Things to look out for when buying/authenticating Pre-own

[Darkangel]

There are many many many more ways of telling a replica from a original. Haha...I think experience and having the actual feel of the watches (both replica n original) would be a big advantage.

[Darkangel]

I got alot of info from this site when I started Rolex 2 years back...

http://www.replicacenter.com/

It's way overdue and I was alittle lazy to post this up because I had quite alot of references so..yeah I am lazy hehehe...

[celeste_blur]

Hi all ,

am new to this forum. Was looking at the SS DAtejust 179174 model. Went to THH at Lucky Plaza and was quoted $8340 from the original price of $10448 if payment via cash. Its a whopping approx 20% discount off instead of the 15% discount offered by Hour Glass. Need your kind comments as to this watch is worth getting anot? Cos first time looking at Rolex watches Thanks!

[Darkangel]

Hi all ,

am new to this forum. Was looking at the SS DAtejust 179174 model. Went to THH at Lucky Plaza and was quoted $8340 from the original price of $10448 if payment via cash. Its a whopping approx 20% discount off instead of the 15% discount offered by Hour Glass. Need your kind comments as to this watch is worth getting anot? Cos first time looking at Rolex watches Thanks!

I would say...go ahead. Hehe..try to bargain down to $8200 when u are getting it seriously..

[celeste_blur]

I would say...go ahead. Hehe..try to bargain down to $8200 when u are getting it seriously..

Hi Darkangel,

thanks for the advice . Actually curious on one thing. During recession times will new Rolex watch prices drop? Usually every yr the price increase by around how much?

Cos this datejust 179174 model is quite old if I'm not wrong thats y wondering if its worth to get it. Or they they trying to clear their stock thats y willing to give me a good price? Thanks!

[Darkangel]

Hi Darkangel,

thanks for the advice . Actually curious on one thing. During recession times will new Rolex watch prices drop? Usually every yr the price increase by around how much?

Cos this datejust 179174 model is quite old if I'm not wrong thats y wondering if its worth to get it. Or they they trying to clear their stock thats y willing to give me a good price? Thanks!

Watches prices drop? Hahaha...you can wait long long lor Every year increase about few hundred everytime. about 300-400 sometimes. Depends. Like for the Submariner from $7444 to $7931 to $8228. Do ur sums hehe...

179174...is old? Rolex models are timeless...no such thing as old. Well the design has been out since 1945...but it has been facelifted again and again but retaining the same design. This is the latest already lor.

[triton]

during good or bad times, rolex still up prices.

for sports models, the price increase is about 500. cannot be said about the newer sports models such as GMT IIc, YM and the upcoming DSSD

discount given by various AD is also affected by operating costs. maybe u can consider WP to check out the discount price structure.

are u intending to pay with cash or CC?

thanks for the advice . Actually curious on one thing. During recession times will new Rolex watch prices drop? Usually every yr the price increase by around how much?

Cos this datejust 179174 model is quite old if I'm not wrong thats y wondering if its worth to get it. Or they they trying to clear their stock thats y willing to give me a good price? Thanks!

[celeste_blur]

demand for luxury goods will not slow down, hence every year there will be price increase across most luxury brands...

Buying watches in Singapore most of the time have discount unlike LV, does that mean that LV watch are more 'valuable' compared to Rolex

LV watches resale value definitely wont command as well as Rolex watches from what I see. But mabbe can invest in LV bags? The ever lasting monogram series since prices jump so fast? Haha

[Darkangel]

LV watches resale value definitely wont command as well as Rolex watches from what I see. But mabbe can invest in LV bags? The ever lasting monogram series since prices jump so fast? Haha

Brand new price jumps like crazy....but preowned doesnt go that fast

[Darkangel]

Rolex Replica Writeup

Finally, I managed to make time and do this. There might be some things which I have said before,but bear with me,because some people may not have read this. My focus this time would be on high end replicas,not normal replicas.Ok, here we go!

Firstly...trust your Rolex technicians. And always remember...THERE IS NO SUCH REPLICA THAT CAN FOOL A ROLEX TECHNICIAN/EXPERT. I really want to stress this point. There are always people saying that Rolex replica has become so good that experts can't tell. Let me tell you...it's utter bullsh!t and a myth.

MYTHS/FACTS....

Replicas have done so well that they can replicated the same Rolex movement and even technicians or experts cannot tell. WRONG!

The actual Rolex movement can NEVER, I repeat NEVER be replicated.

Replicas are so good these days, even experts cannot tell the difference! WRONG!

Yes I agree that replicas have done well on the outlooks, it CAN fool a normal person from far or close up. It CAN also fool an expert but only from far, once an expert holds it, or is within close range of the watch, he knows immediately if it is genuine. Good replicas like the swiss made replicas would require experts to look closely at a few loopholes of a replica. For me I would look at…

1) Coronet or aka the Rolex Crown. On either the dial, crown, green sticker if applicable or clasp
2) Date magnification/font

I feel that there is no need to open up the caseback to authenticate, unless in the case that I cannot tell from the 2 points above,which I have yet to meet. The coronet/rolex crown is the biggest giveaway.

For someone that handles Rolex everyday or frequently, or have done enough research, there is no replica that can fool them. The moment they handle a replica, the can tell immediately.Another thing to add is that Rolex watches are engineered to precision. I would say EVERY SINGLE part of the watch is “perfect”. Everything would fit nicely and easily with absolutely no faults and is flawless.

Pawnshops got fooled by high end replica. It’s true!

Yes,this piece of is true sadly. But 1 thing to note is that, it does not mean that replicas have reached to the standard that experts cannot tell the difference. My personal opinion is that pawn shops do not have the necessary equipment to open up the caseback and are not really updated with the latest news on fakes.

They person checking the watch probably do simple checks on the watch which is not enough for swiss made replicas. It is not their fault of course,but for an expert in watches can easily tell the watch by just holding it,the feel of the original cannot be replicated. So bottom line is best not to purchase from pawnshops.

If I buy preowned I risk buying fakes! WRONG!

A preowned watch dealer comes in contact with Rolex watches everyday,no replica is able to fool him. No worries about buying preowned! It’s safe!

How to tell a high end replica from an original?
1) You need to have a decent amount of knowledge on the product,experience and come in contact with original Rolex watches frequently to be able to differentiate. The feel of a original can never be wrong.
2) Look out for quality and build of the watch like the printings on the dials,finishing and all markings on the watch
3) Rolex printings on the dials are of the perfect font and size,can never be wrong about it
4) Look out for date font and magnification on the Cyclops, can never be of the same font and magnification
Usually, normal people are not able to tell an original from a replica, and especially a high end replica. Replicas are able to look the same,but they are never able to feel the same. It’s best to consult an expert when in doubt.

Words from the dealers…

Basically, here are a few tips on fake Rolexes :
- fake ones weigh usually lighter than authentic ones
- Polishing not as well-finished than authentic ones
- Gold filled tend to wear off easily or not plated evenly
- Some fake ones comes with "see thru" case backs which authentic ones never manufacture or design.
- No/wrong serial number engraved on the lugs of the watch casing. Some fakes also has engravings of inferior finish (rougher & uneven or even in different fonts)
- Wrong or replica (usually China ones) movement in casing
- Even the finishing of the hands (hr, min & sec hand) usually not well & evenly plated for the coplies.
- The numbers engraved on the lugs can also tell you if the watch is authentic or not.

Basically, a genuine rolex might have an inferior movment installed & a copy might also have an original movement installed by other technicians. I would strongly advise to all buyers to verify their watches with the respective local service agents/experienced dealers to clear any doubts on the authentity on watches.

Credits to horologyfanatic

Actually as a dealer or expert that had been viewing watch like darling, more or less you will be able to tell the different btw a authentical and fake watch. But it still consider not 100% that we would not end up buying a fake watch if left uncheck by our Service Engineers or Rolex Centre.

My view is that never buy a watch without verify by Rolex Centre or someone that is an expert to assist you if you have NO Total Confidence especially those whom try to sell you a Watch after Rolex Centre is Close and there is NO Expert around to help you to check on the Authenticity.

Credits to eurohitech

By trading genuine watches,you'll get a feel of what is right n wrong,like a six sense

Credits to benjiyui

*NOTE* I may not be 100% right,correct me if I am wrong.Thanks for reading!*NOTE*

[marineguy8888]

- Some fake ones comes with "see thru" case backs which authentic ones never manufacture or design.


*NOTE* I may not be 100% right,correct me if I am wrong.Thanks for reading!*NOTE*

Just a minor correction there is one piece of 1675 in the world which was modified by rolex with display back and in the Antiquorum's auction for record highs .

There is only one piece in the world with display back .


http://sg-roc.com/showthread.php?t=1044

[seiko.citizen]

reading that particular post is scary................. makes you shudder to think if those unscrupilous preowned shops will substitue parts, lets say that one changes a dial to make it look like a much sought after comex sub and so on.

[Reborn]

Frankly, rolex ladies models now have very very weak resale value. Dealers take in some of those half gold Ladies Rolexes for as low as SGD 2.5k. I saw it with my own eyes when I was waiting for my Rolex to be serviced at a local Shop a few weeks back. Was quite shocked to see that kind of value. So, as something to pass down, for sentimental value it's a good idea, for value retention, I am afraid not...

[Darkangel]

LV gave u bad service? Ya, i do know some SA give those kind of face one. That time I went Hour Glass the uncle also gave me that kind of "look" and laoya service. Didnt even offer to let me try on the watch. But few weeks back when I went to buy the LV NF GM the lady SA tat attended to me was really very nice!!

Yeah went to NAC...worst choice ever!

Depends on the SA and the crowd also la....I went to DFS...service was

Frankly, rolex ladies models now have very very weak resale value. Dealers take in some of those half gold Ladies Rolexes for as low as SGD 2.5k. I saw it with my own eyes when I was waiting for my Rolex to be serviced at a local Shop a few weeks back. Was quite shocked to see that kind of value. So, as something to pass down, for sentimental value it's a good idea, for value retention, I am afraid not...

Yup...that's how it works...coz they selling it at about 3k.

[archie2000]

Thanks to all bros, I’ve learned a lot from this forum. Here is my contribution.. more like a field report

Acquire a new OLD watch
Just got myself an Explorer 14270 (discontinue model) last Friday. Traded in my white face Oyster Date Precision 6694 at the pre-owned shop. Well I think that my buying price is low for a mint condition watch and my trade in price is attractive after seeking many quotes.

RSC verification experience (year 2003)
6 years ago I walked into the RSC to verify my 6694. Handed my watch to the receptionist and told her (old lady I think) I wanted it verified. She politely told me no verification paper given but an invoice (green slip) with my watch’s model and serial number. Quite surprisingly after 20 mins or so, the technician came out with my watch and feedback the condition to me personally. Of course the most important things I wanted to hear at that time was whether all parts are genuine. Then paid $75 with a green poach and walked away happily.

RSC verification experience (dated 4th Aug 2008)
Today I walked into the same RSC. So many counter ladies. Walked towards one middle age lady at the counter and told her I want my watch to be on paper. She said ok and the service charge will be $75. I then asked about the price of polishing, she quoted $150 and could waive the $75. Not a bad 2in1 deal I thought to myself. However I didn’t take up as my watch was pre-polished and in mint condition. Then about 5 mins later (no joke, really less then 5 mins I think, as I’ve just hardly sat down and browsed through only 1 magazine) she called for me. At that moment in my mind “**** they refuse to check further due to some non-genuine parts”. My watch and bracelet separated were on the counter. She quoted me a magic figure $440 and said….your watch all parts are genuine but require oiling. That magic figure does not include the change of Sapphire crystal case. In my mind I was thinking WTF and politely turned her away by saying I’ll come back some other day. She said ok, politely asked me to take a seat and they fixed back the bracelet.

Some kind of Sales Technique (I’m furious)
Less then 2 mins my watch ready of collection and to make payment. This time they handed my watch to a younger lady. At the counter she stared at me without a smile (was not expecting one anyway). To my shocked, my watch was not moving. She then asked what was wrong with my watch. I said it was working well but its not moving now. She took back my watch and told me my watch is in VERY BAD CONDITION and require servicing immediately. Reason given it is drying of lubricant (actual word use is oil. Lubricant my own word) and will stop anytime. In my mind.. what a farking sales technique. It’s a service centre and its business is servicing. These gals are WELL TRAINED to hit quota/target but not customer service. I told her not her NOT TODAY… paid her $75 bucks and walked off.

Seiko Service Centre – A good example
So happened, both service centres are closed to each other. Left RSC to SSC to service my 16 years old Perpetual Calendar. The old counter ladies are professional, courteous and we could even chat, laugh and discuss the value of the watch. I walked away with $155 watch overhaul damage but happy and will be back again for more regular servicing.

On the way trip to a Rolex per-owned shop
Headed to Funan to get some magazine but dropped by Penninsula to see-look. As mentioned in this forum somewhere, those young chicks are really in uniform now. Tight white top with tight black skirt. Waaaa chio chio Armani. No surprised as I was window shopping outside the shop, as expected not 1 but 2 sales gals came out to ask to help. I asked for the SD and Subdate and my EXP price. They showed me into the shop. I was examining the watches then lifted up my head to ask questions, to my pleasant surprised, there were 4 gals standing looking at me. I smiled and they also paiseh, laughed, 2 gals excused themselves saying giving me a shock having so many staff waiting on me. I’ve checked my prices, thanked them and made my way to Funan. No stock of Rolex Annual Report.

Sorry to have bored you all, but if you’ve read and followed to this line, hope the information is useful to you