![]() |
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
![]() |
#1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: London
Posts: 64
|
Fake or real Patek Aquanaut ?
Hey guys, I purchased this watch on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/232031379343...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT And I realize that it's about $15000 USD under market value. We all know that if something is too good to be true it probably is. The seller wants me to pay through direct bank transfer, which means it's going to be almost impossible to get a refund. What do you guys think ? Any giveaway that it's fake? Have you guys ever dealt with the guy ? This is his site: http://miller-jewelry.com/home.php Thanks in advance for your help. ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member
Join Date: May 2008
Real Name: Matt
Location: Wine Country, Ca
Posts: 6,061
|
The paypal caveat for only accepting under $3000 is most likely because Paypal steals 4% of the transaction amount
__________________
TRF Member 11738 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Real Name: Neil
Location: UK
Watch: ing ships roll in
Posts: 59,369
|
Very likely that you will get a fake, altho not seen fake Tiffanys, or that it is stolen. I'd only pay by credit card and then check if it is real or stolen.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2015
Real Name: Karl
Location: Kuwait
Posts: 5,228
|
Biggest concern I have is the strap looks more black than brown and the "Swiss Made" is missing. Otherwise bloody good fake!
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: London
Posts: 64
|
Quote:
The strap does seem more towards black but it might just be the lighting. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Real Name: Adam
Location: Costa Blanca,
Watch: YMII,GMTII,DAYTONA
Posts: 5,288
|
My opinion its fake
The fakes of this model are very, very good, but for some reason do not have SWISS MADE like yours doesn't The lume looks different on yours But most worrying - no movement photo, and this watch has an exhibition back. We need a photo of balance wheel and rotor, it should look like this https://www.google.es/search?q=patek...QR2iwZ7mExM%3A adam
__________________
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. Winston Churchill "We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done." |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2016
Real Name: Marcus
Location: Buffalo, NY
Watch: Rolex 2 tone 1005
Posts: 351
|
I believe it to be genuine.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Real Name: Adam
Location: Costa Blanca,
Watch: YMII,GMTII,DAYTONA
Posts: 5,288
|
?
Maybe I missed the movement photo?
__________________
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. Winston Churchill "We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done." |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2016
Real Name: Marcus
Location: Buffalo, NY
Watch: Rolex 2 tone 1005
Posts: 351
|
I'm looking at the overall picture... all of the listing photos, the website, all of the other items he has listed on ebay, and the items shown in his feedback that he has sold.
Like the most recent feedback was for a $14,500 Patek and the buyer referred to him as a "Trusted Seller." That's just one of the examples. Look at all the watches he has sold for more money than this $8,500 watch combined with all of the others that also aren't cheap... Panerai, Breguet, Patek, Paul Newman Daytona for $35k, etc. The whole picture tells me that I don't need to see the movement on this one. Of course, it is always wise to take it somewhere to have it authenticated upon receipt of the watch, but imho all looks good. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: London
Posts: 64
|
I requested for a photo of the movement and he said it would reveal too much information from the seller. Which makes no sense as it doesn't show any more info than the certificate of origin. I'll ask him one more time and if he doesn't want to send it, I will probably decline to make the transfer.
I could just pay the extra 4% and do paypal and I would be safe. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Real Name: Adam
Location: Costa Blanca,
Watch: YMII,GMTII,DAYTONA
Posts: 5,288
|
Quote:
Without a movement photo of that balance wheel, I would not send more than $150. The price of a fake A
__________________
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. Winston Churchill "We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done." |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Real Name: Neil
Location: UK
Watch: ing ships roll in
Posts: 59,369
|
Quote:
Also ask why he's selling it so cheap, it really is at a stolen watch price, and he is no amateur. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2016
Real Name: Marcus
Location: Buffalo, NY
Watch: Rolex 2 tone 1005
Posts: 351
|
This guy has positive feedback on ebay for somewhere between $150,000 and $200,000 worth of high end watches IN THE LAST MONTH.
I would recommend paying by paypal, but that is a pretty good track record from a variety of buyers in the last month that say he is good and safe to deal with. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Real Name: Eric
Location: AZ
Watch: 4&5-digit Sub/GMTs
Posts: 1,974
|
Quote:
However, in this case you can clearly see that the minute marks @ 29 & 31 are shortened for the "Swiss Made" print to fit under them, but it does not appear to be present. You can also clearly see the bottom of the 30min marker (6 o'clock), which would be the same plane that the "Swiss Made" print would be on. On the versions without the "Swiss Made" those minute markers are the same as all the rest (full-length). Plus, the T&C logo appears to be in the wrong position on the dial. Now combine the above issues with the following: * Issue with the strap color. * Reluctance of the seller to take a pic of the movement. * Insistance by the seller to pay by wire transfer only (against eBay policy I believe). * Too-good-to-be-true price. For me, it's a pretty clear case of run-don't walk. YMMV... ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: London
Posts: 64
|
Thank you for all your help ! You guys are awesome. I would definitely not even look twice if his feedback wasn't so good on ebay. I've had a problem before with a fake watch and Ebay refunded me 100%.
I will ask for another picture from the top just to make sure the "swiss made" is missing. I will offer to pay the extra 4% so that I get covered by PayPal. I understand it seems too good to be true but maybe this is that one rare time I found a good deal. Sent from my SM-G935W8 using Tapatalk |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Real Name: Eric
Location: AZ
Watch: 4&5-digit Sub/GMTs
Posts: 1,974
|
Quote:
Take our recent friend "Superiorvintagewatches" for instance. That guy has 100% feedback as well, and sells nothing but garbage. I bet countless eBay seller feedback profiles would change drastically if transactions were allowed to remain open to comment indefinitely. As it stands now, a guy could buy a fake unknowingly, then only find out several months/years down when it is serviced or inspected for sale. At that point, he basically has no recourse, and can't comment on the transaction any longer. Who knows, this guy with the Patek could very well be selling "mostly" legit watches, but throwing a few high-end fakes into the mix to help the bottom line. I'd say there is also the possibility of the seller getting duped from wherever he sourced it. However, the fact that he is reluctant to take pics of the movement (and the lame reason given) suggests that he knows it's fake. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 | |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2016
Real Name: Marcus
Location: Buffalo, NY
Watch: Rolex 2 tone 1005
Posts: 351
|
Quote:
It is looking to me like people on this forum pick and choose who to pick on and who to support based on longevity on the forum. Robert Maron seems to have a good standing with the IWJG and sells millions of dollars of watches to celebs. He is probably the most famous dealer in the world. Yet, he is referred to as a criminal, fraud, and "Moron" here on this forum. I would say to the OP that a lot of the postings here seem to be designed to direct traffic away from sellers who aren't "in the club" so to speak. It's pretty disappointing and transparent if you ask me. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Real Name: Bryant
Location: Florida
Watch: ...Your Thoughts
Posts: 2,171
|
I have this watch and looked at my watch and the pics back and forth, and could not see any hint of anything different (except the Tiffany & Co. lettering).
I agree that a high res. picture of the movement is needed. If that is a fake, than all I can say is its a fake well done, at least from the front! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 | |||
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Real Name: Eric
Location: AZ
Watch: 4&5-digit Sub/GMTs
Posts: 1,974
|
Quote:
Quote:
![]() IIRC, I recently backed you up on the 6536 thread you posted. Quote:
It has been my experience/observation that nobody is immune from criticism when something questionable pops up. The fact that members here have no qualms about taking "watch celebrities" to task just reinforces that notion. ![]() |
|||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#20 | |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2016
Real Name: Marcus
Location: Buffalo, NY
Watch: Rolex 2 tone 1005
Posts: 351
|
Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 | |
TRF Moderator & 2025 Titanium Yacht-Master Patron
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Adam
Location: Far East
Watch: MQ-24-7B2LLJF
Posts: 28,951
|
Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#22 | ||
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Real Name: Eric
Location: AZ
Watch: 4&5-digit Sub/GMTs
Posts: 1,974
|
Quote:
For instance, regarding SuperiorVintageWatches (formerly WatchGroupCorp): AFAIK, Micheal M was not the first to bring attention to that seller. He was a member here, and was called out by numerous members IN THIS THREAD and given a chance to respond. He declined, and was banned. Quote:
Regarding the franken Jeff posted, there is one big difference: The parts in question are genuine Rolex, AND he would be either parting the watch out or selling it as-is with FULL DISCLOSURE. Contrast that with Mr. SuperiorVintageWatches, who is selling watches put together with fake cases, dials, and bracelets and NOT disclosing it. |
||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#23 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Real Name: Eric
Location: AZ
Watch: 4&5-digit Sub/GMTs
Posts: 1,974
|
Quote:
I'd walk personally, but that's your call. AFAIK, it's against eBay & PayPal policy for sellers to even ask buyers to pay the transaction fee (let alone put it in their listing). If you still proceed, the PP fee is actually less than 4%. For a sale price of $8500, the PP fee would be $246.80. Again, I am NOT recommending you go forward. Here, this might help with your decision...Please notice the location of the T&C logo on each of these dials: Watch you won: http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ZDEAAO...-~/s-l1600.jpg Watch from trusted seller here, DavidSW: http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/160...905/EcawVx.jpg |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Real Name: Jeffrey P Hess
Location: florida
Watch: Patek and Ball
Posts: 516
|
Yes, thanks... for correcting the thread-drift!
Not sure how my name got into this. :) i have a store in st. pete and one in Tampa, so maybe I can go check this watch out in person. (oddly, I have never heard of Millers Jewelry) Jeff |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 | |
Banned
Join Date: Jul 2016
Real Name: Marcus
Location: Buffalo, NY
Watch: Rolex 2 tone 1005
Posts: 351
|
Quote:
This was posted by crowncollection: "http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...=482732&page=2 post 49 cut and pasted I'm on your side in this debate, but Parcel pro does allow different insured value and declared value. However, if you do this, you will get a warning pop up box, and they told me (when I opened my account) that they will not pay insurance claims on items that are seized due to the declared value being different than the insured value. I don't understand how there could be a 3rd party insurer that provides insurance and will pay out if somebody under-declared the value and the item was seized to the inaccurate declaration. Maybe it happens so seldomly that such insurance company is raking in a bunch of free money. The thought about paying for a service and pretending the watch is simply being returned to the customer may be viable, but it is not honest, and if you are pressed by a detective or investigator or judge to provide proof (open the books), they will see that the client made two payments to you. One for the fake service and one for the item. For me, I would question the overall integrity of a seller who enacts such a scheme. People always say to "buy the seller," but if the seller conducts himself dishonestly regarding taxes, how can you trust him? It's similar to somebody asking you to break a confidentiality agreement. If you break the confidentiality agreement to tell your buddy a secret, he will know that you didn't honor your promise to keep that matter confidential. He may not say anything, but he will always know that you can not be trusted with confidential matters. To me, honesty and integrity should be comprehensive and cover a sellers entire business conduct. If the seller conducts himself dishonestly in a portion of the transaction, then how can you possibly believe that he has conducted himself honestly in all other aspects of the transaction. I would be willing to bet that a number of "minty" "unpolished" and "100% original*" watches have been shipped with under-declared values. #integrity [*footnote - "100% original" means that no part has ever been changed or replaced - even with a 100% genuine Rolex part. This is a different term than "100% authentic" or "100% genuine" which both mean that the watch is completely genuine, but don't go so far as to guarantee that RSC nor any other watchmaker or jeweler didn't make a part swap at some point during service or repair.] " Maybe that rubbed someone the wrong way? Maybe he got a target on his back for suggesting that people aren't showing integrity if they mess around with customs fees? I also looked at the language in their listings. This language could rub many other sellers the wrong way: " Please Note Vintage Rolex watches have typically been through a tremendous journey, and it is rare that anybody could find a vintage Rolex that could truly be guaranteed to contain all of the same, orginal components with which it was originally manufactured. Anybody who promises you that a vintage Rolex watch contains 100% of the original parts, is probably not being honest. The only way anybody could make such a guarantee would be if they observed the manufacturing of each component; saw the components assembled into the complete watch; and then kept the watch in a safe place to which nobody else had access. If the watch has ever been in for service or repair, it could very likely contain replacement components. This is commonplace, and should be expected in a vintage watch... much the same as it would be expected in a vintage automobile. If a seller promises you that no component has ever been changed in a vintage Rolex timepiece, ask for notarized documentation and video/film evidence. Making a claim that all parts are "original" is similar to making a claim that the watch is "unpolished." It's probably not true. We attempt to ensure that we deal in completely authentic, genuine, original Rolex watches, however, it is possible that vintage watches have been altered from their original condition. It is possible that dials have been refinished and/or re-lumed... even 10, 20, or 30 years ago. 30 year old re-lumes do actually exist. It is possible that the Rolex Service Center or another watchmaker swapped/changed components due to damage or to comply with legislation regarding numbers of rubies or radiation levels in the luminous material. It is possible that various components of the watch were replaced with genuine Rolex parts. It is not unheard of for some watches to contain after market components such as clamp screws or winding stems, etc. (for instance). We stand behind the watches we sell. When you puchase a watch from Watch Group Corp, you are ensuring that you will receive a great watch and top quality customer care. We can promise you that. Thank you for considering making a purchase from Watch group Corp. I am a member of the NAWCC, IWJG, and AWCI. " I can find no reports of someone getting his/her money stolen by superiorvintagewatches/watchgroupcorp. So he seemed to get banned for choosing not to take watches apart and provide hi res photos. See how many trusted sellers on rolexforums.com will comply with such a request. That guy chose not to get into an argument, got banned, and is now referred to as a scammer... by competitors vying for the same customers. I didn't get much substantial evidence out of that thread. I saw attempted comparisons with a case back from a different model year. I don't see why a guy would get banned for choosing not to argue and not having been accused of stealing money. It's odd. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#26 |
⭐⭐⭐⭐
2025 Titanium Yacht-Master Sponsor & Boutique Seller Join Date: Sep 2015
Real Name: Chase
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 20,700
|
If you look at his sold listings they are all selling at too good to be true prices. Another 5167 steel sold for $8500, Richard Mille for $9900? He also posted the movement on the 5167 steel.
The are many at too good to be true prices. I would stay away from this guy. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#27 | |
TRF Moderator & 2025 Titanium Yacht-Master Patron
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Adam
Location: Far East
Watch: MQ-24-7B2LLJF
Posts: 28,951
|
Quote:
In the two weeks since you’ve joined TRF, posting 56 new threads mostly filled with fakes, you have rubbed a lot of members the wrong way. Now you’re not only criticising respected members and questioning their integrity, but you are also voicing support for a known scammer. Enough is enough. EDIT: Turns out our friend here is actually WatchGroupCorp himself, or posting from the same IP address anyway. Last edited by Old Expat Beast; 1 August 2016 at 04:45 PM.. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#28 |
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2015
Real Name: Karl
Location: Kuwait
Posts: 5,228
|
I think you should definately buy it:
a) Any Seller that sells hundreds of thousands of dollars of high end watches a month without having a reserve price, sure sells like he is either dumb, is a fence or money laundering; b) I think your firs post in 2015 was about another Ebay Patek in the Philipinnes, so you have prior history of knowing whats fake; c) The fact that he is not showing a movement to protect the identity of the seller..implies that he is not the owner..so who is he then? Refer to A. Let us know how it goes |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#29 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Real Name: Adam
Location: Costa Blanca,
Watch: YMII,GMTII,DAYTONA
Posts: 5,288
|
In my opinion, you should never buy ahigh end luxury watch with following screaming issues
1) price far below its worth 2) poor photos 3) no movement photos 4) added provenance value like Tiffany 5) seller unwilling or unable to supply further photos or answers All screams "beware" Even if the seller has previous integrity, even sellers are being duped, I have a similar Audermars Piquet, that is exactly the quality of this watch, would dupe nearly everyone, yet it's a "ultra super fake" (my words) I can not fathom, anyone advising the OP to purchase this watch, with so many "buyer beware" red flags. As I stated previously, I think watch is a fake Adam
__________________
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. Winston Churchill "We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done." |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#30 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Real Name: Rick
Location: Emmaus, PA
Watch: Tudor 79090 blue
Posts: 298
|
Whoa! I go to sleep for a few hours and all heck breaks loose.
Back on subject. What did you end up doing OP? Are you paying and waiting to see what happened when it arrives? |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Tags |
patek philppe 5167r |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 3 (0 members and 3 guests) | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.