I need some SAGE advice!!

[enameldoc]

I'm not going to lie. I'm a newby.

I am considering buying a 1981 Oyser Perpetual Day-Date (1803)
It is all original with 18ct solid gold everything (President bracelet, case and bezel) and is in near mint condition. No box or cert. but from a reputable dealer (in Singapore).
Actually it is on eBay and the item no. is 310008978114.

I have gotten advice from all different sources but I would like you people to kick in your two cents worth. What is a fair value for something like this? Is it all over the map?

Thanks for your valuable time.

[CoopJr]

And I use the word "Thing" loosely. For starters, the auctioneer comes right out and says the bracelet and case are not genuine. That right there is about 2/3rds of the watch not being a real Rolex. Should be enough to dissuade you but there's more.

He says the bracelet is a "Custom" yet who ever made it went out of their way to stamp the end with "55", the correct end piece reference number for a mans "President" bracelet. So that right there is either counterfeit or a non Rolex bracelet mated up with genuine end pieces....MAYBE genuine.

They state the correct model number and movement but again, if the case and bracelet are not genuine, the "Model number" becomes a moot point.

The crystal is not original. So who knows if they replaced it with a genuine Rolex crystal. Chances are good that they did not.

In the "Rolex Report" there are pictures of movements, albeit not great pictures, they are more correctly called diagrams. Well the "Diagram" for the 1555 looks a little different than the one they show in the auction. The one in the auction looks a 1556 yet is stamped 1555. Chances are, IMO, the movement is real and the book diagrams don't show every nuance and little change over the years. But it's a little red flag to go with all the huge ones.

PLUS the sellers description is peppered with lies about how rare these are and if you don't pay he'll get a collection agency after you and ruin your credit. And last but not least...3 grand for a watch that should be bringing maybe 6 to 8 grand if it were real?

The term Frankenwatch is used here to refer to a watch that has been cannibalized or bastardized to appear like a genuine Rolex. It appears that this is what this watch, AT BEST, is. I am no expert but I have owned an 18k DD, I am in the market for a new Rolex and I would not touch that thing with a 10 foot pole.

Hope this helps!
Coop

[arttay10]

Originally Posted by CoopJr

And I use the word "Thing" loosely. For starters, the auctioneer comes right out and says the bracelet and case are not genuine. That right there is about 2/3rds of the watch not being a real Rolex. Should be enough to dissuade you but there's more.

He says the bracelet is a "Custom" yet who ever made it went out of their way to stamp the end with "55", the correct end piece reference number for a mans "President" bracelet. So that right there is either counterfeit or a non Rolex bracelet mated up with genuine end pieces....MAYBE genuine.

They state the correct model number and movement but again, if the case and bracelet are not genuine, the "Model number" becomes a moot point.

The crystal is not original. So who knows if they replaced it with a genuine Rolex crystal. Chances are good that they did not.

In the "Rolex Report" there are pictures of movements, albeit not great pictures, they are more correctly called diagrams. Well the "Diagram" for the 1555 looks a little different than the one they show in the auction. The one in the auction looks a 1556 yet is stamped 1555. Chances are, IMO, the movement is real and the book diagrams don't show every nuance and little change over the years. But it's a little red flag to go with all the huge ones.

PLUS the sellers description is peppered with lies about how rare these are and if you don't pay he'll get a collection agency after you and ruin your credit. And last but not least...3 grand for a watch that should be bringing maybe 6 to 8 grand if it were real?

The term Frankenwatch is used here to refer to a watch that has been cannibalized or bastardized to appear like a genuine Rolex. It appears that this is what this watch, AT BEST, is. I am no expert but I have owned an 18k DD, I am in the market for a new Rolex and I would not touch that thing with a 10 foot pole.

Hope this helps!
Coop

Mmmmm....

Can't add any more than that - perfectly summed up

[enameldoc]

Coop,

Thank-you for taking the time to reply. I will take your advice and stay the heck away from the auction.

Cheers!

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by CoopJr

The term Frankenwatch is used here to refer to a watch that has been cannibalized or bastardized to appear like a genuine Rolex. It appears that this is what this watch, AT BEST, is.

Nice, concise assessment, Allan

[CoopJr]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Nice, concise assessment, Allan

Thanks Al! Merry Christmas!

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by CoopJr

Merry Christmas!

You too!!

[CoopJr]

Originally Posted by arttay10

Mmmmm....

Can't add any more than that - perfectly summed up

And Stuart thank you and Merry X-mas to you too