Vintage Explorer II Paperwork Confusion

[ChrisInAtlanta]

Hi guys -

I am new here, and was astounded to see the current value of my Rolex. A 1655 Explorer II that I bought new in 1982. So I have dug out the original box, Explorer manual, Oyster manual, and the guarantee form.

But. The serial number on the guarantee form, printed in dots on the upper right corner, is 54xxxx2. Looking at the side of the watch, I read (with difficulty) 53xxxx8. My name and then address is correct, as is the seller's name.

What's going on here? I bought it myself, new, from a U.S. Rolex jeweler! It has been seviced two or three times by Rolex, so it can't be fake.

Thanks!

Chris

[Spark]

Sounds like the paperwork got mixed up at the AD's.
Somebody probably got your paperwork with their watch.
It's a shame, but no big deal as you have service paperwork too.
Great watch you have though

[gmt 16750]

Hi Chris, I hate to be the one to say it mate but those few little punched numbers being different on the original papers to the ones on your case means a quite drastic difference in re-sale value for your watch.
Collectors can be willing to pay £££££'s (or $$$$$$$'s in your country) extra for a 'full set' watch, esp. a very desirable model like the one you have.
Your small silver lining is that you do have RSC paperwork to back up the watch and prove it's been looked after but if it had both original and RSC papers, the value would be huge - as this is really the best set-up to a collector by far
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news bud.

[springer]

So, are you saying all numbers are the same except the last number?

[jnewell]

I have been told that this is not all that uncommon. My SMP came from the AD with a card that has a slightly wrong serial number.

If you intend to hold onto the watch, rather than sell it, it's academic, however.

[ChrisInAtlanta]

Originally Posted by springer

So, are you saying all numbers are the same except the last number?

No, most of the numbers are different. And I am thinking of selling it. Durn my unluckey hide!

I have my original receipt. I'm not sure that I have the receipts for the services that have been done, likely not. I haven't worn it but twice in the last 15 years, it has been in my hall closet under some hand towels, "a nice stainless steel watch, no longer very valuable."

Chris

[Lol-x]

The 1655 is a very sweet watch

Any chance of a photo? Do you have the orange 24 hour hand?

[ChrisInAtlanta]

I plan to have a friend who is a photog take some pics soon, and will post then. Yes, this is an orange-hand watch, very nice to my eye as well.

A bit of heresy here, I know, but I stopped wearing it because it forced me to always be aware of what time it was. When I took it off, my stress level went down - a bit. Though I did miss just staring at it. . .

[Spark]

Originally Posted by gmt 16750

Hi Chris, I hate to be the one to say it mate but those few little punched numbers being different on the original papers to the ones on your case means a quite drastic difference in re-sale value for your watch.
Collectors can be willing to pay £££££'s (or $$$$$$$'s in your country) extra for a 'full set' watch, esp. a very desirable model like the one you have.
Your small silver lining is that you do have RSC paperwork to back up the watch and prove it's been looked after but if it had both original and RSC papers, the value would be huge - as this is really the best set-up to a collector by far
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news bud.

Neil,
Some collectors actually prefer service papers as it proves the watch is all Rolex original and does not have aftermarket parts fitted.
I don't think the punched papers will make a drastic difference to the watches value, but it will make a small difference.
If the rest of the set is complete and with the history I think it would appeal to even some of the most fussy collectors JMO

[Rolexshirts]

I live the Explore 2 and that is an older model nice let see some pictures.

[springer]

Originally Posted by ChrisInAtlanta

No, most of the numbers are different. And I am thinking of selling it. Durn my unluckey hide!

I have my original receipt. I'm not sure that I have the receipts for the services that have been done, likely not. I haven't worn it but twice in the last 15 years, it has been in my hall closet under some hand towels, "a nice stainless steel watch, no longer very valuable."

Chris

Chris, if the warranty paper does not contain the correct serial number it would definately affect the value by a few thousand dollars. But, the watch is still valuable and there is a good collector's market for this watch.

Original watches, complete with boxes, booklets and warranty papers definately bring a premium price. I look forward to seeing some pics of the watch.

[jnewell]

I would say that if you've got the original receipt and it's got the right number, it shouldn't cost you much on resale. You've got the whole story - the AD just screwed up. It happens. Having the original receipt (and all subsequent paperwork) closes the loop on the history of the watch - it's complete, even if it's wrong.

OTOH, that advice/opinion is worth every cent you paid for it!

[f16570]

Why are you selling the watch?

[ChrisInAtlanta]

Originally Posted by f16570

Why are you selling the watch?

Eh, well, it has been sitting in the closet for 15 years, and I don't pull it out to admire it anymore. . . and I have a racecar to feed!

"Racing makes heroin addiction seem like a vague wish for something salty"
- Peter Egan

Chris

[rogerrabbit168]

what if your reciept's number don't match the box, warranty card and the watch, my dealer mess up and gave me the different box, when i went home then i realize it, but since the warranty card/box matches the watch, they say i no problem servicing it and end up giving me the appraisal for insurance purpose. i guess if i ever decide to sell, which is unlikely, i can just show the buyer everything and explain, but would that affect my selling price?