities in the jurisdiction where the watch was recovered.

In their letter RUSA will recommend getting an attorney in case the matter requires one.

I hope this helps - one of mine was recovered locally so that one was easy. The other was recovered in the UK - that one was much harder.

Do you know which RSC recovered it?


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I got it onto the theft list via the Rolex missing watch form filed from my AD. I am trying to contact Rolex directly to put some additional pressure on their firm.

I don't have any info on where and who it was recovered from. Maybe that's why they were trying to connect with us, but I don't want to do that in case there's some legal principal that once I do that I am assuming responsibility of the outcome.

[77T]

Originally Posted by samwoo2go

I got it onto the theft list via the Rolex missing watch form filed from my AD. I am trying to contact Rolex directly to put some additional pressure on their firm.

I don't have any info on where and who it was recovered from. Maybe that's why they were trying to connect with us, but I don't want to do that in case there's some legal principal that once I do that I am assuming responsibility of the outcome.

I understand your hesitance -

It would seem that you will want a lawyer for the next steps ahead.

He or she will be able to work with your local police, the law firm claiming agency over the outcome, and Rolex itself. Rolex usually releases the watch directly to the police in the jurisdiction where it was recovered. It is puzzling why they are not doing so in your case.

While the watch is ultimately yours, your future lawyer will need to engage Rolex on your behalf.

I hope for your sake it is in the USA because it makes for a more straightforward process. It took 2 phone calls to recover my first stolen watch - and a short drive to the jurisdiction that recovered it.

In my more difficult recovery, it took almost 4 years for it to turn up at an RSC. I did the legwork myself beginning with my local authorities. Also, with Rolex UK and the UK authorities. I cleared the title by getting multiple dealers to release any claim to title. There were 3 who had been involved in the chain of transactions that resulted in an innocent buyer submitting my watch to the Rolex UK RSC. Two of them in the UK were "clean", one in the USA was sketchy and ultimately yielded by reimbursing the first clean UK dealer.

Since I'm retired I had all the time necessary - and it did take a couple of months... There were no law firms wanting to handle the case in Kings Hill.

Here is what you should see directly from Rolex via email:



Good luck and much success in the endeavor - I well-remember the positive feeling of getting my watches back. I still have 2 more out there that are yet to be recovered...only time will tell.


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 77T

I understand your hesitance -

It would seem that you will want a lawyer for the next steps ahead.

He or she will be able to work with your local police, the law firm claiming agency over the outcome, and Rolex itself. Rolex usually releases the watch directly to the police in the jurisdiction where it was recovered. It is puzzling why they are not doing so in your case.

While the watch is ultimately yours, your future lawyer will need to engage Rolex on your behalf.

I hope for your sake it is in the USA because it makes for a more straightforward process. It took 2 phone calls to recover my first stolen watch - and a short drive to the jurisdiction that recovered it.

In my more difficult recovery, it took almost 4 years for it to turn up at an RSC. I did the legwork myself beginning with my local authorities. Also, with Rolex UK and the UK authorities. I cleared the title by getting multiple dealers to release any claim to title. There were 3 who had been involved in the chain of transactions that resulted in an innocent buyer submitting my watch to the Rolex UK RSC. Two of them in the UK were "clean", one in the USA was sketchy and ultimately yielded by reimbursing the first clean UK dealer.

Since I'm retired I had all the time necessary - and it did take a couple of months... There were no law firms wanting to handle the case in Kings Hill.

Here is what you should see directly from Rolex via email:



Good luck and much success in the endeavor - I well-remember the positive feeling of getting my watches back. I still have 2 more out there that are yet to be recovered...only time will tell.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Great information as always Paul

[Michael T]

Gibney, Anthony & Flaherty is simply putting you on notice. You need to intervene to legally obtain the watch. Sounds like you need to get counsel to file a motion to have the court direct Rolex to hold the watch until you can get a declaratory judgement of some sort that you rightfully own the watch.

Be glad they advised you, but they can’t simply hand you the watch because you say you own it.

[HHIslander]

Originally Posted by culvercity

They may need that but technically you do not need any permission or "the seller to relinquish claim" to recover stolen property. They have informed you that they have your stolen property. Go to them and demand your property back immediately. If they refuse simply call the Police and inform the Police about who has your stolen property and tell them the location of the stolen property etc they must recover it for you. This law firm has admitted they are holding onto your stolen property so you can now use the Police to recover said stolen property. You can do this physically yourself or with the help of Police. Just because the Law firm proclaims "They need the seller to relinquish claim to the watch." doesn't mean you do! Law firms have no right to play hostage with your stolen property point blank period.

Get the police involved tomorrow and then a lawyer if needed.

[egamos]

Originally Posted by HHIslander

Get the police involved tomorrow and then a lawyer if needed.

+1
this

[Kingcobb]

Originally Posted by culvercity

They may need that but technically you do not need any permission or "the seller to relinquish claim" to recover stolen property. They have informed you that they have your stolen property. Go to them and demand your property back immediately. If they refuse simply call the Police and inform the Police about who has your stolen property and tell them the location of the stolen property etc they must recover it for you. This law firm has admitted they are holding onto your stolen property so you can now use the Police to recover said stolen property. You can do this physically yourself or with the help of Police. Just because the Law firm proclaims "They need the seller to relinquish claim to the watch." doesn't mean you do! Law firms have no right to play hostage with your stolen property point blank period.

The police aren't going to just hand it over to him. They will follow the process to confirm ownership. A Police report isn't declaratory. They have to verify it's legit and follow procedure. Unless something weird happens he'll get the watch back as long as his story is legit, but rolex has no legal authority to determine ownership. Depending on jurisdiction the cops may not either.