Just bought this Sea-Dweller 16600 on eBay... thoughts?

[s21519]

This is my first Rolex purchase: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rolex-Sea-Dw...-/261095265988

I'm aware that buying on eBay is risky, but I'm trusting that PayPal's guarantee will cover me in case of seller fraud.

Negatives:
1. Seller has a relatively short history (totaling 6 months and 8 watches, of which 5 were Rolexes and 3 were Omegas.)
2. The photos on the eBay listing were not very sharp.
3. The watch came with no box, papers, receipt, etc.

Neutral:
1. The seller's email communication (following purchase) was friendly and courteous... asking my wrist size, letting me know when the package had shipped, checking to make sure it had arrived safely and that I was happy with it, etc.
2. Despite being a P-serial, the crystal has a laser etched coronet at the six-o'clock position. The seller says the crystal was replaced by Rolex last year when the watch was serviced.

Positives:
1. Package included the warranty card from Rolex service centre, dated 07/26/2011.
2. The serial number on the watch matches the warranty card.
3. The seller subsequently emailed me a series of 6 additional photos (too big to upload here) that he had taken of the opened caseback and 3135 movement, but had not included in the listing. The last photo shows the opened watch beside a printed eBay shipping slip with the date of sale and my address on it (evidence that he didn't just recycle an old picture).

Given all of the above, please let me know what you think.

Regards,
Russ

[sleddog]

Welcome to the forum!

The watch does appear to be legitimate to me, although the pictures are distant.....

My advice would be to take it to an AD for piece of mind, and, make sure to have the watch pressure tested seeing as the original owner had it opened.
Also ask for an insurance valuation for ease of insurance...recommended!

All the best and enjoy TRF!~

[caryyee]

Looks ok from what I can see although I am no expert at all.

First thing I'd do, is take it to a Rolex Service Center or an watchmaker experienced in working with Rolex's for piece of mind.

[Watchmutt]

Looks ok, but have someone open up the case to make sure.

[crowncollection]

Everything looks good, movement photo is required to make a absolute verification

[s21519]

Thank you for the warm welcome to the forum and the sound advice.

I spoke to the Rolex Service Center in Toronto over the phone. They offer an authentication service that costs C$150 and takes 7 business days. They will disassemble the watch, verify that everything inside is indeed an original Rolex part, and then register the piece to my name (I assume only after checking that the prior registered owner didn't report it lost or stolen).

For piece of mind, this sounds like a worthwhile step. I intend on keeping this watch "forever", so $150 doesn't seem like too much when amortized over a lifetime.

Also, is it safe to assume that if they're taking it apart and putting it back together, they'll make sure it's properly watertight?

Lastly, I just realized that instead of trying to upload the photos of the movement, I can link them via dropbox:

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/78507292/16600-13.JPG
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/78507292/16600-14.JPG
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/78507292/16600-15.JPG
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/78507292/16600-16.JPG
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/78507292/16600-17.JPG

I don't imagine that someone trying to sell a counterfeit watch would ever take and send photos of the movement.

Thanks,
Russ

[JohnBoy]

Looks pretty good, Russ. The decision to have it authenticated by Rolex is wise. That was a pretty good price considering that it has been serviced, too. Welcome and congratz! Enjoy it!!