Interesting experience regarding authentication at AD

[daOnlyBG]

So, I have a watch listed for sale elsewhere. Someone reached out and asked if we could meet at an authorized dealer to have it authenticated. I responded that I'd have no issues with that at all. If the watch is legit, buyer pays- if anything is wrong, I pay, etc.

I called up CD Peacock in the greater Chicagoland area. Last year, I had them authenticate a Rolex Day-Date for no more than $100. They even printed a receipt.

When I called on Friday to confirm their watchmaker's hours, he said "$500." I paused. $500? That swings a buyer's budget tremendously and jeopardizes a deal. I mentioned that $500 was far more than I paid last year, but he shrugged and said "company policy."

OK. I decided to call a different CD Peacock location 20 minutes away. "$400. Sorry, but that's strict company policy." Sure, very strict.

A different Rolex AD in the area told me "We cannot officially authenticate a watch, but we can give the watch to our expert Rolex-trained watchmakers who will give you a verbal opinion."

"How much?"

"Free. Takes about half hour."



Has anyone else noticed a price shock at some ADs?