Rolex GMT Master with unrecognizable serial number

[Bond's First Watch]

A local gal whose father was a jeweler (and has since died) is selling a 1992 Rolex GMT Master. The watch is in decent shape for its age, but when she removed the bracelet, the serial number of the watch is completely unrecognizable. To me, it looks as if someone intentially obscured the numbers, which makes me wonder if the movement is original as well. Her father had written down the movement serial number, bracelet numbers, etc.

I'm thinking purchasing this watch, even if authenticated by another jeweler, is too big of a risk. It's sat in a jewelery box for 10 years and would require a complete service too.

Thoughts?

[sensui]

Take a picture and share...but it's not new to see hard to read serials on five or four digit Rolex because of the tight bracelet tolerances of Rolex's endlinks (rubs off over time and wear)...but if it's intentionally polished off or obscured...I wouldn't touch it since it might be stolen property.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by sensui

Take a picture and share...but it's not new to see hard to read serials on five or four digit Rolex because of the tight bracelet tolerances of Rolex's endlinks (rubs off over time and wear)...but if it's intentionally polished off or obscured...I wouldn't touch it since it might be stolen property.

My thoughts as well.

[Fleetlord]

Hard Pass on this

[ACWATCHES]

There are plenty of legit good examples out there, I wouldn't touch this one.


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[FTX I]

If you want it get it and send to service.

[Bond's First Watch]

Originally Posted by FTX I

If you want it get it and send to service.

I thought about this as well. Will the RSC service a watch with no recognizable serial number?

[FTX I]

Not sure but why not.. Anyway you don't need to send to RSC. Look for an independent in your surroundings.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Bond's First Watch

I thought about this as well. Will the RSC service a watch with no recognizable serial number?

Is the watch such a terrific specimen otherwise???

If not, passorama.

[Bond's First Watch]

Originally Posted by Speed

Is the watch such a terrific specimen otherwise???

If not, passorama.

It's in good shape for its age, certainly not perfect. It has a tiny scratch on the crystal and I think the crown needs replaced. I attempted to wind it and it was very tight so I gave up. The woman had earlier wound it and it was running.

Asking price $4,500.

[FTX I]

Price is not that good. Put 3500 on the table or let it go.

[Qwerty01]

maybe get it if under 4000

[Bond's First Watch]

Here's something else. The watch case says it's a 16760, but the dial says it's a GMT Master not GMT Master II.

[Sky21]

There are enough red flags here that you should probably just pass. You'll find another one, there are a ton out there from that time.