Stolen Rolex serial numbers - DON’T BUY

[Jim Smyth]

Originally Posted by FlGreenie

Here’s my very recent story of buying a stolen Rolex. I located a Daytona 116520 (pre ceramic bezel) via Chronos. Price was in the ballpark for the year and quality, there were no papers. I made the deal, received the watch and as is my practice, took it to my AD upon receipt to have them open it and check the movement. All checked out at the surface level only the crystal did not have the etching of the crown under the glass at the 6, yet the movement checked out. I decided to sent it into Rolex to have an authentic crystal put on. That’s when the call came from Rolex legal. The watch had been reported stolen and the crooks had altered the serial number on the rehaut. But Rolex checked the serial number and determined it didn’t exist and then compared it to the movement; I now learned that the serial number is also engraved on the movement of each watch. So, while the watch was authentic, it was ‘hot’. Rolex put me in contact with the real owner. I’m in South Florida and the watch was stolen in LA. Rolex explained that they would retain the watch until any dispute over who ‘owned’ the watch was resolved. I told the real owner that I did not want it as it was rightfully his, and then I went to work on the jewelry store. After a few rounds of increasing threats, I received a full refund of my money, and now the watch is heading back to LA. Lesson learned: I will never buy another Rolex without the full papers and matching serials


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Great resolution and information for all future Rolex buyers.