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10 September 2013, 01:36 AM | #1 |
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Will Rolex advise if a watch has been reported stolen?
I have bought more than a couple used Rolex's over the last couple years and have always been a little uneasy about the possibility of the watch being stolen. I have dealt with great people who I did not feel were shady in any way but who knows the watches history before they acquired it.
I know Rolex keeps a data base and my certified watch guy tells me he has to report every Rolex serial number he works on. So that bring me to my question, will Rolex advise an individual if a watch has been reported stolen? How do others on this board avoid the potential purchase of a stolen timepiece? |
10 September 2013, 01:41 AM | #2 |
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I believe dealers can check the lost/stolen register but individuals can no longer do so.
You'll need to find a friendly AD or someone with connections I think... |
10 September 2013, 02:14 AM | #3 |
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I don't think that Rolex will simply field calls from any consumer wanting to research a serial number to see if it is in their stolen watch database. But I do understand that any watch that is sent in for service that has been reported stolen to them will be flagged and the watch not returned until it is sorted out. Perhaps if you have a relationship with an AD, they might be able to find out for you. But keep in mind that just because a watch isn't flagged as stolen in the Rolex Db doesn't mean it's not stolen. It only means it wasn't reported stolen to Rolex. I'd guess most watches fall into this category since I doubt most typical owners are aware that Rolex keeps such a database or that it would even occur to them to notify Rolex when a watch has been stolen. Most people probably just file a police report and an insurance claim.
As far as how I avoid buying a stolen watch, it's pretty simple. I only deal with sellers I have trust in.
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10 September 2013, 03:28 AM | #4 | |
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Quote:
Unfortunately I dont have any AD connections. I agree only a limited number of stolen pieces are reported to Rolex. |
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10 September 2013, 03:42 AM | #5 | |
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I reported it stolen to Rolex and I am hoping someday it shows up.
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10 September 2013, 03:44 AM | #6 | |
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Quote:
However, I agree that even a reputable seller can't always know the history of a watch. But that's exactly why a trusted seller is so important. If it turns out they sold you a stolen watch they will step up and make it right.
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10 September 2013, 04:31 AM | #7 | |
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Quote:
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