Need Advice: Genuine Rolex w/ aftermarket crown

[financegeek]

Hi all, i am new to this forum. Seeking some advice from you guys.

Bought on the second hand market a circa 2001 made, 2003 purchased 16710 pepsi from the US via Chrono24. Full set, box and papers. Just arrived yesterday. Overall im loving the piece, but I sent it in to a very reputable watchmaker (that does auth service) and according to him, the crown has been replaced and does not look genuine. This is the same case with 1 of the springbars.

Otherwise, this watch is genuine and acceptable condition. The crystal had been replaced but is genuine. My only issue is that it was listed as all-original when it was in fact not. The seller is well-reviewed on both chrono and google, and is actually a servicing shop and appraiser themselves.

Returning the watch is probably not the best solution since import taxes are paid and very tricky to be refunded. Not sure if that’s even possible. Add to that the return shipping costs.

My solution now is to just get those two parts swapped out for originals, and I will pay for that regardless. But I am now asking the seller if they are okay to reimburse that cost. Not sure what they will say.

Am I taking the right approach?

Am I being overly concerned? How big is this issue?

[minute_man]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your acquisition.

The watch has been misrepresented by the seller (even though unintentionally perhaps) if non-geniune parts have been identified. It wouldn't hurt to let them know and perhaps recover some of your losses.
I would also worry what else could be not genuine so I strongly recommend you did a full service at an authorized establishment for peace of mind rather than just replacing these parts.
The crown and spring bars are most likely changed as part of a service anyway.
This is exactly why I never buy pre-owned and even if I did, the watch would have to be through a RSC for a full service. This, of course, effectively rules out online purchases for me.

PS: We love pictures here...

[financegeek]

(Deleted) i double replied, sorry

[jimcameron]

I'd just wear and enjoy the watch. Wait until it needs service to do any switch.

[financegeek]

Originally Posted by jimcameron

I'd just wear and enjoy the watch. Wait until it needs service to do any switch.

Thanks Jim. This is actually what my watchmaker said. For me I think it’s more of a psychological thing. Like just knowing that the crown and 1 springbar was an issue.

[financegeek]

Originally Posted by minute_man

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your acquisition.

The watch has been misrepresented by the seller (even though unintentionally perhaps) if non-geniune parts have been identified. It wouldn't hurt to let them know and perhaps recover some of your losses.
I would also worry what else could be not genuine so I strongly recommend you did a full service at an authorized establishment for peace of mind rather than just replacing these parts.
The crown and spring bars are most likely changed as part of a service anyway.
This is exactly why I never buy pre-owned and even if I did, the watch would have to be through a RSC for a full service. This, of course, effectively rules out online purchases for me.

PS: We love pictures here...

Hmm i typed a response to this but got stuck in moderation for some reason. Typing again:

Thank you so much for the welcome minute man, and for the congratulations. I actually really love this model, and had to have it. Of course buying brand new is not an option for this model.

The check was quite thorough actually - it’s a paid service as well and took more than 30 mins. Caseback was opened, a camera was used and i could see fine details of the inside on a big screen. Was pretty cool actually.

Issue with going to RSC is im not sure how they will react if I point out this issue to them. If they turn me away just for these 2 things, that’s what I dont want. Or do I just wait for them to identify the problem themselves?

[Chris]

Originally Posted by financegeek

Hmm i typed a response to this but got stuck in moderation for some reason. Typing again:

Thank you so much for the welcome minute man, and for the congratulations. I actually really love this model, and had to have it. Of course buying brand new is not an option for this model.

The check was quite thorough actually - it’s a paid service as well and took more than 30 mins. Caseback was opened, a camera was used and i could see fine details of the inside on a big screen. Was pretty cool actually.

Issue with going to RSC is im not sure how they will react if I point out this issue to them. If they turn me away just for these 2 things, that’s what I dont want. Or do I just wait for them to identify the problem themselves?

Welcome to the forum.
If your happy with the watch and everything checks out as you suggest id keep it. Crystals and crowns are considered consummables, if the crown was replaced due to heavy wear how does the rest of watch stand up is it over polished? I have a 6426 with a replaced crown but after 60 years not so surprising. It may well be worth pointing your findings out to the seller, and they may react positively.

[financegeek]

Originally Posted by Chris

Welcome to the forum.
If your happy with the watch and everything checks out as you suggest id keep it. Crystals and crowns are considered consummables, if the crown was replaced due to heavy wear how does the rest of watch stand up is it over polished? I have a 6426 with a replaced crown but after 60 years not so surprising. It may well be worth pointing your findings out to the seller, and they may react positively.

Thank you Chris. I took the decision to send it in to RSC. Have to wait 1-2 weeks to get a quote.

[minute_man]

Originally Posted by financegeek

Thank you Chris. I took the decision to send it in to RSC. Have to wait 1-2 weeks to get a quote.

I think you made the right move! Not only will they address any problems but it will also come back as fresh as possible, with a 2 year service warranty
Well worth the time and the expense imho

[padi56]

Originally Posted by financegeek

Thanks Jim. This is actually what my watchmaker said. For me I think it’s more of a psychological thing. Like just knowing that the crown and 1 springbar was an issue.

Crowns and crown tubes are often replaced at service crown tubes are always replaced,myself would not worry about it. And Rolex dont make there own spring-bars,and its doubtful if Rolex themselves make there own movement/bracelet screws, plus a few things are still out sourced by Rolex. Like mainsprings they are made by Schwab-Feller AG, all movement bearing and cap jewels, watch crystals, spring-bars,out sourced, and a firm called Aiguilles makes all the watch hands for all models.

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum I hope you come to an amicable resolution.

[joli160]

Have it serviced and enjoy wearing it.
A new crown and springbars cost almost nothing, not worth the hassle