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Longhorn02 · 30 December 2016, 03:56 PM

Is it possible to trace a watch bought from a trusted seller back to the AD?

Let's assume that you don't have the papers stating the purchase date and location.

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hallidc · 31 December 2016, 12:25 AM

Anything is possible. All you can do is try. My local AD accepts trades however they're more inclined to take back watches that were originally purchased from them.

THC · 31 December 2016, 12:26 AM

Why do you need to do this?

Is something amiss with your watch?

OmegaJJH · 31 December 2016, 12:36 AM

If there's a problem that needs to be rectified under warranty any AD can assst.

RichM · 31 December 2016, 12:43 AM

Can the trusted seller help? Can't hurt to ask.

blue16613 · 31 December 2016, 01:52 AM

If there is a good reason why this should occur, the best of the trusted sellers (and their respective ADs) will allow it to happen.

And, when it does occur, it is worth noting because it is another way to sort out the true "trusted" sellers from the rest of the pack.

psv · 31 December 2016, 02:26 AM

You bought a Rolex watch from a trusted seller without documentation and you want to know what AD it originally came from?

Longhorn02 · 31 December 2016, 06:41 AM

I was just curious. I haven't bought one from a trusted seller yet, but I was curious if I would be able to know which AD it came from after purchase.

I'm assuming you'll know if you buy a BNIB from a trusted seller since they can get you the warranty card with your name on it.

ButI was wondering if it would be possible after buying a Pre-Owned piece from a trusted seller without the warranty card.

Trusted sellers aren't against releasing that info are they? It wouldn't jeopardize any relationship with ADs that they have, is that correct?

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SMD · 31 December 2016, 06:46 AM

If it is a pre-owned watch without paperwork, how would a seller know where it came from? Many are traded or acquired from people who are not the original owners. If you want to know where it originated, make sure it has the paperwork.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn02

I was just curious. I haven't bought one from a trusted seller yet, but I was curious if I would be able to know which AD it came from after purchase.

I'm assuming you'll know if you buy a BNIB from a trusted seller since they can get you the warranty card with your name on it.

ButI was wondering if it would be possible after buying a Pre-Owned piece from a trusted seller without the warranty card.

Trusted sellers aren't against releasing that info are they? It wouldn't jeopardize any relationship with ADs that they have, is that correct?

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gregmoeck · 31 December 2016, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn02

I was just curious. I haven't bought one from a trusted seller yet, but I was curious if I would be able to know which AD it came from after purchase.

I'm assuming you'll know if you buy a BNIB from a trusted seller since they can get you the warranty card with your name on it.

ButI was wondering if it would be possible after buying a Pre-Owned piece from a trusted seller without the warranty card.

Trusted sellers aren't against releasing that info are they? It wouldn't jeopardize any relationship with ADs that they have, is that correct?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's on the card....

RichM · 31 December 2016, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregmoeck

It's on the card....

He said buying without the card. So what you're asking is to trace the watch back to the original AD using only the watch itself (serial number). I would have to say no. The only one who would know would be Rolex themselves. My guess would be they'd know, but they ain't sayin'.

armen34 · 31 December 2016, 07:31 AM

just buy one with a warranty card.

T. Ferguson · 31 December 2016, 07:38 AM

The answer is probably not, unless the TS just happened to know himself where the watch was originally sold. It's not like it's a big secret but without the warranty card the TS likely doesn't know nor cared where it was originally sold when he took the watch in. If it' a DD and the day wheel is not in English then it probably didn't come from the USA.

Only Rolex would know by the serial number which AD received the watch and it is very doubtful they would share this information.

Longhorn02 · 31 December 2016, 09:53 AM

Thanks for the info everyone!

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Hodog16 · 31 December 2016, 01:48 PM

My AD at one time hinted that if he had the serial number, he could find out from somewhere (I assume Rolex corporate or the regional representative) which AD the watch was originally sold to. I assume it's possible because if I were Rolex I would keep that information in a database somewhere, but getting ahold of somebody who can get you the data is the question.

cwieb · 31 December 2016, 02:21 PM

I have been informed that the serial number can be traced back to the AD it was issued to from Rolex. Maybe someone can validate this....

Bobby Bushcraft · 31 December 2016, 02:47 PM

This is correct. When the watches leave SA the serial numbers are already known to which AD they are allocated. Keep in mind for the U.S. as an example - watches bound to Rolex USA in New York are then distributed to the predetermined AD in the different States. Some ADs have a home or corporate office which then distributes the watches to their chain of stores. When you search for a serial number it will always come back to the authorized dealers "home office" originally allocated by Rolex SA even though you bought the watch at one of their AD stores in another state which they do business. I hope this made sense.

The GMT Master · 31 December 2016, 08:50 PM

Rolex for sure know where each individual watch was originally sent, they're meticulous record keepers. However, they don't divulge that information to the public, so if the original warranty card has been lost, then you won't be able to find out which AD it was originally sold by.

Chris

Dr.Brian · 31 December 2016, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn02

I was wondering if it would be possible after buying a Pre-Owned piece from a trusted seller without the warranty card.

Trusted sellers aren't against releasing that info are they? It wouldn't jeopardize any relationship with ADs that they have, is that correct?

Professional resellers of pre owned watches probably don't want you to know where they source their merchandise. What's stopping you from trying to start your own preowned watch store? Though that's really a separate question than what's the origin of the watch. If a pre owned watch doesn't come with paperwork, they wouldn't know any more than you.

MonBK · 31 December 2016, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwieb

I have been informed that the serial number can be traced back to the AD it was issued to from Rolex. Maybe someone can validate this....

Yes, I can validate this.

Sweetswisssteel · 31 December 2016, 09:58 PM

+1

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RichardF · 31 December 2016, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwieb

I have been informed that the serial number can be traced back to the AD it was issued to from Rolex. Maybe someone can validate this....

I recently asked the RSC in NY about that and they would not provide any information based on the origin of the serial number. Omega will. I had a 1976 vintage Speed master moon watch and Omega gave me the full history of the watch.

psv · 1 January 2017, 07:28 AM

Bottomline: you cannot have the cake an eat it. If you want to pay less and buy a watch without an original warranty, then forget about tracking down what AD it was bought from.

If you are concerned about this, my advise would be to buy a LNIB from a trusted seller with warranty card from (preferable US) AD, which is new enough to still be under the new 5 year warranty. The extra money you are spending is well worth money IMO.

Chewbacca · 1 January 2017, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn02

Is it possible to trace a watch bought from a trusted seller back to the AD?

Let's assume that you don't have the papers stating the purchase date and location.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

not really unless there's a AD stamp or ser# record but...

and even if it could, it would effectively cause a sh*t storm of issues for AD's and buyers.

watches can come from a bulk sale or country importer or even gray dealers, and not a single AD.

TS' get their watches from many sources and not all are from Rolex USA.

30 December 2016, 03:56 PM	#1
Longhorn02 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: TX Watch: 116710LN Posts: 67	Tracing a Rolex back to the AD Is it possible to trace a watch bought from a trusted seller back to the AD? Let's assume that you don't have the papers stating the purchase date and location. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

31 December 2016, 12:43 AM	#5
RichM 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Real Name: Richie Location: "Nowhere Man" Watch: out now,take care! Posts: 29,457	Can the trusted seller help? Can't hurt to ask. __________________ "I love to work at nothing all day" TRF #139960

31 December 2016, 07:38 AM	#13
T. Ferguson "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Left Coast Posts: 7,025	The answer is probably not, unless the TS just happened to know himself where the watch was originally sold. It's not like it's a big secret but without the warranty card the TS likely doesn't know nor cared where it was originally sold when he took the watch in. If it' a DD and the day wheel is not in English then it probably didn't come from the USA. Only Rolex would know by the serial number which AD received the watch and it is very doubtful they would share this information. __________________ *Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.*

31 December 2016, 12:25 AM	#2
hallidc "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Canada Watch: GMTII / DaytonaC Posts: 252	Anything is possible. All you can do is try. My local AD accepts trades however they're more inclined to take back watches that were originally purchased from them.

31 December 2016, 12:26 AM	#3
THC 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Real Name: Tom Location: Mandeville La Watch: 126333 Posts: 10,652	Why do you need to do this? Is something amiss with your watch?

31 December 2016, 12:36 AM	#4
OmegaJJH "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2013 Real Name: James Location: UK Watch: Rolex & Omega Posts: 6,668	If there's a problem that needs to be rectified under warranty any AD can assst.

31 December 2016, 01:52 AM	#6
blue16613 Banned Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Chicago Posts: 554	If there is a good reason why this should occur, the best of the trusted sellers (and their respective ADs) will allow it to happen. And, when it does occur, it is worth noting because it is another way to sort out the true "trusted" sellers from the rest of the pack.

31 December 2016, 02:26 AM	#7
psv 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: USA & France Posts: 11,078	You bought a Rolex watch from a trusted seller without documentation and you want to know what AD it originally came from?

31 December 2016, 06:41 AM	#8
Longhorn02 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: TX Watch: 116710LN Posts: 67	I was just curious. I haven't bought one from a trusted seller yet, but I was curious if I would be able to know which AD it came from after purchase. I'm assuming you'll know if you buy a BNIB from a trusted seller since they can get you the warranty card with your name on it. ButI was wondering if it would be possible after buying a Pre-Owned piece from a trusted seller without the warranty card. Trusted sellers aren't against releasing that info are they? It wouldn't jeopardize any relationship with ADs that they have, is that correct? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

31 December 2016, 07:31 AM	#12
armen34 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: OC Posts: 1,466	just buy one with a warranty card.

31 December 2016, 09:53 AM	#14
Longhorn02 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: TX Watch: 116710LN Posts: 67	Thanks for the info everyone! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

31 December 2016, 01:48 PM	#15
Hodog16 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: NC Watch: RG Olive DD40 Posts: 1,789	My AD at one time hinted that if he had the serial number, he could find out from somewhere (I assume Rolex corporate or the regional representative) which AD the watch was originally sold to. I assume it's possible because if I were Rolex I would keep that information in a database somewhere, but getting ahold of somebody who can get you the data is the question.

31 December 2016, 02:21 PM	#16
cwieb "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: U.S. Posts: 2,702	I have been informed that the serial number can be traced back to the AD it was issued to from Rolex. Maybe someone can validate this....

31 December 2016, 02:47 PM	#17
Bobby Bushcraft "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Real Name: Bobby Location: Phoenix Area Watch: Sea Dweller SD4K Posts: 174	This is correct. When the watches leave SA the serial numbers are already known to which AD they are allocated. Keep in mind for the U.S. as an example - watches bound to Rolex USA in New York are then distributed to the predetermined AD in the different States. Some ADs have a home or corporate office which then distributes the watches to their chain of stores. When you search for a serial number it will always come back to the authorized dealers "home office" originally allocated by Rolex SA even though you bought the watch at one of their AD stores in another state which they do business. I hope this made sense.

31 December 2016, 08:50 PM	#18
The GMT Master "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Chris Location: England Posts: 8,149	Rolex for sure know where each individual watch was originally sent, they're meticulous record keepers. However, they don't divulge that information to the public, so if the original warranty card has been lost, then you won't be able to find out which AD it was originally sold by. Chris

31 December 2016, 09:58 PM	#21
Sweetswisssteel "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Brisbane Watch: 126618LB Posts: 588	+1 Sent from my HTC_0P6B using Tapatalk

1 January 2017, 07:28 AM	#23
psv 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: USA & France Posts: 11,078	Bottomline: you cannot have the cake an eat it. If you want to pay less and buy a watch without an original warranty, then forget about tracking down what AD it was bought from. If you are concerned about this, my advise would be to buy a LNIB from a trusted seller with warranty card from (preferable US) AD, which is new enough to still be under the new 5 year warranty. The extra money you are spending is well worth money IMO.

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