Thrift Store Lotto Win

[Soneji]

That photo makes me want to lift my flute bezel and see if RSC cleaned under there...

[RichM]

Great story. Congratulations As long as it’s not a fake or stolen.

[returntorolex]

Wow nice find!

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by sillo38

Completely agree. That's why it's going to go out to an RSC to settle that issue.

Would it not make more sense to (at least try to) contact Rolex about tracking down the previous owner?

I would want the watch to remain in my possession while it is verified whether it is fake or stolen for two reasons:

1. I'd prefer to keep in my possession while its origins are verified. I can imagine any number of reasons Rolex might think it's stolen, and insist on holding onto it until proven otherwise.

2. If it's fake, they'll never return it, and it will be more difficult to get your money back from the store. If, on the other hand, you can return to the store with a letter from Rolex stating that the serial number doesn't match an actual GMT and a receipt, you should be able to get your mom's money back and let it be the store's problem.

3. If it's not stolen, but was, as others have stated, donated in error/for revenge, then what to do, and on what terms, is entirely at your discretion (fairest thing would likely be offering it back for the exact amount you paid for it) but at least you can make contact with the owner (or do so via Rolex, who can keep their info confidential while you hold onto the watch).

[rolexpatek363]

Originally Posted by sillo38

Lol I’m right here. I have nothing to gain from telling this story so believe if you want or not.

I don’t even know if they really knew anything about it. They initially said they didn’t know anything about it and when I pressed my mom to press them on its legitimacy they said it’s fake. Which still, who knows. I’m pretty confident it’s legit at this point, but until I send it out it’s not 100%.

There's a new generation of so-called "superfakes" around, and they are very difficult to spot. At $800, it's quite likely to be one of these.

[uncleluck]

One thing I have noticed in the pics is it appears to have some sort of blue AR coating on the crystal.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by rolexpatek363

There's a new generation of so-called "superfakes" around, and they are very difficult to spot. At $800, it's quite likely to be one of these.

Perhaps the OP would post (at least part of) the serial number, and one of the experts here can at least say whether it corresponds to that model and, assuming so, its approximate age?

Also, would such a fake have the visible extra gasket on the threads of the trip lock crown, and does this one have such?

[justdate]

Originally Posted by rolexpatek363

There's a new generation of so-called "superfakes" around, and they are very difficult to spot. At $800, it's quite likely to be one of these.

Hmm the seller did say it was a fake after all... I’ve always been scared of fake SS after seeing the below. But OPs looks like it doesn’t have these issues.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P_ZTqC2Yxxs

[GIA516]

Good score if it’s authentic Sean

[sillo]

Originally Posted by justdate

Actually this might be the most likely, the seller did say it was a fake after all



https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P_ZTqC2Yxxs

Look at the movement in that one. Clearly a fake. It doesn’t even have a full balance bridge.

Also the watch has been at a steady +3 sec/day

If anyone spots something that seems off lemme know. I have a good picture of the LEC, but the serial is right there so I want to take a new one from another angle. I’ll get it up later tonight.

It’s also a V serial which is perfect for a 116710.

Here’s some more movement pics.





My Dad’s BLNR


The LN

[bobernet]

If it’s a fake, then I’m fooled. Never seen a fake with a genuine Rolex movement, although I know some vintage frankens exist.

[shortsqueeze]

Fascinating thread. Can't wait to see how this ends. Best of luck!

[Bxtek]

Wow, fantastic score and what a story! Thanks for sharing! Hats off to your Mom for having that gut feeling and going with it. Also, for her negotiation skills on the price too. Did she buy a Lottery ticket that day too?

I love these kinds of stories! Most importantly, I love when a watch like this gets into the hands of someone who knows what it is and will appreciate it. Instead of someone who doesn't care and is only looking to make money.

Congrats! This is the kind of find that we are all hoping to experience someday. Equivalent to that old rare car barn find that all auto enthusiasts want to uncover.

[Urosfan]

Congrats great score

[Overwound]

Great find! I hope everything works out in your favor after the RSC inspection.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by shortsqueeze

Fascinating thread. Can't wait to see how this ends. Best of luck!

Agree.

[AK797]

Maybe worth putting pics up on the big replica sites as they will know if this is a latest superfake or franken. Otherwise it is the right move to send this to RSC and find out the truth of the watch.

[Jojoshop]

Can we have few pics of the watch?


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[mjclark32]

That’s awesome, congrats!

[exador]

Originally Posted by dannyp

If it's fake, they'll never return it, and it will be more difficult to get your money back from the store. If, on the other hand, you can return to the store with a letter from Rolex stating that the serial number doesn't match an actual GMT and a receipt, you should be able to get your mom's money back and let it be the store's problem.

Store told Mom that it was fake watch but she “gambled” and bought it anyway.
Caveat emptor.

Anyway, looks real to me.

[GreatScott]

Go back and look for the box and papers.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[PatronMTL]

Wear it and enjoy it. Fake or not if you can’t tell, then at this point is as good as real and comes with a great story. but if you decide to flip it, then the responsible thing to do is take the gamble with rolex to confirm its real and not stolen before passing it on to any buyer

[ltmgeller]

So cool, congrats!!!

[77T]

Originally Posted by Jojoshop

Can we have few pics of the watch?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Did you miss the ones he shared in post #1?


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[77T]

Originally Posted by sillo38

The plan is to keep it. It does belong to my mom so the decision is ultimately hers, but we'd much rather have the watch then the money it's worth.

We're going to try and send it out to an RSC this week.

Good on ya!

I will subscribe to this thread - always like to see a great find validated.


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[offrdmania]

I would only feel good about the great score after I have taken it to Rolex and verified that it has not been reported as stolen. Only then I would feel good about it. I wouldnt want that stigma. Just my opinion though.

[PatronMTL]

Sending it out to RSC is a great gamble IMO. Upside of your 700$ investment is 10k, downside is zero if they confiscate it for being fake or stolen.

If purchased with a credit card, i wonder if the cards customer protection would cover what you paid. But being told it was fake before purchasing May hurt those chances

[Onikage]

Looks good to me. It's definitely stolen - YOU stole it.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by exador

Store told Mom that it was fake watch but she “gambled” and bought it anyway.
Caveat emptor.

Anyway, looks real to me.

And reminding them that knowingly selling counterfeit merchandise is a crime should be enough to get a refund. Doesn’t matter if they disclose or not. In the end, they won’t want to gamble when it was probably donated in the first place.

[Onikage]

Subscribed. I want to know more about these curious thrifty charity shops.