Stolen watch?

[RichDadPoorDad]

Hi guys, so I've been offered a really good deal on a 15450or on strap, from a guy I met at a local card game. I really like the watch but I want to check if it's stolen before buying. The saying goes "if it's too good to be true, it's too good to be true" is there anyway I can check it? He has the box and papers and i have the serial number.

[Tools]

Check with your local Police Department to see if it has been reported stolen.

There is no on-line or telephone service that is accurate or fully populated with such information.

[Benzsiam]

Ask the seller to login to AP website under his name and his password, if he is the real owner, AP website will show that watch with the serial number under his account.

[chiscott_29]

Originally Posted by Benzsiam

Ask the seller to login to AP website under his name and his password, if he is the real owner, AP website will show that watch with the serial number under his account.

This may not always work, or maybe I should say it needs to be "forced".

I've sold APs to dealers and the person that buys it from the dealer doesn't register the watch under their name. Thus, it stays on my AP account. So, the "owner" could log in and the watch isn't there.

HOWEVER, you could force the owner to do this. If they have the card with the warranty number and serial, if it's legit it will register to their account immediately.

[Sulituan]

More than often, stolen watches (like stolen from the wrist) do not come with box and paper. If it came from a burglary, box and paper could have been taken too, but most of the time, these guys dont have the time to think about "where's your box and paper for your 15202.ST?! I need it for better resale value".

Then again, I saw on some fake watch selling sides that they also fake the box and paper.

[maciej]

Originally Posted by RichDadPoorDad

Hi guys, so I've been offered a really good deal on a 15450or on strap, from a guy I met at a local card game. I really like the watch but I want to check if it's stolen before buying. The saying goes "if it's too good to be true, it's too good to be true" is there anyway I can check it? He has the box and papers and i have the serial number.

Just call the boutique and ask them to run the serial, if it's been reported to the police or it was insured then it'll be flagged.

[RichDadPoorDad]

Originally Posted by maciej

Just call the boutique and ask them to run the serial, if it's been reported to the police or it was insured then it'll be flagged.

That makes a lot of sense. Thank you

[Tomas Eriksson]

Originally Posted by maciej

Just call the boutique and ask them to run the serial, if it's been reported to the police or it was insured then it'll be flagged.

It doesn’t have to be more complicated than this.

[cascavel]

This doesn't sound so suspicious. A 15450or, second hand, with B+P should be about half of retail. That's what the seller would get from a dealer, maybe less.

[77T]

A call to the boutique will do nothing. They can not validate nor will they advise an anonymous caller about their registry of stolen AP’s.

AP decided all matters ranging from authenticity to valid registered ownership and theft reports would be centralized at HQ.

From their website:

“Without having the opportunity to examine your timepiece we cannot confirm its authencity through pictures, case numbers, reference…

To ensure the authenticity of your timepiece it will have to be inspected by an Audemars Piguet trained watchmaker. Only our Manufacture in Le Brassus Switzerland is entitled to deliver a certificate of authenticity. We invite you to drop off your timepiece at an Audemars Piguet boutique, repair center or any authorized retailer who will transfer your watch to our office in Le Brassus.”


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[77T]

Originally Posted by Benzsiam

Ask the seller to login to AP website under his name and his password, if he is the real owner, AP website will show that watch with the serial number under his account.

I agree that this makes the most sense. If the offeror is the original owner, it should be simple.

If instead he is 2nd, 3rd or later owner, and the sellers ownership can’t be seen on the AP website, then a prospective buyer should be cautious. As OP said, price is already “really good deal” - that is a yellow flag - if seller can’t authenticate valid ownership via the registry then red flag.


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[maciej]

Originally Posted by 77T

A call to the boutique will do nothing. They can not validate nor will they advise an anonymous caller about their registry of stolen AP’s.

AP decided all matters ranging from authenticity to valid registered ownership and theft reports would be centralized at HQ.

From their website:

“Without having the opportunity to examine your timepiece we cannot confirm its authencity through pictures, case numbers, reference…

To ensure the authenticity of your timepiece it will have to be inspected by an Audemars Piguet trained watchmaker. Only our Manufacture in Le Brassus Switzerland is entitled to deliver a certificate of authenticity. We invite you to drop off your timepiece at an Audemars Piguet boutique, repair center or any authorized retailer who will transfer your watch to our office in Le Brassus.”


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Aside from the fact that you’re conflating two concepts, theft and authenticity, you’re wrong. I’ve called multiple boutiques in my history to ask if they can look up a serial to confirm it’s not a stolen or blacklisted piece and they’ve gladly provided feedback. They’ve also given me a heads up if the piece was serviced or not.

It’s amazing what can be achieved when you’re polite.

[AshAP]

I know for a fact that AP will confirm authenticity/whether it’s been reported stolen.


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[srvrf]

Originally Posted by Benzsiam

Ask the seller to login to AP website under his name and his password, if he is the real owner, AP website will show that watch with the serial number under his account.

I just logged into my account and while my watch shows up, I do not see any indication of what the serial number is, just the warranty start and end dates.

[Benzsiam]

Originally Posted by srvrf

I just logged into my account and while my watch shows up, I do not see any indication of what the serial number is, just the warranty start and end dates.

Sorry, I was wrong, you are right, it just showed only the warranty start and end date.