Authentication of a Rolex in person

[Modiferous]

Where may I meet someone in Orange County, California, to authenticate a Rolex right then and there and complete a sale?

The AD in OC will not do it.

[KY..]

I would say it depends on whether it is modern or vintage.

You can take a modern Rolex to Beverly Hills Service Center and have them do a quote for service.
If they see anything is fake or aftermarket they will decline the service.

Now for a vintage watch it really depends on a lot more like which model.
I typically authenticate my own purchases but I have never spent more than 26k on anything vintage.
If it is something like a vintage Daytona then that is a very pricey piece to take chances on.

If I’m in your position I would see if I could find an authenticator specific to the watch you are looking at so they are familiar with all the nuances.

[Laostuh]

Originally Posted by Modiferous

Where may I meet someone in Orange County, California, to authenticate a Rolex right then and there and complete a sale?

The AD in OC will not do it.

I'm sure you can find one of many greys in OC to do it for possibly a fee.. Newport Watch Club (by appt only), Happy Jewelers Fullerton?

[Modiferous]

Rolex Service in Beverly Hills said that they would take the watch in for service, and return it eventually. Nothing on the spot.

Anyway, these turned out to be two good options:

https://www.jewelersontime.com/

https://lovebeverlyhills.com/stores/...-beverly-hills

[GGGMT]

I have never had an AD or RSC authenticate a watch — that’s a total and hilarious myth. Why would they take on that risk for a transaction among other people? This is exactly why you buy from a trusted seller who knows what’s up and is honest


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[Trailboss516]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

This is exactly why you buy from a trusted seller who knows what’s up and is honest

"Knows what up"?

I'd take RSC's word over any trusted seller 100 times out of 100.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Trailboss516

"Knows what up"?

I'd take RSC's word over any trusted seller 100 times out of 100.

So would I but RSC isn’t going to “authenticate” you’re anticipated purchase of used Rolex when you decide to “walk in.” Lol.


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[Trailboss516]

Fair enough on the authentication part, but I've had RSC appraise the watch for insurance purposes years ago, which is essentially the same thing. If you're buying a watch and plan on insuring it, RSC then takes care of both of those things, verifying the legitimacy and giving you what you need to insure it.
Lol (?)

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Trailboss516

Fair enough on the authentication part, but I've had RSC appraise the watch for insurance purposes years ago, which is essentially the same thing. If you're buying a watch and plan on insuring it, RSC then takes care of both of those things, verifying the legitimacy and giving you what you need to insure it.
Lol (?)

“Years ago” are the key words. Everything is tightened down big time over the past couple of years. Try dropping by now and asking them to review / assess any watch for Insurance or authenticity purposes, either of which requires them to open the watch, inspect, test, pressure test and then close up, incurring time, cost and effort. Let me know what they say.


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[Trailboss516]

Got it, haven't been in since then.

[Chewbacca]

It’s rare any AD or reputable reseller would put pen to paper on an authenticity attestation if they didn’t sell it as it’s a HUGE liability issue. Or it drags them into a buyer seller dispute. There’s simply no incentive for them.

I would instead go to an AD or RSC and ask for a cheap service so you get the replacement value form or a receipt with a serial number of the watch.

A simple vacuum test, accuracy test or even something like lug pin replacement for under $100 will get you what you want as long as the watch goes through the intake process.

For insurance replacement values, you can go most anywhere and they’ll say it’s worth whatever the MSRP is.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

It’s rare any AD or reputable reseller would put pen to paper on an authenticity attestation if they didn’t sell it as it’s a HUGE liability issue. Or it drags them into a buyer seller dispute. There’s simply no incentive for them.

This +1. So funny how many people say ‘oh take it to an AD, and they’ll tell you if it real.” Lol


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[DaytonaNYC99]

I've done transaction at a RSC, just asked them to help me size the bracelet, and before any service they will do a checkup. They didn't charge anything and I walked out knowing for sure it is authentic.

[digitalcrocodile]

Originally Posted by GGGMT

So would I but RSC isn’t going to “authenticate” you’re anticipated purchase of used Rolex when you decide to “walk in.” Lol.


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He will if your name is Tom Brady.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by digitalcrocodile

He will if your name is Tom Brady.

Or ghiselle


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