Finding if dealer was authorized in 1983.

[MrRoundel]

Hi all.

I inherited a Rolex that was my dad's. My mom had bought if for him in 1983 as a Xmas present. She purchased it at what was a rather big name in mall jewelers, Slavick's, in Northridge, CA.

There are some odd discrepancies that seem to be more than oversights, IMO. There are three different serial numbers on the warranty card, card-holder, and watch case.

A gent who has a lot Rolex expertise told me that I may be able to get a certificate from Rolex for the watch with a number to match the watch, as it should have been originally. As my mom, still living, pointed out, she might not have had a warranty at all had something gone wrong in the first year.

I don't want to go chasing moonbeams just to get the warranty card straightened out, but would like to find out, for my own edification at the very least, if Slavick's Jewelers was an AD in 1983. Any help with this is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Cheers.

[ccaballero]

Take the watch to RSC or a cw21 with Rolex parts account and have them authenticate watch by checking movement etc. much easier than tracking down defunct company

[sillo]

The serial between the lugs doesn't match the papers? I've read of papers getting accidentally mixed up and ending up with the wrong watch.

[Solo118]

If you send your watch to RSC for a "check up" they will evaluate your watch and let you know if it needs anything. If you deny services, you may still get an invoice showing the serial number which should confirm everything. However being over 30 years old, I do not know is RSC has the parts anymore.

[Tom5518]

One way it is possible to find out if they were an authorized dealer in 1983 is to go to a local library that has kept the Polk City Directory throughout the years. Many of them do, just call around. Being a Rolex AD would likely be highlighted in their listing in the 1983 directory if they were.

[MrRoundel]

Originally Posted by sillo38

The serial between the lugs doesn't match the papers? I've read of papers getting accidentally mixed up and ending up with the wrong watch.

The serial numbers of case (between lugs) and the papers do not match. Between the papers and watch itself, there are three different serial numbers.

A thing I find a touch disconcerting is that the watch was purchased during December of the first year Rolex changed to the 3035 movement with quick-set date. The fact that the outer warranty envelope bears a number (783***), that I believe might coincide with the later model with the 3035, makes me wonder if they sold my mom a close-out without informing her.

While this stuff is not a huge deal, and I'm happy to have the watch, it does sound as if something strange, and not entirely legitimate, transpired. No telling at this point, I know.

Would the serial number on the case, 732***, denote a watch earlier than '83? I have not had the back off the watch, but since it doesn't have the quick-set date it sounds like it will be a caliber 1570/5. True? Many thanks.

[MrRoundel]

Originally Posted by Tom5518

One way it is possible to find out if they were an authorized dealer in 1983 is to go to a local library that has kept the Polk City Directory throughout the years. Many of them do, just call around. Being a Rolex AD would likely be highlighted in their listing in the 1983 directory if they were.

That is great information. Many thanks.

[MrRoundel]

Originally Posted by sillo38

The serial between the lugs doesn't match the papers? I've read of papers getting accidentally mixed up and ending up with the wrong watch.

Now that I know the watch, whether an '82 or '83 model would have the same model number, it may not be so bad, as yes, the papers could have been mixed up. However, if it turns out that the 783*** number on the warranty wallet goes to a later model, with the instructions within it being for the earlier model, it stinks just a touch, IMHO. This, due to the fact that even a non watch-person might find the discrepancies quickly if they had quick-set instructions with a non quick-set watch.

Really, the only reason I've embarked on this mission is to take care of getting whatever straight I can. It just doesn't seem like the fact-finding will get any easier with time. Cheers.

[Mr.Rolex1]

Which watch is it?

Do you have pictures?

[Ian Macdermott]

I'm thinking the boat sailed 36 years ago.


Off for some popcorn.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by MrRoundel

The serial numbers of case (between lugs) and the papers do not match. Between the papers and watch itself, there are three different serial numbers.

A thing I find a touch disconcerting is that the watch was purchased during December of the first year Rolex changed to the 3035 movement with quick-set date. The fact that the outer warranty envelope bears a number (783***), that I believe might coincide with the later model with the 3035, makes me wonder if they sold my mom a close-out without informing her.

While this stuff is not a huge deal, and I'm happy to have the watch, it does sound as if something strange, and not entirely legitimate, transpired. No telling at this point, I know.

Would the serial number on the case, 732***, denote a watch earlier than '83? I have not had the back off the watch, but since it doesn't have the quick-set date it sounds like it will be a caliber 1570/5. True? Many thanks.

Rolex doesn't really have close outs. They change models and the old ones can sit in the case for years. You pay the same price, even though it's a discontinued model.

IIRC, there is a Rolex authorized independent service center in your area. You can drop it off there for a service. They will do all your research for you and the paperwork will show all the correct information.

[77T]

First, I’m not sure if it matters (except for curiosity’s sake) that Slavick was ever and AD.

Further, the old paperwork confusion is easily resolved by taking the watch to the Beverly Hills RSC to get it in for an overhaul. It will come back with a corresponding warranty card bearing the correct serial number.

Lastly, for your help on Slavick Jewelry Company - it was founded in Los Angeles in 1917 and had a long run as a respected independent jeweler. The company was acquired by Zale's in 1964. At that time they were an Omega dealer but no Rolex models appeared in a 1961 catalog.

Zale’s had been in a terrific acquisition phase to lift it’s reputation as a down-market bargain house. Zale’s had also bought Bailey, Banks & Biddle (a longtime Rolex AD) in 1961 to begin that phase of their ill-fated business plan.

While both chains were under Zale’s control it is possible that Rolex inventory appeared at Slavick’s but you’ll have to do more research now that I’ve got you started.

Start reading here...
http://h92010.eos-intl.net/H92010/OP...r=1&ReturnTo=1


...and then go to the stacks of Slavick’s records. Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington, Delaware has them.

https://www.worldcat.org/title/recor...=brief_results

81 boxes and 59 linear feet of material!!!


I found some circumstantial evidence they were an AD by 1988 in an LA Times story about a theft involving several display cases of Rolex watches.
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-...230-story.html


Now maybe you see why it’s not really worth digging?



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[MrRoundel]

I know that my mother believed that Slavick's was reputable. And they were around for many years. I had no direct experience with them.

Maybe I shouldn't say this on the official Rolex board, but if I get this watch serviced, it'll probably be by me. Yes, I do have a few years of experience working on wrist-watches, after cutting teeth on pocket-watches. I only say this because it's unlikely that I would bring the watch to the RSC for service.

I did a bit of research on Slavick's, but used Bing rather than Google, as I've got issues with Google. However, there's no question that Google's algorithm seems to give more hits. You just have to get through the paid stuff to get to what you're looking for. Bing is probably similar, they just don't have as much paid ad positioning, etc., to get through.

I will follow the links that you provided, 77T. I do appreciate your efforts. Many thanks.

[MrRoundel]

It turns out that, for one, I'm looking at the number that is printed on the outside of the warranty envelope. Perhaps this isn't supposed to match the watch serial, but rather only the punched out part of the warranty certificate, which would appear in the envelope's window? Is that printed number meaningless? Or perhaps some Rolex code for them to know, and for us to never find out? ;-) Thanks again, all.

BTW, the watch serial number seems to date the actual watch to 1981. It was purchased at the end of '83, so I guess it was NOS? If it were I who bought the watch back in '83, I would have found out beforehand that the newer model had the desirable features of the sapphire crystal and quick-date function, but I certainly wouldn't have expected someone like my mother to do it.

[Tom5518]

Originally Posted by MrRoundel

It turns out that, for one, I'm looking at the number that is printed on the outside of the warranty envelope. Perhaps this isn't supposed to match the watch serial, but rather only the punched out part of the warranty certificate, which would appear in the envelope's window? Is that printed number meaningless? Or perhaps some Rolex code for them to know, and for us to never find out? ;-) Thanks again, all.

BTW, the watch serial number seems to date the actual watch to 1981. It was purchased at the end of '83, so I guess it was NOS? If it were I who bought the watch back in '83, I would have found out beforehand that the newer model had the desirable features of the sapphire crystal and quick-date function, but I certainly wouldn't have expected someone like my mother to do it.

I would think that since you are in LA there would be a couple of places that specialize in vintage Rolex who could help you to sort what you have. Collectors are into documentation big time so most places that deal in vintage will likely be able to help you.

[MrRoundel]

"Cheers" back at'cha, Tom5518. Thanks.

[bradyb]

I've had the same thing happen and seems nothing can be done about it now, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. But as others have mentioned, have it serviced to verify the movement, etc., but just live with the fact that the numbers on the watch don't match the box and papers.

To quote Slab-O-Beef, 'What Difference, At This Point, Does It Make?'

And we want to see some images of your dad's watch, please! That's what really matters most.

[77T]

Originally Posted by MrRoundel

It turns out that, for one, I'm looking at the number that is printed on the outside of the warranty envelope. Perhaps this isn't supposed to match the watch serial, but rather only the punched out part of the warranty certificate, which would appear in the envelope's window? Is that printed number meaningless? Or perhaps some Rolex code for them to know, and for us to never find out? ;-) Thanks again, all.

BTW, the watch serial number seems to date the actual watch to 1981. It was purchased at the end of '83, so I guess it was NOS? If it were I who bought the watch back in '83, I would have found out beforehand that the newer model had the desirable features of the sapphire crystal and quick-date function, but I certainly wouldn't have expected someone like my mother to do it.

The numbers on the outside of the envelope should be disregarded.



The example above shows a number unrelated to the watch serial number. The AD used it for inventory control.

You can post a picture of your papers and blur out the last several digits if you want some opinions.

Or compare your papers to those on:
https://www.watchprosite.com/rolex/r...19733.7217058/

I surmise your Mom got a legit Rolex from a legit AD named Slavick Jewelry Company. I’m just using Occam’s Razor there - the preponderance of the narrative leads to a simple answer.


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[MrRoundel]

Thanks for all of your input, folks. I appreciate it.
As far as the warranty envelope, see attached image of same.
Sorry about the watch image, my camera is having focus issues.
The warranty image if of the paper that came with my dad's watch, which is different from the punched number in the warranty, so I'm not worried about full display.

My mom found the receipt. It has no serial number. Only "Mens SS Rolex R1500A", not R15000A. Strange?

Any further input is appreciated. Cheers.

[MrRoundel]

Sorry that the warranty certificate has an unreadable number. I had to reduce the images to fit them on the site, and I guess I went too small. The number that is punched into the warranty is 7,197,976. Cheers.