Tudor: Is there any way to verify serial # without sending in?

[RazorD]

I purchased a pre-owned Black Bay (which I love by the way) and I wanted to verify there isn’t a hold on the serial # to ensure it isn't stolen. I'd hate to send the watch in for service years from now and realize I have an issue. I called Rolex and they said the only thing I could do was send it in and pay (I believe) $150 for an appraisal/authentication – which I prefer not to do, but they would not verify anything over the phone. Is anyone aware of anything else I can do for diligence on my end without sending it in?

Thanks!

[rozyd]

Does it have boxes and papers?

[Lgear080]

Why would you think it stolen?

[RazorD]

No box and papers. Purchased from a larger chain pawn shop. No reason to think it's stolen, just thought it might be prudent to verify.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by RazorD

No box and papers. Purchased from a larger chain pawn shop. No reason to think it's stolen, just thought it might be prudent to verify.

Do you really think that they should "authenticate" a watch over the phone.

If so, they would never recover any stolen watches.

If you are concerned, send it in. If it was stolen it isn't yours and the owner would be thrilled to have their watch back and you will have done a good deed. If not, you can sigh with relief.

[RazorD]

Good point. I have no reason to think it's stolen. I guess I was more curious as this is the first pre-owned watch I've ever bought not off a forum member.

[Lgear080]

If forget about it... Pawn shops run their merchandise through theft databases.

[RazorD]

Originally Posted by Lgear080

If forget about it... Pawn shops run their merchandise through theft databases.

Good to know. This one is a larger chain too with regular inventory of nice watches too so I'm not really concerned. Just figured I'd go through the process if there was a free way to do it.