First purchase. I need authentication please

[joncho]

Hello,

I am a new member. I have been reading through posts and I have already learned a few things thanks to this forum.

Recently I made a purchase of a Ladies 6917 from the 1980's Datejust with diamonds.

Does it look authentic?

Thank you in advance.

[crowncollection]

It's ok, other than the dial is aftermarket, looks like it could do with a polish and your ok, can you take a photo of the otherside of the clasp with stampings nice and clear it will help members check to band properly.

[GradyPhilpott]

Need better shots of the dial and the clasp.

There's not enough detail, for me at least.

Most will feel likewise.

[bayerische]

Looks like the clasp says "siriou" ? Can't really tell, or is my mind making stuff up?

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by bayerische

Looks like the clasp says "siriou" ? Can't really tell, or is my mind making stuff up?

It's Rolex upside down and it doesn't look good.

[joncho]

Thank you all. I will post more detailed pictures of the dial and clasp in a couple of days.
I don't like the fact that the dial might be aftermarket. I was told it was an original Rolex dial from factory.
I wonder if they just put it together with different parts from different timepieces.
One question, did this particular model ever came in a 2030 calibre?

[supernova]

Wonder why you didn't ask here or research it more before pulling the trigger on such an expensive watch?

[joncho]

Originally Posted by supernova

Wonder why you didn't ask here or research it more before pulling the trigger on such an expensive watch?

I had a not so smart moment. I agree. I didn't pay much for it. So it'll let it be my lesson I guess. Think purchases through.

The seller states he has a certified Rolex watchmaker that guarantees the watch is 100% authentic. That doesn't mean the watch is not a Frankenstein Rolex from lots of parts from different watches. I'll take it to my Rolex dealer and have it checked.

I hope I didn't get burned on my first purchase.

[pghjoe]

I would be interested in how you made out. I have gone through what you are going through now. Keep us informed.

[mr.president1]

Why would you ask if its authentic or not. If I was buying a pre-owned Rolex I would have it checked before laying that kind of money on the table or after buying it from eBay or something have it checked fully at an AD. Let's be honest hear, who buys a Rolex not knowing if it's authentic or not.

I'm sure it happens all the time, but man does it make me mad when a Rolex buyer doesn't do all the homework before the purchase!

[perpetualman88]

I would pass 100% its a fake

[joncho]

Weird how I got mixed replies. "it's good" and "100% its a fake"
A close up of the dial and the clasp will clear this up?
I already have an appointment with an authorized Rolex Service Center to have it authenticated but I am curious what will be the ultimate answer from the rolexforums community.
Pictures up tomorrow.

[Knappo 1307]

I'm curious what RSC you are just walking into? If that dial is aftermarket and you "walk" into a RSC, bye bye dial... I didn't realize you could visit a RSC and have them answer questions. I thought the watch had to be sent in ?

[Andy1980]

Let us know what the RSC says... Good luck!

[NKflyer]

Originally Posted by joncho

I don't like the fact that the dial might be aftermarket. I was told it was an original Rolex dial from factory.
I wonder if they just put it together with different parts from different timepieces.

A lot of diamond dials are either aftermarket or original dials that had diamonds added by a jeweler. Although many enthusiasts frown upon aftermarket parts, this is one instance where I think it is okay and pretty easy to return to original later on. A genuine Rolex diamond dial would cost more than you probably paid for the entire watch.

[crowncollection]

Originally Posted by joncho

Weird how I got mixed replies. "it's good" and "100% its a fake"
A close up of the dial and the clasp will clear this up?
I already have an appointment with an authorized Rolex Service Center to have it authenticated but I am curious what will be the ultimate answer from the rolexforums community.
Pictures up tomorrow.

Originally Posted by joncho

Weird how I got mixed replies. "it's good" and "100% its a fake"
A close up of the dial and the clasp will clear this up?
I already have an appointment with an authorized Rolex Service Center to have it authenticated but I am curious what will be the ultimate answer from the rolexforums community.
Pictures up tomorrow.

The dial is aftermarket, that setting was not available at the time of the watches production, or a off a newer watch, but very clear pics needed to distiguish if it's a newer original dial, i doubt it. The band who knows, with those photos, but the endpieces appear to say 468b which is correct, although i cannot see that properly in such poor shots, i am kinda summising that is what they say, as it looks like that to me, the clasp looks fishy and further photos have been requested by many members from post one.

To check the band link section is original you need to perform a few tests but your AD will do it now. The case looks typical of the time, ladies casebacks were engraved and yours look ok. Of course the back needs to be opened to see if there's a cal. 2030 inside their, that's the real test, the watch has certainly been mucked around with but that does not make it a total fake

consider these facts, the watch has plexi crystal glass, how many fakes last over 20 years ? rolex have used sapphire crystal for 2 decades +, the case has engravings consisitant with the time, rolex has not engraved casebacks for a long time on ladies watches. The case has lug holes, it is a run of the mill ladies datejust, to my knowledge they do not engeneer fake ladies older cases, they are not collectable and worth much, it's not like an old sub worth counterfieting eg 1680..

[Lgear080]

Fake fake fake.

[joncho]

Ok so I just got back from the Rolex AD. This is what they had to say:
- Correct weight
- Correct Serial 717XXXX and model 6917 for the style and age
- Diamond Dial look original Rolex
- Movement seems ok but would not know until they opened it.
- Winding felt a bit rough
- It has acrylic as it should from the date

They would pass it as authentic but wouldn't confirm until it was looked by a tech.
Some items raised a flag to them but either because they are not knowledgable on this late of model. Here they are:

- Crown looked to have the Rolex crown to far to the edge
- Swirls around the Rolex letters on the clasp didn't curb up correctly
- The area where the reference number and model number looked too new.

Recommended to send it in to Rolex and have them look it over and either service it or return it to me if it's not authentic.

So I am back to square one.
I must add that the person I bought it from has sent it from an address of a jewelry store that is an authorized Rolex dealer. When I did a google search of his name, it was affiliated with that jewelry store. Rolex list that store as authorized. He has a long history of selling genuine rolex.
When I arrived at the AD here in town, the first thing they noticed and said was "That box you have there, is what Rolex ships the watches back in" Not that it means anything but just figured I would add that.

Can I name the seller here or not? Don't want to break any forum rules.

Here are the pictures. I warn you, I am not a photographer as you can tell.

















This one looks like the "1" is missing. It was a lighting effect. This was the best I could do.





I am going to send it to the Dallas Rolex center. Have them look it over and have the final word on it.

What you all think? Please explain why you post "fake fake fake" or "it's ok"
I would like to be more educated.
Thank you.

[joncho]

Thanks crowncollection. I hope the pictures help this time.
I am leaning towards a fake band or clasp. Although the AD said that the band appear to be solid 18K gold, they just weren't sure about the clasp or the crown on the watch.

[Lgear080]

that caseback is just not something i've ever seen on a real watch.
the band is fake. the dial is awful and wayyyyy off.

[joseluu]

Well, seeing the way things are developing I guess one more dissenting opinion will not do much harm:

I believe the watch, including the bracelet, is OK, except possibly the dial which, while being original Rolex, MIGHT have had the diamonds added.

[Knappo 1307]

You say the AD recommended you send it in for a service, and if it is not real they will send it back. Sorry if it is not real, it's not coming back. The diamond 6 O'clock marker looks discentered, definitely not Rolex quality. Also at the the AD, they said they weren't sure unless taking the back off ? You traveled all the way there for a authenticity check and left without having the movement checked ? IMHO we have a troll here. He knows the answer and is just fishing !

[NKflyer]

After viewing the new photos... The watch is real including the bracelet. I just compared it to another of similar vintage and everything is identical. Also, the clasp code "G" matches up with the serial number.

[joncho]

Originally Posted by NKflyer

After viewing the new photos... The watch is real including the bracelet. I just compared it to another of similar vintage and everything is identical. Also, the clasp code "G" matches up with the serial number.

Thanks for your input NKflyer. Was the one you compared it to a diamond dial? What year? I am just trying to figure out this dial situation.
Thank you.

[drainaps]

Bracelet /Clasp is fishy. Coronet on clasp should have a much crisper look, especially the tips. It can lose definition when polished, but does not look like polished to me.

Picture between the lugs at 12 o'clock : The font used is OFF. I have never seen anything like that. Then a closed 6 and an open 9? Strange.

Same picture, no lettering other than model no (no "Registered Design" lettering). Surface between the lugs looks polished. Have never ever seen that either.

Then it's true that the watch has taken a beating and any gold plating would not have stood that without wearing off. It does not look like its worn off, so it might be the real thing, but it might be the pics?

I must confess I'm not into ladies' watches but this looks OFF to me. Cannot comment on the dial, though.

[joncho]

Originally Posted by Knappo 1307

You say the AD recommended you send it in for a service, and if it is not real they will send it back. Sorry if it is not real, it's not coming back. The diamond 6 O'clock marker looks discentered, definitely not Rolex quality. Also at the the AD, they said they weren't sure unless taking the back off ? You traveled all the way there for a authenticity check and left without having the movement checked ? IMHO we have a troll here. He knows the answer and is just fishing !

Ben Bridge does not have a watchmaker or a service tech so they will not open the case. That's why I left without checking the movement.
I do not know the answer and I am not fishing. I am trying to see I need to get my money back or keep it.

[TempoKing]

My opinion is that other than an aftermarket diamond dial the Rest is fine
It might need a service which will set you back a couple of hundred bucks
Value $2,000 ?
No need to spend a fortune for a rather inexpensive Rolex by sending to the RSC

[Knappo 1307]

Originally Posted by joncho

Ben Bridge does not have a watchmaker or a service tech so they will not open the case. That's why I left without checking the movement.
I do not know the answer and I am not fishing. I am trying to see I need to get my money back or keep it.

No one here or anywhere can give you a 100% authentication without checking the movement.

[crowncollection]

So it looks like my assessment was just about spot on, the watch is near all original except the dial i still believe, the clasp has been overpolished, you could do with a replacement. I am with the assessment of the AD except for the dial, this dial style was not available, they should know that, but as i have stated in many posts AD know new watches that is it, you should have a different finer setting. The dial is not original i am sorry to say to this watch, and looking at the new photos, you need to see the setting very well, you also need to see wether the diamonds are exactly the same size and clarity as rolex colour match and size match all diamonds. However, i am still thinking the dial is aftermarket sorry. The best way is to remove the dial and look at the back, then you can tell 100%.

[joncho]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

So it looks like my assessment was just about spot on, the watch is near all original except the dial i still believe, the clasp has been overpolished, you could do with a replacement. I am with the assessment of the AD except for the dial, this dial style was not available, they should know that, but as i have stated in many posts AD know new watches that is it, you should have a different finer setting. The dial is not original i am sorry to say to this watch, and looking at the new photos, you need to see the setting very well, you also need to see wether the diamonds are exactly the same size and clarity as rolex colour match and size match all diamonds. However, i am still thinking the dial is aftermarket sorry. The best way is to remove the dial and look at the back, then you can tell 100%.

The watch is at Dallas RSC and I received a call today with the service estimate. As you said it, the dial is original with the diamonds added afterwards. Everything else checks out 100% authentic and original. I will be giving them the go ahead and have the watch serviced and revert back to it's original configuration.

After it's all set and done, I will be just a bit over 2K out of my pocket for the watch and service.

This is all that it's going to be done:
-Factory Movt Serv-pres prf & Crystal
-Do not refinish engraved case back
-Refinish case and bracelet
-1 Dial-champagne, y/g markers L
-1 Pair of hands
-1 Second Hand
-1 Winding crown
-1 Clasp

I'll post pictures once I get the watch back.