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Old 31 January 2020, 03:17 PM   #1
imgook
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HOROLOGY HOUSE FAKE ROLEX 116500LN Serial 357Q00K9

I'll keep this short. My mate was sold a Daytona 116500LN for $29k AUD ($19.5k USD, yeah too good to be true I told him).

The seller has quite the online presence in Australia, so funds were transferred without question. I have a feeling there's plenty of people out there that have been scammed by him without even knowing yet.

Watch was meant to be sent overnight, but it wasn't till 2.5 months of excuses later, he finally sent the watch overnight express to my friend.

Because of the time frame and endless excuses of why there was a delay, we started to suspect he was scamming us, turns out we were right.

I hope this post will help other in the future to not get suckered by this scum. It's so sad, cause probably without my genuine Daytona to compare with, my mate would have not known he got scammed until his first service.

Full transcript of text communications:
https://pastebin.com/CMQKnnL5

Seller/Scammers Details below

Member:
HOROLOGY HOUSE
https://www.rolexforums.com/member.php?u=213405

Name: Christopher Andrew Essery
Location: Perth, Australia

Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt9...WTeIUQ1H_WKZIw
He even has videos have how to spot a fake.

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/horologyhouse/

Without further adieu, here's the watch that this expert sold my friend.
Looks pretty legit on first glance.


Next to my White one, still looks quite nice.


Suspicion started with the box and accompanying documents






Notice how when you push the card into the fake card holder it doesn't even show the serial.


Because of the fake box and cards, we thought watch might be stolen but still genuine. But upon further inspection, it was definitely a super fake.

Starting with oyster band, you can see how the groves differ.




Spring bars were cheap and fragile.



Holes differ


Dodgy serial, not straight and the font for the "3" is obviously incorrect.



Other macro shots of the fake vs real. Scariest part is you couldn't see any of this from the naked eye. White dials is mine, Black dial is the sold fake.












If you've reached this far and need more info or proof, feel free to PM me or just post here. I will add more evidence if there's any doubt.
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Old 31 January 2020, 03:28 PM   #2
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FAKE 116500LN Australia Perth Serial 357Q00K9

I’m sorry your friend got stung - that really sucks, but the info you have provided is excellent & gives some super detail.

The box is a definite giveaway - I’ve called people out on YouTube when they are reviewing their ‘genuine’ watch because you can clearly see the box is a terrible fake.

Here’s a link to a thread I posted a few weeks ago regarding how to spot a fake warranty card.

Hope this helps check your friends.

You will need a UV light source to check for the hologram.

Thanks





Warranty Card Authenticity Check
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app


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Old 31 January 2020, 03:37 PM   #3
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Excellent thread & super detail.

Here’s a link to a thread I a posted a few weeks ago regarding how to spot a fake warranty card.

Hope this helps check your friends.

You will need a UV light source to check for the hologram.

Thanks





Warranty Card Authenticity Check
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app


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Thanks mate, much appreciated. I can't believe there is this sort of scum out there, praying on watch newbies.
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Old 31 January 2020, 03:41 PM   #4
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Thanks mate, much appreciated. I can't believe there is this sort of scum out there, praying on watch newbies.


I know, you have to be so careful these days.

Personally I’ve only ever purchased from AD’s for all my watches - not just Rolex, but Omega & Panerai as well.

Maybe this will be a reminder for all of us to check & double check before handing over our hard earned cash.


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Old 31 January 2020, 03:42 PM   #5
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I know, you have to be so careful these days.

Personally I’ve only ever purchased from AD’s for all my watches - not just Rolex, but Omega & Panerai as well.

Maybe this will be a reminder for all of us to check & double check before handing over our hard earned cash.


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Couldn't agree more.
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Old 31 January 2020, 03:43 PM   #6
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Link to the sale thread? That members pretty upstanding, could have been a clone
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Old 31 January 2020, 03:49 PM   #7
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Link to the sale thread? That members pretty upstanding, could have been a clone


I'm pretty sure that is the case. Why wait 2.5 months to share the story and warning?
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Old 31 January 2020, 03:54 PM   #8
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I'm pretty sure that is the case. Why wait 2.5 months to share the story and warning?
We waited to get the money back, before starting any action.
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Old 3 February 2020, 11:35 PM   #9
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Hey man, good work. Can I ask: were it not for the dubious box and card would you have thought of checking the watch for authenticity?
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Old 31 January 2020, 03:53 PM   #10
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Link to the sale thread? That members pretty upstanding, could have been a clone
We have his license, home address, bank details and WhatsApps logs. PM me if you want the details. My mate has already contacted the police and is lodging a complaint with WA Consumer Protection.

Unfortunately he is the Administrator of the AWBSS (Australian Watch Buy, Swap and Sell). Post has been long deleted. And any post against him are quickly deleted and removed. He has recently been on damage control, trying to make the group more private because his scared of being exposed.

Anyone who frequently on that group will remember him posting up a Black Daytona for sale in November last year.
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Old 31 January 2020, 05:39 PM   #11
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We have his license, home address, bank details and WhatsApps logs. PM me if you want the details. My mate has already contacted the police and is lodging a complaint with WA Consumer Protection.

Unfortunately he is the Administrator of the AWBSS (Australian Watch Buy, Swap and Sell). Post has been long deleted. And any post against him are quickly deleted and removed. He has recently been on damage control, trying to make the group more private because his scared of being exposed.

Anyone who frequently on that group will remember him posting up a Black Daytona for sale in November last year.
Thanks for posting, seems like it’s not a situation as simplistic as I would have hoped of a hijacked account, but something rather more opaque. The buyer has been made whole from what I understand but this will damage HH two understandably and rightly so, however the net outcome does something to show integrity, and at the end of the day it may well have been both the buyer and Chris who were buyers of a fake.
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Old 31 January 2020, 05:47 PM   #12
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Thanks for posting, seems like it’s not a situation as simplistic as I would have hoped of a hijacked account, but something rather more opaque. The buyer has been made whole from what I understand but this will damage HH two understandably and rightly so, however the net outcome does something to show integrity, and at the end of the day it may well have been both the buyer and Chris who were buyers of a fake.
Mate do you actually believe that selling something fake, getting caught, then returning the funds in a 3 month saga following proposed legal and criminal action suggests this person has integrity???

He only returned my money because he was scared of the damage this could cause his reputation and the legal and criminal avenues I had initiated.
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Old 31 January 2020, 07:50 PM   #13
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Mate do you actually believe that selling something fake, getting caught, then returning the funds in a 3 month saga following proposed legal and criminal action suggests this person has integrity???

He only returned my money because he was scared of the damage this could cause his reputation and the legal and criminal avenues I had initiated.
Financial integrity if nothing else, I’ll reserve judgment on the matter pending a post from Chris, two side and some such. As in most case the truth likely lies somewhere in the middle, though the silence from the other party is becoming louder by the hour.
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Old 31 January 2020, 05:48 PM   #14
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Thanks for posting, seems like it’s not a situation as simplistic as I would have hoped of a hijacked account, but something rather more opaque. The buyer has been made whole from what I understand but this will damage HH two understandably and rightly so, however the net outcome does something to show integrity, and at the end of the day it may well have been both the buyer and Chris who were buyers of a fake.
So how many other unsuspecting buyers are left with fakes because HH didn’t do their due diligence? He makes money off this, it’s not just a hobby anymore. 100% it’s his responsibility to sell what he advertises.

He made an in-depth video comparing a real and fake Daytona. He has the equipment to check. Are you telling me he had no way to tell this was a fake?

It’s pretty predictable that anyone would also claim to be the victim. If he doesn’t then he’s admitting to premeditation. Look at the facts and piece together the evidence yourself. It looks pretty overwhelming at this point and I don’t think a “sorry I made a booboo” cuts it at this point - who will check all the other rolexes he has flipped to unsuspecting buyers? Will they be ok with his booboos?
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Old 31 January 2020, 05:52 PM   #15
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There's been comment from other buyers of HH that have received suspect watches. A Zenith Defy without accompanying papers etc and a Speedy transaction that wasn't as described.
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Old 31 January 2020, 03:51 PM   #16
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FAKE 116500LN Australia Perth Serial 357Q00K9

I can’t actually believe this - I follow this guy on YouTube

Here’s a screen shot from one of his vids where he’s reviewing a CHNR.

He has nearly 68,000 subscribers

I’m genuinely shocked by this.









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Old 31 January 2020, 03:54 PM   #17
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I can’t actually believe this - I follow this guy on YouTube

Here’s a screen shot from one of his vids where he’s reviewing a CHNR.

He has nearly 68,000 subscribers

I’m genuinely shocked by this.









Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Where on his site does he sell Daytonas or any watch? Be careful not to smear this guy if it's just some poser that pretended to be him to steal cash.
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Old 31 January 2020, 03:56 PM   #18
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Where on his site does he sell Daytonas or any watch? Be careful not to smear this guy if it's just some poser that pretended to be him to steal cash.
We ended up getting a refund and a bunch of "gifts" from him. He definitely doesn't want his name smeared on the internet.

He claims he had no idea it was a fake... like really come on....
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Old 31 January 2020, 03:59 PM   #19
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We ended up getting a refund and a bunch of "gifts" from him. He definitely doesn't want his name smeared on the internet.

He claims he had no idea it was a fake... like really come on....
Okay I'm not in your favour on this one anymore David, if the seller has no idea a watch is fake when he sells it, then when the buyer finds out, refunds the buyer in full and apologises, then that is a different matter.

Mistakes happen, he fixed the situation - please post all the facts from the beginning
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Old 31 January 2020, 04:03 PM   #20
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Okay I'm not in your favour on this one anymore David, if the seller has no idea a watch is fake when he sells it, then when the buyer finds out, refunds the buyer in full and apologises, then that is a different matter.

Mistakes happen, he fixed the situation - please post all the facts from the beginning
I'm getting the WhatsApp log now for you guys. You can read and make up your own mind.
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Old 31 January 2020, 07:34 PM   #21
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Okay I'm not in your favour on this one anymore David, if the seller has no idea a watch is fake when he sells it, then when the buyer finds out, refunds the buyer in full and apologises, then that is a different matter.

Mistakes happen, he fixed the situation - please post all the facts from the beginning
Bro you can be serious right ???/ . while someone has worked hard to build his brand which we all acknowledge.....his reputation doesn't give him an excuse to behave the way he did based on the evidence provided by the other side of the fence.....2.5 months to deliver a product doesn't seem like a justifiable mistake... seems more a premeditated attempt at something unsavoury. that's My opinion and I'm happy to be proven wrong.....but actions speak louder than words .......how a self confessed watch expert can make a "mistake" is all to convenient of an escape route for me sorry. if he had bought that watch legit with real funds I can assure you any watch person parting with more than 20k worth of funds will do a lot of due diligence. so the question becomes how did one get in possession of a super fake 🤷🤷 they don't accidentally fall out of the sky. they are quite difficult to source
🤷 anyway just my two bobs worth.. may i also make a comment... all shonksters in history... and scammers are known as "Confidence Tricksters" ... build your trust... and then scam you... bernie maddof... classic example..... build your rep to an unshakeable standard.. perpetuate your scam.... more importantly... if any of you guys bought a "rolex" from this guy... i'd be making a bee line for the closest bloody AD to get your watch verified....... this could be the tip of the iceberg for all we know
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Old 31 January 2020, 03:57 PM   #22
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Where on his site does he sell Daytonas or any watch? Be careful not to smear this guy if it's just some poser that pretended to be him to steal cash.
He doesn't sell through his site, he sells through the FB Group Australian Watch Buy Swap Sell, which is the largest platform in the country
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Old 31 January 2020, 03:59 PM   #23
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He doesn't sell through his site, he sells through the FB Group Australian Watch Buy Swap Sell, which is the largest platform in the country
Yup, and he is the Admin.
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Old 31 January 2020, 04:00 PM   #24
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Where on his site does he sell Daytonas or any watch? Be careful not to smear this guy if it's just some poser that pretended to be him to steal cash.


And you please be careful not to put words in my mouth.

Not once have I mentioned I think he sells Daytona’s.

I have simply commented that this guy is a very famous YouTuber with nearly 68,000 followers & that particular vid I took the screen shot from has had over 100,000 views.

That is why I said I am genuinely shocked by this, meaning I can’t really believe this guy would do something like this.

I’m not taking sides or disputing what the OP is alleging, but this Chris guy needs to be given the chance to defend himself.

Hope this clarifies my position.


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Old 31 January 2020, 03:53 PM   #25
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Holy shit, if true, then this is massive.

For those who don't know, Chris is the admin and founder of the two largest FB Watch groups in Australia, and is very well known here. Australian Watch Forum which has 10k members and Australian Watch Buy Swap Sell which has 18k members.

Someone posted the link on AWF but it was insta deleted.

Would love to hear his side of the story
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Old 31 January 2020, 04:06 PM   #26
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WhatsApp log attached.
Attached Files
File Type: zip WhatsApp Chat with Chris Essery.zip (21.2 KB, 1700 views)
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Old 31 January 2020, 04:14 PM   #27
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WhatsApp log attached.
Copy and paste into a word doc and it will format properly
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Old 31 January 2020, 08:10 PM   #28
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WhatsApp log attached.
WOW. Read everyone single word.

I am genuinely shocked. How all this unfolded and the end result. Man I feel for the buyer waiting that long just to be disappointed and dicked around.
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Old 1 February 2020, 07:29 AM   #29
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WhatsApp log attached.
I read through most of this Shohaib. Can't believe this BS. A long time ago i wired a guy money through western union (big mistake) and he gave the similar run around and i was never able to recover my money. I am glad you got your money back and i feel bad for the trouble you got put through. I learned a long time ago that I will just settle for the watch when my AD has it or i will just not get it.
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Old 2 February 2020, 04:17 PM   #30
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WhatsApp log attached.
Very disappointing to hear. I genuinely liked that guy's channel on YouTube but the evidence is looking pretty grim. Not sure how you could still call for him to be given the benefit of the doubt considering he's basically systematically erased his entire on-line existence. Not to mention the great work that imgook has done to expose the fraud and protect the rest of the watch community. I would definitely get the cops involved. The Whatsapp is classic scam stuff and I should know as I investigated cases like this when I was in the NSW Cops (now retired). Sorry to hear your friend got scammed like that.
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