True 16610LV or modified LN...how do you tell.

[Casio]

I am looking to trade my NOS stickered 16610LN for a 16610LV. I was thinking, how do I know that the watch that I get is a true LV, and not a modified LN. As far as I know, there are no markings indicating a true LV. I mean, for less than $1000, I could buy new hands, maxi dial and insert (real Rolex items) and change my LN to LV. This is one area that even trusted sellers on TRF would not be able to tell.

Suggestions?

[Cc1966]

"Buy the seller"...

[slomo]

I'm guessing the warranty card will indicate the model?

[Casio]

Slomo: No, I had one before from an AD and it there was no indication about LV or LN. It was a true LV because it came from AD.

Also, buying the seller...the problem is that there isn't an easy way to tell unless there are some inconsistencies. For example mk1 dial on a m serial. Other then that, wouldn't they be in the dark as well? Unless of course they were the original buyers.

[Darlinboy]

Originally Posted by Casio

new hands, maxi dial and insert (real Rolex items) and change my LN to LV.

That's essentially what Rolex did, and it worked pretty well for them, so I guess some unscrupulous seller could try it in the pre-loved market.

Seems like a lot of time, effort, and expense though, for a $$ premium that might not even cover the cost.

Buy the seller and sleep well at night.

[Casio]

Originally Posted by Darlinboy

That's essentially what Rolex did, and it worked pretty well for them, so I guess some unscrupulous seller could try it in the pre-loved market.

Seems like a lot of time, effort, and expense though, for a $$ premium that might not even cover the cost.

Buy the seller and sleep well at night.

The expense would be minimal...

Hands $250
Dial $850
Insert $300

Total: $1400

Sell LN dial, hands insert $1000

Net cost $400


With conversion price that low and the premium -$2000, I am sure there are modified LNs in the wild.

[kokota]

Originally Posted by Casio

I was thinking, how do I know that the watch that I get is a true LV, and not a modified LN.

Only with matching warranty paper/card and green hang tag indicating the correct reference number and of course matching serial number.

[bondtoys]

The warranty certificate identifies a LV

[LA_LEC]

See...pays to keep that paperwork doesn't it...especially if there is ever the possibility of selling a watch (and there is always that possibility).

[Darlinboy]

Originally Posted by Casio

The expense would be minimal...

Hands $250
Dial $850
Insert $300

Total: $1400

Sell LN dial, hands insert $1000

Net cost $400


With conversion price that low and the premium -$2000, I am sure there are modified LNs in the wild.

That's true, I wasn't considering the sale of the old parts, although you may be a bit low on your replacement estimates.

[dcash0615]

The only true way to ensure you are getting an LV is to verify the serial # on the case against the serial # on the warranty paperwork. Then verify the style number on the paperwork. The style # for an LV will read: R16610V30B9325

The style # on an LN will read: R16610A30B9335

The difference in the style # is the letter after the 16610.
V= LV
A= LN

[padi56]

Originally Posted by bondtoys

The warranty certificate identifies a LV

And today these items are the easiest to fake papers and bits of plastic do not always prove authenticity of any watch.

[bondtoys]

The only faked certificates that I have seen came with fake watches.

But i agree, nothing is 100% bulletproof today, but a certificate together with the corresponding tag are good indicators - when in doubt go to a RSC and ask for a bezel insert replacement.

If they offer you the green one, the databese cleared it to be a LV

[Zoran]

Originally Posted by bondtoys

when in doubt go to a RSC and ask for a bezel insert replacement.

If they offer you the green one, the databese cleared it to be a LV