Question re. Sourcing box and papers for vintage timepieces

[WhomstWatchGuy]

HELLO EVERYONE.

I am new to the forum, trying to get some long held curiosities off my mind. For starters, can anyone help me understand the true industry thoughts on sourcing old warranty papers and manuals for respective watches?

When it comes to the serial number, product number, and the year built, is sourced paperwork is as good as having an original?

I see tons of listings on ebay and on the web offering paperwork and cards for rolexes, i'm sure anyone else has. What are the general thoughts on this practice? Scammy or a smart way to flip a watch?

[BrazenC5]

It's common that resellers will try to piece together boxes, manuals, tags, anchors, etc.

But when it comes to faked (as in not original to that watch) warranty papers and charging a premium, that's scammy and scummy.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

[joli160]

Nothing smart about a con artist and for every watch enthusiast a big no

[TomLou]

I do not think there is harm in buying missing accessories for your Rolex, such as a box
or calendar card or wallet that came originally with your watch. But is another matter buying
the warranty papers, that is pointless as it will not increase the value of your watch, because
the serial numbers will not match !
- With that said, do not think for a moment that there is not a large group of unscrupulous
Rolex “mechanics” active in altering and re-engraving serial numbers and sell vintage Rolex
watches as full sets etc.
Please note: In the past few years, suddenly there is a “flood” of such perfect sets, the buyers
are willing to pay big bucks for full sets and the “mechanics” oblige…

[jimcameron]

If you buy without, you should live without.

[BarkMaster]

I don't see how they can "source" paperwork or warranty cards with the correct serial number without forgery being involved. Let's call it what it is: fake. IMO, only phonies have fakes.

Speaking from experience, I can assure you that the absence of those items (original or otherwise) has exactly zero impact how the watch operates.

[subprimero]

If you want warranty papers send it to the RSC for service.

[amphr1]

Originally Posted by subprimero

if you want warranty papers send it to the rsc for service.

+1

[gerry100]

Would you tell a future purchaser they didn’t come with the watch?

[330ci]

I sold my last blank tudor papers for $500 to some guy in Italy. No way I'd pay the premium on a complete set