New Orleans Rolex AD

[criggs19]

Hello all,

I have a 1987 Rolex Day/Date with diamonds that I inherited and it's been sitting in my wife's jewelry box for several years. I have decided that I need to do something with it after all this time. I would love to sell or trade it but I don't have any papers/box and imagine that selling it on this site would be difficult due to the value and lack of authentication. I really would rather not pay for having it authenticated by Rolex USA. I will be in New Orleans for two weeks starting next week and was wondering if anyone had any experience with the Rolex Authorized Dealers there. I recently had it serviced by a friend that is a watchmaker here in Pensacola but he isn't an AD.

My questions are, do the New Orleans shops authenticate Rolex's? Would any of them be willing to work a trade? (I'd really like a Sub or Milgauss). I'll include pictures just in case anyone here is interested. It really is a beautiful watch but just not my taste.

Thanks in for any help.

[Ivy League]

You could probably get both the Sub and a Milly for that DD President !

[chicagowatchman]

Cool Dial!!!

[criggs19]

Ivy League, I was kind of thinking that too.

[Chozn1]

Is the dial factory?

[Ivy League]

As long as it proves to be authenticate.

[criggs19]

I do know that it is authentic but just have no way to prove it right now other than personal inspection. And yes, the dial is factory.

[Chozn1]

I had an 80' model that I was offered $4500 for by a wholesaler and $5700 from a private buyer, and the band was tight. I ended up somewhere in-between.You've got a nice piece there but I wouldn't plan on getting both a Milgauss and a Sub out of the deal.

[Lamone]

Find the closest RSC and get a service estimate.
That will prove that the DD prez is genuine.

[GradyPhilpott]

Never take a Rolex to New Orleans.

[bobl]

Local AD's in New Orleans are:

Coleman E Adler and Son
Aucoin-Hart
Lee Michaels

Mobile AL has a couple as well as Biloxi and Gulfport.

[criggs19]

Chozn1, I think it would actually appraise at around $10,000-$12,000 resale value, replacement value for insurance purposes is around $15,000-$17,000. I think it would be possible to swing both

GradyPhilpott, I know what you are saying but I won't have a problem.

Lamone, can an AD not do that?

bobl, would you recommend any one of those over the other?

Thanks!

[scottschoe]

Originally Posted by criggs19

Chozn1, I think it would actually appraise at around $10,000-$12,000 resale value, replacement value for insurance purposes is around $15,000-$17,000. I think it would be possible to swing both

Thanks!

Nah. Regardless of what your appraisals state, you're probably going to get half or a third of those prices at sale time unless you find a whale. Less if you trade in.

As for authentication, mail the watch to the closest RSC and decline the service after you receive the estimate. That's solid proof. I would not trust an AD for authentication - and many won't do it in the first place.

[criggs19]

scottschoe, I may end up doing that. Thanks for the advice.

[Wolfgang427]

Originally Posted by Chozn1

Is the dial factory?

Nice DD, watch appears to be authentic. But your tapestry diamond dial is aftermarket as that dial was never offered from the factory with diamonds.

[criggs19]

wolfgang, I was told that it came from the factory that way but you're probably right, I've looked around and never seen another like it.

scottschoe, that sounds like a good idea. What you are saying is that I have to send it to them as if I wanted it serviced and when they tell me how much it would cost, delcline it? They won't just authenticate it?

[Chozn1]

Originally Posted by criggs19

Chozn1, I think it would actually appraise at around $10,000-$12,000 resale value, replacement value for insurance purposes is around $15,000-$17,000. I think it would be possible to swing both

My DD had an aftermarket diamond dial as well, so I think your numbers are going to look very similar to mine as far as what you get. Good luck with it

[criggs19]

Chozn1, you probably right, I'm going to call the New York RSC and see what they say. I'll probably check around New Orleans first though, just for the heck of it.

[scottschoe]

Originally Posted by criggs19

wolfgang, I was told that it came from the factory that way but you're probably right, I've looked around and never seen another like it.

scottschoe, that sounds like a good idea. What you are saying is that I have to send it to them as if I wanted it serviced and when they tell me how much it would cost, delcline it? They won't just authenticate it?

Yup. RSC's aren't in the business of doing authentications.

[Triple Black 88]

Originally Posted by wolfgang427

Nice DD, watch appears to be authentic. But your tapestry diamond dial is aftermarket as that dial was never offered from the factory with diamonds.

Correct, plus the diamonds aren't factory correct. The older style (18238) used a "Prong" setting. That dial has the updated "Pyramid" settings. Be carefull sending that to RSC as they frown upon aftermarket parts.

It's a beautiful watch. It's a shame it's not your style.

[criggs19]

I'd settle for a trade for a Sub, that really is my favorite. If they'll do it in New Orleans I'll do it.

[Chozn1]

Good luck with it. I'm sure you already know this but you're going to coming out a lot better if you get some kinda of authentication on everything but the dial and sell it yourself privately. Not all AD's take trade-ins, and the ones that do aren't interested in giving you anything near market value.

[criggs19]

Let me ask this, would it better to get an original dial for it?

[Chozn1]

Just depends on the buyer. A new dial from RSC will be pricey, and I'm not sure you'd make it back on the sale. If you could get one second hand from SteveMulholland or Tempo king on here and then have a watchmaker put it in for you, then maybe. I've had watches with aftermarket dials (as mentioned), but I've decided everything in the future will be factory with no exceptions just because of the stigma that comes with it at resale. I get bored with watches extremely easily, and it's important for me to move them. If you sell it to a casual fan that just wants a Rolex, they probably won't care, although I would disclose it.

[buz-lh]

Would an RSC even accept the watch for service with an aftermarket dial?

[Chozn1]

They'll keep the dial if you send it to them.

[hunthearin]

I would reccomend Lee Michael's located in Shops at Canal Place

[Oysterquartz]

Originally Posted by bobl

Local AD's in New Orleans are:

Coleman E Adler and Son
Aucoin-Hart
Lee Michaels

Mobile AL has a couple as well as Biloxi and Gulfport.

I'm from New Orleans, Aucoin-Hart is probably the best place to go. I haven't visited them since Hurricane Katrina but they handeled eveything with getting my Oysterquartz serviced. They are very relaible so give them a try. Adler's i'm no as certain, I dealt mainly with Aucoin-Hart.

Hope this helps

[criggs19]

Thanks, I'll check them out.