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DaneHix53 · 26 February 2010, 08:30 PM

Hey guys,

First I would like to give thanks to all of you fine watch lovers for putting such a cool site in action! I really do enjoy getting my daily dose of TRF. Anyway, I have loved Rolex for a long time now and have been specifically in love with the Sea Dweller for about 7 or 8 years. I was a young Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps. and a buddy of mine was gifted a brand new SD from his uncle. Well, needless to say I was in love from that point on. I DEFINATELY did not have the money for an authentic Rolex, so I decided on a weekend NYC trip to purchase a decent fake (I know, I know...how dare I?! :P) I was 19 and I didn't care, I HAD to have that watch and the only possible was to have a FOLEX! Well, my buddy and I made our way down the ever SHADY Canal street in Manhatten, when of course, we were aproached by many NADs (NOT authorized dealer :P) I quickly let them know that I was in search of a NICE fake, so after some back and forth chatter, I had one of the leaders tell me he had a very good fake but the price would be considerably higher (I think it was $250). Right then the NAD looked down at my buddys wrist and at a glance said "That is a real Rolex" I quickly responded with "No, we bought that in Japan last year and it is a fake" but there was no argueing with him...he KNEW it was real and to this day I do not know how he did. The NAD made a quick phone call in his language and within 2 minutes there were 10 corner boys in a loose cordon around us. We pushed through 2 of them got him in a nearby cab and shoved him off. I on the other hand stayed, knowing that I had nothing on me of any value and also assuming that these guys wanted to make a sale (I think the fact that I was a cocky 19 year old invincible Marine had something to do with it haha)...to make a long story short I DID get my fake, and the individuals DID try and coax me into bringning my buddy back to get his watch "cleaned and serviced" haha (Seriously!) I got in a cab and met my buddy at our favorite bar...I told him to take his watch off and to give it to me...he did and then I handed both watches back to him to tell me which one was his. He DID know his watch by a small scratch on the bezel, BUT let me tell you guys, this fake was good! SCARY good. Down to the "sweeping" seconds hand...the rubber gasket...the thicker crystal...even the Rolex font was extermely close. I wore it for a year or so, until I couldn't look myself in the mirror any longer...I just bought my first Rolex about 2 weeks ago. A brand new M serial Sea Dweller, thanks to Theken and TRF!!! I guess my question is...how did he know? The watches were nearly identical. Anyway, I will share some pics as soon as I can! I will be back in the states soon...it is waiting for me at home!

Thanks again Mark!!!!

Tools · 27 February 2010, 03:37 AM

There is nothing like the real thing.......

congratulations on your SD........

ersnyder · 27 February 2010, 05:31 AM

Welcome to TRF and congratulations on your new SD, wear it in good health!

I guess this is evidence criminals can be WIS's too!

tkc324 · 27 February 2010, 05:37 AM

Great story.

DRAWTOOL · 27 February 2010, 05:37 AM

Cool story! Semper Fi!

RobY330i · 27 February 2010, 05:38 AM

I had the same sort of experience in Bangkok.

Two Folex merchants spotted mine and knew it was real. I don't know how they did it.

R1@160@alltimes · 27 February 2010, 05:43 AM

Congrats on your SD....A WIS will always spot a fake.

Numismatist · 27 February 2010, 05:46 AM

Congrats on the real deal!

jacksprat · 27 February 2010, 05:48 AM

Well I would think that if you make your business to sell fakes, you would know a real one when you see it. Just like someone who sells real rolexes, can quickly spot fakes.

ParisDakarBmw · 27 February 2010, 05:49 AM

I've tried to figure out the modern watches myself. The real Rolex has a very crisp look no matter how far away. For whatever reason the fakes have a questionable look to them. Some are very close, but there is something off. I look forward to the pics, and congrats on the Seadweller!

RolexPete32 · 27 February 2010, 05:49 AM

Interesting story. My buddy had a knock off mont blanc auto movment and the works looked and felt real but the movment crapped out after 2.5 month of use. He asked me where to get it fixed?

I had to laugh and tell him that even if he could get it serviced it would cost a few hundred dollars and the watch cost him 50 bucks. ha ha

DaneHix53 · 27 February 2010, 05:51 AM

Thanks guys! I will post some pics ASAP!

Semper Fi

rfknauss · 27 February 2010, 11:19 AM

Love the story ..... and welcome to TRF!

itchy243mhz · 27 February 2010, 11:38 AM

Mark, great story, I bought my Wolex in Osan Korea, never did wear it, just not the same. Be safe and congrats on the acquisition.
Semper Fi.

ESKO · 27 February 2010, 11:43 AM

Come home safe!
Great story! Good job saving your buddy!
True Marine through and through, my best friend is a Marine!
Semper Fi and go home soon and get the SD!!

Joey_V · 27 February 2010, 11:45 AM

Great story man.... fantastic SD acquisition though.

HL65 · 27 February 2010, 11:51 AM

Great story--Semper Fi--from a retired Marine--Enjoy the SD-and welcome to TRF!!
PS--Come home safe and thanks for serving our country!!

dardeca · 27 February 2010, 12:00 PM

Great story.

And thank you for everything YOU do each and every day to keep us safe!

Z-Sub · 27 February 2010, 12:27 PM

Congratulations and it's one of the best Rolex has ever made

dbernard01 · 27 February 2010, 12:31 PM

Congrats on your SD, VERY much deserved and thanks also for your bravery!

laughinggull · 27 February 2010, 12:53 PM

Great story and I'm totally familiar with that watch 'hood

Huge congrats

on your new2u SD

and as the others have said, our deepest thanks to you for your service.

God bless,

Liz

ayecarumba · 27 February 2010, 12:57 PM

Dane,

Thanks for your service. I wish you a safe and speedy return from the sandbox.

Having grown up in the Garden State I was familiar with the Canal St. "NADS" as you call them. I felt the same way when I was in the service and went down the same street for the same item.

This is my bio pic on the Navy Log page from my last cruise. If you look carefully you'll see my "Folex" Sea Dweller on my wrist. I waited until I was out of the service to seal the real deal for myself.

I'm glad you've figured out that you don't have to wait! You deserve it!

Understand you wanna keep your SD safe, but I kinda wish we had some pics from in theater!

This little guy is as close to a salute as I can find:

--Paul

carlhaluss · 27 February 2010, 02:02 PM

Great story, and welcome to the "Real" World.
Cheers

,
Carl

PeteNYC13 · 27 February 2010, 02:11 PM

GREAT Story, enjoy your watch... I spent many days down on Canal Street, mostly in the early 90's buying car radios and speakers. I always loved the "Watch Section" lol...
To this day, I think I learned some of my sales style from those guys. As bad as they are, and I have zero tolerance for fakes - those are true sales people, No Sale - No Food or Shelter! Talk about pressure to sell. :-)

-Pete

26 February 2010, 08:30 PM	#1
DaneHix53 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Dane Location: Arlington, Va. Watch: Sea Dweller "M" Posts: 10	Canal street Rolex story! Hey guys, First I would like to give thanks to all of you fine watch lovers for putting such a cool site in action! I really do enjoy getting my daily dose of TRF. Anyway, I have loved Rolex for a long time now and have been specifically in love with the Sea Dweller for about 7 or 8 years. I was a young Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps. and a buddy of mine was gifted a brand new SD from his uncle. Well, needless to say I was in love from that point on. I DEFINATELY did not have the money for an authentic Rolex, so I decided on a weekend NYC trip to purchase a decent fake (I know, I know...how dare I?! :P) I was 19 and I didn't care, I HAD to have that watch and the only possible was to have a FOLEX! Well, my buddy and I made our way down the ever SHADY Canal street in Manhatten, when of course, we were aproached by many NADs (NOT authorized dealer :P) I quickly let them know that I was in search of a NICE fake, so after some back and forth chatter, I had one of the leaders tell me he had a very good fake but the price would be considerably higher (I think it was $250). Right then the NAD looked down at my buddys wrist and at a glance said "That is a real Rolex" I quickly responded with "No, we bought that in Japan last year and it is a fake" but there was no argueing with him...he KNEW it was real and to this day I do not know how he did. The NAD made a quick phone call in his language and within 2 minutes there were 10 corner boys in a loose cordon around us. We pushed through 2 of them got him in a nearby cab and shoved him off. I on the other hand stayed, knowing that I had nothing on me of any value and also assuming that these guys wanted to make a sale (I think the fact that I was a cocky 19 year old invincible Marine had something to do with it haha)...to make a long story short I DID get my fake, and the individuals DID try and coax me into bringning my buddy back to get his watch "cleaned and serviced" haha (Seriously!) I got in a cab and met my buddy at our favorite bar...I told him to take his watch off and to give it to me...he did and then I handed both watches back to him to tell me which one was his. He DID know his watch by a small scratch on the bezel, BUT let me tell you guys, this fake was good! SCARY good. Down to the "sweeping" seconds hand...the rubber gasket...the thicker crystal...even the Rolex font was extermely close. I wore it for a year or so, until I couldn't look myself in the mirror any longer...I just bought my first Rolex about 2 weeks ago. A brand new M serial Sea Dweller, thanks to Theken and TRF!!! I guess my question is...how did he know? The watches were nearly identical. Anyway, I will share some pics as soon as I can! I will be back in the states soon...it is waiting for me at home! Thanks again Mark!!!!

27 February 2010, 03:37 AM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	There is nothing like the real thing....... congratulations on your SD........ __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

27 February 2010, 05:43 AM	#7
R1@160@alltimes "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: USA Watch: ♛ Posts: 4,408	Congrats on your SD....A WIS will always spot a fake. __________________

27 February 2010, 05:46 AM	#8
Numismatist "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Chris Location: Camden ME & STT Watch: 116600 Posts: 6,350	Congrats on the real deal! __________________ Rolex 116600 Sea-dweller Montblanc Solitaire Doué Black & White Legrand FP Montblanc Solitaire Doué Black & White RB Montblanc Meisterstück Diamond Mozart BP Montblanc Meisterstück Mozart BP

27 February 2010, 11:19 AM	#13
rfknauss 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Richard Location: Macungie, PA Watch: 5513 Sub, LV Sub Posts: 14,497	Love the story ..... and welcome to TRF! __________________ *"Few things in life give man as great a pleasure as wearing a Rolex!"* TRF's "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Patron

27 February 2010, 05:31 AM	#3
ersnyder 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Eric Location: Long Beach CA USA Watch: Rolex Explorer II Posts: 4,102	Welcome to TRF and congratulations on your new SD, wear it in good health! I guess this is evidence criminals can be WIS's too!

27 February 2010, 05:37 AM	#4
tkc324 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Tom Location: Chi town Watch: Daytona AP DD Sub Posts: 3,717	Great story.

27 February 2010, 05:37 AM	#5
DRAWTOOL "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Mikey Uí Néill Location: Olden Texas Watch: 14060M & 16570 Posts: 1,941	Cool story! Semper Fi!

27 February 2010, 05:38 AM	#6
RobY330i "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Robert Location: Ottawa Watch: SS GMT IIc "V" Posts: 97	I had the same sort of experience in Bangkok. Two Folex merchants spotted mine and knew it was real. I don't know how they did it.

27 February 2010, 05:48 AM	#9
jacksprat "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: seattle, WA Posts: 163	Well I would think that if you make your business to sell fakes, you would know a real one when you see it. Just like someone who sells real rolexes, can quickly spot fakes.

27 February 2010, 05:49 AM	#10
ParisDakarBmw Banned Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Paul Location: New Haven, CT Watch: 116610 Sub-C Posts: 6,552	I've tried to figure out the modern watches myself. The real Rolex has a very crisp look no matter how far away. For whatever reason the fakes have a questionable look to them. Some are very close, but there is something off. I look forward to the pics, and congrats on the Seadweller!

27 February 2010, 05:49 AM	#11
RolexPete32 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Peter Location: Canada Watch: You know... Rolex Posts: 1,520	Interesting story. My buddy had a knock off mont blanc auto movment and the works looked and felt real but the movment crapped out after 2.5 month of use. He asked me where to get it fixed? I had to laugh and tell him that even if he could get it serviced it would cost a few hundred dollars and the watch cost him 50 bucks. ha ha

27 February 2010, 05:51 AM	#12
DaneHix53 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Dane Location: Arlington, Va. Watch: Sea Dweller "M" Posts: 10	Thanks guys! I will post some pics ASAP! Semper Fi

27 February 2010, 11:38 AM	#14
itchy243mhz "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Larry Location: Southern Maryland Watch: 14060M, 116613LB Posts: 389	Mark, great story, I bought my Wolex in Osan Korea, never did wear it, just not the same. Be safe and congrats on the acquisition. Semper Fi.

27 February 2010, 11:43 AM	#15
ESKO Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Luis Location: Afghanistan/Texas Watch: 2012 Milgauss GV Posts: 752	Come home safe! Great story! Good job saving your buddy! True Marine through and through, my best friend is a Marine! Semper Fi and go home soon and get the SD!!

27 February 2010, 11:45 AM	#16
Joey_V "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Joey Location: Dallas, TX Watch: SS Sub 16610 M Posts: 3,824	Great story man.... fantastic SD acquisition though. __________________ Current Rotation: Rolex Submariner Date (M) - 1/08, Rolex Milgauss GV (V) - 2/10, Rolex SS Black Daytona (V) - 6/10, Rolex GMTIIC (G) - 5/11, TAG Heuer Silverstone (286/1860) - 1/2015 Former-watches: Omega PO/2535.80/2254, TAG Carrera/F1x2/Monaco, Panerai 312K/292L Wish List: Panerai 270/505, Rolex SMURF, Rolex RG Daytona, Rolex DSSD

27 February 2010, 11:51 AM	#17
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 64,006	Great story--Semper Fi--from a retired Marine--Enjoy the SD-and welcome to TRF!! PS--Come home safe and thanks for serving our country!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

27 February 2010, 12:00 PM	#18
dardeca 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: US Watch: Rolex, Patek Posts: 2,477	Great story. And thank you for everything YOU do each and every day to keep us safe!

27 February 2010, 12:27 PM	#19
Z-Sub 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: So Cal, USA Watch: Not a ONEWatch Man Posts: 7,383	Congratulations and it's one of the best Rolex has ever made __________________ SS Submariner Date "Z" SS SeaDweller "D" SS Submariner "Random" TT Blue Submariner "P" SS GMT-Master ll "M", Pepsi Pam 311, 524, 297

27 February 2010, 12:31 PM	#20
dbernard01 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Darren Location: Arizona Posts: 66	Congrats on your SD, VERY much deserved and thanks also for your bravery!

27 February 2010, 12:53 PM	#21
laughinggull "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Liz Location: New England Watch: SD Posts: 7	Great story and I'm totally familiar with that watch 'hood Huge congrats on your new2u SD and as the others have said, our deepest thanks to you for your service. God bless, Liz

27 February 2010, 12:57 PM	#22
ayecarumba "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Paul Location: ATL Watch: the one I'm wearin Posts: 526	History repeats...sort of! Dane, Thanks for your service. I wish you a safe and speedy return from the sandbox. Having grown up in the Garden State I was familiar with the Canal St. "NADS" as you call them. I felt the same way when I was in the service and went down the same street for the same item. This is my bio pic on the Navy Log page from my last cruise. If you look carefully you'll see my "Folex" Sea Dweller on my wrist. I waited until I was out of the service to seal the real deal for myself. I'm glad you've figured out that you don't have to wait! You deserve it! Understand you wanna keep your SD safe, but I kinda wish we had some pics from in theater! This little guy is as close to a salute as I can find: --Paul __________________ "Whether we wake or we sleep, Whether we carol or weep, The Sun with his planets in chime, Marketh the going of Time." --Edward Fitzgerald

27 February 2010, 02:02 PM	#23
carlhaluss "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Carl Location: Vancouver, Canada Watch: Rolex Explorer 1 Posts: 1,780	Great story, and welcome to the "Real" World. Cheers , Carl __________________ Those who possess a sense of entitlement are seldom satisfied.

27 February 2010, 02:11 PM	#24
PeteNYC13 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Pete Location: USA Watch: Rolex Posts: 1,607	GREAT Story, enjoy your watch... I spent many days down on Canal Street, mostly in the early 90's buying car radios and speakers. I always loved the "Watch Section" lol... To this day, I think I learned some of my sales style from those guys. As bad as they are, and I have zero tolerance for fakes - those are true sales people, No Sale - No Food or Shelter! Talk about pressure to sell. :-) -Pete __________________ SS Submariner K16610 SS Submariner F16610LV SS/P Yachtmaster M16622 SS Black Dial Daytona M116520 SS Explorer II D16570

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