Perplexed on Datejust

[ChrisStruttmann]

Hello All:

This is my very first post to RolexForums. I just took delivery of my first (hopefully first of many) Rolex that I bought myself (I have another but it was left to me).

The Rolex I purchased is a 1601 Datejust. (Listing here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/222201360514...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT)

About 10 minutes after opening the box, I took it to the local official Rolex Dealer (Kempf's Jewlers in Indialantic, FL) to have it authenticated and appraised. I got appraisals from AGI when I bought the watch but I thought it'd be best to get a 3rd party appraisal from a local rep.

The jeweler (who I later found out is the owner, David Kempf) held the watch for about 15 seconds then told me he didn't believe it was authentic. When asked what he felt wasn't real, he said "45 years of experience tells me it's not."

I've taken it to two other local jewelers and both have said that it's authentic, but they're not the dealer.

Does the dealer know something I don't? Is there something I can do to get ultimate validation? The best I've heard is to take the bracelet off and validate the serial and model number against what the AGI cert says, and that checks out.

Looking for suggestions on a recommended course of action.

Thanks in advance for the input.

EDIT: Pictures below

Chris

[perryj]

Best bet is to post pics here.

[perryj]

Also looks high. I'd probably return it and shop one here with our trusted sellers.

[ChrisStruttmann]

Thanks for your input. I snapped some pics in case anyone is interested

[amh]

Never mind

[Tools]

Your AGI cert only tells you about the diamonds, it can't "authenticate" anything.

The watch may be authentic, a couple pictures won't tell us that. The dial is not original to that watch or a Rolex product and that is probably what your Dealer was referring to.

[KZZN]

Hi,

Ultimately, if you want to know for certain if this piece is legitimate or not, the best thing you can do is take it to an authorised Rolex dealer or your local Rolex Service Centre, and ask them to open it up and have a look, or to service it. If any aspect of the watch is not as it should be, they will be able to very promptly tell you.

Personally - and based purely on my own Rolex experiences and my gut feeling here, and little else - I think it's definitely not right in some ways. As others have said (and as the eBay listing itself says) the dial is not an original Rolex dial. It's an after-market or custom dial, and not something Rolex themselves have supplied. Either that, or it started out life as a genuine dial and has had work done on it by way of restoration or modification at some point by someone other than Rolex. The authenticity of the diamonds themselves is neither here nor there, unfortunately. Plenty of non-Rolex dials use real gemstones.

I'm not 100% sure about the bracelet either. There's just something about the appearance of the finish on the middle links and the exact fit between the bracelet and the case that again doesn't quite sit right with me, but that could be nothing other than the effects of wear and tear and aging over a long period of time.

At the end of the day, the only people who can definitively answer this for you are Rolex themselves or their authorised representatives. Only by getting someone qualified to take a good look at it and if necessary open it up and see what lurks inside will you get a clear answer. But if I were you, I would be prepared for at least some kind of disappointment.

[THC]

Like wood, measure twice, cut once... In buying used, make sure of everything prior to paying

[ChrisStruttmann]

Thanks Everyone -- I knew the dial was not original when I bought the watch, I happen to have an official dial for a 1601.

I went to a few other places over the weekend, they said they believe the watch is authentic, the band is aftermarket and the clasp is authentic.

So I think I'm going to try to find an authentic band and call it a day. Now I know what to look for when buying the next one, and I will look here first.

[Leodagan]

45 years of experience but he doesn't tell you what's wrong with the watch !! Just his feeling ... !!!
The best thing to do .. go to an AD rolex...

[1bad750]

I had an asshat at an ex authorized dealer tell me one was fake that i brought in. I brought it else where and had it opened guess what it was 100% real. I thought the watch was all legit when I looked and the 2nd jeweler opffered to buy it at what i was paying if I didnt take it.

[masyv6]

Pop off the case back and find out!

[ChrisStruttmann]

Originally Posted by Leodagan

45 years of experience but he doesn't tell you what's wrong with the watch !! Just his feeling ... !!!
The best thing to do .. go to an AD rolex...

It was the AD. :-/