Anyone in NoVa / dc want to help me authenticate watch?

[dosman]

Hey folks,

For those of you who don't remember my thread about buying my first rolex, here are the cliffnotes:

-I wanted a rolex
-Wanted a good deal
-ended up buying this sketchy ebay vintage rolex
-It is smaller than I thought it would be, and keeps time 2+ mins per day
-didn't get an ebay refund (I'm guessing the seller provided proof of authenticity)
-now I am stuck with it and don't know what to do. I don't want to sell it on ebay, but I will get fleeced at the pawnshop, adn I can't sell it on here because I'm not 100% sure it's authentic

Anyway, I ran into a good deal of money over christmas and I'm double-serious about getting a rolex now. but I can't do it in good conscience while I'm still out $700+ on the ebay one. If anyone in NoVa can stop by and determine whether it's authentic or not, so I can write it off as a loss or sell it and move on, I would be very appreciative.
I will donate $25 to your favorite charity as well.

PM if you feel up to the task, or even if you just know a good local place where I can bring it in and someone in-the-know can help me.

[jhilly8982]

why not take it to an AD? If you tell them you think you got a 'too good to be true' price and you want them to authenticate, I don't see why they would have a problem. Post some pics. Also, what model is it?

[dosman]

The model is unknown. I don't want the thread to get locked so I'm going to PM you the ebay link that has pictures.
will an AD charge me?

[dhh]

Just buy one from a trusted seller here. That is the best authentication. Buy the seller.

[dosman]

I know that, now. I learned my lesson

[t e x]

Originally Posted by dosman

The model is unknown. I don't want the thread to get locked so I'm going to PM you the ebay link that has pictures.
will an AD charge me?

post the link

[dosman]

i think it might be against the rules to link to any sales in the general forum.

[t e x]

if it is, than i would not have posted what i wrote

[dosman]

Ok, well here's the link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...torefresh=true

I'll be taking it by an AD next week, but do you guys have any hunches as to the authenticity in the meanwhile? I'd be thrilled to even be able to sell it at a loss at this point. BTW, for those who have trouble reading the small writing in the pictures, it is gold-FILLED, not solid gold.

[Speed]

Ok...I'll bite.

What kind of Rolex are you looking to buy???

[dosman]

$3k (depending on authenticity of ebay rolex and what I can get for it) budget for a nice simple, elegant, non show-offy/flashy rolex. preferably has 14k/18k gold case. prefer strap rather than metal band. within those specifications, I am very open minded.

[mjm800]

Originally Posted by dosman

I'd be thrilled to even be able to sell it at a loss at this point.

I don't know anything about the authenticity of a watch that old. You could try the vintage forum on TRF.

If it is fake, of course, you cannot sell it here but even on ebay some one in the watch community might flag it as fake making it hard for you to sell.

Take it to an AD if it is fake can you still open a dispute with ebay?

[dhh]

Originally Posted by dosman

Ok, well here's the link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...torefresh=true

I'll be taking it by an AD next week, but do you guys have any hunches as to the authenticity in the meanwhile? I'd be thrilled to even be able to sell it at a loss at this point. BTW, for those who have trouble reading the small writing in the pictures, it is gold-FILLED, not solid gold.

Best thing you have going for you with eBay and PayPal ( and you only spent $720) is the description says "genuine" either way you will be protected if it is fake and you file a claim with eBay and PayPal.

I know ZERO about watches that old.

[TimeToGo]

Unfortunately, you have already left positive feedback for the seller. Thus, your recourse for authenticity purposes is no good.

The pictures are not the greatest. The best thing is to take it to a watchmaker, take better pics, and provide reference numbers (model & partial serial) to determine further.

The box and pillow on the pics appear fake, but do not worry about that. You should be concerned with the watch.

[ddehavenjr]

Look into GCA LA Precision in Vienna, VA. I have no direct experience but a local AD said they sometimes use them..for what, i'm not sure.

http://www.watch-watches-repairs.com...52&SCR_ADJ=1.6

320E Maple Ave E
Unit E
Vienna, VA 22180