Would you trust a watch with a sketchy history from a reputable AD?

[Bstewart]

Long story short- very reputable local AD. I was checking out a Submariner circa 2012. He explicitly pointed out the watches warranty card was tampered with and altered by the former owner- he had literally taken a sharpie, blacked out all original info, and then written a 2016 date below it. Watch was in great shape and about $7500. What would you think in this scenario?

[pw98]

There are better deals out there on a no excuses watch.

[mr.president1]

Originally Posted by Bstewart

Long story short- very reputable local AD. I was checking out a Submariner circa 2012. He explicitly pointed out the watches warranty card was tampered with and altered by the former owner- he had literally taken a sharpie, blacked out all original info, and then written a 2016 date below it. Watch was in great shape and about $7500. What would you think in this scenario?

Well it sounds like the seller in this case is very upstanding as they are an AD. That being the case, I don’t think you have much to worry about. The warranty card being tampered with is really pointless at this point seeing as though it’s out of date any ways. At mu AD they offer. 1 or 2 year warranty from the AD for their used selection, Idk about yours. As for price, doesn’t sound crazy bad, but then again it is 5+ years old so I’d expect maybe a little lesser depending on condition. Have you considered buying from a trusted seller here? I used to never, but now it’s becoming a norm for me

[mikkolopez]

Why would someone tamper a warranty card unless they had bad intention whether to extend a warranty period, cover up watch serials etc. And since I only want complete set I would pass on it.

But if you actually don't care about papers then tampered paperwork wouldn't matter. The only risk now is stolen watch.

Sent from my G3116 using Tapatalk

[Quailhunter]

There is nothing about this deal that would convince me to buy.

[brandrea]

Nope. Too many others to choose from where there are no doubts.

[themast]

If you are a collector type person, this is obviously a no-no.

If the watch is in good conditions and you are not planning to wear the warranty card on your wrist, then I do not think that is a big deal. Especially if you could leverage that to bring the price in the high $6k.

[HK Islandboy]

Spend a tiny bit more and buy a watch with proper paper work. .

This piece will be very difficult to sell, should you ever want or need to unload it

[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by HK Islandboy

Spend a tiny bit more and buy a watch with proper paper work. .

This piece will be very difficult to sell, should you ever want or need to unload it

Why? Just throw out the useless warranty card and nobody will be none the wiser.

[HK Islandboy]

Originally Posted by 05carbondrz

Why? Just throw out the useless warranty card and nobody will be none the wiser.

Then you have a modern watch with no papers. Not much better!

The fundamental question is why not buy a piece with complete documentation. Doesn’t seem worth it for a 5-10% saving

[AK797]

Got bad juju now, if that means anything to you.

[TheRolexKingofLV]

I'd shop elsewhere, especially when one could be had with "no stories" pretty easy.

Good luck

[Tools]

What is there not to "trust".

The warranty card isn't valid any more and you have the story of why it looks like it does. This isn't really a big deal. Most AD's won't provide the old expired cards nor do most owners keep them. The fact that it actually comes with this watch means whatever it means to you, nothing more.

[05carbondrz]

Originally Posted by Tools

What is there not to "trust".

The warranty card isn't valid any more and you have the story of why it looks like it does. This isn't really a big deal. Most AD's won't provide the old expired cards nor do most owners keep them. The fact that it actually comes with this watch means whatever it means to you, nothing more.

Exactly.

[jrs146]

Regardless of the warranty being expired I like to have the original card as part of the lineage of the watch. It’s somewhat important to me. Give that it’s been tampered with and even though it’s some what a moot point I’d still pass. It’s not like another will be hard to find and the price is not nearly good enough.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[run23]

Old warranty card that has been tampered with shouldn’t matter— but is $7,500 really that great of a price for a 2012 Sub?

[Forum-Dweller]

Most dealers would probably have thrown the warranty card in the bin

[Andad]

I see both sides.

Some have no interest in the original warranty card.

Some like to have it as original to the watch.

You need to assess your own needs.

To me condition, servicing history and price would be the important factors.

Has it been looked after?

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Tools

What is there not to "trust".

The warranty card isn't valid any more and you have the story of why it looks like it does. This isn't really a big deal. Most AD's won't provide the old expired cards nor do most owners keep them. The fact that it actually comes with this watch means whatever it means to you, nothing more.

So true, I tried once to erase a previous buyers name with thinner. Made a mess of the card, nothing wrong with the watch though.

[RonSwanson]

I’d be okay with this watch only as a keeper, because it’ll be tough to sell, and for about $6k.

[tamiya]

Originally Posted by joli160

So true, I tried once to erase a previous buyers name with thinner. Made a mess of the card

takes a bit of skill choose solvent appropriate for the ink used.

Definitely avoid thinners or acetone, that's for paint - I doubt anybody with write with a paint marker. Plastic would melt before paint

[1William]

I don't see the card as that big of a deal as long as everything else about the watch is right and the condition is good. I would also find out about what is offered in-house from the AD. Most will give some type of warranty. The price is only average. I believe that you could do better in relation to the age of the watch. At 7K or down I would probably be a buyer.

[MonBK]

Sounds like an honest AD with a high priced watch.

[THC]

pass... box and papers are everything to me, in case later on a sale needs to take place.

[rolex75216]

Since I am paranoid most of the time I would pass.

[Roll the Lex]

Pass.

It’s not as if this is some rare Rolex. Subs are everywhere. I’d pay more to feel comfortable with the purchase


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Etschell]

7,500 for a subc ? meh i'd pass.

[m j b]

A price above average and a buggered warranty card? Why would you bother?

[VicLeChic]

If the previous owner tampered with the card, what else could have he done to the watch? You say circa 2012, but without the card or a bill of purchase, how do you know? Also, you don't know how many previous owners the watch had. And you're not exactly getting a bargain.

No way, I would steer clear.

[watchwatcher]

If the watch is in good shape, you can use this point to negotiate a better deal. My two cents.