Servicing Rolex without Serial

[ObscureLight]

Just pondering what one would do with a rolex that has the serial scratched out. I heard RSC will not take in a rolex without the serial for repairs or anything even if payment is not a problem. I know there are some grey market dealers who practices this to protect the identity of their suppliers but what would the owner of the watch do if it needs repairs or other services.

[Tools]

Legitimate Grey Market Dealers do not scratch out the serials... they even give you the original papers with serials intact..

There is only one reason to scratch it out............ black market, theft, or to hide it's origin..

If Rolex sees that it is intentionally scratched out, theymight reject it out-of-hand.. If it is just worn from the bracelet (many are), then they may try to raise it chemically to determine if it is stolen or not..

Nobody should ever purchase such a watch.... but if so, take it to an independent watchmaker...

[ObscureLight]

I see, Thanks. But say the watch you buy doesnt have the serial scratched out but you find out its stolen, and you already paid for it? I know its "morally" right to turn it in but then the victim who bought the stolen watch will be out on whatever they have paid for the watch. I guess you will have to stick to an independent watchmaker in that scenario too?

[mjm800]

Originally Posted by ObscureLight

But say the watch you buy doesnt have the serial scratched out but you find out its stolen, and you already paid for it?

Then you are guilty of receiving stolen property which is a crime even if you did not know it was stolen. If discovered your watch will be confiscated and you will not be compensated for your loss.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Tools

Legitimate Grey Market Dealers do not scratch out the serials... they even give you the original papers with serials intact..

There is only one reason to scratch it out............ black market, theft, or to hide it's origin..

If Rolex sees that it is intentionally scratched out, theymight reject it out-of-hand.. If it is just worn from the bracelet (many are), then they may try to raise it chemically to determine if it is stolen or not..

Nobody should ever purchase such a watch.... but if so, take it to an independent watchmaker...

Have to agree with Larry no legitimate Grey Dealer would ever do that, more Internet myths again.

[train-time]

Originally Posted by ObscureLight

Just pondering what one would do with a rolex that has the serial scratched out. I heard RSC will not take in a rolex without the serial for repairs or anything even if payment is not a problem. I know there are some grey market dealers who practices this to protect the identity of their suppliers but what would the owner of the watch do if it needs repairs or other services.

I recently came across a 16710 that had the serial filed off, so I called RSC in Dallas and spoke to a supervisor in customer service. She told me that they will be able to determine the serial from the movement, assuming all is original inside the case. As far as servicing is concerned she further stated that RSC would "reserial" the case during service and assuming it wasn't in their stolen watch, perform regular service and return the watch. If it was reported stolen then it would be confiscated and returned to the authorities or insurance company that paid the claim.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by train-time

I recently came across a 16710 that had the serial filed off, so I called RSC in Dallas and spoke to a supervisor in customer service. She told me that they will be able to determine the serial from the movement, assuming all is original inside the case. As far as servicing is concerned she further stated that RSC would "reserial" the case during service and assuming it wasn't in their stolen watch, perform regular service and return the watch. If it was reported stolen then it would be confiscated and returned to the authorities or insurance company that paid the claim.

Yes Rolex can match a case serial the the movement number but only Rolex would no that combination.

[Lion]

Why would you buy a watch(I do not want to sound rude) which has been tampered with to begin with???

[ObscureLight]

Originally Posted by Lion

Why would you buy a watch(I do not want to sound rude) which has been tampered with to begin with???

Oh no, I haven't bought such a watch. I'm just curious because it seems that with all the stuff that gets stolen and tampered with, what can one expect. It seems if the watch gets stolen everybody but the thief who sold the watch loses.

[denzo]

I once came across a rolex which had the serial number removed and replaced with one from a different model. Rolex examined the movement and said all was 100% Rolex - they would not re-serial the case.

The stolen register was searched and no record could be found .... in the end the watch was auctioned as is to a dealer who then sold it on

[sturgeon123456]

1. Would not touch a watch with no serial
2. Would never deal with a seller who was moving such merchandise
3. Would run as far away from such a situation as possible and involve the proper authorities if necessary.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by ObscureLight

Oh no, I haven't bought such a watch. I'm just curious because it seems that with all the stuff that gets stolen and tampered with, what can one expect. It seems if the watch gets stolen everybody but the thief who sold the watch loses.

That's true..........

If you buy a stolen watch, and it is recovered, it goes back to the original owner.. You are out the money you spent unless you can get it back from the crook who sold it to you.....

[inspires]

Originally Posted by Tools

Legitimate Grey Market Dealers do not scratch out the serials... they even give you the original papers with serials intact..

There is only one reason to scratch it out............ black market, theft, or to hide it's origin..

If Rolex sees that it is intentionally scratched out, theymight reject it out-of-hand.. If it is just worn from the bracelet (many are), then they may try to raise it chemically to determine if it is stolen or not..

Nobody should ever purchase such a watch.... but if so, take it to an independent watchmaker...

Ditto. Legitimate Grey Dealers wouldn't buy a watch with the serials scratched out in the first place.

[pradeep]

Have you ever come across a watch where the serials were rubbed off due to the strap?