Rolex AD able to spot a fake without opening the case?

[enkeledi]

Hi guys,

I finally purchased my first Sub 14060M from a reputable seller on eBay. Because I'm very paranoid about buying used watches (as I should), I decided to take it to the AD to make sure the watch was legit, running the risk of getting out of there without a watch or even worse. The AD checked the serial and specs and told me everything checks out with the serial however the watch hasnt been serviced but doesn't need service as of yet (not for another few months or a year). However, I'm still uneasy about the watch being the real thing since they didn't open the case. They said it would cost $150 to do that or about $780 to service it (which I guess includes the authentication part).

My question is: would the AD be able to tell that the watch is 100% legit without opening the case as they did? I'm trying to avoind paying the service cost as of now but I intend to do it at some point because I'm planning to keep the watch. But at the same time I want to make sure I square any issues with the watch ASAP. Do you guys know if its possible for them to tell? Anyone has had any such experience?

Thanks,

[bondtoys]

Better to have a look at the movement for several reasons.
100% check means inspecting the movement as well and therefore the watch must be opened.

Are you trying to avoid the US$ 150 or why do you refuse to have it opened?

[Zoran]

Perhaps the 150$ is not only for the opening, but also for replacing gaskets if needed. I'm sure he wants to hand it to you waterproof...
The 780$ is probably for a full service and polish, with added 2 year warranty.

For peace of mind, get it opened. You will sleep a lot better

[TimeToGo]

Post pictures here..

If the watch is opened at an AD, they will also do a pressure test after closed.. A bit steep, but it happens at some of these places..

[powerfunk]

$150 is a bit steep for a a pressure test. I'd be more concerned about water resistance than a fake movement, though. Maybe they can throw in a written appraisal for you (nice to have for insurance purposes).

[AK797]

No they have to open it, despite what they say most are way behind the curve esp with frankens.

[enkeledi]

The $150 is for an appraisal. No work would be done on the watch. Its just to make sure everything is authentic.

From what I know about the watch - the bezel direction, clicks, triplock crown, Rolex crown etched into the crystal (very hard to see), it seems to be authentic. I guess the AD would flag certain things so I should be ok. However, I'll probably end up with a service in the coming months to put my mind at ease.

I will definitely post pics when I get a chance.

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by enkeledi

The $150 is for an appraisal. No work would be done on the watch.

Appraisal for $150? Ouch. Does it come with a thank you card and a back rub?

[Mosbrook]

Originally Posted by handsfull

Appraisal for $150? Ouch. Does it come with a thank you card and a back rub?

That's polite. I was thinking $150 for an appraisal and other services.

[Evad3]

Could be a genuine case, bracelet etc etc but the movement could have been swapped. I would just send it in for a service; you'll soon find out if it hosts a swapped out movement

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by Evad3

Could be a genuine case, bracelet etc etc but the movement could have been swapped.

Sure it could, but I highly doubt that. I think the "you have to open the caseback" mantra is a bit obsolete. Double-checking the dial and case is more important than checking the movement IMO. It would be more likely to find a Rolex movement in a fake case than vice versa nowadays.

[bondtoys]

So what if there is a genuine Rolex movement under the hood which has lots of corrosion?

That's one of the "several reasons" that I've mentioned why the case should be opened

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by bondtoys

So what if there is a genuine Rolex movement under the hood which has lots of corrosion?

That's one of the "several reasons" that I've mentioned why the case should be opened

I fully agree, it's good to have a look under the hood. Just pointing out that it's not the best way to identify a fake anymore.

[mjclark32]

Go to an RSC and ask for a service quote, and/or post pics here

[joli160]

Originally Posted by mjclark32

Go to an RSC and ask for a service quote, and/or post pics here

This, than you'll know for sure

[anothernewphone]

Just because someone works at a place that is authorized to sell Rolex watches doesn't make them an expert. "Verified by an AD" doesn't hold as much weight as people think.

[brucewayne1959]

A really competent AD can tell you if the watch externally is a fake, but unless he's Superman with X-Ray vision he'll need to open it or have it opened in order to check the movement out. I'd spend the money and do it quickly. The longer you wait the more difficult it is to get your money back from an EBay seller. Good luck!

[Tempusfugitus]

The advice you've had on when it needs servicing sounds rather precise "a few months or a year". There is a leeway of several years on when service is due.

[mmalek1]

I agree, get it opened. The piece of mind is priceless.

[Flintstone]

It's been said a thousand times -- and it's true: Buy the seller, not the watch. Follow your gut and run -- don't walk -- away from the deal. Don't buy your first Rolex (or fake Rolex) on e-bay.

[pain888]

if you live in NY. why don't you just bring it RSC NYC . have them take a look . its free. to estimate for service . you can decline service.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by pain888

if you live in NY. why don't you just bring it RSC NYC . have them take a look . its free. to estimate for service . you can decline service.

Yes, agreed! Go to RSC, tell them you just bought it, and the seller told you it likely needed service. Ask them for a quote on a basic service, cleaning, gaskets, etc. If it's fake they won't work on it.

[Hawk99]

Don't rely on what the AD rep has to say. My local AD "Owner" is a complete moron. He says that they are still using Tritium as lume for all Rolex watches.

If you want piece of mind, pay the $$ to someone that has the knowledge and is able to recase, and pressure test.

[cht]

why not buy a $5 caseback opener ball yourself and verify the movement?

M series gaskets prob won't fall apart.

After you close it back up, a watch kiosk at the mall will pressure test it for $10.

If you don't know anything about Rolex movements, how to use caseback ball to open it, then you're paying $150 for their knowledge that you are lacking. (which is well worth it then)

[donq]

You can buy a Rolex caseback opener for around 25.00$ if you feel brave.

Its pretty obvious if its a Rolex movement or not but there are fake movements floating around these days.

Personally, I would find a good independent to open it up and take a look.

If you buy it, take to Rolex for a service.

If not, give the results to the seller as proof of authenticity/inauthenticity.

(Is that a word? Inauthenticity? Fakeitude? Counterfeiticity? Good Lord I need sleep...)

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by donq

(Is that a word? Inauthenticity? Fakeitude? Counterfeiticity? Good Lord I need sleep...)

Inauthentic is a word.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inauthentic

[I-luv-Rolex]

If you feel $150 is to much but you are concern and just want to check to see the movement is authentic.

I suggest this. Take to an non AD to just open up the watch to look at the moment and take some pictures. There are someone local to me here that advertise $150 for complete Rolex overhaul. I would think he/she would charge less for just opening up the watch maybe $50 or less (you will have to find some local equivalent).

Don't have him do anything to the movement. It is very unlikely he or she will damage the watch if he/she will not touch the movement. Have him do it in-front of you (so you know he did not switch the movement). Take some pictures post it here. I am sure people here will tell you if it is a fake or not.


Or you can send it to Rolex Service. They will give you a quote for the service after they open up the watch if it is not a fake. In that case you can just declined the service and pay for the postage back. If it is a fake they will tell you.

[xjeeunitx]

Any personnel that a lot of experience handling Rolex watches for a long period of time would be able to tell if they are authentic or not. I would recommend posting a picture here.

Of course, we will not be able to confirm if the movement is authentic because we can't see it.

[Highland Ranger]

Don't they confiscate fakes?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Highland Ranger

Don't they confiscate fakes?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I'm not sure about this, but if the watch was purchased on eBay surely rolex will provide you the paper work needed to get your money back through eBay/paypal protection.

Obviously that's all a pain in the butt, but much easier to deal with now, then 5 years from now when the crown breaks or there's condensation in the case.