How can I check the watch hasn't been tampered with?

[dayttona]

Hello everyone,

I'm thinking about buying a used Rolex, can you guys tell me if there are things I can physically inspect before buying it?

If the case back has been opened previously, or if the dial was changed later etc?

My concern is that untrained hands could mess something or the other up (water resistance, mechanically, etc). Is there anyway I can tell that the watch is in its original form and has never been opened for service or otherwise?

[MonBK]

If untrained hands have messed it up then untrained eyes won't see it.

[gwalker]

No you can't tell if a watch has been opened unless they used pliers, LOL. Tools don't leave marks usually. You can look at it but unless you know watches you won't be albe to tell it from a high quality replica. IMHO if you are unsure of what you are buying then don't. Only buy from someone you trust to start with. I personally think people new to Rolex need to be VERY careful when buying from anything other than an AD. I think you are a little far off thinking someone untrained would mess up an authentic watch. The issues are going to be buying a fake.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by dayttona

Hello everyone,

I'm thinking about buying a used Rolex, can you guys tell me if there are things I can physically inspect before buying it?

If the case back has been opened previously, or if the dial was changed later etc?

My concern is that untrained hands could mess something or the other up (water resistance, mechanically, etc). Is there anyway I can tell that the watch is in its original form and has never been opened for service or otherwise?

Agree with the others but if you buy from a reliable source you should not have any problems.Rolex watches are very reliable and very seldom parts or the case back will be opened except at normal service.And when buying used if no service history and watch is over 5 years old it would be prudent to budget a service.Now you can get the watch pressure check most high street watchmakers can test to 200m plus its not expensive to test, if it passes test it will be fine for scuba and swimming etc.

[up2nogood]

+1 on fakes. Mate, I have seen some ridiculously good fakes fitted with genuine dials and crystals, as well as some that now come with clone movements that have the hand adjustments go the right way (which used to be an easy tell on the old ETA clones). Be VERY careful if it's not a current model.

As for if it's been mucked with, hard to tell without you mucking with it yourself. Advice above re servicing is on the ball.

[dayttona]

I don't doubt the authenticity, it's just that some people like to swap dials etc. wanted to know if there was any way to tell if the watch was opened or tampered with.

Guess there isn't a way. Will report back when or if I make the purchase.

Thanks

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by padi56

Agree with the others but if you buy from a reliable source you should not have any problems.Rolex watches are very reliable and very seldom parts or the case back will be opened except at normal service.And when buying used if no service history and watch is over 5 years old it would be prudent to budget a service.Now you can get the watch pressure check most high street watchmakers can test to 200m plus its not expensive to test, if it passes test it will be fine for scuba and swimming etc.

X2

Buy the seller.

[chicfarmer1]

Originally Posted by dayttona

Is there anyway I can tell that the watch is in its original form and has never been opened for service or otherwise?

Yes: buy only from an honest reseller and ask the questions you need to ask, and trust those answers. If you can't do that, do not buy.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by dayttona

I don't doubt the authenticity, it's just that some people like to swap dials etc. wanted to know if there was any way to tell if the watch was opened or tampered with.

Guess there isn't a way. Will report back when or if I make the purchase.

Thanks

If you are looking at Datjusts and Day-Dates, there may be some that do not have the original dial. It is not uncommon to change these.. It does not mean the watch is not authentic; only that the dial has been changed..

If I had any watch with a champagne dial, I would change it. That would not make the watch any less authentic, just better...

As said though, nobody can tell if a watch has been opened or not unless the guy was somewhat ham-fisted......