Question re YM, local sale - no papers

[Joey_V]

Hey folks,

Got a question regarding a YM in good condition (minimal scratches). Owner says it was a hand-me-down from his grandpa. He has no papers, no box... but he is willing to meet up at a jeweler to have it authenticated (at my request).

Now, several questions:

1. How do I have the jeweler authenticate the watch and is there a charge? Should I go to my AD? Do jewelers routinely do this service? Is there a charge?
2. What is a good price for a good condition YM if it is truly authentic?
3. What other steps can I undertake? If the jeweler deems it authentic, should I send it to Rolex for an overhaul/service and will they provide me with papers regarding its authenticity?

How much should I pay for the YM?

Thanks,
Joey

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by Joey_V

Hey folks,

Got a question regarding a YM in good condition (minimal scratches). Owner says it was a hand-me-down from his grandpa. He has no papers, no box... but he is willing to meet up at a jeweler to have it authenticated (at my request).

Now, several questions:

1. How do I have the jeweler authenticate the watch and is there a charge? Should I go to my AD? Do jewelers routinely do this service? Is there a charge?
2. What is a good price for a good condition YM if it is truly authentic?
3. What other steps can I undertake? If the jeweler deems it authentic, should I send it to Rolex for an overhaul/service and will they provide me with papers regarding its authenticity?

How much should I pay for the YM?

Thanks,
Joey

I believe the grandpa stuff is bogus.

So check the watch out at a Rolex dealer. And cheak out Ebay to get a hint of the price.

Good luck.

Jocke

[scottschoe]

A jeweler / AD will only check the movement (at a fee, most times). Not 100% accurate overall.

[Welshwatchman]

$5000 would be a reasonable price for a fully authentic 2003 YM Pt with no box/papers.

It may be an idea to have the watch serviced by RSC and pay the chap after it comes back. You pay for the service, of course.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

MSRP of the YM SS/PT (if you refer that that YM model) is US 9,175.

Depending on the condition, I would pay 5 to 5,5 K for it, but I would also have it authenticated BEFORE paying for it. Some AD's don't charge for authenticating a Rolex while others typically charge US $ 75.

The YM should be serviced 5-7 years after its manufacturing year (confer the serial number between the lugs).

[CoopJr]

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

$5000 would be a reasonable price for a fully authentic 2003 YM Pt with no box/papers.

It may be an idea to have the watch serviced by RSC and pay the chap after it comes back. You pay for the service, of course.

Excellent Idea Paul!

[MikeV]

It's always handed down from a grandpa. Having it serviced is a great idea since they take the entire watch apart. Not to sound untrusting but how much effort do AD's put into authenticating a watch, how much experience does the person examining the watch have, and i heard that there are high end fake movements out there. The chances that you get a fake high end movement that gets by an AD inspection is rare, but $500 for peace of mind may be worth it...and you get a completely serviced watch...good call Paul

[DSJ]

Originally Posted by Welshwatchman

$5000 would be a reasonable price for a fully authentic 2003 YM Pt with no box/papers.

It may be an idea to have the watch serviced by RSC and pay the chap after it comes back. You pay for the service, of course.

Perfect idea, and a contract to state this explicitly.