Rolex Watches - Proving Genuine..?

[MRL Gosling]

Hi All,

I'm thinking of purchasing a Rolex watch in Asia and was wondering if there are any tips on how to prove its genuine. I've heard they can remove the back to show working parts but is that the only fool proof way of confirmation..? Obviously I'm not a watch dealer, so don't have the skills of someone who is fully in the know, but at the same time I don't really want to be a scam victim either.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

M.

[beshannon]

Buy it from someone selling a real Rolex watch.

Not trying to be smart, but if you are unsure of who is selling the watch then walk away.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by MRL Gosling

I'm thinking of purchasing a Rolex watch in Asia and was wondering if there are any tips on how to prove its genuine.

Buy it from a legitimate watch/jewelry store and not from some back alley.

[Tyoung21]

If possible, meet the seller at a watch shop with a good reputation and have them authenticate and appraise it on the spot. This is what I did and will do again with my next purchase. It was $80 US for authentication and appraisal for insurance purposes.

[tkerrmd]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Buy it from someone selling a real Rolex watch.

Not trying to be smart, but if you are unsure of who is selling the watch then walk away.

this really is the only right answer, buy from a reputible seller of Rolex watches. if you are questioning the person or place you are buying from well then dont buy from there

[Gaijin]

Where in Asia if you don't mind me asking and then maybe one of us could steer you to a good. safe and reasonable place.

[Nycturbovr6]

Why not just buy from a reputable trf seller..

[joefef]

Dear All I am Joefef, nice to know you guys.
I would like know if the Rolex 16520P have the 6 upside down and last written have space (5 line), but 400 224 out side

[HL65]

I never have same question when I buy from my AD.

Eliminate worry and deal with 100% legitimate source!

[MortgageGuy]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Buy it from someone selling a real Rolex watch.

Not trying to be smart, but if you are unsure of who is selling the watch then walk away.

That's the best advice period

[MRL Gosling]

Originally Posted by Gaijin

Where in Asia if you don't mind me asking and then maybe one of us could steer you to a good. safe and reasonable place.

Hi, and thanks for reply. I will be in Singapore and Malaysia and I'm thinking prices will probably be lower in Malaysia...?

Thanks.

[77T]

If your quest is to have a remembrance of your trip East, then stick to the ADs there. You are not prepared to deal with any other source IMHO.

If you solely want to get a great deal, then compare what you see at ADs there vs. the same you can get here from a trusted seller. Then you'll be better prepared to strike a deal or wait until you get back.

[77T]

Originally Posted by joefef

Dear All I am Joefef, nice to know you guys.

I would like know if the Rolex 16520P have the 6 upside down and last written have space (5 line), but 400 224 out side

Welcome but try to avoid hijacking someone else's thread for your own purposes.

[Kadhytia]

Price is very important never buy anything that is too good to be true. I say buy in Singapore the stores are more reliable but does not mean you are 100% free of scam. I say Singapore because you can get the 5.5% Tax Refund. If you want to get the real AD experience go to the Rolex Boutique in Orchard Road or you can stop by Any Hour Glass store chains. Some tips to consider: the serial number matches the Warranty/Certificate, if apllicable match the reciept for the model (important for the tax refund), and most importantly BUY THE SELLER. Enjoy your trip

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by Tyoung21

If possible, meet the seller at a watch shop with a good reputation and have them authenticate and appraise it on the spot. This is what I did and will do again with my next purchase. It was $80 US for authentication and appraisal for insurance purposes.

This way if there is a problem with the watch you walk away and stick the would-be seller with the jewelry store bill for trying to screw you...

[Old Expat Beast]

Let me know if you make a side trip to Hong Kong. More choice and lower prices here.

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Let me know if you make a side trip to Hong Kong. More choice and lower prices here.

Same here if you make it to Japan. Prices here are good overall and the Yen has weakened a bit.

[kryten2001]

Originally Posted by MRL Gosling

Hi, and thanks for reply. I will be in Singapore and Malaysia and I'm thinking prices will probably be lower in Malaysia...?

Thanks.

You will be a lot safer buying in Singapore as opposed to most of Asia (HK and Malaysia in particular), but you still need to be careful.

The best way is to buy off one of the larger second hand stores, and you will need to assume you will have to authenticate it yourself. Don't expect to be able to take it into an AD for authentication, as neither the seller nor the AD will entertain the idea.

The only safe way is to know what you're looking for and authenticate it yourself. Most of the larger second hand stores have their own in-house watchmakers who will probably be happy to remove the caseback for you (which is the only real sure fire way). Check serials and only buy complete boxed sets for additional safety.

Asia is known for "frankenwatches", so unless you know what you're looking for, it's very possible you'll get a watch with a genuine movement but with after market dials, hands etc. Be super careful of that.

Singapore is a watch buyers paradise, just so long as you're careful. Fortunately they are a lot more honest than the rest of Asia, so if you're going to buy anywhere - both Singapore an Japan are good choices.

I would still consider a trusted seller first though.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by kryten2001

You will be a lot safer buying in Singapore as opposed to most of Asia (HK and Malaysia in particular), but you still need to be careful.

The best way is to buy off one of the larger second hand stores, and you will need to assume you will have to authenticate it yourself. Don't expect to be able to take it into an AD for authentication, as neither the seller nor the AD will entertain the idea.

The only safe way is to know what you're looking for and authenticate it yourself. Most of the larger second hand stores have their own in-house watchmakers who will probably be happy to remove the caseback for you (which is the only real sure fire way). Check serials and only buy complete boxed sets for additional safety.

Asia is known for "frankenwatches", so unless you know what you're looking for, it's very possible you'll get a watch with a genuine movement but with after market dials, hands etc. Be super careful of that.

Singapore is a watch buyers paradise, just so long as you're careful. Fortunately they are a lot more honest than the rest of Asia, so if you're going to buy anywhere - both Singapore an Japan are good choices.

I would still consider a trusted seller first though.

Why do you think Hong Kong is unsafe for Rolex? Buyers come here from all over the world, and HK is full of highly reputable dealers, both vintage and grey.

[kryten2001]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Why do you think Hong Kong is unsafe for Rolex? Buyers come here from all over the world, and HK is full of highly reputable dealers, both vintage and grey.

Just my personal experience. I saw a lot of "genuine" watches there with non genuine aftermarket parts, plus a few sellers tried to hustle me on a number of occasions.

I'm not saying there's not good people there, all I'm saying is you need to keep your guard up. Certainly no problem with the AD's, but I would be a bit more careful in the second hand places.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by kryten2001

Just my personal experience. I saw a lot of "genuine" watches there with non genuine aftermarket parts, plus a few sellers tried to hustle me on a number of occasions.

I'm not saying there's not good people there, all I'm saying is you need to keep your guard up. Certainly no problem with the AD's, but I would be a bit more careful in the second hand places.

There are some good recommendations from Australian buyers here, if you ever come back:

http://www.deskdivers.com/Site/ShopsHK.html

http://thesydneytarts.blogspot.hk/20...hong-kong.html

[kryten2001]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

There are some good recommendations from Australian buyers here, if you ever come back:

http://www.deskdivers.com/Site/ShopsHK.html

http://thesydneytarts.blogspot.hk/20...hong-kong.html

Oddly enough I'll be back up there in October. I'll make a point to take another look around.

I might have just had a bad run of luck, or maybe the locals took me for an uneducated tourist as opposed to the connoisseur that I am!..

[padi56]

Originally Posted by MRL Gosling

Hi All,

I'm thinking of purchasing a Rolex watch in Asia and was wondering if there are any tips on how to prove its genuine. I've heard they can remove the back to show working parts but is that the only fool proof way of confirmation..? Obviously I'm not a watch dealer, so don't have the skills of someone who is fully in the know, but at the same time I don't really want to be a scam victim either.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

M.

If not buying from say a official AD then rule 1 buy the seller then the watch.And buying a watch is Asia is the same as buying a watch anywhere in the world buy from a reliable source.And today Asia is one of Rolex biggest retail markets,if not 100% sure best to buy from official AD or trusted bricks and mortar stores.

[style88]

Originally Posted by MRL Gosling

Hi All,

I'm thinking of purchasing a Rolex watch in Asia and was wondering if there are any tips on how to prove its genuine. I've heard they can remove the back to show working parts but is that the only fool proof way of confirmation..? Obviously I'm not a watch dealer, so don't have the skills of someone who is fully in the know, but at the same time I don't really want to be a scam victim either.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

M.

I would agree with most forumers here and that is to buy from the AD or from well established second hand shops. If you need good 2nd hand shops in Singapore, PM me.

Having said above, if you somehow must authenticate it yourself without being intrusive to the watch, I would suggest the followings. They are not 100% fail proof, but it is better than knowing nothing

1) Make sure the engrave serial number is the same as on the warranty card. Get a magnifying glass if you need to read it properly.

2) Know the number of full links on each side beforehand. If the "new watch" has different number of links, walk away.

3) Know the weight of the watch with full links beforehand. Check for that.

Still, buying from a AD is much better bet

[drfaulkner]

The Rolex Boutique (Emperor Wtaches) in the Hilton on Orchard Road gives a good discount and excellent service.

[Jay Mac]

I went back and forth between sellers on and off line but was always a little nervous about buying one from a private seller. I finally just went to a reputable dealer who has been in biz for 40 years plus. He went through the watch top to bottom and sold it to me with a 5 year warranty and a written apprasal. I left his shop confident I was wearing the watch I had been wanting for years...no lost sleep. I will say though buying from a reputable seller from this forum would be an option knowing what I know now...good luck.

[Maria_H]

Originally Posted by MRL Gosling

Hi, and thanks for reply. I will be in Singapore and Malaysia and I'm thinking prices will probably be lower in Malaysia...?

Thanks.

The Swiss Watch Store in Pavilion (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) - ground floor from memory - is quite good.
It's an AD - i bought one of my watches there… one of the IWCs; very happy with the customer service.

[Maria_H]

Originally Posted by MRL Gosling

Hi, and thanks for reply. I will be in Singapore and Malaysia and I'm thinking prices will probably be lower in Malaysia...?

Thanks.

The Swiss Watch Store in Pavilion (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) - ground floor from memory - is quite good.
It's an AD - i bought one of my watches there… one of the IWCs; very happy with the customer service.

[MRL Gosling]

Hi all,

Many thanks for good advices and your experiences.

[nickb732]

For Malaysian grey, you can check out
Wing Wah http://www.wingwahwatch.com/
Hang Thai http://www.hangthaiwatch.com/public/

Hang Thai is family run, have dealt with them before with good results. Wing Wah I'm not so sure. They import from EU AD's. Hang Thai gave us some decent discounts some SS sports models.