My first Rolex!!!! Pics...and some questions

[AngelaH]

I've been researching and browsing for a year now, and finally took the plunge. It's a 116201, D serial number. It's gorgeous, but I have some concerns and wanted to get some perspective on whether they are minor issues. but first, here are some pics:







I haven't taken any shots of it on my wrist, as I'm really uncoordinated and have a terrible camera, so I may need my husband to take them. I love the size on me, even though I know there is some controversy here re: men's DJ on women.

And I have to give thanks to Anastasios (TempoKing) who was very patient with me when I thought I had decided on a SS watch (long story), and to Jim (Sperry) who "talked" me through the process and gave some great advice.

[GerardoG]

Great watch!

[Yume-sama]

Congrats!

[kcmo]

Angela, CONGRATS!!!!!!

Kudos for going for the larger size! You will LOVE it! And my favorite dial too!

Enjoy it in good health!

[AngelaH]

OK, so here's my main concern. There are some deep scratches on the back of the watch, almost as if someone had trouble taking the caseback off.




The scratches bug me because 1) they're scratches, and pretty deep, but more importantly, 2) if someone so unqualified opened up the watch, I wonder if I should ask an AD to check out the inside of the watch just to make sure there's nothing wrong with the inside.

also, in the pictures that the seller had, there was partial hologram sticker left on the back. now it has one of these plastic stickers with a red line across.

I trust the seller, he's a gray market jeweler who sold the watch to the original owner. he even gave me a copy of the original sales receipt. of course, it's possible he could have created it, but I have no reason to believe that he did.

any advice? are the scratches a big deal? should I get it checked out? at least have a pressure test to make sure that it's waterproof after it was put back together?

[AngelaH]

And thanks for kind words, everyone. It took me so long to compose the second part of my post that I missed your posts!

[diablojota]

I would suggest taking it to an AD with a watchmaker and getting it inspected to be on the safe side. This is a big investment and it's worth getting the piece of mind.

Great looking watch!

[kcmo]

I agree with Frank. It's a shame they scratched the case so much....and I'd be concerned about why it was opened in the first place. Have it checked for peace of mind.

[train-time]

Nice watch Angela. I noticed the ROLEX engraving inside on the Rehaut around the dial edge. The serial number is at the 6:00 position. Is it a "D" serial number? I was unaware of Rolex putting this engraving on any watches earlier than "M" series. Just curious.

[AngelaH]

Originally Posted by train-time

Nice watch Angela. I noticed the ROLEX engraving inside on the Rehaut around the dial edge. The serial number is at the 6:00 position. Is it a "D" serial number? I was unaware of Rolex putting this engraving on any watches earlier than "M" series. Just curious.

Thanks!. yup, it's D serial number. you can see part of the serial in my picture.

[ob1]

Great watch Angela. Hope your issues are resolved, but a beautiful watch. Congrats

[Rambam]

Nice choice AngelaH
I think Men`s Datejusts look great on women! Much the same way as when a woman is wearing your shirt, darn sexy!
Can`t really help you on the scratches or the sticker problem though, but I`m sure someone will be diving into that problem soon!

-Ram

[AngelaH]

Originally Posted by kcmo

I agree with Frank. It's a shame they scratched the case so much....and I'd be concerned about why it was opened in the first place. Have it checked for peace of mind.

I'm thinking about asking the seller why he opened it and why he had such difficulty (if it was him)

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by AngelaH

I'm thinking about asking the seller why he opened it and why he had such difficulty (if it was him)

Angela, did he not send you photos before you purchased?

[AngelaH]

Originally Posted by kcmo

Angela, did he not send you photos before you purchased?

I got pictures, but the ones of the back weren't clear/detailed enough to see the scracthes

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by AngelaH

I got pictures, but the ones of the back weren't clear/detailed enough to see the scracthes

Did he tell you about the scratches in his description? If not, you really have reason to send the watch back. I would talk to him and find out more.

[AngelaH]

Originally Posted by kcmo

Did he tell you about the scratches in his description? If not, you really have reason to send the watch back. I would talk to him and find out more.

No, he didn't say anything about them, and I specifically asked about any significant scratches. I'm not sure if I want to send it back, as this combination is hard to find pre-owned, but on the other hand, it's going to be a little bit of a pain to find an authorized watchmaker who can look at it.

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by AngelaH

No, he didn't say anything about them, and I specifically asked about any significant scratches. I'm not sure if I want to send it back, as this combination is hard to find pre-owned, but on the other hand, it's going to be a little bit of a pain to find an authorized watchmaker who can look at it.

I understand. It's really up to you, but I would still voice my dissatisfaction with the seller.

[PalmSpringsCaVault]

Are the scratches beyond polishing? All i see is a sticker on the back of your watch, or are you talking about the tiny edge between the circular teeth and the case back disk edge? if you are that can be opened and its a very easy buff to restore it back to its untouched look. I have noticed thats a standard scratch from people using a Cheaper Rolex case back opener, and or opening it with the band still on the watch and not opened or removed, it makes the teeth line up or slipp off in the act of opening it. metal is very workable tho a simple refinish and you will should be happy. p.s. great looking watch and i am starting to see many women wear it on TV, its becoming the norm! your setting a trend : )


RD
The Jewelry Vault & Loan

[train-time]

Angela: Dalton on the TRF can do wonders with polishing. I have had him do a couple for me and he guarantees the waterproof seal on his work. If you are concerned and want a certified Rolex service person to look at it the AD in Hagerstown, MD can do it for you. Call first to check his schedule. He also is very good.

[AngelaH]

RD, you're right, it's the ledge between the teeth and the edge of the case back.

Tim, Hagerstown is not too far from me. I'll PM you

[Welshwatchman]

I would send it back, not as described.

[AngelaH]

^ that's a good point. I'm having trouble deciding what to do.

[sea-dweller]

Beautiful DJ, love that smooth bezel !

[marshallr47]

Perfect choice on a first watch. Enjoy your new watch and enjoy for many years to come.

[simoesm]

Congrats on your choice. I love it.
Enjoy it well.
Hope you solve your worries soon.

[JJ Irani]

Welcome to TRF, Angela.

It really bugs me when some inexperienced idiot tries to tamper with things that he shouldn't!!

Anyway, as someone recommended, Dalton on TRF is amazing. Just send him a PM and he will help you out for sure.

By the way, guys......I've seen a D-series with the Rolex inscription on the rehaut ring......so this one doesn't surprise me.

JJ

[Sperry]

Hi, Angela!

I'm so happy you received your first Rolex!
And saddened your experience is less than perfect. : (

You took pretty decent pictures to show what you like about the watch, and what you don't like about the watch.

There should be practically nothing in the "Don't like" column.

For what one pays, the watch should have looked like it was kept in a drawer, worn ten times tops.

Sorry to give a thumbs down, but I'd return it. Uggg! Scratches! Who was fooling with the watch!
Especially irksome that this level of skill might seem acceptable to some people in the trade.

It is this undocumented provenance which would lead me to return the watch.

However, the picky side of me can be over-ridden by the voice of reason.
Since this combo is harder to find, and with JJ's blessing, perhaps a buff-out isn't a big deal.

[AngelaH]

Thanks for the opinions everyone! I PM'ed you Jim....

[mdtddd2007]

first of all nice looking watch...as for scratches...i see alot..i'll have it inspected since you think was opened at AD for peace of mind...good luck...