Need help with a Rolex purchase decision!

[DLagent]

Hi everyone, I need some help with a possible purchase decision on a Submariner TT 16613 black face (which will be my first Rolex). Here is the information I have based on what the seller told me:
- “U” serial #
- He is second owner
- No box, tags, etc. but comes with insurance appraisal from Mayor’s Jewelers
- Says he got it looked at and the bracelet is about 80-85%, no other defects but could use a cleaning
- Asking $3,900 after trying to sell for over a month with initial asking price of $4,750

This will be a face-to-face transaction, and my plan is to meet him at a nearby Mayor’s or other Rolex AD so we’re both in a public place. I would look at the watch and then ask a jeweler to look at it, and if I’m satisfied as to the condition and authenticity, we’d work on making a deal.

Based on my research I feel that the price is very good even if it requires servicing (although if it needs servicing I’ll use that as a bargaining chip). More importantly, I want to have a checklist of what physical attributes I need to confirm to determine authenticity, along with obviously having a jeweler look at it, and I’d also like opinions on the rest of the details.

Please help! Thanks.

[petesjag]

Its important that the AD looks at the watch with a loop (eyepiece) He can see small things that you and the seller won't see. Look through it as well...He will also notice evidence abouit the watchs history that you might want to know. My AD was able to see if the caseback of my watch was ever opened and could see if it was done correctly (which it was'nt!)

Make sure the AD has experience...otherwise he is of little help. Not all AD's are trained to examine timepieces,,
good luck,
pete

[Tools]

That is a good price for a TT Black Sub...

Check closely for over polishing of the gold parts, and for cracking at the bracelet center links where the SS pins fit through...

For that price, you can absorb a new Rolex Service and have a like new watch that is possibly the best looking watch Rolex ever made.....

[DLagent]

Thanks guys. What specific things can I look at to make sure that it's authentic?

[Ranfni]

where in florida are you? I may be able to assist

[DLagent]

I'm in Ft. Lauderdale. Looks like you're in the Orlando area. Any advice on here would be great.

[Ranfni]

Just go to Mayors at Boca Town Center

[Ranfni]

when you get there tell them you want to get an appraisal on the watch. Done and done...if they say it's real then you have paperwork for it. Good luck.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Ranfni

when you get there tell them you want to get an appraisal on the watch. Done and done...if they say it's real then you have paperwork for it. Good luck.

You've been very helpful to this other guy, Rob!! Good on you!!

[Ranfni]

Thanks JJ

[DLagent]

OK, so meeting at a reputable jeweler like Mayor's and asking for an appraisal is satisfactory?

[Ranfni]

Originally Posted by DLagent

OK, so meeting at a reputable jeweler like Mayor's and asking for an appraisal is satisfactory?

Yes, nothing else needed at that point. No more guessing just make sure it's a place as reputable as Mayors.

[jms_w]

Originally Posted by Tools

That is a good price for a TT Black Sub...

Check closely for over polishing of the gold parts, and for cracking at the bracelet center links where the SS pins fit through...

For that price, you can absorb a new Rolex Service and have a like new watch that is possibly the best looking watch Rolex ever made.....

Just to clarify Larry's point about overpolishing, the raised crown symbol on the clasp (can't remember if U-serial is gold or not) should be crisp and not look smeared.

For authenticity check, I would still have the AD or a watchmaker with a Rolex parts account open the caseback to make sure the watch is authentic on the inside. Good luck with your purchase.

[cornerstore]

You guys really go the extra mile to help out or answer questions. Great site.

[Playdrv4me]

Originally Posted by jms_w

Just to clarify Larry's point about overpolishing, the raised crown symbol on the clasp (can't remember if U-serial is gold or not) should be crisp and not look smeared.

For authenticity check, I would still have the AD or a watchmaker with a Rolex parts account open the caseback to make sure the watch is authentic on the inside. Good luck with your purchase.

"U" would have a full stainless clasp.

It is a shame the paperwork is missing (the box set are a dime a dozen on ebay), but in that price range you should be OK if black dial is the color you really want.