Question re buying w/o b&p on specific models..

[116710er]

So I have a question regarding buying certain models without box and paper. Specifically, the Kermit and 16710 Pepsi. As we know, both can be easily "faked". A 16610 with a real or aftermarket green bezel is easy to do as is a 16710 Coke or LN with a Pepsi bezel. Other than having Rolex look up the serial during a service or something to that effect, how else would you know that it's a legitimate "born as" Kermit or Pepsi?

I see several no B&P Kermits and Pepsi for sale here. I've also see a Pepsi for sale where it actually had the papers and it was marked R16710N30 (which means it's a all black GMT) and the seller was selling it as a Pepsi. When quizzed, they feigned ignorance and said that's how they bought it and didn't question it.

I mean what's stopping someone from buying a correct era, run-of-the-mill no b&p 16610 for $5-6K, buying a Kermit bezel and then selling for $10K? When/if the buyer finds out, just say "oh that's I got it, I didn't ask questions."?

I know with the Kermit you can kinda do some research by look the dial vs. bezel style and see if it matches one of the existing known configurations, but that's not always 100% and the seller could also be using that a reference for their "build".

I suspect that one of the answers is: "There's a sucker born every minute."

[beshannon]

How would papers help in this case?

How would you know that the papers were not fake as well?

Buy the seller, first and only rule.

[116710er]

Originally Posted by beshannon

How would papers help in this case?
How would you know that the papers were not fake as well?
Buy the seller, first and only rule.

That's true but the seller might be legit and when they bought it, they thought it was a Kermit or Pepsi. With papers, at least there's one extra point of provenance. Yes, it can be faked but I have yet to see a good fake. Putting a real Pepsi bezel on a real 16710 isn't difficult, getting very legitimate looking papers takes a bit more work and resources.