Additional Authentication required?

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by Paddydog52

Is the above correct? Or will it just take me further down a paranoid rabbit hole?

I am prone to fixation myself and the depth of your rabbit hole is impressive.

[Paddydog52]

Originally Posted by APPRF

Serial at 6 o'clock inside. no need to remove bracelet

Just checked and the serial number on the Rolex authentication card matches the serial number at the 6 o'clock point on the watch, plus there is a small sticker on the side of the cream box that has the same serial number, there is a small thing you can scan on the sticker, not sure what that takes you to though, I think my mind just gets a bit paranoid sometimes from reading so much like when you read “X amount of Rolex’s are counterfeit” etc etc I start to think well maybe mine is one of those extremely well made fakes that fool everyone, I made the decision to hang on to this watch for at least the next 5 years so the market price is irrelevant to me now, (having turned down an £11,500 cash alternative 11 months ago only to see the value drop around £1,500 since then I don’t think many people are interested in selling their Rolex in the current market unless they had no choice due to an unforeseen emergency, so as things stand it looks like the wrong decision to take the watch instead but I like the watch and hopefully one day it will be back up there in value and be worth at least more than £11,500, if not then so be it, it’s an amazing thing to have whatever happens!) just kept getting flash forwards to 5/10/15/20 years time and someone inspecting the watch to then turn around and inform me that it’s unfortunately not an authentic Rolex, would be devastated if that was to occur as I would likely have no recourse as the competition company where I won it may no longer be in existence or could have changed names or ownership by then!

Anyway, I think it seems fine authenticity wise, think I just fell into the trap of overthinking the issue where you just start thinking up all sorts of different nightmare outcomes!

[Kevin of Larchmont]

They are called intrusive thoughts for a reason. Enjoy your watch.

[madsitalia]

This is almost a year now - send it in ☺️

[Paddydog52]

Originally Posted by madsitalia

This is almost a year now - send it in ☺️

If there is a relatively straightforward way to send it to a RSC in the UK for up to £200 cost then I would likely proceed but I can’t seem to find out how to access this option, in the US you can apparently walk in to an RSC and they will authenticate your watch for around $150 but there doesn’t seem to be that option here in the UK?

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by Paddydog52

If there is a relatively straightforward way to send it to a RSC in the UK for up to £200 cost then I would likely proceed but I can’t seem to find out how to access this option, in the US you can apparently walk in to an RSC and they will authenticate your watch for around $150 but there doesn’t seem to be that option here in the UK?

Why does peace of mind have a £200 dollar cap? Why would peace of mind not be worth £225? Is peace of mind what you are really looking for?

[Paddydog52]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

Why does peace of mind have a £200 dollar cap? Why would peace of mind not be worth £225? Is peace of mind what you are really looking for?

That’s just the amount roughly that I would be prepared to lay out for the extra provanence that obviously wouldn’t do the watch any harm if and when I did decide to part with it in the futureif it is a reasonably straightforward process, it’s irrelevant though as it doesn’t seem like it’s an option in the UK unfortunately.

I don’t feel it’s imperative to get the authentication as havnt come across anything that suggests the watch is anything but authentic but I just meant if such a service was available then I would likely proceed with that option.

Once the warranty runs out in mid 2026 then I could just pay the £700 I was quoted for a service which would I presume be a validation with regards to it’s authenticity I’m presuming

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I wish you peace in your watch journey, fellow traveler.

[Paddydog52]

Has anyone on here had a new/unworn watch run out of the 5 year warranty and even though it has just been sitting in its box for 5 years still got it serviced by Rolex? Or in that situation did you decide to wait a further 5 years that Rolex now recommend you can wait when it comes to the more modern models before a service is recommended? Thanks

[Neil McCauley]

Originally Posted by Paddydog52

Has anyone on here had a new/unworn watch run out of the 5 year warranty and even though it has just been sitting in its box for 5 years still got it serviced by Rolex? Or in that situation did you decide to wait a further 5 years that Rolex now recommend you can wait when it comes to the more modern models before a service is recommended? Thanks

Rolex recommends 10 yrs now between services. If the watch is running fine, aka within +2/-2sec spec, it's fine, doesn't need a service until it's running too fast/slow.

[Paddydog52]

Thanks for confirming, just one other thing I was wondering about, the small white sticker on the outside of the outer box that has a long number then below that the serial number and to the left a small QR code, that is presumably for use by the AD? as I tried to scan the small QR code but nothing happened.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Paddydog52

Thanks for confirming, just one other thing I was wondering about, the small white sticker on the outside of the outer box that has a long number then below that the serial number and to the left a small QR code, that is presumably for use by the AD? as I tried to scan the small QR code but nothing happened.

No serial number or QR code on any of my outer boxes, just a number that refers to the sleeve, or box, itself, and the size M. The serial number is on the white hang tag and the warranty card only. No QR code anywhere. So, perhaps, as you said, it’s specific to the original AD, or grey dealer. As far as authentication, your watch will be 3 years old on 06/30/24. Take it to an AD with a CPO program, tell them you are interested in selling it to them. They would naturally authenticate it, see what they offer. Then tell them No, or Yes, if you do want to sell it.

Kat


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[Paddydog52]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

No serial number or QR code on any of my outer boxes, just a number that refers to the sleeve, or box, itself, and the size M. The serial number is on the white hang tag and the warranty card only. No QR code anywhere. So, perhaps, as you said, it’s specific to the original AD, or grey dealer. As far as authentication, your watch will be 3 years old on 06/30/24. Take it to an AD with a CPO program, tell them you are interested in selling it to them. They would naturally authenticate it, see what they offer. Then tell them No, or Yes, if you do want to sell it.

Kat


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I have uploaded an image of the small white sticker I was previously referring to, the small QR code doesn't do anything when I attempt to scan it so am presuming that it is a sticker that the AD scans perhaps? it's located on the side of the outer box

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Paddydog52

I have uploaded an image of the small white sticker I was previously referring to, the small QR code doesn't do anything when I attempt to scan it so am presuming that it is a sticker that the AD scans perhaps? it's located on the side of the outer box

As I said, none of mine have such a sticker. My guess is that should have been removed prior to sale.

Kat


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[Paddydog52]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

As I said, none of mine have such a sticker. My guess is that should have been removed prior to sale.

Kat


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Ok thanks for getting back to me anyway.

[Paddydog52]

Have been in correspondence with my local AD again today and it seems the only way I can get the watch authenticated by Rolex is to proceed with the service, have seen it mentioned that you can get the quote but then decline the service? Not sure how that works though as surely there would be some sort of fee payable still? The theory being that if they quote to do the service then that means they havnt found anything untoward in their checks up to that point? So that effectively means that they have passed the watch as authentic, I realise on the face of it it seems mental putting it in for a service 2 years before it is due but it seems to be the only way to get the for want of better terminology, “the Rolex seal of approval” head is spinning from reading so much about Rolexes recently! Lol can’t think that it would actually need anything done to it servicing wise, wont be able to have it done for a couple of months as need time to save up that £700! Presumably it will add value to the watch if and when it comes to selling it though, just stings a bit laying out that sort of money!

[Paddydog52]

Or alternatively I could tell myself repeatedly that Stoll & Co received this watch and inspected it inc opening it up and deemed it an authentic Rolex, certainly would be a lot less hassle and far cheaper to go with this chain of thought!

[Paddydog52]

Question to others in the same boat, has stoll & co passing deeming your watch authentic been sufficient enough to give you peace of mind with regards to the authenticity?

[Neil McCauley]

Paddy

If you're going to keep the watch and enjoy it, go and get it authenticated by an independent watch specialist. Clearly you are not going to be able to settle until you've been given an expert opinion on it.

Alternatively, If you do not want to keep the watch - sell it on eBay; it will go through its own authentication process when you send it off anyway.

You seem uncomfortable with it anyway. It may be best to move it on and enjoy the money instead.

[Paddydog52]

Originally Posted by Neil McCauley

Paddy

If you're going to keep the watch and enjoy it, go and get it authenticated by an independent watch specialist. Clearly you are not going to be able to settle until you've been given an expert opinion on it.

Alternatively, If you do not want to keep the watch - sell it on eBay; it will go through its own authentication process when you send it off anyway.

You seem uncomfortable with it anyway. It may be best to move it on and enjoy the money instead.

I’m going to keep the watch long term I’ve decided, would ideally like Rolex to look it over but unfortunately it seems the only way that is possible is to pay them £700, I don’t have much money left over at the end of each month so it will take me a while to save up the money but in the long run it won’t do the watch any harm, guess Rolex is a rich man’s endeavour in a way but I’m certainly not a rich man unfortunately, more of a minimum wage man!

I’ve possibly made the mistake of reading so much about “super clones” and such like and before you know it you’ve convinced yourself that there may be something up with your watch!

[Neil McCauley]

Originally Posted by Paddydog52

I’m going to keep the watch long term I’ve decided, would ideally like Rolex to look it over but unfortunately it seems the only way that is possible is to pay them £700, I don’t have much money left over at the end of each month so it will take me a while to save up the money but in the long run it won’t do the watch any harm, guess Rolex is a rich man’s endeavour in a way but I’m certainly not a rich man unfortunately, more of a minimum wage man!

I’ve possibly made the mistake of reading so much about “super clones” and such like and before you know it you’ve convinced yourself that there may be something up with your watch!

You won't need to pay £700 to get it authenticated. Any respectable watch dealer/specialist in your area will do it either for free or for a fraction of the cost of that.

I'll be completely honest, and this is just my own personal opinion based on what you just said, but if someone doesn't tend to have much money left over at the end of the month regularly, then respectfully, I think someone in that situation should probably consider if owning or wearing a £10,000+ watch is ideal for their financial situation.

Of course, it is all relative, and people can wear what they like; it's none of my business, and it's not like you spent your life savings on this to buy it, so it's quite a unique situation. But essentially, if the value of that watch would indeed make a fairly positive impact on your life if it was in cash instead, you might want to consider that as a responsible option to take.

Alternatively, you might be the kind of person who would let £10k burn a hole in your pocket; thus, having it tied up in a watch might save you from yourself, I don't know. I tend to fall into that bracket lol.

[Paddydog52]

Originally Posted by Neil McCauley

You won't need to pay £700 to get it authenticated. Any respectable watch dealer/specialist in your area will do it either for free or for a fraction of the cost of that.

I'll be completely honest, and this is just my own personal opinion based on what you just said, but if someone doesn't tend to have much money left over at the end of the month regularly, then respectfully, I think someone in that situation should probably consider if owning or wearing a £10,000+ watch is ideal for their financial situation.

Of course, it is all relative, and people can wear what they like; it's none of my business, and it's not like you spent your life savings on this to buy it, so it's quite a unique situation. But essentially, if the value of that watch would indeed make a fairly positive impact on your life if it was in cash instead, you might want to consider that as a responsible option to take.

Alternatively, you might be the kind of person who would let £10k burn a hole in your pocket; thus, having it tied up in a watch might save you from yourself, I don't know. I tend to fall into that bracket lol.

You hit the nail on the head in the sense that introspection tells me that 10k in cash wouldn’t last me long and I would inevitably end up with very little to show for it whereas at least by keeping the watch I have something, I don’t have a wife or children so it’s not like I’m depriving anyone else of the money I would get for this watch.

Is there a reputable place near me in Ipswich or as far a field as Chelmsford or the surrounding area that could safely open it up and verify its authenticity for a reasonable fee? Ideally somewhere that someone has used for this purpose so I know that the watch won’t come to any harm and their authentication would carry weight if and when I ever did sell the watch.

Thanks

[Paddydog52]

Would others feel inclined to get it checked out in my situation? Or would the fact it went through Stoll & Co be sufficient? I’m presuming others on here have bought off Ebay and not felt the need to question the authenticity, just trying to figure out if I’m getting things out of proportion or not?

[Neil McCauley]

Originally Posted by Paddydog52

You hit the nail on the head in the sense that introspection tells me that 10k in cash wouldn’t last me long and I would inevitably end up with very little to show for it whereas at least by keeping the watch I have something, I don’t have a wife or children so it’s not like I’m depriving anyone else of the money I would get for this watch.

Is there a reputable place near me in Ipswich or as far a field as Chelmsford or the surrounding area that could safely open it up and verify its authenticity for a reasonable fee? Ideally somewhere that someone has used for this purpose so I know that the watch won’t come to any harm and their authentication would carry weight if and when I ever did sell the watch.

Thanks

https://www.robertgatwardjewellers.c...branch-ipswich

Take it here. They'll confirm it to be authentic or not and shouldn't charge you a fortune.

[Paddydog52]

Originally Posted by Neil McCauley

https://www.robertgatwardjewellers.c...branch-ipswich

Take it here. They'll confirm it to be authentic or not and shouldn't charge you a fortune.

This place is the Rolex AD that I have been in correspondence with who quoted me £700 for the service, I did enquire if their watchmaker who is situated at their Windsor showroom would authenticate the watch for a fee and received the following response:

“Thank you for your email. I have just spoken to our workshop manager regarding your enquiry and he has said that we are unable to carry out an authentication process, purely down to the fact that Rolex don’t actually do an authentication service. If they did a full service on the watch, they could then confirm authenticity of the watch as they wouldn’t service it if it wasn’t authentic“

[-dustin]

Originally Posted by Paddydog52

Would others feel inclined to get it checked out in my situation?

No. Unless I planned on selling it. If I enjoyed the watch for what it was, and wanted to wear it, I'd do just that - wear it and enjoy it.

If I planned on selling it, then I would get it authenticated. Not calling you a flipper, or implying that you'd be taking advantage of the situation...just saying that if I won a watch of this value, and didn't really care for it, I'd get it authenticated before selling for peace of mind.

[Neil McCauley]

Originally Posted by Paddydog52

This place is the Rolex AD that I have been in correspondence with who quoted me £700 for the service, I did enquire if their watchmaker who is situated at their Windsor showroom would authenticate the watch for a fee and received the following response:

“Thank you for your email. I have just spoken to our workshop manager regarding your enquiry and he has said that we are unable to carry out an authentication process, purely down to the fact that Rolex don’t actually do an authentication service. If they did a full service on the watch, they could then confirm authenticity of the watch as they wouldn’t service it if it wasn’t authentic“

This is such nonsense on their part, if you went in there to sell the watch, the watchmaker would whip the case back off and confirm it was genuine before making you an offer there and then.

Just go into the shop and speak to someone face to face. Forget emails; go and do it old school and have a conversation with them.

[Paddydog52]

Originally Posted by Neil McCauley

This is such nonsense on their part, if you went in there to sell the watch, the watchmaker would whip the case back off and confirm it was genuine before making you an offer there and then.

Just go into the shop and speak to someone face to face. Forget emails; go and do it old school and have a conversation with them.

I did also enquire if they are interested in buying it as on their site it states that they are open to buying watches:

https://www.robertgatwardjewellers.c...eowned-watches

As you can see it states at the bottom that they are interested in buying watches yet their response to me was:

“Regarding buying watches in, Rolex offer a certified pre-owned scheme which would then complete a buying process, here at Robert Gatward we are not currently a part of such scheme. Our main focus as a company is new product sales.”

So all a bit confusing to say the least!

[Neil McCauley]

Originally Posted by Paddydog52

I did also enquire if they are interested in buying it as on their site it states that they are open to buying watches:

https://www.robertgatwardjewellers.c...eowned-watches

As you can see it states at the bottom that they are interested in buying watches yet their response to me was:

“Regarding buying watches in, Rolex offer a certified pre-owned scheme which would then complete a buying process, here at Robert Gatward we are not currently a part of such scheme. Our main focus as a company is new product sales.”

So all a bit confusing to say the least!

They'd buy it off you and stick it in their window, for it to be gone a few days later. Rolex CPO program or not. Their email said that simply in case you're a plant from Rolex trying to catch them out in writing

Go and see them for some real clarity.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Neil McCauley

They'd buy it off you and stick it in their window, for it to be gone a few days later. Rolex CPO program or not. Their email said that simply in case you're a plant from Rolex trying to catch them out in writing

Go and see them for some real clarity.

You need to stop obsessing over this. Your watch is genuine. It’s already been authenticated. Honestly, if that is a clone, it’s the best I’ve ever seen. One thing the makers of reps can’t get right is waterproofing and the accuracy of the movement. Have you timed it? Put it under running water? Shower with it. A replica will have water ingress. Makers of clones do not replicate the white hang tag. Your watch is absolutely 100% genuine. Just wear it and enjoy it.


Kat


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