AD independent verification

[GGGMT]

Has anyone had an AD decline to "authenticate" a gray market purchase? Ever had an AD seek payment for doing so?does anyone know if there's a Rolex / AD policy on authenticating watches in private transactions?

[kilyung]

Technically Rolex doesn't do "authentications" but if you take your watch into one of the RSCs and say that you're having "issues" with it they'll take a look at it for you. And they WILL tell you if it's not correct (either fake or frankenwatch).

Do you really want an AD, that you haven't worked with or with a certified watchmaker, making that call? What if 5 years later it's found to be incorrect? Oops.

Of course the right answer is really to buy the seller.

[joli160]

It's normal to pay for someone's expertise if he is a MD or lawyer but if he is an AD than not so ?

[lamnyc]

Also, what if the AD scratches the case?

[speedmaster73]

rolex toronto authenticates. they charge approx $100-$150 for the service and approx 3 week turn around time. cant speak for anywhere else.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

Has anyone had an AD decline to "authenticate" a gray market purchase? Ever had an AD seek payment for doing so?does anyone know if there's a Rolex / AD policy on authenticating watches in private transactions?

AD's are not Rolex, they are independent businesses, and Rolex has no control or say-so if they choose to "authenticatd" a Rolex or not. However, I don't know of any AD that can truly authenticate any Rolex other than a verbal "looks authentic".

A watchmaker on staff may look at a Rolex and give a more qualified statement - still, it is on-the-clock and you should expect to pay the watchmaker for their time.

[ronricks]

little late to be trying to authenticate something after purchasing it.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

Has anyone had an AD decline to "authenticate" a gray market purchase? Ever had an AD seek payment for doing so?does anyone know if there's a Rolex / AD policy on authenticating watches in private transactions?

i've never had a decline but...



why potentially pay for 'authentications' especially after the fact... if an AD (or anyone) is gonna charge you $100 - $150 (and rightfully so), why not walk in the AD, open a repair order for new spring bars, pay for the service and get a receipt indicating the details of the watch. or even a vacuum test for WR... or both?

if you consider paying $150 (or so) and getting in line with prioritized repairs, just pay $50 and get fresh spring bars instead. a good AD or indy will do it right in front of you to get you along... once the band is off, cheap springbars and a poor model and serial # laser etch will sound the alarm with any rolex AD or experienced indy.

If the watch isn't kosher, they'll tell you right away and say its junk. full stop.

fwiw, i wouldn't reco the above for a proper insurance document but, if added peace of mind is the goal; it'll work.

[mattty]

If you just want it verbally you can always walk it into a AD and ask them what its worth as a trade in?
Never know it might even happen if the price is right.

[tmehanna]

That is totally up to the salesman. While some will refer you to a RSC, some are helpful and will have a look for you and tell you if they spot something wrong. If it looks ok they will tell you that it LOOKS correct but a look at the movement would be needed before passing final judgement.

[jrs146]

The reality is there are such high quality fakes out there that theres a chance it would not even get noticed as a fake at an AD. Especially if the movement is not check. I've heard of instances with a real movement and a fake case, a real case and a fake movement... It's scary out there if you're not careful.

[kingSubTT]

Originally Posted by mattty

If you just want it verbally you can always walk it into a AD and ask them what its worth as a trade in?
Never know it might even happen if the price is right.

This. Appear very interested in a DD or a BLRO. Ask, how much for your trade.

They will examine it. My AD examined my watch very carefully even though I bought it from them.

[Chadridv]

RSC can provide you a service estimate which will unofficially serve as proof of authenticity. Reason being, RSC will not service a watch that is not 100% original and authentic.

That is the easiest way IMO. Alternatively, RSC can provide you with an insurance appraisal for $150. This will also serve quite well as proof of authenticity.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by ronricks

little late to be trying to authenticate something after purchasing it.

I haven't bought anything; I authenticate my own purchases (and of course I also "buy the seller"). But Because there's always banter about "get it authenticated by AD," I thought I'd ask if anyone's ever gotten an AD to authenticate -- I would image they'd be disinclined to do so.

[michael067]

The Wynn in Vegas won't authenticate, they will tell you to send it to the RSC in Dallas.

[Toaster]

I think a service estimate is the way to go. The tricky part is some sellers will offer a three day return policy and you will not get it done in that time. My ad has a watchmaker on site and inspected the piece to determine a need for service and that was done on site same day. No charge. He did open the case and even took pictures of the movement on my cell for my own peace of mind. I would not expect these results everywhere, or even at this place again. Now that i think about it, i really do have to throw some business their way.

Sent from my VS876 using Tapatalk

[anothernewphone]

Why do people think that an authorized dealer is an expert on watches? What if the guy behind the counter has been at it for a month and tells you your watch is fake?

They're sales people. Unless you talk to a highly-experienced salesperson, why would you trust them over someone on this forum? A few quality snaps uploaded, and you can get a pretty good answer right here.