How to authenticate second hand Rolex watch

[newbee1]

Greetings to all of you

I'm mostly a silent reader of this forum and have been bitten by Rolex bug recently. I'm looking to buy a day-date model. With my budget constraints, I'm looking into second hand market (mostly 1803/18038 model as they're cheaper). I wonder if its possible to authenticate them by some store/expert than sending them to Rolex Service center? My location is Central NJ.

Thanks for all your help.

P.S.: this is the watch which caught my eye- http://swissangeles.com/rolex-men-s-...nd-18038-model

[kilyung]

The problem with “authenticating” a watch is there are many hidden parts involved. How do you know the hands are genuine? What about the movement? To properly authenticate a watch would require opening up a watch and inspecting all the parts. Very few places will do this.

This is why everyone is told to “buy the seller” and not the watch.

[newbee1]

Originally Posted by kilyung

The problem with “authenticating” a watch is there are many hidden parts involved. How do you know the hands are genuine? What about the movement? To properly authenticate a watch would require opening up a watch and inspecting all the parts. Very few places will do this.

Thanks for your response. Wondering if RSC is the only option or there are some recommended places which would service+authenticate it for lesser price?

[SkyKing31]

Originally Posted by newbee1

Thanks for your response. Wondering if RSC is the only option or there are some recommended places which would service+authenticate it for lesser price?

Feel free to send my a direct message, and I can give you the information to a store that sells and services Rolex watches. They would be able to help you.

[newbee1]

Originally Posted by SkyKing31

Feel free to send my a direct message, and I can give you the information to a store that sells and services Rolex watches. They would be able to help you.

Done.