The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Vintage Rolex Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10 September 2013, 01:36 AM   #1
JustinK
2024 Pledge Member
 
JustinK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Real Name: Justin
Location: Jupiter, FL
Watch: 1530,1665,1680
Posts: 2,064
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?

JustinK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2013, 01:41 AM   #2
Guitarfan
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 227
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...
Guitarfan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2013, 02:14 AM   #3
T. Ferguson
"TRF" Member
 
T. Ferguson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 7,025
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.
__________________
Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.
T. Ferguson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2013, 03:28 AM   #4
JustinK
2024 Pledge Member
 
JustinK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Real Name: Justin
Location: Jupiter, FL
Watch: 1530,1665,1680
Posts: 2,064
Quote:
Originally Posted by T. Ferguson View Post
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.
I agree a reputable seller is ideal but how do our reputable sellers determine if a watch was stolen? Reputable sellers can't possibly know the history of a timepiece that has changed hands multiple times over 40+ years. Purchases from an original owner with papers has to be a very small percentage of the watches sellers deal in.

Unfortunately I dont have any AD connections. I agree only a limited number of stolen pieces are reported to Rolex.

JustinK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2013, 03:42 AM   #5
RolexPete
"TRF" Member
 
RolexPete's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Real Name: Peter
Location: Massachusetts
Watch: 214270 Mk2
Posts: 1,963
Quote:
Originally Posted by T. Ferguson View Post
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.
I sent a Rolex to Rolex NY for service via USPS and it was stolen at the post office. I agree with using trusted sellers.

I reported it stolen to Rolex and I am hoping someday it shows up.
__________________

2016 Explorer 214270 Mk2 - 1996 Submariner 14060* - 1972 Datejust 1601
1972 Oyster Perpetual 1002 - 1978 Oysterquartz 17000
Omega Seamaster 2265.80 - Omega Seamaster 300 166.0324
*RIP PAL 1942-2015
RolexPete is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2013, 03:44 AM   #6
T. Ferguson
"TRF" Member
 
T. Ferguson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 7,025
Quote:
Originally Posted by JustinK View Post
I agree a reputable seller is ideal but how do our reputable sellers determine if a watch was stolen? Reputable sellers can't possibly know the history of a timepiece that has changed hands multiple times over 40+ years. Purchases from an original owner with papers has to be a very small percentage of the watches sellers deal in.

Unfortunately I dont have any AD connections. I agree only a limited number of stolen pieces are reported to Rolex.

Obviously with new watches they have pretty clear title because they are bought directly from an AD. With used watches, if the watch has RSC service papers in the name of whoever they bought the watch from, that is an indication that title is good (as far as Rolex is concerned), since the watch was serviced and returned to the owner by Rolex.

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.
__________________
Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.
T. Ferguson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 September 2013, 04:31 AM   #7
JustinK
2024 Pledge Member
 
JustinK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Real Name: Justin
Location: Jupiter, FL
Watch: 1530,1665,1680
Posts: 2,064
Quote:
Originally Posted by RolexPete View Post
I sent a Rolex to Rolex NY for service via USPS and it was stolen at the post office. I agree with using trusted sellers.

I reported it stolen to Rolex and I am hoping someday it shows up.
Did you get your money from the USPS? Last time I sent something to RNY they made me insure it for 10K.

JustinK is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Wrist Aficionado

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches

Asset Appeal


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.