Advice on how to avoid buying a fake Rolex

[Legion2]

Hello,
Can forum members please provide a little advice on sensible questions to ask a seller when buying a Rolex to reduce the chances of buying a dud!

I've seen a Cellini 4112 watch being sold on eBay by a German company
Michael Brors und Nicole Schneider-Brors
Fürstenwall
Düsseldorf

Their posting appears professional and they have a 100% rating. I've checked their shop exists using google maps. They say they can provide paperwork but there is no box. Are there numbers on the inside/outside of the case I should ask to see pics of?
All advice appreciated

[Formula1President]

There are some great videos online on how to spot a fake. If can't see the watch in person, it might be tough.

[SarahDallasRSC]

Ask the sellers for photos so you can post here including with the case back open to show the movement and inside of the case back. (:

[Cryten]

Is Terry Allison back already?

[Legion2]

Originally Posted by SarahDallasRSC

Ask the sellers for photos so you can post here including with the case back open to show the movement and inside of the case back. (:

Thanks for your input Sarah, I will do as you suggest. The company is based in Germany and I've been on google maps street view to confirm their shop exists. Their advertisement looks professional and their shop looks quite smart, they also say they can supply paperwork and affirm the watch is genuine (but then they would I suppose).

[GLADIATOR]

Originally Posted by sarahdallasrsc

ask the sellers for photos so you can post here including with the case back open to show the movement and inside of the case back. (:

+1

[usrudiver932]

They have trusted and proven resellers on TRF, I'm sure someone can steer u in the right direction.

[Knappo 1307]

Originally Posted by Cryten

Is Terry Allison back already?

I'm feeling the vibe.....

[SarahDallasRSC]

Originally Posted by Legion2

Thanks for your input Sarah, I will do as you suggest. The company is based in Germany and I've been on google maps street view to confirm their shop exists. Their advertisement looks professional and their shop looks quite smart, they also say they can supply paperwork and affirm the watch is genuine (but then they would I suppose).

Let's see what they send you. I worked as part of the support staff at the Rolex Service Center here in Dallas. I might be able to help (:

[Kiaraff]

Originally Posted by Cryten

Is Terry Allison back already?

+¹

[tinygears]

Buy from a trusted seller, AD. Stay away from eBay. Easy.

[Legion2]

Originally Posted by tinygears

Buy from a trusted seller, AD. Stay away from eBay. Easy.

But who are the trusted sellers ? I'm a complete novice and is why I joined the forum to gain a better insight. I'm aware of the dangers of eBay but no matter who is selling the watch my daughter wants there is always a trust issue.

[dysondiver]

do i smell trout ,,,,

buy the seller.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by Legion2

But who are the trusted sellers ? I'm a complete novice and is why I joined the forum to gain a better insight. I'm aware of the dangers of eBay but no matter who is selling the watch my daughter wants there is always a trust issue.

Go to your thread in the vintage section and get her watch from Mike Wood.

[Legion2]

Originally Posted by SarahDallasRSC

Let's see what they send you. I worked as part of the support staff at the Rolex Service Center here in Dallas. I might be able to help (:

Many thanks for the help Sarah, I will have to add you to my Xmas card list:😄
I emailed the seller for the pics last night and hope they work on Saturday otherwise it's likely to be Monday before I get a response. Ive also posted on the "Watchout" forum for any available advice.
Richard

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Legion2

But who are the trusted sellers ? I'm a complete novice and is why I joined the forum to gain a better insight. I'm aware of the dangers of eBay but no matter who is selling the watch my daughter wants there is always a trust issue.

Have you visited an authorized dealer?

[Legion2]

Originally Posted by beshannon

Have you visited an authorized dealer?

Well I visited Goldsmiths in Newcastle, but they only sell new watches, and the modern equivalent is way more than I would like to pay. Wearing a £10K + watch for everyday use is a bit OTT me thinks.

[Legion2]

Had a reply from the seller in Germany ref pics of the inside of the watch.
In short they don't have any but can get them if I'm prepared to wait a few days or possibly a couple of weeks. Their watch guy is not employed by the shop but has serviced it and verified it. They stress that they are a reputable dealer in Düsseldorf of 35 yr standing and guarantee the watch is genuine. They offer a 30 day no questions asked money back service and as I said earlier I've checked their shop exists using google maps street view.
This puts me in a bit of a fix since waiting for pics could loose me the watch ....Bugger!

[Amex4711]

Originally Posted by Legion2

Hello,
Can forum members please provide a little advice on sensible questions to ask a seller when buying a Rolex to reduce the chances of buying a dud!

I've seen a Cellini 4112 watch being sold on eBay by a German company
Michael Brors und Nicole Schneider-Brors
Fürstenwall
Düsseldorf

Their posting appears professional and they have a 100% rating. I've checked their shop exists using google maps. They say they can provide paperwork but there is no box. Are there numbers on the inside/outside of the case I should ask to see pics of?
All advice appreciated

I knew the seller, it's about 50km from my hometown
They are very serious

[Legion2]

Originally Posted by Amex4711

I knew the seller, it's about 50km from my hometown
They are very serious

They do seem to be professional people in my communications with them. I may just take the chance.
Thanks for your help

[Amex4711]

Originally Posted by Legion2

They do seem to be professional people in my communications with them. I may just take the chance.
Thanks for your help

I can also do a call to them and talk to the manager in german, before you buy the watch.

[Legion2]

Originally Posted by Amex4711

I can also do a call to them and talk to the manager in german, before you buy the watch.

Thank you for the offer, that's very kind of you. I think they are a legitimate business. I've checked that their shop exists using Google maps and they do seem genuine. I'm not sure what talking to the manager would add to what I already know. The only additional information I would like to see is pictures of the inside of the watch, but the shop doesn't employ their own watchmaker and I would have to wait until he was available to take the back off the watch. Apparently a special Rolex supplied tool is required to remove the back.
Thanks again anyway

[Amex4711]

Originally Posted by Legion2

Thank you for the offer, that's very kind of you. I think they are a legitimate business. I've checked that their shop exists using Google maps and they do seem genuine. I'm not sure what talking to the manager would add to what I already know. The only additional information I would like to see is pictures of the inside of the watch, but the shop doesn't employ their own watchmaker and I would have to wait until he was available to take the back off the watch. Apparently a special Rolex supplied tool is required to remove the back.
Thanks again anyway

my pleasure