I started a Rolex riot today...

[dothedo]

Ok...so not really. But a question I asked got me banned from a store today.

So in between errands today, I stopped by a store in the Los Angeles area that sells Rolex. I have been looking to buy a 16613 and since I had some time to kill, I went on a mini scavenger hunt to see what I could find. Let me clarify: The store was not an AD...as much as I would love a new TT Sub, I cannot spend $9000+...so I have to do what I can.

The guy (store owner) was kind of stand-off-ish but once I told him what I was looking for, his demeanor changed completely. He excitedly showed me a black TT with black bezel...the watch also came with box and papers. The watch had a bit of wear on it. Though he never took off the band, the papers stated it was a Y...perfect.

However, the more I examined the watch, the more the bezel looked off. The color was a little too yellowish and something didn't feel quite right. I asked him if it was a "genuine Rolex bezel". He looked at me and said "Yes the bezel is good! The bezel is in such good condition...the watch is 7 years old!" I could tell where this was going so I tried to choose my words carefully: I asked again, "But is it a genuine Rolex part....did this come with the watch when it was shipped from a Rolex factory or has it been changed?"

The guy grabbed the watch out of my hand and said I was too picky. This was within 5 minutes of me walking in. I told him that I had heard opinions that ANY alterations to a Rolex that are not genuine parts make a watch "counterfeit" by Rolex definition...which is why I was asking.

He told me that a bezel is a wear and tear item and that "any used Rolex will have an aftermarket bezel if it is worn". "People understand that a bezel will be changed. Why spend $400 on a Rolex bezel that will damage as easily as an aftermarket?" I told him that I believed him to be incorrect and that I wasn't interested but thanked him for his time. He said that if I wanted a perfect Rolex I "needed to drive to Beverly Hills" and not to step foot in his store because "he's a wholesaler and doesn't even usually deal with the public and this is why."

This was 11 minutes out of my day.

So on my drive back...I wondered to myself if I was incorrect or if he was misleading? I know that aftermarket dials make a Rolex counterfeit. Does this apply to everything on the watch? Does an aftermarket bezel make a Rolex fake?

They obviously sell them...or at least try.

I am so worried about getting screwed that my paranoia has me questioning everything Rolex!!!!!

Would you buy a Rolex with an aftermarket bezel? Should I buy one?!!! I think I can answer my own question but would love to hear some input...


Rob