Is it possible to track down a specific serial numbered watch?

[tahitianmoon]

Hello Everyone. I sold the first Rolex I ever owned and had regretted it since. It was a 1996 Explorer II Polar. I recently found the original paperwork in an old file so I have the correct serial number--a T series. Is there a database of owners or any possible way to track this watch down if it's for sale anywhere? Or should I just keep scouring the sale ads for every T series Explorer II I can find??

[HunterST]

You could post the serial number here - with 2 numbers blocked out - and do it as a want to buy. Pictures of the papers would also help immensely. Quite literally you are looking for a needle in a haystack - I suppose you could also post a FS ad on a few forums for the papers to see if the owner pops up.

Best of luck to you!


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[Aquaholic_user]

Gotta give it to ya OP, many would probably just throw them away. Great that you keep searching. Would you make them an offer if you found your exact watch?

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[77T]

A needle in the haystack methinks. There are no databases other than the stolen lists. One of the challenges is some owners swap out dials and hands on old tritium dialed watches so it might not even look like yours.

Unless that particular watch was some special family heirloom, with an emotional attachment, you may be better just hunting TRF, eBay and other websites for another T s/n and just ditch those papers.

Good luck in your quest.


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[tahitianmoon]

Originally Posted by Aquaholic_user

Gotta give it to ya OP, many would probably just throw them away. Great that you keep searching. Would you make them an offer if you found your exact watch?

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Absolutely.

[tahitianmoon]

Originally Posted by HunterST

You could post the serial number here - with 2 numbers blocked out - and do it as a want to buy. Pictures of the papers would also help immensely. Quite literally you are looking for a needle in a haystack - I suppose you could also post a FS ad on a few forums for the papers to see if the owner pops up.

Best of luck to you!


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That’s a great idea. I know the odds are against ever finding it but it’s worth a shot.

[tahitianmoon]

Originally Posted by Aquaholic_user

Gotta give it to ya OP, many would probably just throw them away. Great that you keep searching. Would you make them an offer if you found your exact watch?

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I would’ve sworn I sold the watch with paperwork but obviously not. I have the original bill of sale, catalogue, notes from the AD...

[tahitianmoon]

Originally Posted by 77T

A needle in the haystack methinks. There are no databases other than the stolen lists. One of the challenges is some owners swap out dials and hands on old tritium dialed watches so it might not even look like yours.

Unless that particular watch was some special family heirloom, with an emotional attachment, you may be better just hunting TRF, eBay and other websites for another T s/n and just ditch those papers.

Good luck in your quest.


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Just special to me, that’s all. First Rolex, then I started thinking of all the places I wore the watch and things I did with it and got sentimental. Access to information has changed drastically since 2010 when I sold it so maybe i have a chance. If it find it, I’ll definitely post about it!

[77T]

OK and good luck. I had an A s/n Expl. II Polar as my 1st Rolex.

Felt a little funny flipping it in 2009. But that wears off after 20-30 flips, buys, sales & trades.

Now my 1st Omega from 55 yrs. ago is a different thing...



“you'll have to pry it from my cold dead hands”


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[cpefy3]

Might be a silly question, but can you possibly contact who you sold it to and track it through that way?

[roh123]

VRF has a list with lose papers looking for the watch. Still a needle in a haydack but better than nothing.

[oysterquartz17000]

Originally Posted by roh123

VRF has a list with lose papers looking for the watch. Still a needle in a haydack but better than nothing.

Hi do you have a link to that list?

Thanks

[77T]

Originally Posted by oysterquartz17000

Hi do you have a link to that list?



Thanks

http://vintagerolexforum.com is where to start. Then you’ll need to join and then go to the serial number project link and posting will work for you.


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[oysterquartz17000]

Thank you :)

[roh123]

Originally Posted by oysterquartz17000

Hi do you have a link to that list?

Thanks

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vint...rs-t38111.html

[tahitianmoon]

Originally Posted by cpefy3

Might be a silly question, but can you possibly contact who you sold it to and track it through that way?

I sold it to a dealer in Chicago in 2010. I don't know if they keep records of who they sell watches to but it's worth a call. Great suggestion--thank you!

[tahitianmoon]

Originally Posted by 77T

http://vintagerolexforum.com is where to start. Then you’ll need to join and then go to the serial number project link and posting will work for you.


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Awesome--thank you!!