Help with Due Diligence

[TyCoon53]

I am trying to perform my due diligence before I buy a used watch. After being a forum member for several months now, I have learn that there are some less than honest people selling watches in the internet. Even some honest people, sell Rolex thinking they are real when in fact they are fake. That being said, can the members tell me what things a real Rolex from the early 1990's should and should not?... such as laser crown on crystal, how serial number should look, etc..
Thank you for your help.

[Kanger]

no laser etched crown on crystal from 90s unless it is a replacement crystal. Serial number should be at the 12 o clock position.

[TimeToGo]

Welcome to the Forum!

When you get ready to pull the trigger, let us know and we can help you along the way as well!

[HL65]

X2!! Welcome to TRF!!

[WatchTimes]

Buy from the many trusted members here in our Marketplace....

That is the best bet for someone whose uncertain.

[egzbuen]

Best advise for now is to go look at the stuff from trusted sellers.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by jyogi

buy from the many trusted members here in our marketplace....

That is the best bet for someone whose uncertain.

x2

[TyCoon53]

Thank you for the advice. I have been reviewing the the "For Sale" section of the forum almost daily looking for the watch I want to buy. However, the trusted sellers... Mosco, DavidSW, and justrolexes, etc... do not have what I am searching for.
I am trying to educate myself concerning older Rolexes so I don't make a huge monetary mistake. I have read too many threads indicating that the person should have done their research prior to buying instead of trying to get their money back after they made a huge mistake.
So, I would ask the forum member to educate me and others like me on what a vintage Rolex from the early 1990's should have or not have to make it authentic. Thank again for your help

[WatchTimes]

There are TONS of posts to start reading...
Start by searching and reading here

http://www.rolexforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=22

Pretty much everything and anything is in that section of the site.

You are not going to learn from just reading though, it takes handling them, seeing them and dealing with them on a regular basis and once in a while one even gets by the pros. Post a message in the WTB section of the board for what you want and buy the seller not the watch.

Not trying to be rude but its like asking I am buying a Ferrari what should I look for to know if every things authentic, if you aren't a mechanic you will never truly know and unless you break down the whole thing even being a mechanic you will not know.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by TyCoon53

Thank you for the advice. I have been reviewing the the "For Sale" section of the forum almost daily looking for the watch I want to buy. However, the trusted sellers... Mosco, DavidSW, and justrolexes, etc... do not have what I am searching for.
I am trying to educate myself concerning older Rolexes so I don't make a huge monetary mistake. I have read too many threads indicating that the person should have done their research prior to buying instead of trying to get their money back after they made a huge mistake.
So, I would ask the forum member to educate me and others like me on what a vintage Rolex from the early 1990's should have or not have to make it authentic. Thank again for your help

Well most Rolex have not changed since 1988 when they introduced the cal 3135 which is used in watches like Sub,DJ,and SD.The main difference now on most watches is the solid end link bracelet.Now we have LEC crystals started 2001, non lug holes cases started around 2002 with the Y case date stamp Plus now a few minor fonts like the rolex rolex rolex around the Rehaut ring that started 2004.So not a lot of difference between a 1990 oyster Rolex and a 2010/11 rolex except for a few minor details and a case date stamp