18kt Rolex Daytona #16528 Questions not typical

[Compass]

As a new member of the forum I would like to say a few words. First of all I would like to open with a small introduction, I would like to be completely open with the other forum members so that there is no questions of my integrity within the forum. I own an auction company and while I am in the business of selling items I am in this forum strictly to increase my knowledge and gain insight from enthusiasts. I may have questions related to my industry but do not wish to impose or disguise an intent to sell. By increasing my knowledge from enthusiast I am better prepared and my curiosity satisfied. We have received a Rolex Dayton from an Estate that I have had a few questions about and need good direction from a group of individuals, here are the details of the time piece. My internet searches turns up the usual suspects but this watch has a different face and I just cant satisfy my curiosity about the watch.
FYI:
This Rolex features a white dial with eight diamond markers and black rings around the sub dials. The 40mm 18 Karat yellow gold case has an engraved tachymeter bezel with a sapphire crystal. This watch also has a Zenith movement and an 18 karat yellow gold oyster bracelet with a flip lock clasp. Style#: 16528 Serial: ......has the hologram and style number still on the back.

My question is:
1.)This piece has an dial face that has 8 diamond points that has been stated to be Rolex but not factory...also there are 2 small blemishes 1 within the O of the cosmograph and also a very slight 1 at the end.
2.)How much if any does this affect the value of the watch?
If relevant with this dial etc. what value range do you feel this watch could possibly fall in.
3.)I know many are skeptical of purchasing through an auction venue, what do you feel is most important in this arena that would give assurance to a buyer that the item is authentic?

Again, as I stated above my purpose in posting is to gain knowledge and better understanding as the piece that I have posted has been harder to establish a range of values on with this dial. An internet search can turn up the usual subjects but not of this unique nature. I wish to maintain the integrity and values of this forum so I hope that I have not over stepped the boundaries with my curiosity as to the uniqueness of this timepiece. I sincerely wish to better educate myself with the input and intelligence of enthusiast who have far more knowledge than myself. Thank you in advance for assisting me in my endeavor.
Best Regards.

[Compass]

Here is a pic of the watch I was discussing

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...94623063_n.jpg

[Compass]

I posted a pic and got a message that it would need to reviewed by a moderator so hopefully there will be a pic of the watch soon. Any thoughts from you is much appreciated. Thanks.

[Compass]

Hello,

Did I do something wrong here because no one has chimed in with some input? It's like crickets chirping out there. Give me some guidance if my post was out of line what would be helpful to get some interaction. Thanks

[Tools]

You haven't done anything wrong yet..

Perhaps nobody wants to embarrass anybody else.. Your photo is very poor quality and shows some inconsistencies from an authentic Gold Daytona..

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by Tools

You haven't done anything wrong yet..

Perhaps nobody wants to embarrass anybody else.. Your photo is very poor but appears to be showing a counterfeit example..

Although I'm not an expert I did have a strange feeling while looking at the picture, thank you for confirming what I thought Larry.

Compass, I am a tad confused about the three poinds in your thread but I'll try to answer as much as I can:

- If the diamonds were from Rolex, they would have to be described as factory diamonds, Rolex non factory parts don't exist, it would be a contradiction, it's either from the company or an aftermarket dial.

- Provided that this is an aftermarket dial, it will affect the value of the watch because it isn't 100% original anymore.

- People usually are sure that the item is authentic by having it checked by experts (like the good eyes we have on this very forum) or Rolex watchmakers/AD's. I don't think they give you a confirmation paper upon authenticating the watch though so I'm afraid I am not quite sure how you can prove this to a customer unless you have a Rolex certified watchmaker or trustful expert around to take a look at it.

I hope this helped a little bit, if anybody sees something wrong in my post feel free to correct me!

[VICI]

Just bring it to an AD and have them review it.

It also wouldn't be a bad idea to call Rolex directly and ask based on the serial number of the watch.

I imagine they can run a search and tell you the specs of that particular one.

Call 212-758-7700 - Rolex headquarters NYC.

I've had many conversations we them throughout the years.

Ask them the best way to authenticate your watch.

Good luck

[Rikki]

Most AD's except the ones with a certified watchmaker couldn't tell you one way or another if it's real there's just too many fakes and aftermarket stuff out there to know it all and most ad's are interested in selling not authenticating. IMO call Rolex with model and serial number is only way to find out what that watch originally came equipted with. Rikki

[TempoKing]

I would say the dial is original just because the after market diamond dial makers
would not produce a dial with an inverted 6 (looks like 9) at the six o'clock register
This type of dial - and there are many - makes the watch a little bit more valuable.
The rest of the blemishes I can not see...plus the condition of the case, the bracelet etc
an appraisal will reveal the true condition
I wish I was there .....you'd know in a second the value of this 18k 16528 zenith based
movement Rolex Daytona chronograph...free of charge.

Anyway.....The start value of your auction for this watch is $9,500 without box or papers
and $11,400 with the all desireable box and original papers.
The final auction result depends on the strength of your local market in Tennessee.