Datejust 16234; Want opinions before plunging!

[kirikenz]

I've been lurking for a while now but this is my first post, so hopefully this post doesn't break any rules (I reviewed the sticky in this subforum so hopefully I'm good).

I've got a second chance offer on my hands in an ebay auction for a Datejust 16234. The auction is here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=271186418203

With my second chance offer, I would be paying $2901 + $18 shipping in total. I'm graduating college in a couple of months and wanted to buy myself a nice "achievement" present. I'm somewhat of a watch hobbyist and have a small collection of lower-end watches, the most valuable of which is probably only worth around $300 so I'm somewhat nervous about taking the dive. I'm hoping that by posting here I can either gain some support to take the plunge or be warned off for a good reason.

PS: Sorry if the images stretched the page, I should have cropped them but I'm in a bit of a rush

For those not looking at the ebay link, the seller listed the following information:

model # 16234
serial # W800xxx (1995)
end pieces # 555b
band # 62510H

It seems legitimate to me, unless anyone notices something I don't. The seller has 100% feedback, member since 2008, positive feedback on prior Rolex sales and some photos appear to be taken in a jewelry store so I'm not terribly concerned about the authenticity, but I'm afraid of frankenparts or something of that nature making this a bad purchase. The fact that the highest bidder chickened-out also makes me wonder if he noticed something after-the-fact... I suppose if I really wanted to be really paranoid I might consider the possibility that the seller shill-bid the price to get my maximum bid with a second chance offer. I want to make sure I'm not being screwed here.



The dial is described as "blue add on diamond dial". It looks like the average stick dial with small roman numerals, only the sticks have been replaced with diamond mounts (from my observation the factory diamond dials do not have the roman numerals). I've sent a message asking the seller if this is the case (whether the dial is "modified" or "fake"). In either case does this greatly devalue the watch? From my understanding RSCs won't service watches with aftermarket parts like this, but another dial is $2-300 and it doesn't seem like a big deal to me. My assumption is that local watchmakers will not care about this kind of thing either. It looks like it was done somewhat tastefully IMO.

http://i.imgur.com/uoEogRu.jpg
(I didn't embed this because the resolution stretched the page)

I don't have any watches with a jubilee style bracelet and am not familiar with what stretch is considered "severe". Does the photo indicate bad stretch or is this acceptable for a 1995 bracelet?

http://i.imgur.com/8qsAQyl.jpg
(I didn't embed this because the resolution stretched the page)

It does not include box or papers. Even still, a 16234 1995 (no-holes) DJ seems like a great buy for a total of $2919. Does anyone disagree? Is there any reason I should be wary? Thanks!

[crowncollection]

the watch looks ok apart from the aftermarket diamonds on the dial, but a photo of the clasp stampings would help, if you were to replace the dial that would total $3200 that's is too much imho. Is it recently serviced and pressure tested ?

[kirikenz]

That's unknown. The seller seemed honest and sincere in his reply to me, claims it's been keeping good time in his display case but that's about all he can say. He explained he owns a jewelry store and a customer traded in the watch without leaving box, papers or any other information.

Because of this, the last service date is unknown. From my understanding RSC service will run ~$600 if there's nothing that needs replacement. $3200 + $600 = $3800. I'm guessing popular opinion might be that is a somewhat steep price for a 1995?

No pictures of the clasp stamping.

The seller allows returns within 7 days but I'd like to avoid playing hot potato with this one.

[crowncollection]

You can get a good one off a trusted seller here cheaper, everything will be definitely authentic and running well IMHO.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kirikenz]

Thank you for weighing in crowncollection. I've sent the seller a message letting him know that I've decided not to take the second chance offer.

I found RolexForums because it was recommended on WUS as having great secondhand sellers. I've yet to see anything strike my fancy at a price I'm willing to pay but I'll continue to keep my eyes out.