how to check if not stolen?

[A3TSW]

I am interested in buying a watch from a private seller (Rolex sea dweller JC) and would like to know , if there is any way to check , whether or not the watch has been listed as stolen. I intend to , if I purchase this watch , to have it serviced at a Rolex service centre and am worried that it shows up as stolen and I lose it? This is in Thailand.

[Andad]

Almost impossible to establish without the watch in hand and a visit to a RSC for a service estimate.

You would will find out then.

[drrd]

If you want to 100% know the history of the watch (not stolen, serviced, mis-serviced, mis-used etc etc...) then wait, buy from an AD.

[subboi]

does it come with box, papers and receipt ?

[A3TSW]

box and papers yes , waiting for sellers reply , as to receipt.

[LA_LEC]

Originally Posted by A3TSW

box and papers yes , waiting for sellers reply , as to receipt.

You will still never know as documents can be faked easier than the watch!

[crew]

Follow the TRF first rule of buying: Buy the seller.

[JRell]

Originally Posted by crew

Follow the TRF first rule of buying: Buy the seller.

A rule even before that, don’t buy grey.

[Boaters]

Originally Posted by JRell

A rule even before that, don’t buy grey.

I don't agree. If you don't buy grey most of us will never see a watch. I am with you as of late prices are just crazy and most won't pay including myself..I have always bought grey from a " Trusted Seller " and never had a problem.

[Benzsiam]

Make the transaction at the police station. Ask the police to make the transaction report as document. The seller will have to show his ID to that report. If you find out later that watch was stolen, you can file the report to that police station and get your money back from the seller.

[alllexandru]

Originally Posted by A3TSW

box and papers yes , waiting for sellers reply , as to receipt.

As others already said, there are two possibilities

- Go with the watch to authorised RSC / AD and get the paper that it is checked and clean
- Buy from RolexBoutique or AD or trusted dealer (grey)

Other than that it is fortune teller :

[Marcjvr]

Originally Posted by JRell

A rule even before that, don’t buy grey.

What about if someone wants a 5 digit? Or a 114060 no longer sold at ADs?

[karteo]

Originally Posted by JRell

A rule even before that, don’t buy grey.

Whenever I go grey I take the watch to the RSC and validates it. No fees asked, a few minutes work. Problem solved

[TunaTuna]

Yes there is a good way to know if the watch is not stolen. Buy from a reputable dealer

[MILGAUSS88]

Originally Posted by Benzsiam

Make the transaction at the police station. Ask the police to make the transaction report as document. The seller will have to show his ID to that report. If you find out later that watch was stolen, you can file the report to that police station and get your money back from the seller.

I see a couple of problems with this.
I'm not sure where you live, but I'm pretty sure my local police what tell me to go take a flying leap, if I were to request this.
They are not there to do paperwork for private financial transactions.
I think what you need is a notary.

Second, let's say the watch is stolen.
The police might question the seller where he got it, Assume he was not the original thief. And that's all the farther they are going to go with the person you performed the transaction with.

They can't force him to hand over your refund. You would still have to take him to court.
You don't need a police report for that.

[brandrea]

Some interesting responses here.

First, welcome to the forum OP.
Second, you shouldn’t be judged on buying a watch in the secondary market.
Last, buy the seller IS the best advice given here.

[gr33n]

As soon as you buy the seller, no problem.
Even grey (bought two discontinued "NIB stickers in place" Rolex that way).

[sportsfan0704]

I don’t think either of “don’t ever buy grey” or “buy the seller” are panaceas for the problems here. A grey dealer doesn’t have access to every database for stolen watches. Unless they get the watch right from the AD, that risk exists. However, because the risk isn’t present in every single grey watch depending on where it’s bought by the seller, it’s not fair to say never buy grey either.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by A3TSW

I am interested in buying a watch from a private seller (Rolex sea dweller JC) and would like to know , if there is any way to check , whether or not the watch has been listed as stolen. I intend to , if I purchase this watch , to have it serviced at a Rolex service centre and am worried that it shows up as stolen and I lose it? This is in Thailand.

Simple.

Ask the Seller to service it before you exchange funds and you'd like a copy of the receipt. Offer to pay for it added to your purchase price.

If its stolen, RSC could keep it or the seller will refuse your request.

Done.

[Daveclock]

It might not even be reported stolen yet....
(sorry to quote PT but it does show what can happen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-OdtwRNa4Y)
AD or GREY with recourse are your only options to be safe/safer (in the latter case)

[Watchline]

Originally Posted by Benzsiam

Make the transaction at the police station. Ask the police to make the transaction report as document. The seller will have to show his ID to that report. If you find out later that watch was stolen, you can file the report to that police station and get your money back from the seller.

I agree with you

[Daveclock]

Originally Posted by Benzsiam

Make the transaction at the police station. Ask the police to make the transaction report as document. The seller will have to show his ID to that report. If you find out later that watch was stolen, you can file the report to that police station and get your money back from the seller.

Good luck with that one!
In UK I'm sure they would not be interested, in fact I bet they would take a dim view of the whole transaction - especially if piles of cash involved! LOL

What if seller is tealeaf who lives in a council flat - how do you recoup the spent money then? (and tealeaf would get legal aid to defend too!)

[HideMyWalletPlease]

If you buy it from a jeweler who is an AD of other brands like Patek and Lange then the person who sold it to them would have been required to have their ID and thumb print on file. If the watch ended up being stolen you may still lose the watch but would be in the clear legally. Also, buying from a store that requires a thumb print from the person who traded it in would discourage fencing hot watches.

[bob sims]

Originally Posted by A3TSW

I am interested in buying a watch from a private seller (Rolex sea dweller JC) and would like to know , if there is any way to check , whether or not the watch has been listed as stolen. I intend to , if I purchase this watch , to have it serviced at a Rolex service centre and am worried that it shows up as stolen and I lose it? This is in Thailand.

Don't do it. Buy from a reputable seller whether AD or not.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Marcjvr

What about if someone wants a 5 digit? Or a 114060 no longer sold at ADs?

If you're asking the "i OnLy BuY fRoM tHe Ad" crowd, you'd better start working on a time machine