Strange sub

[will2509]

Hi I just joined and am the proud owner of a rolex explorer II white face steel oyster band. However I saw a watch for sale today and went to look at it because it seemed cheap, he said it ws 3-5 yrs old and it was a blue sub with blue face and bezel gold and steel band and he wanted around $5,500 for it so seemed good value, however when I inspected the watch it had an old style body with the watch pins showing outside the main body, but the new style strap with gold showing on the inside, I told him I was unsure but it looked like a made up watch. He claimed his father was given it by a sheikh here in the middle east. The watch was immaculate to be honest and had I not read a bit about them on here I would probably have taken it. The watch came in a rolex box but no papers, was I right to walk away?
Thanks
Will

[mmmk604]

The older TT Subs do have lug holes, however, all TT Subs have gold polished center links.

A newer style bracelet would have the Glidelock clasp. It's shown below on the right.
Hope this helps a bit. Taking pictures of the watch and showing us can help us help you confirm it's authenticity.

[cajunron]

Pictures, pictures, pictures!

[77T]

William
You have accurately described a "Bluesy" Sub but don't know if it is original or not without many details. We can't even tell from pictures if it is genuine or a "pieced together" Sub from different parts.

Things you can check are whether the bracelet clasp has a fold out divers extension in it. If not the bracelet may have come from another model. Even if it does, we have no way to tell if it was a replica bracelet without lots of close up pictures.

The dial could be a refinished one, plus the blue bezel insert could be a replica.

With no papers, you won't know if it started life as a regular black Sub or is a true Bluesy.

Bottom line, take it to an AD for verification. If it checks out 100%, the price is fair as long as it is in good condition inside and out. I just sold one exactly as you described for $7K on eBay - it was a full set though with all docs, etc.

[crowncollection]

pics needed

[financeman]

As others have said, the rivet holes are to be expected in a 5 year old watch. Rolex started having there TT bands all the way through in 1999 on the TT subs.
If the watch didn't seem right then you did the right thing by walking away. Like others have said, next time take pictures so we can help or take to an AD to authenticate. Not a lot we can do without pics

[will2509]

Thanks for the feedback. Must admit I find it a bit embarassing asking if I can take photographs to prove authenticity its like calling someone a liar to their face, still I suppose its a large investment

[cajunron]

Originally Posted by will2509

Thanks for the feedback. Must admit I find it a bit embarassing asking if I can take photographs to prove authenticity its like calling someone a liar to their face, still I suppose its a large investment

Only someone trying to pull a fast one would be offended, IMO. If he has nothing to hide, I don't see the problem. Surely he can appreciate your concern before spending such a large amount of money. If anyone WOULD have a problem with ME establishing authenticity, I would DEFINITELY walk away.

[financeman]

Originally Posted by rgdejong

Only someone trying to pull a fast one would be offended, IMO. If he has nothing to hide, I don't see the problem. Surely he can appreciate your concern before spending such a large amount of money. If anyone WOULD have a problem with ME establishing authenticity, I would DEFINITELY walk away.

I agree 100%