Documentation and Paperwork

[c0deman99]

If buying pre-owned, what documents, paperwork, and pictures would be needed to 100% identify the watch as authentic?

[mjclark32]

Papers are great, but you're probably better off knowing as much as you can about what you're buying and doing a face to face transaction. This way you're able to pop the band off and check the serial number before handing over any money. Maybe meetings at an AD and paying to have them authenticate is your best move...
You can always buy from one of the trusted sellers whom have pages upon pages of excellent feedback...

[RolexPete]

Paperwork doesn't guarantee anything. Buy from a trusted seller. If photos of the caseback and movement are available from the seller those can assist you, but there is no guarantee that the watch you receive is the one pictured.

Buy the seller!

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

Papers are great, but you're probably better off knowing as much as you can about what you're buying and doing a face to face transaction. This way you're able to pop the band off and check the serial number before handing over any money. Maybe meetings at an AD and paying to have them authenticate is your best move...
You can always buy from one of the trusted sellers whom have pages upon pages of excellent feedback...

+1 I like having the paperwork, but, I do not use it to authenticate the watch. If it is a nice watch at a good price, I will not be as picky on having the paperwork.

[c0deman99]

Thanks for the information. I always look at the trusted sellers on here and see what they offer but occasionally a deal passes by from else where that you cannot ignore.

[Racerdj]

I prefer to have outer and inner boxes, warranty card and owners manual if possible.

[rmfnla]

Nothing beats a peek at the movement...

[crowncollection]

papers are easier to fake than watches, so i would not trust them to authenticate any watch, if you do not have the skill best to take it to a proffessional or maybe run it in the watch out section of this forum with lots of good pics.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by c0deman99

Thanks for the information. I always look at the trusted sellers on here and see what they offer but occasionally a deal passes by from else where that you cannot ignore.

That's true.. Keep in mind that the vast majority of watches out there do not have any "papers" since a Rolex is not like a pedigree pup, and so you should always ensure you buy from a reputable source.

As to what "paper" authenticates a watch, the answer is that no paper of any sort authenticates any watch unless you specifically commission that authentication yourself.. i.e., a service order that you submit and receive yourself from an RSC.

[judodave1964]

I bought an early 90's sub 14060 last October which had no paperwork but from a trusted seller, the watch was in mint condition and had three spread out RSC service receipt's and also box and booklets.

The original paperwork was not that important to me as it only is an out of date 22 year warranty with somebody else's name and address on.

When I bought my watch the seller also had a 2011 14060m with paperwork , bezel protector, random number serial and that other jargon but it was over polished and looked like it had been thrown around the inside of a washing machine.

It was the same price as the sub I bought , I went for condition.