Serial Number Issue

[Token74]

Hi all

As some of you will know, last week I acquired a 2006/7 Sea Dweller from a trader (appears to do a lot of business trading watches, but not an AD) for what I would consider to be good value (although certainly not a bargain).

I checked the seller out first (he does a reasonable amount of business on eBay) and all checked out. I have also checked everything I know to check that it is not fake, and it appears to pass every test I know of and can find online.

I also have a printed email from the guy who serviced the watch recently to the previous owner, with the previous owners address (which I have validated online) on it, that the trader gave to me.

However, last night I removed the bracelet (now that's not the easiest job in the world!) and the serial number is different to the paperwork (I.e. the original guarantee)! Everything appears to check out apart from this.

I spoke with the trader last night and he apologised and explained he had no idea, and hasn't checked it as it had been recently serviced. He has offered a full refund if I want.

Instinctively I should take the refund, but there is a shortage of supply in these watches of this kind of age and people are trying to achieve a heavy premium it appears, I also need to be able to trade in an existing watch which I need to be able to get a fair price on, so I am tempted to keep it.

I assume resale will be negatively effected if I want to sell in the future (which I may do, but probably won't)? And I assume the advice from you guys will be to get a refund?

This is a real pain...I have always bought watches from AD's and always t the wrong time, so have always lost money (I am the worlds worst flipper!), so this time I avoid the AD markup and try to buy a top quality watch at a decent time in the market, and this happens! Darn it!

[U5512]

Well, if you like the watch enough and it is a good value, then keep it. It is nice to have the original warranty paper with the matching serial number, but it is not necessary a MUST have thing. I have lots and lots of watches without papers, and not one moment I worry about the resale because I bought them for enjoyment.

[crowncollection]

You know it's authentic that's what matters, over half of my watches have none. Service at rolex next time and get a nice new warranty card with the watch details in it. it's just as good, i think better than old papers, states the watch is tip top and all original now rather than when made years ago, as people change things throughout it life. .

[RolexSA]

I agree with most what has been said on the posts above . Only if he is some kind of "professional" seller , they tend to present the box and papers as a bonus and add a 500 usd premium to the price tag . I understand that the seller offered you a full refund which was the correct thing to do .
Maybe the seller has a considerable stock but doesn't keep it particulary well and for that reason he may have mixed up the documents from an identical watch .
If so he should be able to retreive the correct documents and send them to you and you return the " wrong one "
You may also want to find out which watch has been serviced : the one you have or the one with the serial on the documents . Again service of a Rolex watch has a value .

[MonBK]

Witch watch did you buy = have a receipt for?

The paperwork or the actual watch?

If you bought the "paperwork watch" I would return it.

[Token74]

Thanks for the replies, very much appreciate your time and opinions.

I am currently of a mind to keep the watch following the feedback above, but just want to establish how hard resale may be in the future (although selling it on is unlikely at any point).

I am also going to take it into my local AD and repair centre (only a few miles away) to get them to confirm the authenticity...I am very convinced, but I can't claim to be an expert and this discrepancy has spooked me a little and better to be safe than sorry.

Still, lesson learned for future reference!!

[Token74]

Just had the watch authenticated and checked for accuracy by my local AD who have confirmed that its a great example and represents very good value at the price I paid.

So, keeping the watch and when I get it serviced in the next 5 years I will do it through them and get the new warranty at that point.

And...relax...

Thanks for contribution guys

[77T]

Originally Posted by Token74

So, keeping the watch and when I get it serviced in the next 5 years I will do it through them and get the new warranty at that point.

It is a good idea to have an undocumented Rolex serviced by the RSC when it is time for one. That way you get the RSC paperwork in addition to the warranty. So if you ever do sell, that paperwork may assuage any potential buyer's concerns.