Regret buying a pre owned Rolex

[figsgrandpa]

I've been reading these posts and other threads relating to the Rolex Stolen Watch Database, and I have a similar problem regarding a watch that may (or may not) have been reported stolen at some point.

Forty years ago, my father was given a Submariner 5513 by someone who didn't have any cash to pay for a purchase they had made. Based on the specifics my father told me about this transaction, it's possible that the person who used the watch as barter may have reported it as stolen, either to make an insurance claim or to simply explain why they no longer had the watch, without having to tell their family the (embarassing) truth.

My father gave the watch to me, and I've had it ever since. It still runs, but needs a few cosmetic repairs, and after 40 years, probably a servicing. However, because I don't know if the previous owner reported it stolen, I'm reluctant to bring it to an AD or RSC.

Does anyone know when Rolex began their database and whether it would include an alleged theft from 40 years ago?

Anyone have any suggestions?