Buyer Beware !!

[JJ Irani]

Hi guys,

I got the following info from my friend, Padi, so here goes....for the benefit of all!!

Latest scam in counterfeiting Rollies...and from the Italians!!

Step 1:
- take a brand new SS Sub-date (16610), box, papers and all - everything genuine.
- take out the original 3135 movement and replace it with a cheap 21-jewel auto.
- Now sell of this genuine Sub at full price with fake movement to some poor unsuspecting buyer who will get well and thoroughly screwed when he takes the watch in for servicing at some stage in his life.

Step 2:
- fabricate to near perfection a solid gold case (perhaps 9 K or 12 K gold, tinted over to make it appear like 18 k).
- do the same with an Oyster Fliplock bracelet.
- fabricate a near-perfect dial with matching hands, etc.
- now merely fit the authentic 3135 movement into this fake and...BINGO...you have a solid gold Sub-date.
- since this watch has no box or papers, it would still sell as used; buyer verifies authenticity...all appears genuine (to even expert's eyes), movement is 100% authentic....and presto....we have a sale with a whopping profit.

Perhaps Padi can fill us in on some more details; but what I've given you guys above is a general gist of how this scam works.

Buyer Beware!!

JJ