16613t 2004 (F) with no laser etched crown…paranoia or lack of knowledge…you decide!!

[TheMiniMan]

Hi everyone,

First time poster (gulp) but long time reader and this forum is just fantastic

I’ve just bought a black/gold 16613t (F serial) 2004 Sub and i’m loving it!
However, it’s my first watch with no box/papers/service history 🧐. I bought it from Platform jewellers in Hatton Garden who seem well regarded enough and they provided me with a watch register check etc etc.

Naturally my mind turns to authenticity…

My local watchmaker has inspected it for me very briefly and says all looks well and my local AD kindly had a quick look over it and whilst they (obviously) recommended it gets sent to RSC they said there doesnt seem to be anything to worry about.

My next port of call is for my local watchmaker to take the back off and see if it’s legit inside, i shall keep you posted!

My question (finally!) to you lovely folk is about the laser etched crown on the sapphire - it’s not there, i’m sure of it. I have a Datejust which i can see the crown by using my phone torch so im confident i know what to look for…

There seems to be a lot of ambiguity as to exactly when various models started to get the etching treatment and annoyingly 2004 seems to be in a shade of grey! My model doesnt have the engraved rehaut and i’m happy with that but can anyone shed any light on whether they’d expect my sapphire to be etched or can i rest easy knowing it quite feasibly could just be too early for it!

The end, i promise!

Thanks all

Pete

[thesharkfactor]

F serial 16613 crystal would have an etching. However, they get used, chipped and replaced. No big deal. Show me some good clear pictures of your watch and I'll tell you if the watch in the pictures appears to be genuine or not.

[TheMiniMan]

You’re a gentleman.

See attached photos, not sure if the forum has allowed great resolution though….not sure my photography skills are up to much either!!

🍿

[TheMiniMan]

Maybe a marginally better pic of the dial…

[TheMiniMan]

And another with the hands at a better postion!

[thesharkfactor]

I don’t see any red flags.

[TheMiniMan]

Thanks mate, appreciate your time and peace of mind!

[reyvis]

What is the code on the inside of the bracelet eg bh2

[reyvis]

A bit more info please. Are the bezel numbers and markers silver or gold? The T on the end of the serial is fine. The flat S of submariner on the dial is fine. Should have a lazer crown. Try the angled smart phone light shone at an angle.

[TheMiniMan]

Originally Posted by reyvis

A bit more info please. Are the bezel numbers and markers silver or gold? The T on the end of the serial is fine. The flat S of submariner on the dial is fine. Should have a lazer crown. Try the angled smart phone light shone at an angle.

So i’m 99% sure there’s no laser etched crown, tried the phone light etc.

The bracelet has a ref of ‘93253’ and i can see two letters ‘AD’ followed by a number that’s tricky to read but i’m guessing it’s ‘AD9’.

As for the bezel numbers/markers…i’m guessing theyre silver. They certainly look silver compared to the yellow gold outer. If they are gold then it’s very much a faded lighter shade of gold!

Thanks so much for taking the time to help me!

Pete

[TheMiniMan]

So, the only numbers i can see on the inside of the clasp are 93253 and ‘AD9’ along with Swiss Made and Steelinox. How does that sound?

The bezel numbers and markers really i feel are silver in colour but in certain lights this could be a faded gold.

There’s 99% no laser etched crown on the sapphire, i’ve done the phone light trick.

The crown(winder) has 3 dots under the crown logo, i was under the impression that this was ok for the era but various sources seem to offer contrasting advice!

Any advice on the above?! Any more info needed?!

Thanks so much for taking the time to assist me here, it’s much appreciated and i’m well aware it’s a tiresome topic in this community, sadly!

I’m tempted to contact Platform Jewellers in Hatton Garden where i made the purchase. They seem fairly reputable and were v helpful, i just wonder what kind of due diligence they carry out on their buy ins.

Cheers

Pete

[reyvis]

Hi. AD9 bracelet is 2003 September. Bezel should be gold colour markers I believe . Mine has never fade! My blue face date window is also off white deliberately by Rolex. Mine is in for a service so cannot confirm, but I believe the crown does not have dots. No laser coronet is IMO not so good. But it could have had some restoration or changes. I personally
would be rather unhappy at this stage. All my comments are IMO and it may be completely legit.

[reyvis]

Just checked the crown online and three dots is fine. The bezel should be gold markers. 93253 is fine. The AD number should not be not be tricky to read at all but clearly stamped.

[jgottsman11]

Have any photos of the crown on the clasp?

[TheMiniMan]

All good info thanks gents. Seems there are a few concerns but all loosely checks out ‘if’ the watch has had some work over the years, new sapphire and bezel maybe 🤔

See attached pic of inside the clasp

Would you recommend i contact the dealer i had it from at this stage?

Cheers

[TheMiniMan]

Clasp crown as requested 👍🏽