Advise Please... Used 16710 Black/Red

[Jedi]

The Quest has resulted in a positive lead that is less than 20km from home!

I'd like to seek the advice of more experienced collectors here, especially when it comes to buying used, and specifically when involving the 16710.

This is what I know of the watch so far (I'm checking it out on Monday, which will be Sunday evening/late night Stateside):

1. Was bought by the current owner, who is a collector, in 2003/2004.

2. All paperwork is intact, which will be verified on Monday, as would the latter point about time of purchase.

3. Has a black/red bezel, which he has offered to change to blue/red prior to sale. I'm asking for it to remain as is, due to the fact that if I travel to Europe (Italy/Germany) early next year, I'll pick up another insert.

4. Claims watch has been worn only 3 - 4 times, has otherwise been kept in collection.

5. Sale would be through a reputable dealer, not a Rolex AD, but is an AD for Jaeger and others.

My questions then amount to:

A. What obvious things should I check for on the watch?

B. Would it have an etched crown on the crystal?

C. Should I ask to have the bracelet removed to check serial number engraving?

D. Ditto for case back to check movement, not that I'd know what I'm looking at really

E. Should I ask for a service history, or would that be too aggressive/rude?

Have I missed anything??

It's kind of strange, but I'm really looking forward to Monday now...

Thanks in advance.

F. Any faults or known issues to look out for?

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Congrats!

Yes, it should have the LEC. You might want to check if the crystal has been exchanged (then it has an "S" standing for "Service" inside the coronet).

I don't think it would be "rude" to follow through every of the other steps, since - after all - it IS an expensive watch. The ULTIMATE test is to have the case back taken off to check the authenticity of the mvt., but it would also be wise to have the caseback taken off to check the seals and if there is any corrosion or other kind of issues inside.

[frostie]

the watch should have a crown etched on the crystal if it is 2003/2004. You should check the serial number and check if it is stolen don't trust anybody except from authorised dealers. If i were you i would also check the authenticity of the watch/movement. I don't think that the guy has serviced the watch cause it is only 4 years old. It would be ok to ask.

[Jedi]

Thanks guys.

with regards to the movement, what should I be looking for? I'm assuming that the dealer in question would be able to open the Oyster case...

My father has a loupe, should I bring it or just hope they have one at the shop, or ask for one at the shop but have dad's on standby??

This is turning out to be quite an adventure!!!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by JediSubExII

Thanks guys.

with regards to the movement, what should I be looking for? I'm assuming that the dealer in question would be able to open the Oyster case...

My father has a loupe, should I bring it or just hope they have one at the shop, or ask for one at the shop but have dad's on standby??

This is turning out to be quite an adventure!!!

Well, of course you would want to make sure that the watch maker has the right Rolex tool to open it!

Also, for GOD's sake don't ask to lend the loupe in the shop! (at least according to Mr. Nick Hacko's advice, that would be like asking for something very personal! ). In one of Jocke's threads you can read about using a loupe. Or else ask JJ!

If your watch maker knows about Rolex, let him judge the authenticity and state of the mvt. and seals.

[mike]

Certainly the serial number should be checked against the paperwork, as well as the original receipt for the watch if the owner still has it.
If the watch has only been worn a hand full of times since new the case and bracelet should be in pristine condition.
I would insure the bezel rotates freely in both directions and the triangles line up.
Certainly check the watch and dial closely. The movement will be a 3185. Honestly taking the caseback off the watch is OK if the dealer has the proper equiment, but keep in mind if he/she does not have the proper equiment to pressure test the watch when putting it back on WR is unknown.
At 4 to 5 years old the gaskets may be less than ideal anyway.

I would study every dial I could find between now and then to get an idea of what to look for. Here's one to start,

[Tools]

JS,

Sounds like a good find..

I don't want to sound like Hacko here....but if you don't know what your looking for - or at, don't make a pretense of it..

You're looking the watch over for any obvious flaws you don't feel you can live with..

Try to find out anything you can about the seller and the AD he has chosen to do the deal.. You want a good level of certainty and reliability.

Good Luck

Here's another one to look at:

[Jedi]

Thanks Tools, and I just wanted to cover bases before going in. I think we've seen enough examples, but it just isn't the same when something personal is at stake n'est pas?

Thanks for dial, I've been looking them over all night.

The index markers are in white gold like the Subs right?

And it's not an AD, but a reputable source of other good brands and happens to do some used watch trade as well, mainly dealing with collectors.

[mike]

Originally Posted by JediSubExII

The index markers are in white gold like the Subs right?

[Jedi]

Update on The Quest...

Landed in Bangkok, work mission accomplished... about to turn in for the night.

Gonna go for a suit fitting in the morning (Great tailor at the Erawan Hyatt) and then...

Chancing it at a few ADs for a new 16710.

Wish me luck for The Hunt is on... of course, there's the inspection of the used example on Monday, but The Time is Now!!!