Real or Fake?

[Waiwaib]

Bought my first pre-owned Rolex in mint condition this weekend and would love to have the forum weigh in on their thoughts regarding its "authenticity" from far away

16233 DJ (circa 1989/90?) - 6 and 12 o'clock was exposed on the band to show inscriptions of model and serial number
L Series
Clasp shows N- 12
Black MOP (Aftermarket)
Opened the casing to display the 3135 movement
Box and manuals in pristine condition but no cert (not looking to resell but does give me an uneasy feeling)

Not sure what else I missed in reviewing my purchase. Would appreciate the experts opinions when I go in search for my second

[padi56]

First its a bit late to ask if its real or not after you bought it is it not watch looks good and if you have seen the cal 3135 thats a good sign.Now L serial is from 1988 thats when the case was stamped and not always when watch was made TT are not the fastest sellers, clasp number OK for that year watch .Now if like you say dial is aftermarket then Rolex would not service it unless it was put back to its original for that reference serial.But for future reference we do not talk about fake anything in the Rolex forum any doubt with watches post in the watch out forum.

[MonBK]

Welcome

[second time]

I'd have a few doubts about this watch, possibly a frankenwatch if not outright fake. The date is partially obscured, in fact the date just looks wrong for what could be a number of reasons. Also the hands look too long.

JMHO, hope I'm wrong.

[MrWatchy]

Hey bud, these days fakes are very close to genuine. As far as this particular one, the date obviously is the first sign. The picture overall doesn't portray the whole image. Fake rolex in gold usually stands out since its not pure gold and mostly plated very bad. To be 100% sure you need to take it to an authorized dealer. Also, you must have gotten a heck of a deal otherwise why waste time and usually regarding rolex its always said "if it sound too good to be true, then its not genuine."
Hope this helped.

[photo]

Hi welcome to TRF.. .Well, It's always a better idea going forward..to post first, and then await our experts weighing in before purchasing. ( Around here it rarely starts and ends with just one!- LOL)

Meanwhile, are you asking if the dial is aftermarket and if the serial number as well corresponds to the years you've recorded? Just wanted to clarify.. having noted your question marks after the year, as well as, dial color etc.. .

Perhaps you can put up a few more pictures.. .The date wheel looks obscured/cut-off perhaps the angle?

Our experts will chime back in here.. .

[Gerardus]

Welcome

[nickb732]

Date wheel looks off

[Chris B]

I didn't think MOP dials had the T either side of the SWISS MADE,
I may be wrong though

[onlysteel]

100% authentic sample of a FAKE!!

[GermanyMatt]

Several warning signs. Take it to a Rolex dealer.

[HL65]

IF one needs to ask one has problems IMHO. Buy from AD or well known seller and buy real. If you paid less than true market value you think you got a bargain? Think again.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by onlysteel

100% authentic sample of a FAKE!!

Please enlighten us on your Rolex knowledge why you state its a fake apart from the Rolex dial which OP has already stated as aftermarket.Now that could be the slight problem with the date window or dial not correctly seated on the top plate of the movement hence a bit off center.

[crowncollection]

Welcome, I have some bad news it has a few problems with it, the clasp is not for that band. It's off an oyster for one, which would lead me to want to check the links of the band also. The dial is custom made, not an original Rolex plate resprayed, hence the date window is cut out in the wrong position. Remove a link and take some photos of the link, focus on the gold section and screw thread.

[Waiwaib]

I appreciate everyone's candor in their feedback. I can't say I am totally surprised being the dial was not something I have seen regularly. To my green eye, the other 'parts' seem to be authentic albeit maybe a mismatch? Expensive lesson learned- you get what you pay for. Next step is to take to an authorized dealer.
Thanks again

[photo]

Please let us know how your visit with an AD turns out.. .and again welcome to TRF.

[Waiwaib]

Went to an AD and they were able to disassemble, identify all parts are authentic and confirmed movement is authentic and belong to the watch. The dark MOP dial was confirmed not to be original from Rolex and most probably an aftermarket job. I will be traveling to HK soon for business, does anyone know where I can go to find a reputable dealer and find an authentic, albeit used rolex dial?? Or does it not exist? I'm unsure why an original dial would be separated from the original piece other than maybe separated due to having water damage. Apologies for the newbie questions but I do appreciate the expertise here on TRF!

[cfw]

Hi welcome to TRF there is a guy called Alex Pig in HK that buys and sells second hand Rolexes, he might have a used dial, his detail can be founded on chronos24. Good luck


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[Waiwaib]

Thanks for the lead

[crowncollection]

Did they miss the band reference ?? It for an oyster. ???

[try714]

Wow good job guys!