ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

feudallordcult · 13 June 2008, 11:58 AM

Good Morning folks,

It's has been weighing on my mind with regards on how a rolex technician actually verifies the authenticity of a rolex timepiece.

I'm concerned abt the authenticity of the 220 components that make up a rollie. A verification process would take at most 30minutes as such, my query is how would a technician verify that a genuine rolex is made up of genuine parts within such a short span of time? There are after all 220 components. What if a certain component has been swapped? Would they know?

I was informed that some of the A-grade fakes in certain countries are so well-made and close to the real thing that even some experienced watch technicians encountered difficulty in ascertaining the authenticity of the movement. That being said, an A grade can easily cost up to SGD1.5 to 2k.

In view of the above-mentioned, does anyone have any idea how the rsc technician ascertain the authenticity of a rollie? Are there pictures or diagrams that they normally use for reference? I know for sure that they won't strip and assemble dutring verification. I kinda think it's more of experience and obviously visual. If that's the case, think shops selling pre-owned watches can also do verification and earn some extra income.

What do you guys know of the verification process in RSC? Is it a mere Go-through-motion sort of inspection or is it a thorough check? If so, how can they be cocksure that every single component comes from the rolex manufacture?

Thanks in advance for your inputs on this matter

Tools · 13 June 2008, 02:34 PM

There are no known replicas good enough to fool an expert, but plenty that will fool a novice.

There are also no known replicas that make any attempt to reproduce a Rolex movement in any way.

As far as authenticating, Rolex Service Centers do not do that and their service estimates are done based on a cursory inspection and expected replacement of standard expendibles.. If you send it in for a service; upon re-assembly they will ensure only Rolex parts are used

SPACE-DWELLER · 13 June 2008, 07:07 PM

It's my understanding that RSC's indeed do authentifications (typical charge: 150 US $). I doubt every single part is inspected, though.

mike · 13 June 2008, 07:49 PM

Authentication can take a couple of meanings. An RSC will attempt to verify the parts are genuine Rolex parts. That does not necessarily mean the parts are original Rolex parts used per that reference.

Many vintage pieces have authentic Rolex parts that are either service replacements or wrong for that particular reference--to a collector that could be major.

As to less than genuine watches getting through--yes it has happened. Especially with some of the more rare references where the expertise is thin.

1MAC · 13 July 2008, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

There are no known replicas good enough to fool an expert, but plenty that will fool a novice.

There are also no known replicas that make any attempt to reproduce a Rolex movement in any way.

I haven't seen any movements in a fake that tried to look like a Rolex movement, other than stamping "ROLEX" on some generic movement. That can fool some jewelers who think that they can just remove the caseback and look for Rolex on the movement.

bmackinlay · 13 June 2008, 08:20 PM

Just received my BNIB GMT ll -C /SS.It came from a AD in Atlanta, I've noticed the ll are joined,seems like I read something about this on the forum.My other GMT was separated.Any idea's why the difference Bill

GMTII Owner · 13 July 2008, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmackinlay

Just received my BNIB GMT ll -C /SS.It came from a AD in Atlanta, I've noticed the ll are joined,seems like I read something about this on the forum.My other GMT was separated.Any idea's why the difference Bill

If I remember correctly, Rolex uses different dials for the watch or suppliers and thus the difference.

John

Alcan · 14 July 2008, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmackinlay

Just received my BNIB GMT ll -C /SS.It came from a AD in Atlanta, I've noticed the ll are joined,seems like I read something about this on the forum.My other GMT was separated.Any idea's why the difference Bill

Try this link:

http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/16710B/16710B.html

mickeydainish · 13 June 2008, 08:58 PM

interesting..... I will assume that they(RSC) know what they are doing.... Like me... I know a fake smile a mile off.... :-)

feudallordcult · 13 July 2008, 05:23 PM

many thanks for yr inputs on this issue. the reason why i brought this up was becoz i heard of some rumours that some excellent replicas were floating in the market.now these reps were purportedly so well-made that even the rsc techs in that particular country were fooled by it. that being said, the prices are also crazy as well. so how on earth could a rollie technician be fooled by it?

Spark · 13 July 2008, 05:52 PM

It has been known for really good replicas to fool an AD when taken in for verification as most (not all) do not have the tools or knowledge to remove the case back to examine the movement and reseal, but once at an RSC that is a different story all together.

Andad · 13 July 2008, 06:21 PM

I remember a thread (I think it was Nick Hacko) a while back where a Rolex or Tudor (can't remember) was running fast. This could not be explained until it was found, after disassembly, that one movement wheel had at some time been changed for another that had one tooth more/less? Once this was changed back the watch ran to spec.
My point is that this is not something that can be picked up even during a close inspection for authenticity.

sherwin · 13 July 2008, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by directioneng

I remember a thread (I think it was Nick Hacko) a while back where a Rolex or Tudor (can't remember) was running fast. This could not be explained until it was found, after disassembly, that one movement wheel had at some time been changed for another that had one tooth more/less? Once this was changed back the watch ran to spec.
My point is that this is not something that can be picked up even during a close inspection for authenticity.

i read that article on his website sometime ago. it was interesting.

sombunya · 14 July 2008, 02:39 AM

A few years ago I bought a Ladies TT DJ for the wife from a local jeweler. Without getting too windy let's just say I reason to suspect chicanery. I took it to Rolex Service Center in Beverly Hills. The counter person told me they do authentications for free. It took about 20 minutes, I believe.

I can't say any RSC will do them for free but I'd be surprised if one did and another did not. And yes, the watch I took to them was genuine.

13 June 2008, 11:58 AM	#1
feudallordcult "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Henry Location: Singapore Watch: Sea-Dweller Posts: 138	Verification of Authenticity Good Morning folks, It's has been weighing on my mind with regards on how a rolex technician actually verifies the authenticity of a rolex timepiece. I'm concerned abt the authenticity of the 220 components that make up a rollie. A verification process would take at most 30minutes as such, my query is how would a technician verify that a genuine rolex is made up of genuine parts within such a short span of time? There are after all 220 components. What if a certain component has been swapped? Would they know? I was informed that some of the A-grade fakes in certain countries are so well-made and close to the real thing that even some experienced watch technicians encountered difficulty in ascertaining the authenticity of the movement. That being said, an A grade can easily cost up to SGD1.5 to 2k. In view of the above-mentioned, does anyone have any idea how the rsc technician ascertain the authenticity of a rollie? Are there pictures or diagrams that they normally use for reference? I know for sure that they won't strip and assemble dutring verification. I kinda think it's more of experience and obviously visual. If that's the case, think shops selling pre-owned watches can also do verification and earn some extra income. What do you guys know of the verification process in RSC? Is it a mere Go-through-motion sort of inspection or is it a thorough check? If so, how can they be cocksure that every single component comes from the rolex manufacture? Thanks in advance for your inputs on this matter

13 June 2008, 02:34 PM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2025 Titanium Yacht-Master Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,681	There are no known replicas good enough to fool an expert, but plenty that will fool a novice. There are also no known replicas that make any attempt to reproduce a Rolex movement in any way. As far as authenticating, Rolex Service Centers do not do that and their service estimates are done based on a cursory inspection and expected replacement of standard expendibles.. If you send it in for a service; upon re-assembly they will ensure only Rolex parts are used __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

13 June 2008, 07:07 PM	#3
SPACE-DWELLER "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Bo Location: Denmark Watch: Rolex, of course! Posts: 22,436	It's my understanding that RSC's indeed do authentifications (typical charge: 150 US $). I doubt every single part is inspected, though. __________________ With kind regards, Bo LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...

13 July 2008, 06:21 PM	#12
Andad 2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,752	I remember a thread (I think it was Nick Hacko) a while back where a Rolex or Tudor (can't remember) was running fast. This could not be explained until it was found, after disassembly, that one movement wheel had at some time been changed for another that had one tooth more/less? Once this was changed back the watch ran to spec. My point is that this is not something that can be picked up even during a close inspection for authenticity. __________________ E

13 June 2008, 07:49 PM	#4
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,682	Authentication can take a couple of meanings. An RSC will attempt to verify the parts are genuine Rolex parts. That does not necessarily mean the parts are original Rolex parts used per that reference. Many vintage pieces have authentic Rolex parts that are either service replacements or wrong for that particular reference--to a collector that could be major. As to less than genuine watches getting through--yes it has happened. Especially with some of the more rare references where the expertise is thin.

13 June 2008, 08:20 PM	#6
bmackinlay "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Bill MacKinlay Location: Dade City, Fl. Watch: 18K Pres.DD 118238 Posts: 476	Just received my BNIB GMT ll -C /SS.It came from a AD in Atlanta, I've noticed the ll are joined,seems like I read something about this on the forum.My other GMT was separated.Any idea's why the difference Bill

13 June 2008, 08:58 PM	#9
mickeydainish Banned Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Michael Location: LaLa Land Watch: Sub Date 16610 Posts: 1,757	interesting..... I will assume that they(RSC) know what they are doing.... Like me... I know a fake smile a mile off.... :-)

13 July 2008, 05:23 PM	#10
feudallordcult "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Henry Location: Singapore Watch: Sea-Dweller Posts: 138	many thanks for yr inputs on this issue. the reason why i brought this up was becoz i heard of some rumours that some excellent replicas were floating in the market.now these reps were purportedly so well-made that even the rsc techs in that particular country were fooled by it. that being said, the prices are also crazy as well. so how on earth could a rollie technician be fooled by it?

13 July 2008, 05:52 PM	#11
Spark "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Real Name: Mark Location: U.K. Watch: Too Many Posts: 2,097	It has been known for really good replicas to fool an AD when taken in for verification as most (not all) do not have the tools or knowledge to remove the case back to examine the movement and reseal, but once at an RSC that is a different story all together.

14 July 2008, 02:39 AM	#14
sombunya Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Joe Location: So. Cal. Watch: My only Rolex Posts: 241	A few years ago I bought a Ladies TT DJ for the wife from a local jeweler. Without getting too windy let's just say I reason to suspect chicanery. I took it to Rolex Service Center in Beverly Hills. The counter person told me they do authentications for free. It took about 20 minutes, I believe. I can't say any RSC will do them for free but I'd be surprised if one did and another did not. And yes, the watch I took to them was genuine.

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