Rolex DateJust And Custom President

[Pocoyo]

Hi,

Im new and thought I would introduce myself and say hello.

Im in the UK and i've been a Rolex enthusiast since when I was a kid watching a really old James Bond when he had a black submariner.

I bought my first Rolex in 2003. I purchased a brand new Rolex DateJust with 18k/SS Oyster bracelet (from Ernest Jones, who are an authorised Rolex dealer here in the UK). When I first got it I wore it everyday even to bed...in shower...swimming pools/seaside, literally everywhere.... and never had a problem. To this day its still my everyday watch, its even saved my arm from being chopped off in the door - a window was opened in office causing door to slam on my arm but luckily it hit the watch surprisingly myself and watch lived both without a scratch!

After a year I decided I wanted one of those Rolex watches with diamonds etc...so I searched everywhere and actually found one on ebay.

I must warn people when buying through ebay, if its worth more than you can afford to lose then be safe rather than sorry, go and collect the item and pay cash. Always insist to the buyer that you want to go to a specialist to have it verified, get them to take it apart etc... back to my story:

When I went to the sellers house I realised that they were pretty well off (Bentley in driveway, large farmhouse, couple of other brand new cars - interior was well decorated etc..).

However, the watch did not have its original paperwork yet it had supporting documents from well known reputable dealers in the UK and an insurance valuation too. Sadly the cyclops cast a doubt in my mind as it was not in good condition and it did not magnify the date like my datejust, so I asked if he wouldn't mind going to a local Rolex specialist/jeweller who could verify and confirm its authenticity.

When we got there, I checked what watches the dealer sold and saw a few second hand Rolex watches in window, so I felt relieved. We got inside, I explained politely that I met this person through ebay and wanted him to verify whether the watch was real or not.

He got out his loupe and took off the back case of the rolex, explaining himself (he was talking and explaining in a tone similar to that of a nature documentary) what I should be looking for in order to establish authenticity. He also took off the bracelet, and explained further that he was looking for some numbers etc... after 10 mins of examination of the watch and checking the papers supplied as well as the beautiful Presidential box (which had a untouched Rolex notepad as well), he said that he can happily confirm this is a real Rolex but has had aftermarket customisations. He also warned me that Rolex would not accept it for servicing unless I wanted all the customisations replaced with the original watch spec, akin to how a car dealer refuses to service a modified car. I thanked the specialist and paid him £20 for his services, and asked if he could just adjust the bracelet for me and if I could purchase the watch in front of him. He agreed (I did this just to ensure that the watch stayed away from the seller in case he was some sort of magician and use misdirection to swap it for a fake/try to run off - I watch too many movies! :) Better be safe than sorry.

So now I own (I admit not in the best condition, but full of diamonds - completely tasteless to some people, but a great dress watch), A late 1980's Mens Rolex 18K Presidential with over 700 diamonds! I have worn it many times to work and dinner parties I keep it reasonably hidden but sometimes the diamonds do sparkle and people approach me asking to see it. And yes - I do ensure I show if off once they ask, thats what this watch is about!! No point in owning a Ferrari if you don't thrash it - same principle but apply it to a watch.

I must say, I am getting tempted with the Leather strap, white gold, meteor face Daytona...might end up swapping my Presidential for one soon (just can't wear it all the time)...BUT my next purchase is going to be a simple Rolex from the early 70's or even late 60's.

I might post some pics of the Presidential and Datejust soon, but its so much hard work! If I see demand I will supply.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

Thanks for sharing that nice story with us!

I'd LOVE to see pics of your DJ and DD. 700 diamonds?! Must be awesome looking!

[Tools]

Welcome Pocoyo.

Glad you found the time to join in..

[Ordell]

Cool lots of ice
You can always buy an original dial off e-bay, if you are concerned of Rolex confiscating your diamond dial on service.
Photos are nice

[arttay10]

Great to meet another Rolex fan in the U.K - the numbers are growing

[Pocoyo]

Hi,
Managed to take some pics...(using a Canon Ixus 700 so pics are not amazing).
I also have my everyday watch there (non Rolex - Cartier Chronoscaph)
Ive gone for a photobucket account here is the link:

http://s214.photobucket.com/albums/cc315/pocoyo2007/

The Presidential needs a good polish and service anyone know where I can it done around London? Also is there any way to tighten the links as its quite loose.

Thanks