Has anyone sought a Tiffany archive certificate?

[miamiclay]

There was a discussion here last December of Tiffany offering archive certificates (@ $1000 per) for watches they retailed -
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=778533

One oddity - the Tiffany policy seemed to be that “[t]he Watch Certificate will not include the Serial Number of the watch being researched” (thus making it 100% pointless), ... but the certificate which was shown in the above thread’s photo did list the serial number.

It was speculated that perhaps researching and listing the serial number was something Tiffany would only do for requests from Phillips or other prominent names.

Has anyone tried this? If so, what happened?

[330ci]

Hold on, let me go cook my popcorn ��


Imma sit this one out

[siegrist]

Originally Posted by miamiclay

There was a discussion here last December of Tiffany offering archive certificates (@ $1000 per) for watches they retailed -
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=778533

One oddity - the Tiffany policy seemed to be that “[t]he Watch Certificate will not include the Serial Number of the watch being researched” (thus making it 100% pointless), ... but the certificate which was shown in the above thread’s photo did list the serial number.

It was speculated that perhaps researching and listing the serial number was something Tiffany would only do for requests from Phillips or other prominent names.

Has anyone tried this? If so, what happened?

I bought a Tiffany dial Datejust from Mike at Rolliworks in December of 2020. I reached out to Tiffany to authenticate it in January of 2021. In February of 2021 they accepted my request and gladly took my 1k. I had several email conversations with a rep at Tiffany Archives and I specifically said what I wanted for that 1k and that was to have the specific serial number looked up and documented on their letterhead. She was vague in her response. She wouldn't say no and wouldn't say yes. What she said (without digging into the emails) is "all customers who have used their archive program have always been happy with the results". I mistakenly took with a glass half full approach and figured I would get what I was looking for.

What I got back a few weeks later was a complete waste. Basically some photocopies of old Rolex/Tiffany ads and a write up about how they existed etc. Zero mention of my watch anywhere. They also tossed in a Tiffany Watch History book which got promptly tossed in the trash.

Save your 1k.

[Andad]

I must have missed something.

$1000 to do what?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by siegrist

I bought a Tiffany dial Datejust from Mike at Rolliworks in December of 2020. I reached out to Tiffany to authenticate it in January of 2021. In February of 2021 they accepted my request and gladly took my 1k. I had several email conversations with a rep at Tiffany Archives and I specifically said what I wanted for that 1k and that was to have the specific serial number looked up and documented on their letterhead. She was vague in her response. She wouldn't say no and wouldn't say yes. What she said (without digging into the emails) is "all customers who have used their archive program have always been happy with the results". I mistakenly took with a glass half full approach and figured I would get what I was looking for.

What I got back a few weeks later was a complete waste. Basically some photocopies of old Rolex/Tiffany ads and a write up about how they existed etc. Zero mention of my watch anywhere. They also tossed in a Tiffany Watch History book which got promptly tossed in the trash.

Save your 1k.

Ouch.

[harry in montreal]

That is just terrible that they took your money and produced such a lousy deliverable.

I guess it affirms the notion that tiffany cannot validate their old inventory.

Whenever I see a tiffany Rolex I roll my eyes

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Andad

I must have missed something.

$1000 to do what?

I guess it's to put people off bothering them for historic certification. Like Harry says above, the records are patchy at best.

Pretty scandalous, though, if the serial number isn't on the "documentation." Aren't they just printing off a standard letter?

[330ci]

Originally Posted by siegrist

I bought a Tiffany dial Datejust from Mike at Rolliworks in December of 2020. I reached out to Tiffany to authenticate it in January of 2021. In February of 2021 they accepted my request and gladly took my 1k. I had several email conversations with a rep at Tiffany Archives and I specifically said what I wanted for that 1k and that was to have the specific serial number looked up and documented on their letterhead. She was vague in her response. She wouldn't say no and wouldn't say yes. What she said (without digging into the emails) is "all customers who have used their archive program have always been happy with the results". I mistakenly took with a glass half full approach and figured I would get what I was looking for.

What I got back a few weeks later was a complete waste. Basically some photocopies of old Rolex/Tiffany ads and a write up about how they existed etc. Zero mention of my watch anywhere. They also tossed in a Tiffany Watch History book which got promptly tossed in the trash.

Save your 1k.

Did you pay by credit card? I'd file for a refund on grounds they failed to deliver on their services

[baumare]

Thank you for the info, I was thinking to give it a try for my Tiffany SeaDweller, but looks like only the big auction houses could get through the maze of Tiffany archive…

[swish77]

Originally Posted by siegrist

I bought a Tiffany dial Datejust from Mike at Rolliworks in December of 2020. I reached out to Tiffany to authenticate it in January of 2021. In February of 2021 they accepted my request and gladly took my 1k. I had several email conversations with a rep at Tiffany Archives and I specifically said what I wanted for that 1k and that was to have the specific serial number looked up and documented on their letterhead. She was vague in her response. She wouldn't say no and wouldn't say yes. What she said (without digging into the emails) is "all customers who have used their archive program have always been happy with the results". I mistakenly took with a glass half full approach and figured I would get what I was looking for.

What I got back a few weeks later was a complete waste. Basically some photocopies of old Rolex/Tiffany ads and a write up about how they existed etc. Zero mention of my watch anywhere. They also tossed in a Tiffany Watch History book which got promptly tossed in the trash.

Save your 1k.

So strange. Did you send them a copy of the photo from the other thread showing the recent letter/documentation from Tiffany’s about the 6263 Daytona?

I would have just said I want that for my watch, can you do it? It seems odd that Tiffany’s would do it in some cases but not others.

[carwashchris]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Ouch.

This X 2

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by baumare

Thank you for the info, I was thinking to give it a try for my Tiffany SeaDweller, but looks like only the big auction houses could get through the maze of Tiffany archive…

I think this is accurate, auction houses carry the weight and horsepower to get to the bottom of a particular piece. I doubt Tiffany's can go back 30 plus years to find a serial number for every person that requests it. These watches were mass produced and Tiffanys sold tens of thousands of Rolex watches.

As for the OP and the thousand dollars, that's wrong on Tiffany's, they should pull that program since they don't provide and clarity or validation the owner is looking for or provide what is expected if watch is genuine.

[Styles Bitchley]

Maybe this is the consolation prize for when they have no record of your serial number. “But we do have this nice parting gift…”

[indianmachine]

Originally Posted by siegrist

I bought a Tiffany dial Datejust from Mike at Rolliworks in December of 2020. I reached out to Tiffany to authenticate it in January of 2021. In February of 2021 they accepted my request and gladly took my 1k. I had several email conversations with a rep at Tiffany Archives and I specifically said what I wanted for that 1k and that was to have the specific serial number looked up and documented on their letterhead. She was vague in her response. She wouldn't say no and wouldn't say yes. What she said (without digging into the emails) is "all customers who have used their archive program have always been happy with the results". I mistakenly took with a glass half full approach and figured I would get what I was looking for.

What I got back a few weeks later was a complete waste. Basically some photocopies of old Rolex/Tiffany ads and a write up about how they existed etc. Zero mention of my watch anywhere. They also tossed in a Tiffany Watch History book which got promptly tossed in the trash.

Save your 1k.

Sorry to hear that, I had started to go down the route but gave up sensing it would be a boondoggle. Ended up selling my Tiffany 5513 shortly after.

[TimeLord2]

This "archive service" is pretty worthless without the serial number being included with the end result. I tried several different avenues to try and achieve some valid paper work for my own watch. Even though I know it to be authentic, as it was given to me by my Dad, a self-described snob (His words not mine! Hahahahaa!), who purchased it from Tiffany in BH when he owned a woman's clothing store there in the 70s on Brighton and Bedford.

Even that last thread showed the futility of relying on Tiffany's records. I went to Tiffany's in BH and spoke with the manager who said they don't have any records older than 15 years. Aside from carbon dating without damaging the dial I don't see any way to truly authenticate, and as many of you have said you can always switch in a Tiffany branded dial, or fake the paper work… In the end, while some verifiable paperwork would be nice for my son or daughter who inherit the watch, I do think it is quite beautiful. Beyond monetary value, it was gift from my Father and will try to keep it forever if possible.

On another note, I kind of miss 330ci not taking an active participation role in this thread. That was the best part!

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

...I do think it is quite beautiful. Beyond monetary value, it was gift from my Father and will try to keep it forever if possible.

Thread needs a pic...

[GoingPlaces]

My story is quite similar to Timelord. Prior to my fathers passing in 2016 he gave me his stamped Datejust. However he had no recollection of where or if any documents existed. Box was gone. After his passing my mother and I were sorting through everything with no luck. About a year later we sold my mothers house and she causally surprises me with some Rolex stuff, "look what I found". Fortunately I now have the certificate and some Rolex paperwork! Still no box but who cares. The watch will never leave my possession as long as I exist.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by siegrist

I bought a Tiffany dial Datejust from Mike at Rolliworks in December of 2020. I reached out to Tiffany to authenticate it in January of 2021. In February of 2021 they accepted my request and gladly took my 1k. I had several email conversations with a rep at Tiffany Archives and I specifically said what I wanted for that 1k and that was to have the specific serial number looked up and documented on their letterhead. She was vague in her response. She wouldn't say no and wouldn't say yes. What she said (without digging into the emails) is "all customers who have used their archive program have always been happy with the results". I mistakenly took with a glass half full approach and figured I would get what I was looking for.

What I got back a few weeks later was a complete waste. Basically some photocopies of old Rolex/Tiffany ads and a write up about how they existed etc. Zero mention of my watch anywhere. They also tossed in a Tiffany Watch History book which got promptly tossed in the trash.

Save your 1k.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Thread needs a pic...

Yes, I suppose it does need a few pics, but I do believe you all have seen it or mostly anyways. I'll even throw in the service estimate from Rolex which, as we have determined really doesn't mean anything where the Tiffany stamp is concerned. I also have a few service receipts from 1989 and 1995 but no mention of teh stamp on the dial. At that point it just wasn't that special… Here is a pic prior to service and bracelet repair, a pic after service with refurbished bracelet, and a pic with a new insert I got directly from Rolex in BH just recently, for which they attached the leaches in monetary terms to install and allow me to keep the all brown one. Oh, and a picture of my Dad at his wedding from 42 year ago—wearing the watch. I'm the kid with the long hair on the left. Although, no details are visible, such is life… I suppose I still might find a pic with some detail. The small Tiffany chart I got from @tempoking on this forum from some other post with a similar topic.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

Yes, I suppose it does need a few pics, but I do believe you all have seen it or mostly anyways... I'm the kid with the long hair on the left.

Nothing wrong with seeing that beauty again!

BTW, that wedding shot is one of the most 1970s photos I've ever seen. Pure style! It was good of David Hasselhoff and Burt Reynolds to turn up. And Olivia Newton-John there on the left.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Nothing wrong with seeing that beauty again!

BTW, that wedding shot is one of the most 1970s photos I've ever seen. Pure style! It was good of David Hasselhoff and Burt Reynolds to turn up. And Olivia Newton-John there on the left.

Hahahahahha! You haven’t seen the picture of the bride and brides maids! Looks straight out of the Stepford wives!

[Mark020]

Nice hair :-)

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by Mark020

Nice hair :-)

It's a little shorter now…