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ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
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#1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 11
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Hello everyone- I am delighted to find such an informative forum!
I have a dilemma, My husband bought a Rolex watch in 1988 for $8,000. The jewelry store where it was purchased provided an Insurance Appraisal which included a retail value of $15,500. When I went to a very reputable dealer yesterday, the gentleman told me that the appraisal makes no mention of the serial number and the model number had a "typo" 180388 s/b 18038. Plus upon closer inspection the serial number inside the watch had been scratched off and that I would be unable to sell it. I am absolutely sick over this. The original Jewelry store is still in business (after 35 years in the same town) Does anyone have an opinion on how I can approach this with them? Do you think that they will be interested in making this right? Thank you! |
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#2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 167
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Was it an AD?
Has the watch been serviced or repaired somewhere else at any point? Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk |
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#3 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Real Name: Neil
Location: UK
Watch: ing ships roll in
Posts: 59,357
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I would try them, the store is still in business so should be offering good customer service. If you still want to sell it, you could take it to a Rolex service center and ask them to verify it is genuine, or have a service and refurbishment as well, altho this will cost depending on how much work needs to be done.
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#4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: New York
Posts: 224
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Could you post a picture of the or at least tell us what type of Rolex was purchased. What do you mean when you say the model number was a typo ? Rolex generally didn't make mistakes when marking the model number . Pictures of that would help .
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#5 |
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 215
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Do you have the box & papers?
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#6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 11
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Thank you for the quick responses! The original seller is not an AD, but the fellow that examined it yesterday is. It has never been serviced or repaired. I was told that a Rolex authorized repair person may confiscate it. Any suggestions?
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#7 |
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 2,030
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Pictures here are a must.
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#8 |
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Kingstown
Posts: 58,279
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They can't confiscate it, it's a myth.
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#9 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Real Name: Wayne
Location: California
Watch: Rolex, PAM
Posts: 3,302
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If it has been reported stolen then Rolex may hold it.
Very strange but I don’t see you having much recourse after 30 years. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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#10 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: london
Posts: 6,080
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__________________
@imrootbeer7 |
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#11 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: NL
Watch: Yachtmaster
Posts: 14,594
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I don't think much is wrong with your watch. I doubt that a still existing jewellery store sold a fake watch 30 years ago.
Old appraisal is useless anyway. Don't worry just yet. The serial number is possibly worn away after 30 years of use, that does not mean you can't sell it, happens more often. Perhaps under high magnification it can still be seen. If you still have an invoice or better the original Rolex papers that would be an added bonus. Post some good pictures of the watch, dial and marks on the bracelet clasp. Also try to make a picture between the lugs. You will get an honest answer from the people here. Some members have much more knowledge than any AD salesperson ![]()
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Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711. |
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#12 | |
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Kingstown
Posts: 58,279
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Quote:
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#13 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Real Name: Steve
Location: Shasta
Watch: es..More Watches!
Posts: 2,410
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Quote:
To the OP, if the watch has been worn a lot over 30 years, there's a possibility it just wore off over the years from bracelet rubbing on case. |
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#14 |
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2009
Real Name: Mike
Location: Tampa, Florida
Watch: Pepsi GMT
Posts: 2,926
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#15 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Real Name: Martin
Location: Netherlands
Watch: The Rolex Way
Posts: 1,471
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Doesn't sound as a scam. It was a fair price for a YG DayDate in 1988 and the serial number is probably worn away between the lugs.
Send from my smartphone withTapatalk.
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114060 - 116520 - 126334 |
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#16 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 11
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I do not have the box, I only have the receipt & insurance appraisal. I do not have any actual papers from Rolex. The appraisal reads as follows:
One men’s 18k yellow gold Rolex watch. The watch featured a day-date oyster perpetual chronometer movement, and has the presidential style bracelet. Watch also is equipped with a two carat diamond and 18k gold bezel and gold face set with diamonds at the numbers, and diamond ‘baqquettes’ at the 6 and 9 spots. The watch is model number: 180388. The retail value: $15,500.00 Appraised by: xxxxx And a raised seal stamped on his signature |
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#17 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Brisbane
Watch: DSSD
Posts: 7,990
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To the OP.
So I assume the watch was bought second hand 30 years ago without service history. In reference to the serial number inside the watch allegedly "scratched off". I also assume you are actually referring to the number stamped on the Mid-case which is located between the lugs where the bracelet attaches. To be clear, this is not "inside the watch". It is not uncommon for the numbers to wear off over time due to some play in the end link depending upon usage patterns and maintenance(a regular clean in dish soap will go a long way to clean out the dirt which exacerbates the wear and tear). Especially when the watch is worn a lot. Given the facts as stated. I would seem highly unlikely the jeweller it was originally purchased from would still be in business all these years if they were dodgy. Further, the valuations are worthless all these years on other than to be of little more than curiosity value. It's a myth that Rolex simply confiscates watches at their discretion. But it has happened on rare occasions. You don't say why you are looking into the watch. Is it not running correctly? If it needs repair or servicing after all these years. On balance I would consider taking it to an official Rolex Service Centre for a quote. Alternately and preferably), I would simply go to one of the highly respected independent Rolex repairers on this forum to have it looked at. It will be a very cost effective way forward whilst being a first class job that's comparable to a RSC job. And you still retain absolute control over the exercise if in fear of confiscation by Rolex. It seems as though the second person you went to may be a part of your problem and they've poisoned your mind over this. Enjoy ![]() You have sound options at your disposal. |
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#18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 11
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dont know if post is getting thru w/pics
I do not have the box, I only have the receipt & insurance appraisal. I do not have any actual papers from Rolex. The appraisal reads as follows:
One men’s 18k yellow gold Rolex watch. The watch featured a day-date oyster perpetual chronometer movement, and has the presidential style bracelet. Watch also is equipped with a two carat diamond and 18k gold bezel and gold face set with diamonds at the numbers, and diamond ‘baqquettes’ at the 6 and 9 spots. The watch is model number: 180388. The retail value: $15,500.00 Appraised by: xxxxx And a raised seal stamped on his signature |
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#19 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Brisbane
Watch: DSSD
Posts: 7,990
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Correct.
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#20 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Chicago
Watch: Daytona
Posts: 5,488
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Quote:
![]() I remember being pretty frustrated with posts being monitored and approved when I started, but it is for the safety of the community. So scammers have a harder time joining and pulling off a scam right away. At least that is what I assume. ![]()
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#21 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 11
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Ia
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#22 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 11
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Getting thru! making some headway... Thank you everyone!
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#23 |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Bethesda
Watch: Apple TV
Posts: 5,744
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i think it is not an 18038, maybe an 1803. very possible the serial has worn away. i would get a second opinion.
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#24 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Brisbane
Watch: DSSD
Posts: 7,990
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It all looks legitimate.
From the wear and tear on the bracelet it's been around the world a few times. The possibility the Serial number is simply worn off is extremely high. Just send the watch off for some much deserved TLC at the spa. Some before and after pics will be appreciated. |
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#25 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Real Name: Matt
Location: Portland, OR
Watch: 116610LN, 116500LN
Posts: 1,380
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Yeah the answer is just to send it to RSC for a service. You will get a new set of papers from Rolex that will legitimize the watch.
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#26 |
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2009
Real Name: Mike
Location: Tampa, Florida
Watch: Pepsi GMT
Posts: 2,926
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Good point. Maybe the appraisal put the year of purchase ('88) after the reference number 1803......hence, the number 180388 showing on the appraisal.
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#27 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: mississippi river
Posts: 3,051
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Well there is no ref 180388, so I do not think there was any fraud there.
The serial number is located between the lugs at 6:00 and it is not unheard of for the band to rub against the serial number and obscure it. The movement has a serial number as well, but it is not the same number as the case., and it is not the serial number that the watch would be identified by Rolex or an insurance company. There is a reference number on the inside of the case. But that is the model number, not a serial number. So, I would want to know which of these three numbers has been scratched off and how. |
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#28 |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Bethesda
Watch: Apple TV
Posts: 5,744
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try bobswatches.com to sell fast.
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#29 |
Banned
Join Date: May 2014
Real Name: Mike
Location: BOS
Watch: 16710;14060;214270
Posts: 6,375
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#30 |
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 215
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...but the serial is scratched off.
Anyway, the appraisal is trash. Either the guy completely overlooked the diamond bezel or that was added after the appraisal. It only mentions of it having an 18k bezel. |
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