Is my "new" watch really 13 years old?

[msjenbowen]

I bought a midsize datejust this summer, not from an AD. It was sold as "new" but did not come with any paperwork (warranty card, etc). I just took it for an appraisal for insurance purposes and the watch appears to have been made in 1999. The seller contacted his supplier, who assured him it is no more than a couple of years old. I've been scouring this forum to learn what I can abotu determining the date, but I'm hoping to get some clarification, if possible.

1. The model number is 178274.
2. There is no serial number on the case between the lugs at 6 o'clock, but there is one inside the case. The serial number starts with "A" followed by 7 digits.
3. The dial is mother of pearl with diamond markers, with 4 small lines between each marker.
4. There is no serial number around the dial.
5. The oyster bracelet is the new heavy style.

If this is not enough information, please let me know. Thanks in advance!

[Eyedoc_RSH]

it should have a serial number, post some pics

I think this thread is moving soon

[msjenbowen]

What do you mean, the thread is moving soon? Sorry, I'm pretty new to this forum.

[msjenbowen]

This is the outside of the case between the lugs, where the serial number should be. The appraiser said it didn't look like it had been removed, but just looked like Rolex forgot to stamp it. The serial number is somewhere on the inside of the case.

[Tools]

I have my doubts about the authenticity of this watch, barring better photos..

[msjenbowen]

My independent, certified appraiser told me he believes it is authentic, but thinks the supplier simply put a new bracelet on a 1999 watch and sold it as new. What other pictures should I post?

[honeybear]

Perhaps it's just me, but that lug area looks pretty banged up for a "new" watch. Also, you have a tritium dial with diamond markers so that's probably an aftermarket diamond marker modification. It looks pretty questionable to me.

[Cato]

The dial and diamonds look a little suspect.

[JerseyGuy]

Originally Posted by Cato

The dial and diamonds look a little suspect.

x1

[msjenbowen]

1. What is tritium? The dial is supposed to be mother of pearl. Is that different?
2. Where can I take this watch to verify its authenticity? Would an AD look at it for me, or do I need to send it somewhere?

[LightOnAHill]

the Cyclopes doesn't look like it magnifies big enough, but I may be wrong

[Rfblee]

Minute hand looks short

[honeybear]

Originally Posted by msjenbowen

1. What is tritium? The dial is supposed to be mother of pearl. Is that different?
2. Where can I take this watch to verify its authenticity? Would an AD look at it for me, or do I need to send it somewhere?

You can take it to an AD to authenticate it, the easiest way is to take off the caseback and examine the movement.

Your dial has T Swiss Made T at the bottom, which indicates that it contains tritium (a radioactive form of hydrogen used to power the luminous markers on a watch), and that is emits less than 7.5mCi of radiation. What makes this suspect is that your dial has no luminous markers, so it's either a fake dial, or a genuine dial where the markers have been switched out.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by msjenbowen

1. What is tritium? The dial is supposed to be mother of pearl. Is that different?
2. Where can I take this watch to verify its authenticity? Would an AD look at it for me, or do I need to send it somewhere?

Tritium was the material the old luminous was made of. Rolex stopped using it in ~ 1999. Since there is no luminous on the dial...it was suggested teh diamonds are aftermarket.

[CDNWatchNut]

Looks like a lot of corrosion deterioration of the case at the edge under the bezel....definitely looks anything but "new" or even like new condition.

[msjenbowen]

Thank you all for your quick and helpful responses. I will definitely take my watch to an AD this week to try to get an answer.

[honeybear]

By the way, a serial number starting with "A" is consistent with a watch from 1999. I think your seller has misrepresented the watch as new. The lug are is frankly in horrible shape and while it might have started as a genuine watch, it appears to have some aftermarket parts.

http://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-wat...date-year.html

[msjenbowen]

Originally Posted by honeybear

By the way, a serial number starting with "A" is consistent with a watch from 1999. I think your seller has misrepresented the watch as new. The lug are is frankly in horrible shape and while it might have started as a genuine watch, it appears to have some aftermarket parts.

http://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-wat...date-year.html

Thank you again. I should have taken it in for appraisal before I ever wore it. It looked fine to me and I never saw the corrosion until the appraiser took it apart and photographed everything for me. Have a great night!

[LightOnAHill]

we're I you I would reverse the transaction

[Tools]

Originally Posted by msjenbowen

My independent, certified appraiser told me he believes it is authentic, but thinks the supplier simply put a new bracelet on a 1999 watch and sold it as new. What other pictures should I post?

Your independent, certified appraiser appears in need of more training..

Your watch has an engraved rehaut, which has only been on Rolex for the past few years, so it is impossible for the watch to be even close to a 1999 manufacture - it is where the serial number is located (you say there is no number there - if not, it is a fake).. It is never inside the watch case, although the movement has it's own number.

Your dial is aftermarket and not an original Rolex part, so it has been changed at some point (if the watch is authentic).

I would want to see a clear picture of the rehaut at the 6 oclock area to see if a serial number is there. I would also want to see the movement and the model number markings on the other side of the case.

[msjenbowen]

Originally Posted by LightOnAHill

we're I you I would reverse the transaction

We are trying. The supplier insists the watch is new, although the "A" serial number suggests otherwise. I am gathering all the information I can find and I am so grateful for this forum. I've learned a lot tonight.

[toph]

A is from circa 99 2000. This should have a luminous dial that says Swiss or L Swiss made L as opposed to t Swiss made t. Furthermore I don't see any lume at all on the watch

[toph]

Ok it is a random serial 8 digits A followed by seven. That is correct for a new watch. The dial is definitely not new. It is at least 15 years old
A serial is A followed by 6 digits

[Tools]

Originally Posted by msjenbowen

We are trying. The supplier insists the watch is new, although the "A" serial number suggests otherwise. I am gathering all the information I can find and I am so grateful for this forum. I've learned a lot tonight.

I think that you are relying too much on what you think is a serial number.. if it was taken from inside the watch, it is not the watch serial number.. There is only one place the serial number will be.. Etched on the rehaut, under the crystal above the 6'oclock marker..

[msjenbowen]

Originally Posted by Tools

Your independent, certified appraiser appears in need of more training..

Your watch has an engraved rehaut, which has only been on Rolex for the past few years, so it is impossible for the watch to be even close to a 1999 manufacture - it is where the serial number is located (you say there is no number there - if not, it is a fake).. It is never inside the watch case, although the movement has it's own number.

Your dial is aftermarket and not an original Rolex part, so it has been changed at some point (if the watch is authentic).

I would want to see a clear picture of the rehaut at the 6 oclock area to see if a serial number is there. I would also want to see the movement and the model number markings on the other side of the case.

I looked for an engraved rehaut, but did not see a serial number (or ROLEXROLEX) engraved anywhere around the bezel. Am I looking in the right place? The appraiser did not photograph the 6 o'clock area, so I will try to take a clear picture, but it looks completely blank to me.

The number inside is the one that starts with an "A". Is that the movement's number?

Here is a picture of the model number:

[Mr. K]

chapter ring is a good catch, not on an A SN watch.

[toph]

Originally Posted by msjenbowen

I looked for an engraved rehaut, but did not see a serial number (or ROLEXROLEX) engraved anywhere around the bezel. Am I looking in the right place? The appraiser did not photograph the 6 o'clock area, so I will try to take a clear picture, but it looks completely blank to me.

The number inside is the one that starts with an "A". Is that the movement's number?

Here is a picture of the model number:

Look inside the watch face and round the dial on the metal area under the glass you will see role Rolex engraved and a serial number at the 6 o'clock position undet where it says t Swiss made T. It is definitely a replacement dial

[msjenbowen]

Originally Posted by toph

Ok it is a random serial 8 digits A followed by seven. That is correct for a new watch. The dial is definitely not new. It is at least 15 years old
A serial is A followed by 6 digits

From what I've read, I thought a random serial number would have letters interspersed with the numbers. I also read somewhere that "A" followed by 7 digits was typical in 1999-2000. The numbers could go up to 9,999,999. Do you know anything about this for sure?

[A.Sharp]

On the innerside of the bezel it should have the serial number at 6. I can see 'rolexrolexroelxroelx' laser engraved around the inside as it should be, so i am assuming there is a serial at the 6. I know that is the current way they do it, and no longer btwn the lugs. isnt this correct? since like 2004 or something?

[A.Sharp]

maybe an aftermarket face tho?