Possible fake bracelet sold by known retailer Help ID

[cptmike03]

Hello,
Thank you in advance for any help.

I just bought a 1978 16014 Datejust from a very well known seller of used rolex in Northern Virginia. I have been searching for a birthday year (and this is close) and the price was very right (under 3K). The store also said that they had it privately serviced prior to me picking it up. I asked if everything was authentic Rolex, and they responded that the crystal may have been aftermarket but that is all. So, I picked it up.

Upon getting it home and wearing it, something seemed off about the bracelet.As you can see there is discoloration on the inner clasp on the inner edges. Is this a genuine watch and bracelet? If not, I will be shocked as this is a very much established retail store and known in the area. I will be seeking a refund if anything on it is not Rolex, besides the crystal, which was already disclosed.

What can you tell me about the watch and the bracelet? How do they look to you?

It is keeping time at 5 to 6 seconds fast a day.

Thanks in advance! I really appreciate it!
Mike

[cptmike03]

more pics

[cptmike03]

pics of the inner clasp

[freefly]

Unfortunately, that clasp is definitely fake and thus the rest of the bracelet is suspect, IMO.

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by freefly

Unfortunately, that clasp is definitely fake and thus the rest of the bracelet is suspect, IMO.

This

On the bright side, the head and dial look ok from the photos.

Get a partial refund for the fake bracelet?


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[hanybad]

Clasp is fake so I’m guessing the bracelet is fake too.

[cptmike03]

Thanks everyone! So it's true. I am shocked that one of the largest dealers of pre-owned Rolex in the area would sell something like this. I am going to reach out to them first thing tomorrow morning a demand a refund. I really appreciate everyone's help on this.

Would you demand a full refund or try to work with them to keep the watch head and they compensate you somehow, considering I got such a good deal on it?

thanks again,
Mike

[crowncollection]

Yes the clasp is fake


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[southtexas]

Originally Posted by cptmike03

Thanks everyone! So it's true. I am shocked that one of the largest dealers of pre-owned Rolex in the area would sell something like this. I am going to reach out to them first thing tomorrow morning a demand a refund. I really appreciate everyone's help on this.

Would you demand a full refund or try to work with them to keep the watch head and they compensate you somehow, considering I got such a good deal on it?

thanks again,
Mike

You could start the conversation by asking how much value they put on a bracelet when calculating the price of the watch, then go from there. Or just tell them you will be sending them the fake bracelet back and for them to send you a real one.


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[pandrew6l]

Originally Posted by cptmike03

Thanks everyone! So it's true. I am shocked that one of the largest dealers of pre-owned Rolex in the area would sell something like this. I am going to reach out to them first thing tomorrow morning a demand a refund. I really appreciate everyone's help on this.

Would you demand a full refund or try to work with them to keep the watch head and they compensate you somehow, considering I got such a good deal on it?

thanks again,
Mike

Why would you buy from some who either did not know their stuff, or worst , sold you something that is fake ?

[CorradoBrit]

Because it was cheap

[cptmike03]

Pandrew,
You are right, and that is exactly why I am going to be asking for a full refund, and never do business with them again. Who knows what else is wrong with the watch or under the hood.

CorradoBrit: It was because it was the only datejust they had from around the era that I wanted, and the price just happened to be good. I was originally looking for a datejust from this era, hence why I sent there.

I originally trusted the store and purchased from them because they are well known in the area, have a large selection of pre-owned Rolex, and have been in business several decades. You would think they would not sell a fake part but apparently not. I originally went there because there are few (if any) places in the area that have a large selection of pre-owned Rolex, and I wanted a 5 digit model. They were definitely polite in person, and I think this was just their failure to ID a fake bracelet (either laziness or inability) vs them intentionally selling a fake part.

I am going to call them first thing this morning and explain the situation and ask for a refund. Lets see how they handle this. I will bring the watch to work so I can go after work and get a refund today.

I have been withholding the name of this place pending how they handle this. If anyone is in the area and wants to avoid being in the same situation, just PM me and I will provide the name. I would hate for anyone else to have to deal with this.

I will keep you updated. Thanks again everyone

[freefly]

Originally Posted by cptmike03

They were definitely polite in person, and I think this was just their failure to ID a fake bracelet (either laziness or inability) vs them intentionally selling a fake part.

I'd assume the same and give them the benefit of the doubt (for now), especially if they are a reputable brick & mortar store.
They certainly wouldn't be the first dealer to miss a counterfeit part on a genuine watch. It happens a lot more than you would probably think.
How they handle this situation going forward will be a good litmus test on their ethics/integrity as a dealer. Keep us posted!

[cptmike03]

OK, so, I sent them an email this morning with pictures and everything and then called right when they opened. I explained the situation and they said "return it no problem". No trouble at all. So, after work I returned it. They appeared shocked it was missed, but one of the sales staff that was looking over an older series Rolex explorer 2 said he had never seen a new series explorer 2 (or even knew there was a new series) when I remarked how much larger the new ones are.

So session learned, they have pre-owned Rolex but dont appear to be staffed by people who know Rolex. I will not be going back there, but good on them for refunding my money. I do not feel confident in the least buying anything from that place, however.

If anyone if in the area and wants to avoid this issue please PM me for the name. I dont want to blast them online because they did take it back.

And a huge thanks to everyone on this forum.

[214270Explorer]

Good thing they made it right; they could be in big trouble for selling a counterfeit item.