Authenticating an online Submariner purchase

[AlwaysOnWatch]

I'm considering purchasing a pre-owned submariner online. This will be a first online Rolex purchase for me. Return policy gives me three days to inspect and authenticate. Any recommendations on how, upon receipt, I might best authenticate. Some official inspection beyond what I might read on the topic is my goal. I'm located in Asheville, NC.

Also any thoughts on GoldWatchCo and/or Bob's Watchs for such a purchase.

Rolex 40mm Stainless Steel & 18K Gold Submariner Model 16613 Blue Face Bezel Engraving 2009 Model

[Nycturbovr6]

Welcome!

[Dittox]

Take it to a watchmaker, he'll inspect the watch and let you know if it's authentic or not. Alternatively, you could take blurry pictures of it and post them in the forum, seems to work everytime

[REDiesel]

The first person that needs to authenticate it is you prior to purchasing it. A little research goes a long way, and can be fun if your an aspiring WIS. In addition to researching the watch, research the seller (which you are doing).

[Armyguy03]

I've purchased from Bobs twice (Sub and SD). Never an issue as they have a pretty reputable history. The Sub was a gift to my younger brother. He took it to an AD for sizing and they noted no issues. My SD I took to a local AD for sizing and they noted no issues. Check out some of the reputable sellers here as well and you can likely find a better price than Bobs. If not, I recommend Bobs 100%.

[AlwaysOnWatch]

Thanks for the replies.


GoldWatchCo seems to have a good BBB rating. Don't see anything bad on those who purchased with them via amazon. Nothing bad on yelp. Looks OK per this forum.

This was my exchange with GoldWatchCo today on a particular watch. Seems pretty reasonable. Am I missing anything at this point?

Q. I'm researching the purchase of a pre-owned Rolex Online. You have a model listed as follows:
Rolex 40mm Stainless Steel & 18K Gold Submariner Model 16613 Blue Face Bezel Engraving 2009 Model
Item No: 16613.BLU.BE
Q. In addition to your pre-sale cosmetic cleanup (which looks very nice indeed) has the watched been serviced as it is now 5 years old? Can you give me the serial number for me to begin authenticity check from my end? What important questions may I have forgotten to ask at this point?

A: The watch is in new condition and was just overhauled in June.:
A: The watch is in NEW condition without a single scratch.:
Q: Whenever convenient just check to see if you know when the last service was (service per rolex reg - not just cosmetic) and see if you can tell me the serial number.

A: I cannot give out full serial numbers but the first letter is M

A: It was fully serviced in June.

[Armyguy03]

Pretty normal. No one will give out a full serial number until after purchase. I'd ask if it was serviced by an authorized Rolex technician.

[Lgear080]

Why not one of our resellers?

[joe100]

Use the sellers here, reduce your headaches by magnitudes.

[AlwaysOnWatch]

who what when where.

[Mfrankel2]

I think that you'll find the asking prices of the sellers here are well below those of both Bob's and Goldwatch. Certainly your call but once you've narrowed your selection down a bit, why not PM one of those guys to see if they have the reference you're interested in and pricing? If nothing else, you'll get a better handle on what you get for your money

[AK797]

The 16613 is one of the best modded or frankened watches so I would go with a trusted seller here. If you want to go with your sellers first go to an AD or known Jeweller first and ask if they have a watchmaker who can check the mvmnt, then if it is fake or part fake the seller should refund you asap.