In need of a little "Datejust" authentication

[Tundra Trog]

I have been lurking here for a few days now, trying to glean as much information as I can. I decided it might just be easier to join the forum and ask the folks in the know so to speak.

I am a complete neophyte when it comes to watches. I never wear one, but my wife wears one daily. I would like to get her a used Rolex for our Anniversary (For those special nights out throughout the year.)

Not really knowing what I was after, I would find something I thought she would like, then started doing some hard research.
I have really narrowed my search down to one watch. I have focused my attention on a Datejust for her. I would like to get her one that is original and with proper boxes and documentation.

I have one in particular that I have my eyes on, (Not on Ebay) but I have no idea if the dial is original and all the documentation is present.
I have asked the seller for additional information (They have been great with my requests thus far) but I was hoping to get the opinions of others who are experienced in such matters.

I have attached a couple pictures for reference, and any information is greatly appreciated. It is an investment that I plan on making wisely.

26mm Model 79173, Serial F077562

[freefly]

Bumping this for you...

The watch looks good from here.

That is, nothing is jumping out as "fake" and the box & papers are correct. However, the pics are really too small to make any 100% determination IMO.

You mentioned it's not on eBay so if this is some Craigslist/Kajiji deal, then obviously you need to exercise caution and due-dillegence.

See if the seller will send you better, hi-res pics, and include a shot of the papers opened up to confirm the SN and dial configuration.
If he can send you pics of the head with the bracelet removed, confirming that the SN on the papers matches the watch, even better.

[Tundra Trog]

Freefly,

I have larger images but they are a little large to post here. I will ask the seller for pics of the papers opened up for confirmation. I'll also ask about head shots without the bracelet.

I am a stickler for due diligence, that is one reason I joined TRF

I really appreciate your time and insight.

[crowncollection]

Really need better pics to see if the dial is original


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[bdex75]

I am with David, need bigger pics. But the box and papers look correct from what I can see. Having just sold a 26mm I will say this, buy it right, especially if you ever plan on selling it.


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[77T]

Welcome to TRF.
We might also be helpful regarding the seller. Who is offering it?

There has been a recent spate of shill sales offers - as we tend to say, "Buy the Seller First".

[jvmartin]

If that dial is aftermarket, it's the best aftermarket I've ever seen... looks good from here... most aftermarket diamond dials are obvious aftermarket diamond dials

[freefly]

Originally Posted by Tundra Trog

Freefly,

I have larger images but they are a little large to post here. I will ask the seller for pics of the papers opened up for confirmation. I'll also ask about head shots without the bracelet.

Might not be worth the trouble.

You said it wasn't listed on eBay, but I actually found it currently listed there, from a seller in Frederick, Maryland here in the US:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/26mm-Rolex-D...8AAOSwENxXl3Ba

As well as their website:
http://www.mbarrantiques.com/collect...h-womens-watch

If that's not the seller you have been corresponding with, then it's probably just a case of a scammer using stolen pics.

Even if you wanted to pursue it from the actual seller, the watch appears to have an engraving on the back to "Constance".
So, unless that's coincidentally your wife's name, I'd say it would be a bad move to give her a watch with some other woman's name on the back, lol.

You could get a replacement case back, or possibly have the original refinished, but I probably wouldn't bother, and just keep looking. YMMV....

[Tundra Trog]

Thank you guys for your thoughts and info.

That is the seller I have been communicating with, but from their shop on Ruby Lane. I have done a ton of searching on Ebay and it never popped up on any of my searches. I have asked what their bottom line is on the watch and it is about $500.00 less than their asking price on Ebay.

The engraving on the case back won't bother my wife, and like it was pointed out, I could get a new case back or have the original refinished. If I ended up with this watch, I was going to print out an application for a name change and put it in with my wife's Anniversary card. She has a great sense of humour.

[Tundra Trog]

The seller sent me a few more pictures for your perusal.

[freefly]

Well, if the case-back engraving is a non-issue, and you are happy with the price, then go for it. Looks like a nice original example.

[MonBK]

All looks good.

[Tundra Trog]

Eric,

Thanks for the thumbs up. Would it be ok to shoot you a PM?

And as an aside, would anybody happen to know what a new case-back from an AD set me bacK?

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by Tundra Trog

Eric,

Thanks for the thumbs up. Would it be ok to shoot you a PM?

And as an aside, would anybody happen to know what a new case-back from an AD set me bacK?

If the engraving isn't to deep it's easy to buff out.

[Tundra Trog]

MonBK,

I appreciate your input. Thanks!

The engraving looks deep LOL

[Tundra Trog]

Here is a pic of the engraving

[MonBK]

Doesn't look too bad, I'd ask a jeweler if he can buff it.

[Tundra Trog]

MonBK,

Well, I still have to make a deal on it.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by Tundra Trog

MonBK,

Well, I still have to make a deal on it.

Sorry, I thought you bought it already.

[Tundra Trog]

MonBK,

No yet, I figure it is better to ask the questions before you buy. I did just make an offer on it though.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by Tundra Trog

MonBK,

No yet, I figure it is better to ask the questions before you buy. I did just make an offer on it though.

Ok, hope you get it, it's a lovely looking watch.

[freefly]

Originally Posted by Tundra Trog

Eric,

Thanks for the thumbs up. Would it be ok to shoot you a PM?

And as an aside, would anybody happen to know what a new case-back from an AD set me bacK?

Anytime.

A replacement case back from an AD/RSC would probably set you back $150-$200.
If you (she) can live with the engraving for a while, you might wait until the watch is due for service and just have it replaced by Rolex at that time.

[crowncollection]

Looks nice


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[Tundra Trog]

CC,

Thanks. I'll know tomorrow if I (My wife) is a new member of the "Rolex Club"

[janice&fred]

the watch is a nice looker and as others have mentioned the case back could be buffed. any competent jeweler would have no problem doing it.

[Tundra Trog]

I figured I should post a follow up for you all.

I ended up striking a deal on this watch. I really appreciate all the insight and expertise you all provided. It made me feel a lot more confident in making the deal.

Now to print off the paperwork for my wife to get her name legally changed :)

Thanks again!

[Tundra Trog]

An update update as it were.

Today is our Anniversary and I gave my wife an anniversary card and then a large envelope with the documentation to get her name changed. She opened that up and was looking at it (with a perplexed look on her face) She wasn't quite sure what to make of it. I told her to ponder that for a minute and I went and grabbed her real present. She was excited when she unwrapped it and saw the Rolex Box. I think a part of her was in disbelief (Even after she opened up the Rolex box and saw the Rolex paperwork on top) When she finally opened up the Red box it dawned on her that it was actually a Rolex :) I told her she needed a nice watch on those few occasions we go somewhere nice.

She was oohing and ahhing and had pretty much forgotten about the name change paperwork when I had to show her the engraving on the back. I asked her to read it and all she could make out was "2004 Love Mom and Dad " I had to tell her the first word was "Constance" Then she got the connection with the paperwork. She started laughing out loud. Thought it was hilarious (As did I LOL)

I told her we can get the back replaced or buffed out but she was too busy trying it on and looking at it on her wrist (from every angle imaginable) She read all the paperwork and got the date and time set on it. She asked me if it was waterproof and I told her "That is what Oyster means" She found out it was pressured to 100 mts and asked "Could I go diving with this?" I told her it wasn't a true diving watch but she could if she wanted to and it wouldn't hurt it. She said she wouldn't wear it diving but thought it was great she could.

I asked her again about getting the engraving dealt with and she isn't going to have it buffed out or replace the case back. She loves that the watch has history. to someone, someone who was loved and for whatever reason had to part with the watch.

She just asked if it would be ok to wear it everyday. I told her it is her watch and if she wants to wear it everyday that she can if she wants to. I told her "Don't expect me to buy you a nicer one for nights out."

I want to thank you guys for helping me out with this watch. It is really appreciated and my wife absolutely loves it. Engraving and all.

There is only one drawback. Since I came on here for advice and spent time reading the vintage forum as well as a few others. I am now looking at getting myself a Rolex. (For those special nights out)

And here is an obligatory wrist shot (Sorry,iphone pic)

[GLADIATOR]

GREAT happy ending
Thanks for sharing
I hope BOTH your wife and you get a lot of joy and happiness
adam

[mapalfa]

Glad she likes it. That she sees the engraving as a bit of history is a bonus.

You've got her a really nice watch that I had seen when listed on ebay and would have been very tempted by if it wasn't for the extra 20% import tax and shipping costs to the UK.

If you do need a new back, keep an eye on ebay as they come up for sale quite often and don't make huge money. I recently sold a back for roughly £50 from a watch I bought as a project but was too far gone.

Now we're waiting for the next incoming thread showing us yours!

[rolehex]

Great thread and glad everything worked out. Beautiful watch too.