Mismatched serial numbers VS Paperwork 18038

[NB93]

Hi everyone,

Wanted to get a few opinions here, I recently purchased a vintage 18038 (circa 1980's) as a complete set, box and papers from a reputable local second hand dealer.

Today I decided to take the bracelet off for cleaning, and while I was inspecting the watch I noticed the serial number is completely different from the original paperwork I was given (looks to be 1979). Its got a me a little annoyed as even though the paperwork is redundant all these years later its still nice to have. I would have thought due diligence would apply here and the dealer would have double checked this before putting it up for sale. I have no concerns of the authenticity of the piece, its more an annoyance regarding paperwork.

The dealer provides the standard 12 month warranty on pieces, should I bring this to their attention or let it go? It doesn't change how I feel about the watch, its stunning and it quite honestly could be an honest mistake, but if that's the case it makes me question the original seller to dealers intent.

Responses are much appreciated. Wishing everyone a happy new year!

[btinl]

You should bring it to their attention. The value-add of original papers is lost.

[csfischer20]

Could be a mix up if they had more than one. I’d probably try to get some money back if you price the watch and find out you paid extra for the papers. If you didn’t, I’d continue to love it and forget it. I know it’s not the same, but if you send it in for service, you’ll get a warranty card.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by btinl

You should bring it to their attention. The value-add of original papers is lost.

+1. There’s consideration and value in the original papers. Every single watching my collection has box and papers. I’d be pissed, Even if it’s only a mistake


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[NB93]

Thanks for the reply guys. As mentioned im a little annoyed as it was the full set idea that pushed me over the line to purchase this particular model, papers were definitely priced in but I felt for the condition (its amazing for 1979 according to the serial....) was a competitive price. I guess my only other real concern here would be that down the track id take it in for a service and find out the watch was stolen god forbid.

Again no concerns on authenticity or the dealer themselves, I’ve dealt with them before without issue, but I find it strange they wouldn’t pull everything apart as part of their authentication process?

[MILGAUSS88]

I have bought several vintage watches from original owners and quite often the papers did not match the watch. I venture to say, that I have gotten incorrect papers more often than I have gotten correct papers.

I chalk it up to the AD's really not paying attention to the box in years past. I think they just grabbed the first available one, and here you go.

Correct box and papers were not always something of value, like they are now.

[baumare]

Hi, I'm sorry to ear that, personally I would be more then "annoyed" because it's either a big mistake or a scam. In this days checking that the serial number match the paper is the first thing you do when you sell (or buying) a full set.
I would call first thing in the morning the dealer to let them know and see what they say.
They should apology and fix it, if they say that "it was a competitive price" then you'll know who you dealing with... and at that point I would question the authenticity as well...
The difference between having or not the right paper can be up to 20% of the value.
Sorry if I seam rude, but something like this would have drive me mad!

Good luck and Happy New Year to you to!

[77T]

Originally Posted by NB93

I guess my only other real concern here would be that down the track id take it in for a service and find out the watch was stolen god forbid.

A reasonable concern. Do Australian statutes require dealers to verify that incoming watches are not on police theft lists?

If not, and if the mis-match can’t somehow be straightened out by the dealer, get a guarantee against that contingency.

If you want some level of assurance, send it to the RSC for a service quote. The small fee (if you don’t proceed with the overhaul) will give you peace of mind that it isn’t on Rolex’s list.



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[NB93]

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

I have bought several vintage watches from original owners and quite often the papers did not match the watch. I venture to say, that I have gotten incorrect papers more often than I have gotten correct papers.

I chalk it up to the AD's really not paying attention to the box in years past. I think they just grabbed the first available one, and here you go.

Correct box and papers were not always something of value, like they are now.

Wow, that’s incredible. It surprises me to hear that, then again it doesn’t. Ordinarily I don’t see much value in the paperwork myself, as long as the piece is legitimate and functioning thats all I need, but honestly the full set in this particular instance is what pushed me over the line in buying.


Thanks for all the replies.

Regarding Australian law on second hand pieces I’m not quite sure to tell you the truth. I would’ve thought being how small the industry is in Melbourne dealers would do their due diligence on every single piece including bracelet removal and serial number checked with paperwork. It’s what I would do in their shoes. Unfortunately I won’t be able to make contact over the holiday period so will have to wait until the new year to get it straightened out. I’ll make contact with them and see what they say, My thinking is it’s more than likely a mistake and something that slipped past them, happy to report back when I find out. The piece functions beautifully and is in pristine condition for its age so it’s hard to be angry about it, when really for me it’s about the watches at the end of the day. Having a vintage full set would’ve been nice though...

Thanks everyone, stay safe.

[Dully]

My old man was the original buyer of a 6263. The warranty doesn’t match the watch. The only thing that helps in my case is the name matches in the warranty and the receipt. The warranty doesn’t even have a serial number just, but rather an item number (I think) from the store. Then on the warranty it’s written “6263 on back of watch.”

[narembeen]

Originally Posted by NB93

Wow, that’s incredible. It surprises me to hear that, then again it doesn’t. Ordinarily I don’t see much value in the paperwork myself, as long as the piece is legitimate and functioning thats all I need, but honestly the full set in this particular instance is what pushed me over the line in buying.


Thanks for all the replies.

Regarding Australian law on second hand pieces I’m not quite sure to tell you the truth. I would’ve thought being how small the industry is in Melbourne dealers would do their due diligence on every single piece including bracelet removal and serial number checked with paperwork. It’s what I would do in their shoes. Unfortunately I won’t be able to make contact over the holiday period so will have to wait until the new year to get it straightened out. I’ll make contact with them and see what they say, My thinking is it’s more than likely a mistake and something that slipped past them, happy to report back when I find out. The piece functions beautifully and is in pristine condition for its age so it’s hard to be angry about it, when really for me it’s about the watches at the end of the day. Having a vintage full set would’ve been nice though...

Thanks everyone, stay safe.

I'd return it. Why make this your problem? I've seen Rolex's with and without papers for sale over this past year and the price difference can be immense. Essentially he sold you a paperless watch. Pretty sure he knew too.

[rootbeer7]

Scouring eBay you can buy a full set for virtually any model including papers. To the untrained eye, as in most people who buy a vintage piece, these made up sets would pass muster. I’m sure the big name sellers wouldn’t do this, but it happens.

[faz]

Return it, or get a refund for the difference between full set and no paper set.


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