Has any here paid $150 to have a RSC appraise/authenticate a vintage?

[FrankNYC]

It's for a 1680 red sub. RSC in NYC says they can provide me with an replacement value estimate for $150. Has anyone had this done? Is it worth it?

[mdw3]

Forget it. They don't know which way is up on vintage. Unless you just feel like making a non-tax-deductible donation to Rolex USA.

Michael

[NYCrussino]

Never heard of that but doesn't surprise me. Try Central Watch in Grand Central, they do free appraisals....

[FrankNYC]

Originally Posted by NYCrussino

Never heard of that but doesn't surprise me. Try Central Watch in Grand Central, they do free appraisals....

Will do! Thank you.

[GP_Pirate]

I considered sending mine to Rolex for an appraisal. They told me that they will not appraise a watch that is not in its original built condition. So I thought that would be a plus since it authentics all the parts. Plus an appraisal from Rolex would seem to me to carry more weight. I never did send mine (a 1680) in so I cannot on how good they are in appraising vintages, though.

[Eric88]

Are you still chasing the eBay red Sub?

If so, skip it!

[Red Series 3]

I've paid 99 aud to the rolex service cente in sydney for an authentication and stolen register check after buying a watch online they said they didn't do valuations or appraisals for insurance purposes or such.

[Kingair]

I don't know why they charge you . . .

When I went to Wempe (Germany) they checked the serial number and even told me that the watch was sold by one of their stores . . .

The only thing they told me that the watch was 99.9 % genuine . . .

If I really wanted to be 100 % sure they would send it to a one of their service centers . . .

We'll for .01 % it's fine for me . . . I can live with it ;-)

Now a vintage watch is really something different . . . but I just wonder if they can really give you a 100 % authenticity . . . .

What I read here on TRF is not every time all the best . . . about RSC's I mean

I bet that there are people (independent) who know a lot more about watches than some RSC's . . . ;-)

Just my .02

HAGT

[Keeperoftime]

One would do better donating $150.00 to THEROLEXFORUMS!


Then Print out the thread as a certificate of Authenticity!
IMHO (Big Font Opinion) :-)

[ndb80]

One strategy could be to 'loose' your insert (cheapest part of watch) and ask the rsc to fit you a new one, no service, just the insert...here in london they would do it as a walk-in service...this way you see if they will even work on your watch -if they do its legit, AND you get a receipt with your serial etc all for about 60$ ...

then as soon as you know where you stand, you can have your 'original' insert refitted by a private watch maker (5 min job) and sell off the service insert (about 30$) on ebay :),or keep it for spares...

[katana]

When I bought my 1680 -1977 from private person so we went to Rolex to see that it was genuine, not stolen, also that ALL true. Price around 150 USD

[FrankNYC]

Originally Posted by ndb80

One strategy could be to 'loose' your insert (cheapest part of watch) and ask the rsc to fit you a new one, no service, just the insert...here in london they would do it as a walk-in service...this way you see if they will even work on your watch -if they do its legit, AND you get a receipt with your serial etc all for about 60$ ...

then as soon as you know where you stand, you can have your 'original' insert refitted by a private watch maker (5 min job) and sell off the service insert (about 30$) on ebay :),or keep it for spares...

You would also get a green Rolex pouch as a bonus

[sdwtchlvr]

Look at it this way, if you don't have the original papers for your sub in would certainly add more than $150 to the value of your watch to have documentation from Rolex stating that your watch is authentic and original. In fact, it's better than the original papers in that it would be a current documentation. Only other way to get something like that is to pay $600 for a service and risk having them swap out parts. Shoot, I'm gonna check with RSC BH to see if I can get something like that for my 1680.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by FrankNYC

It's for a 1680 red sub. RSC in NYC says they can provide me with an replacement value estimate for $150. Has anyone had this done? Is it worth it?

Rolex will not give you an appraisal or actual valuation.. As you stated, they will give you "replacement value" (the cost of a new Sub). They will, however, let you know if it is authentic. - Only you can decide it that bit of information (something you should already know) is worth the price.

[Red Series 3]

I’ve had them authenticate watches before. They charge 90 aud

[stmoore]

I will authenticate it for you for $149.99

And no, I’ve never had that done. Most ADs have no idea when it comes to vintage.

[Claven2]

holy necro-thread batman...

[Blaner]

Dead thread back!

For anyone newly interested in the topic, just take it to an RSC and ask for a service quote. If it's fake, you'll find out then. No cost.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by mdw3

Forget it. They don't know which way is up on vintage. Unless you just feel like making a non-tax-deductible donation to Rolex USA.

Michael

[harry in montreal]

Even if they say that the movement, case and dial are correct, I think this only gets you half way to assessing value and condition. You need to know which dial is correct for the serials, same for hands etc.

[Dr.Smellody]

Never and no way!

[brandrea]

I had RSC Toronto authenticate a 5513. It was $100 CAD back in 2015.

[Gmt21]

The service appraisal they do for $150 is a full inspection of watch and what it needs for service. It is also a form of authentication. If you opt to get serviced the $150 is credited to the service cost.
In my case, I have a nos 16610lv early F serial with flat four insert and papers. But the papers are earlier European ones that are punched and don’t say LV anywhere.

Therefore it was well worth the $150 to have RSC go over the watch and run the serial number. The watch serial was confirmed an LV. . So now I have another layer of authentication on a $20k + watch.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Gmt21

The service appraisal they do for $150 is a full inspection of watch and what it needs for service. It is also a form of authentication. If you opt to get serviced the $150 is credited to the service cost.
In my case, I have a nos 16610lv early F serial with flat four insert and papers. But the papers are earlier European ones that are punched and don’t say LV anywhere.

Therefore it was well worth the $150 to have RSC go over the watch and run the serial number. The watch serial was confirmed an LV. . So now I have another layer of authentication on a $20k + watch.

Well worth it, in this case. Good move. I would definitely want "LV" on Rolex pperwork since someone can "create" an LV with the right dial and bezel on a regular 16610.

I know this was an ancient thread that was resurrected .... but here's a more recent thread on the topic ... it ain't $150 any more, and RSCs are now stricker than ever:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=723257

[1675-David]

Didn't he infamous blueberry insert gain legitimacy in this way?

[TimeLord2]

As Swish77 said the cost has changed. $260 for the authentication, which will be refunded assuming it is serviced by Rolex. There were several things that were not correct on the form. One would be my phone number, which I removed, and the other would be the 18K bracelet, It's 14K. Regardless, pictures of first page of 4 pages, and said watch that was authenticated. I was hoping they would do a proper description given it was being, as they termed it, "authenticated". Let's just say their authentication is not very rigorous

[swish77]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

As Swish77 said the cost has changed. $260 for the authentication, which will be refunded assuming it is serviced by Rolex. There were several things that were not correct on the form. One would be my phone number, which I removed, and the other would be the 18K bracelet, It's 14K. Regardless, pictures of first page of 4 pages, and said watch that was authenticated. I was hoping they would do a proper description given it was being, as they termed it, "authenticated". Let's just say their authentication is not very rigorous

Very interesting! Man, they make it sound as if you should just throw your "scratched and dented" watch in the trash! The bezel insert isn't right? And the mistakes on the paperwork. Wow. Doesn't fill me with confidence.

Another interesting point, was there a mention somewhere on your paperwork to a "Tifffany" dial? I would assume that if it was determined that "Tiffany" was added to the dial (as in aftermarket), it would be flagged as such. I wonder if this is a way to confirm that this is an authentic Tiffany dial. (Not questioning that, of course, just wondering if it was noted.)

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by swish77

Very interesting! Man, they make it sound as if you should just throw your "scratched and dented" watch in the trash! The bezel insert isn't right? And the mistakes on the paperwork. Wow. Doesn't fill me with confidence.

Another interesting point, was there a mention somewhere on your paperwork to a "Tifffany" dial? I would assume that if it was determined that "Tiffany" was added to the dial (as in aftermarket), it would be flagged as such. I wonder if this is a way to confirm that this is an authentic Tiffany dial. (Not questioning that, of course, just wondering if it was noted.)

I did ask why the stamp was not mentioned and they said they don't describe the watch, just document it's authenticity. I was kind of nhoping they would mention it. The whole thing was a waste of time (and money) in my opinion. I asked about the scratch on the dial they mention in the estimate by phone call three times, three separate people. they sent me some crappy pictures of the entire watch and not even high res. When I came in to pick it up and again asked about the scratch on the dial, which I had never noticed, they said they would show me when I came in to pick up, they were unable to find it. After trying to find said scratch for a few minutes, the service assistant gave me the loop and suggested I try and find it near the window where the lighting was better. I told him it was a waste of my time and asked him to process the fee for the "authentication" and I'll be on my way. The other page had estimates for Required service and optional service, plus a replacement value if lost or stolen. Basically replacement is a new GMT. these people are not vintage enthusiasts and don't care about matching patina or third party branding.
On another note, as Springer pointed out in a an earlier thread the all brown bezel only came on the all gold GMT. Mine should have a two tone half and half bezel. Not sure why it has the all brown it's been on there as long as I have owned it (35 years) and my dad bought it new. He doesn't remember at this point.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

These people are not vintage enthusiasts and don't care about matching patina or third party branding.

Thank god you didn't let Rolex do anything to it. They would have absolutely gone to town on it and ruined it.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

I did ask why the stamp was not mentioned and they said they don't describe the watch, just document it's authenticity. I was kind of nhoping they would mention it. The whole thing was a waste of time (and money) in my opinion. I asked about the scratch on the dial they mention in the estimate by phone call three times, three separate people. they sent me some crappy pictures of the entire watch and not even high res. When I came in to pick it up and again asked about the scratch on the dial, which I had never noticed, they said they would show me when I came in to pick up, they were unable to find it. After trying to find said scratch for a few minutes, the service assistant gave me the loop and suggested I try and find it near the window where the lighting was better. I told him it was a waste of my time and asked him to process the fee for the "authentication" and I'll be on my way. The other page had estimates for Required service and optional service, plus a replacement value if lost or stolen. Basically replacement is a new GMT. these people are not vintage enthusiasts and don't care about matching patina or third party branding.
On another note, as Springer pointed out in a an earlier thread the all brown bezel only came on the all gold GMT. Mine should have a two tone half and half bezel. Not sure why it has the all brown it's been on there as long as I have owned it (35 years) and my dad bought it new. He doesn't remember at this point.

Thanks for all that detail. Fascinating (and disappointing).