AD doesn't offer authentication service anymore?

[edyu]

Just curious if anyone else heard the same.

I was visiting an AD for a repair and was chatting with the SA while the paperwork is being done. We were talking about buying a watch from AD vs non-AD and she mentioned that they stopped doing authenticity service even if paid for because Rolex doesn't do it anymore.

It doesn't impact me because I've always bought from an AD but I'm curious whether this is true or is she just making sure I continue to buy from her, LOL.

[ArtNouveau]

I don’t think very many if any ADs offer authentication. Not much in it for them but liability if they’re wrong. Pretty sure US RSC’s don’t either, you’d need to submit the watch for a service quote.
Goes back to the “buy the seller” mantra, I would only by a used watch from a seller with impeccable reputation.

[cascadez71]

1. Buy from boutique TRF seller / other 'trusted' and budget in cost/time of full service.
2. Buy CPO.
3. Buy from reddit/watchexchange and budget in cost/time of full service.

Only you can decide where you want to fall on the risk tolerance vs $$$ line.

[ltmgeller]

They still will unofficially as long as they buy and sell preowned watches. All you have to do is ask how much they will give you for the watch. If they make an offer, it's legit.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Makes sense. Opens them up to liability risk.

[Michael T]

This makes sense, given the Rolex AD CPO program. Having an AD provide authentication outside of their CPO business line, wouldn’t make sense.

[Tools]

Now days folks don't simply want to know if their watch is authentic. They want to know if every nut, bolt, wiggle pin, and even if the oil is not only original and authentic. but that the watch went out the door with everything that they bring into the shop,.

Almost nobody is willing to get into those unrealistic expectations and the fallout if their next door neighbor says something different..

[Zach69SS]

Yes, too much risk versus reward… unless you have a very long history with the AD or jewelry store and they know you very well. Then you can ask? They will look at it for you and give you an opinion, nothing on paper or any charge for the service.

Cheers,

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Why would an AD validate your decision to buy a watch from a third party? What’s the payoff?

[DAGMoney]

Ye, the only way to validate authenticity at an AD these days is to submit for service. If it is legit, the service will be performed; if not, you can probably say goodbye to the watch...