Authentication of watch

[supercommuter]

Hi - I have finally found a used GMT II Pepsi which I want to buy. The person is based in Newcastle but has no Box and/or Papers for the watch.I would like to get it authenticated before i buy it, the local Goldsmiths Rolex dealer has said they can take a look at it and confirm if they think it is real but to fully authenticate it would need to go off to rolex for a service.

What are my options without trying to get the buyer to send it off?

Thanks

[Mr Pointy]

Not many really other than what you have already found. It's going to cost quite a bit in order to persude someone to take on the responsibility of verifying a watch is genuine. I doubt the dealer's quick check would be anything more than an opinion & wouldn't come with a guarantee.

[cbmotorsport]

supercommuter said:

Hi - I have finally found a used GMT II Pepsi which I want to buy. The person is based in Newcastle but has no Box and/or Papers for the watch.I would like to get it authenticated before i buy it, the local Goldsmiths Rolex dealer has said they can take a look at it and confirm if they think it is real but to fully authenticate it would need to go off to rolex for a service.

What are my options without trying to get the buyer to send it off?

Thanks

Get the seller to send it off for service. You'll have no idea if it needs one before you by it, so you might find you end up having to get it done anyway.

Tell them you'll buy the watch and split the service cost with them if it's genuine. You then get a genuine watch with a fresh, cheap service on it.

[randlemarcus]

cbmotorsport said:

Get the seller to send it off for service. You'll have no idea if it needs one before you by it, so you might find you end up having to get it done anyway.

Tell them you'll buy the watch and split the service cost with them if it's genuine. You then get a genuine watch with a fresh, cheap service on it.

Good thinking, but there should be a point in the service process where Rolex either accept it for service, or email going "yeah, fake, now ground ,yea verily, unto dust"

[cbmotorsport]

randlemarcus said:

cbmotorsport said:

Get the seller to send it off for service. You'll have no idea if it needs one before you by it, so you might find you end up having to get it done anyway.

Tell them you'll buy the watch and split the service cost with them if it's genuine. You then get a genuine watch with a fresh, cheap service on it.

Good thinking, but there should be a point in the service process where Rolex either accept it for service, or email going "yeah, fake, now ground ,yea verily, unto dust"

There is, but they won't stop there...they'll insist on a service, otherwise they'd just spend all their time authenticating watches.

The service gives you a bonified Rolex document (service record/receipt) that proves authenticity, as they will not service a fake.

[randlemarcus]

cbmotorsport said:

There is, but they won't stop there...they'll insist on a service, otherwise they'd just spend all their time authenticating watches.

The service gives you a bonified Rolex document (service record/receipt) that proves authenticity, as they will not service a fake.

They were pretty cool when I took my GMT-II in recently. Handed it over, estimate came back half an hour later, with almost an indifference as to whether I got the work done Suspect they are busy enough not to be overly fussed , and the postal experience would be the same. Very happy with my service, though I didn't take them up on their kind offer of a new bracelet.

[Tony1963]

A proper certificated valuation might satisfy most people. With no box or papers, my concern would be that it’s a stolen item.

[supercommuter]

Tony1963 said:

A proper certificated valuation might satisfy most people. With no box or papers, my concern would be that it’s a stolen item.

The woman i am talking to is very well spoken and has confirmed it was purchased new by her father who has left it (as well as other things; a datejust, some raymond weil dress watches and a few other bits) to her. They are willing to meet at her house, at mine or at a dealer of my choice so i am fairly confident it is all above board. I just worry as I normally buy things new and would prefer to.

Sadly getting a new GMT is impossible :|

[GC8]

Ask Richard Rigg if he can help. He will be able to authenticate the watch and access Rolex’s stolen register.

[GC8]

I’ve just realised that Richard is based in the (Northern) Goldsmiths. Checking doesn’t require sending. Speak to the watchmaker rather than the shop staff.

[AJB88]

supercommuter said:

Hi - I have finally found a used GMT II Pepsi which I want to buy. The person is based in Newcastle but has no Box and/or Papers for the watch.I would like to get it authenticated before i buy it, the local Goldsmiths Rolex dealer has said they can take a look at it and confirm if they think it is real but to fully authenticate it would need to go off to rolex for a service.

What are my options without trying to get the buyer to send it off?

Thanks

Get the seller to send it to RSC London, if the watch is genuine they will issue a service quote, at this point he can then ask them for it back (I did this with my watch as the quote was stupidly high). If the watch is fake they wont issue a quote.

If the seller then sends you the quote that will confirm said watch is genuine.