16613t 2004 (F) with no laser etched crown…paranoia or lack of knowledge…you decide!!

[TheMiniMan]

Hi everyone,

First time poster (gulp) but long time reader and this forum is just fantastic

I’ve just bought a black/gold 16613t (F serial) 2004 Sub and i’m loving it!
However, it’s my first watch with no box/papers/service history 🧐. I bought it from Platform jewellers in Hatton Garden who seem well regarded enough and they provided me with a watch register check etc etc.

Naturally my mind turns to authenticity…

My local watchmaker has inspected it for me very briefly and says all looks well and my local AD kindly had a quick look over it and whilst they (obviously) recommended it gets sent to RSC they said there doesnt seem to be anything to worry about.

My next port of call is for my local watchmaker to take the back off and see if it’s legit inside, i shall keep you posted!

My question (finally!) to you lovely folk is about the laser etched crown on the sapphire - it’s not there, i’m sure of it. I have a Datejust which i can see the crown by using my phone torch so im confident i know what to look for…

There seems to be a lot of ambiguity as to exactly when various models started to get the etching treatment and annoyingly 2004 seems to be in a shade of grey! My model doesnt have the engraved rehaut and i’m happy with that but can anyone shed any light on whether they’d expect my sapphire to be etched or can i rest easy knowing it quite feasibly could just be too early for it!

The end, i promise!

Thanks all

Pete