The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Vintage Rolex Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 23 October 2021, 01:43 AM   #1
Chris75
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 75
Submariner 16610 with handwritten papers

Hi guys, I am considering a 16610 with some very suspicious papers.

The guarantee is handwritten, while as far as I know for any COSC Rolex there must be punched papers.

I know that sometimes Rolex back then made mistakes with guarantees, but I also know that a lot of white papers were for sale on ebay..

What do you think, should I consider (and pay) this watch as a watch only, or how much more for these papers?





Chris75 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 01:46 AM   #2
TimeToGo
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: North Florida
Posts: 16,713
.
I would not give any value to that paper...
Watch only
TimeToGo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 01:53 AM   #3
dhknola
"TRF" Member
 
dhknola's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 1,174
yeah, I feel like the reference number is nearly always typed out.
dhknola is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 01:53 AM   #4
dhknola
"TRF" Member
 
dhknola's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 1,174
Also, get someone to chime in on bezel, looks off to me*
*I AM NOT AN EXPERT.
dhknola is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 01:57 AM   #5
karteo
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: athens greece
Posts: 221
The paper is 1986, the L serial I think 1988-89, the date sold 1991 (that's not awkward though).

My N serial 1991 has punched papers

Sent from my M2007J17G using Tapatalk
karteo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 02:52 AM   #6
swaini3
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Real Name: Mo
Location: Dubai
Watch: 1675 GMT, DRSD
Posts: 1,458
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris75 View Post
......while as far as I know for any COSC Rolex there must be punched papers.
Not correct IMO.
swaini3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 02:56 AM   #7
Chris75
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 75
Quote:
Originally Posted by swaini3 View Post
Not correct IMO.
You mean is not correct for a 16610 to have handwritten papers, right?
Chris75 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 03:52 AM   #8
Pilot1985
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Spain
Watch: GMT 16750
Posts: 86
Quote:
Originally Posted by dhknola View Post
yeah, I feel like the reference number is nearly always typed out.
Since I own this watch I will allow myself to comment here :) It's not blurred is just out of focus on that photo.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dhknola View Post
Also, get someone to chime in on bezel, looks off to me*
*I AM NOT AN EXPERT.
What would you say is off?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris75 View Post
You mean is not correct for a 16610 to have handwritten papers, right?
This watch was purchased from Mentawatches which is a quite reputable dealer i the vintage community. He finds quite a bit of watches in south america. And from my talk with him It was common for that time to come with this type of papers.
this one in particular comes from Brazil ad I have seen other examples with the warranty paper only.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/role...9-mint.137738/

If this linnk is not allowed for the rest to have a look at the photos properly please be deleted by the admins.
__________________
@aless_b737 IG
Pilot1985 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 04:22 AM   #9
swaini3
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Real Name: Mo
Location: Dubai
Watch: 1675 GMT, DRSD
Posts: 1,458
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris75 View Post
You mean is not correct for a 16610 to have handwritten papers, right?
No, I mean you can have hand written written COSC papers. While hand written is more often seen with the short style (Guarantie only) like the one in your pictures, it does not mean hand written is limited to that type only. Hand written certificates are also possible on the 2 in 1 (Longer- Guar + Chronometer).
I have seen hand written guaranties on L series with a dealer stamp sold by a reputable dealer.
If Im not mistaken in Brazil, like Italy, it was common for some dealers there to 'hand write' certificates of the Guarantie only type.
swaini3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 07:37 AM   #10
Chris75
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 75
Quote:
Originally Posted by swaini3 View Post
No, I mean you can have hand written written COSC papers. While hand written is more often seen with the short style (Guarantie only) like the one in your pictures, it does not mean hand written is limited to that type only. Hand written certificates are also possible on the 2 in 1 (Longer- Guar + Chronometer).
I have seen hand written guaranties on L series with a dealer stamp sold by a reputable dealer.
If Im not mistaken in Brazil, like Italy, it was common for some dealers there to 'hand write' certificates of the Guarantie only type.

A 16610 COSC must have punched papers.

That in some countries sloppy mistakes were made doesn't change this fact.

Also this guarantee is signed 1986, while the watch is sold in 1991.

Most punched papers were punched originally from Rolex, but in the case of a wrongly handwritten ones that should have been done by the AD, therefore in 1991 and so not on a 1986 signed paper.

And no, in Italy and Brazil it wasn't common, but for some reason there are just a lot of white papers from South America on ebay.
Chris75 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 08:13 AM   #11
swaini3
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Real Name: Mo
Location: Dubai
Watch: 1675 GMT, DRSD
Posts: 1,458
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris75 View Post
A 16610 COSC must have punched papers.

That in some countries sloppy mistakes were made doesn't change this fact.

Also this guarantee is signed 1986, while the watch is sold in 1991.

Most punched papers were punched originally from Rolex, but in the case of a wrongly handwritten ones that should have been done by the AD, therefore in 1991 and so not on a 1986 signed paper.

And no, in Italy and Brazil it wasn't common, but for some reason there are just a lot of white papers from South America on ebay.
You are wrong my friend. It is not a MUST. More expected or more common, yes but it is not a MUST. It could also be typed for an L serial, just to say. There are legit hand written papers, some are dealer stamped, some are not. Some are COSC, some are not.
Whether this paper is legit or not, is not my point. I am just saying that it is a possible scenario.
Are there fake papers out there? Yes.
Are there people selling fake blank papers? Yes.
In Italy, was it common for dealers to issue short Non-COSC hand written guaranties for Non-COSC watches? Yes.
swaini3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 02:55 AM   #12
ebc992299
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 36
Mine is punched out as well. Sorry for the rough news


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
ebc992299 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 03:56 AM   #13
dhknola
"TRF" Member
 
dhknola's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 1,174
Bezel numbers look thin, again, I am not an expert.
dhknola is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 04:24 AM   #14
JustinK
2024 Pledge Member
 
JustinK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Real Name: Justin
Location: Jupiter, FL
Watch: 1530,1665,1680
Posts: 2,064
Anything is possible if an AD is handwriting papers but many will not place any value in handwritten papers as they could easily be filled out today.

The punched papers are not exempt from counterfeiters either just much harder to do.

JustinK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 05:01 AM   #15
joli160
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
joli160's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: NL
Watch: Yachtmaster
Posts: 14,738
Nobody will know until really check with a loupe and check the printing method.
The paper looks like brand new and not aged one bit which seems a bit off
__________________
Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711.
joli160 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 06:03 AM   #16
antrolexsub
"TRF" Member
 
antrolexsub's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Earth
Posts: 766
Wrong type of papers for a 16610.
antrolexsub is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 06:05 AM   #17
shaunylw
"TRF" Member
 
shaunylw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Here
Posts: 4,652
That paper, while incorrect, was written recently. There is no age at all on the paper or ink. It looks like it was written yesterday, and it’s supposed to be 20 years old?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
shaunylw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 07:19 AM   #18
rmagoo57
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
rmagoo57's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Real Name: Ron
Location: Detroitish
Watch: GMT II/Sub/Exp II
Posts: 2,539
Quote:
Originally Posted by shaunylw View Post
That paper, while incorrect, was written recently. There is no age at all on the paper or ink. It looks like it was written yesterday, and it’s supposed to be 20 years old?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
NOS!
rmagoo57 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 07:49 AM   #19
shaunylw
"TRF" Member
 
shaunylw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Here
Posts: 4,652
Quote:
Originally Posted by rmagoo57 View Post
NOS!

Hahaha, someone will ask 15k more for that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
shaunylw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 October 2021, 11:33 AM   #20
Thuilln
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Real Name: Nick
Location: YUL
Watch: 16570
Posts: 1,936
Quote:
Originally Posted by shaunylw View Post
That paper, while incorrect, was written recently. There is no age at all on the paper or ink. It looks like it was written yesterday, and it’s supposed to be 20 years old?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I’d say 30 years old…
__________________
Nick

_________________________________________
14060M - 114200 - 114270 - 214270 - 16710BLRO - 16570 - 3570.50 - Cartier Tank Solo - Cartier Tank Française ‘Yearling’ - CWC Navy Diver
Thuilln is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 October 2021, 11:40 AM   #21
16610Swiss
Banned
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: West palm beach
Posts: 148
Quote:
Originally Posted by thuilln View Post
i’d say 30 years old…
35..
16610Swiss is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 October 2021, 10:21 PM   #22
Thuilln
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2016
Real Name: Nick
Location: YUL
Watch: 16570
Posts: 1,936
Quote:
Originally Posted by 16610Swiss View Post
35..
Right..
I was talking about the hand written date, not the paper per se.
__________________
Nick

_________________________________________
14060M - 114200 - 114270 - 214270 - 16710BLRO - 16570 - 3570.50 - Cartier Tank Solo - Cartier Tank Française ‘Yearling’ - CWC Navy Diver
Thuilln is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23 October 2021, 12:40 PM   #23
springer
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
springer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: jP
Location: Texas
Watch: GMT-MASTER
Posts: 17,308
Contrary to what the seller told the buyer, sorry, but that paper is not correct for a Submariner 16610 chronometer watch.

The correct paper should be the chronometer/warranty paper depicted in photos below. The watch in the photo by the OP is a warranty paper not a chronometer/guarantee paper which is correct for a 16610 Submariner.

The paper depicted by the OP is for a Submariner 5513, Daytona 6263 or other non chronometer watch from the 1980s.

Contrary to what the seller told you, it is not correct and will always be a watch "with a story." While back in the day, some dealers might have sold a certified chronometer watch with a non chronometer paper, it would not make it correct.

Below are photos of the correct papers for the USA and non USA papers for a Submariner 16610 chronometer from the 1980s and 1990s.

Papers for "L" serial numbers sold in the USA would be typed and non USA papers were punched during this era.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Img_2552.sm.jpg (142.9 KB, 442 views)
File Type: jpg Dscn3.jpg (172.5 KB, 426 views)
__________________
Member of NAWCC since 1990.

INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP
Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics.
springer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 October 2021, 01:35 AM   #24
Pilot1985
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Spain
Watch: GMT 16750
Posts: 86
Hi All,

Sorry if I have not been able to be in this thread as much as I would like. I have a simulator assessment next week in Berlin to renew my pilot license so have to study quite a bit.

@Chris75 I will not argue with you that in the perfect world that should be. This watch or set should have a Big COSC Warranty paper. I did questioned myself this when I initially bought.

I had a chat with Adam from Mentawatches from whom I bought the watch and he reassured me about all my doubts. Same as the ones you had.
I even sent you a screenshots with his replies about the subject via DM, and for you is simply not true because you do not believe in mistakes. I try not to be naive either specially when buying an expensive watch. At the time I did as much search to find similar set with those type of papers. I did find 3 in chrono24 which of course now are gone. MY bad I should have taken screenshots but was not planning on selling it at the time, it was more for a peace of mind for myself. At this moment right now I could only find one in CH24 and I attach a photo below.

I have read all your comments and agree they seem to be more on the negative side than the seek of the truth. It appears that you have your mind set and it is your ABSOLUTE truth the only one that counts.

You did not even contact me prior to express your concerns but decided to post directly threads in 2 forums, and only selected photos of the watch.

I would hardly believe the Mentawatches would jeopardize his reputation over a premium of a 16610 to sell me an arrange set. Trust the seller they said. Thats what I did with the amount of info I could gather when I bought from him.

As there was also questioning about the brand new paper look of this watch I took some time to make side by side photos with other COSC papers I have oldest is printed 84 and newest 92. And also side by side Ink comparison with a watch with papers I bought from Sacha Davidoff. Bellow the link, as it was also questioned from a photo that the ink looks brand new.

http://www.db1983.com/our-archive/ro...1985?imageID=0


I will copy the link of this thread in the OF forum sale


Hope you all have a nice day and enjoy the weekend and Motogp and F1 like myself besides the annoying studying.

Regards.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_0300.jpg (158.0 KB, 398 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0301.jpg (275.2 KB, 394 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0303.jpg (274.6 KB, 393 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0304.jpg (271.9 KB, 398 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0306.jpg (126.3 KB, 397 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_0305.jpg (255.3 KB, 394 views)
File Type: jpg Screen Shot 2021-10-23 at 5.04.24 PM.jpg (274.8 KB, 392 views)
__________________
@aless_b737 IG

Last edited by Pilot1985; 24 October 2021 at 01:44 AM.. Reason: URL ont working
Pilot1985 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 October 2021, 01:51 AM   #25
swish77
2024 Pledge Member
 
swish77's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Real Name: Aaron
Location: CT/NYC
Watch: ing the time!
Posts: 6,985
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pilot1985 View Post
As there was also questioning about the brand new paper look of this watch I took some time to make side by side photos with other COSC papers I have oldest is printed 84 and newest 92. And also side by side Ink comparison with a watch with papers I bought from Sacha Davidoff. Bellow the link, as it was also questioned from a photo that the ink looks brand new.
The paper itself with your Sub may very well be legit. It's just not correct for the watch.

As Springer pointed out above, it should be the longer chronometer paper for a 16610. I believe there was a short chronometer version in the late '60s/early '70s, but it looks different to your paper and is from a different era.
swish77 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 October 2021, 01:54 AM   #26
Pilot1985
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Spain
Watch: GMT 16750
Posts: 86
Quote:
Originally Posted by swish77 View Post
The paper itself with your Sub may very well be legit, it's just not correct for the watch.

As Springer pointed out above, it should be the longer chronometer paper for a 16610. I believe there was a short chronometer version in the late '60s/early '70s, but it looks different to your paper, along with being from a different era.
Not nor ever argued about the incorrect type of paper used.

I am 100% agreed there


Also on a side note some other opinions can be found on this thread on VRF

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vint...s-t268295.html
__________________
@aless_b737 IG
Pilot1985 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 October 2021, 07:36 AM   #27
springer
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
springer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: jP
Location: Texas
Watch: GMT-MASTER
Posts: 17,308
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pilot1985 View Post
Not nor ever argued about the incorrect type of paper used.

I am 100% agreed there


Also on a side note some other opinions can be found on this thread on VRF

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vint...s-t268295.html
I was reviewing your post where the watch was listed for sale on the Omega Forums. I found the handwritten green hang tag interesting - it is something that I have never seen before. These tags are typed not handwritten.

So the seller is telling you it is correct but it has handwritten incorrect papers and an incorrect non typed handwritten hang tag. It is all quite interesting in my opinion. While it all might very well have been handwritten by a dealer on the wrong warranty paper and the added hand written hang tag, it is quite unusual indeed and incorrect.

Good luck with the sale.
__________________
Member of NAWCC since 1990.

INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP
Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics.
springer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 January 2022, 02:42 PM   #28
southtexas
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
 
southtexas's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Great State of TX
Posts: 5,761
Quote:
Originally Posted by springer View Post
I was reviewing your post where the watch was listed for sale on the Omega Forums. I found the handwritten green hang tag interesting - it is something that I have never seen before. These tags are typed not handwritten.

So the seller is telling you it is correct but it has handwritten incorrect papers and an incorrect non typed handwritten hang tag. It is all quite interesting in my opinion. While it all might very well have been handwritten by a dealer on the wrong warranty paper and the added hand written hang tag, it is quite unusual indeed and incorrect.

Good luck with the sale.
Not to mention- unless the seller was the original buyer, how can he even claim to know how that particular watch was originally papered? If not, then what? The seller he bought it from told him it was so?
__________________
Forty six & 2 are just ahead of me.

Follow me on Instagram @ccrolex
southtexas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 October 2021, 07:43 AM   #29
springer
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
springer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Real Name: jP
Location: Texas
Watch: GMT-MASTER
Posts: 17,308
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pilot1985 View Post
Not nor ever argued about the incorrect type of paper used.

I am 100% agreed there


Also on a side note some other opinions can be found on this thread on VRF

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vint...s-t268295.html
I was reviewing your post where the watch was listed on the Omega Forums. I found the handwritten green hang tag interesting - it is something that I have never seen before. These tags are typed not handwritten.

So, the seller told you the garantie paper was correct but it is not a garantie/chronometer paper and it has a handwritten non typed hang tag. It is all quite interesting in my opinion. While it all might very well have been handwritten by a dealer on the wrong warranty paper and the added hand written hang tag, it is quite unusual indeed and incorrect.

Good luck with the sale.
__________________
Member of NAWCC since 1990.

INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP
Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics.
springer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24 October 2021, 02:32 AM   #30
JustinK
2024 Pledge Member
 
JustinK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Real Name: Justin
Location: Jupiter, FL
Watch: 1530,1665,1680
Posts: 2,064
So it's impossible to know if the papers were delivered with the watch as you were told.

Maybe they were but as Springer said its a watch "with a story".

You might find someone willing to pay more because of the paper but for me they add no value to the watch.

JustinK is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

OCWatches

Asset Appeal

Wrist Aficionado

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

My Watch LLC


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.