vintage Rolex

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creditcardfire

creditcardfire

O.G.
Sep 25, 2008
836
2
#1
I'm looking at a vintage Rolex on eBay (link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360279472376&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT ) and am wondering if there is any Rolex equivalent to the trusted purse authentification sites. I would like this authenticated AND I would also hopefully like comment from someone knowledgable re: the pricing. Does anyone know of any website/person that does this? Someone who is accepted as knowing their stuff?

Thanks! :)

EDIT: Also, this is a noob question, but it is possible to replace the strap, right? Does Rolex itself replace straps (I want a metal/link strap) or am I looking at something random?
 
#2
I'm no expert, but a lot of watches have passed through my hands and the fake Rolexes I've seen have all been atrocious - I've never seen a high quality fake. Ever. This looks premium, and I think its authenticity would be easy to verify if you had it in hand. Reading the listing, the seller offers a refund within seven days for any reason and a refund within thirty days for "material error in listing," among which I would count authenticity. You could contact him and ask him how he knows it's authentic (maybe you could do this subtly by asking if he knows any history on the watch).

As far as the watchband, I don't know. You could replace the strap, but sometimes the metal link ones aren't the same width as the leather ones. You'd think it would all be made compatible (and maybe Rolex does), but that's often not the case. I wouldn't count on this one.
 
#3
I can't post a link to another forum but, yes, there is a rolex forum with very knowledgeable people. It should be one of the first few to pop up in a google search.

Yes, you can have the band replaced but it may affect the value of the watch since it will no longer be completely original. A lot of rolex owners are "purists" and want all original parts, no aftermarket dials, diamonds, etc. It's completely a personal taste. However, if you replace the bracelet, I'd recommend keeping the original in the event you ever want to sell it.
 
#4
Just clicked your link. I would not pay $5k for it unless it was absolute love. No box/papers. I think you can find a better deal. However, I'm FAR from a rolex expert.
 
#5
Thank you thank you thank you for the pointers - I will be Googling that Rolex forum now. Also thanks for the info on Rolex fakes (I'm kind of surprised, I would have assumed counterfeits on this well known and high-status brand would be well done!).

The seller has a Best Offer option so I will contact him for details and then ponder an offer (I also think $5000 is too high, but I really couldn't have said why - I know nothing about this brand). He has a watch that looks very similiar for over $1000 less listed, too, so I want to ask him what the difference in price means.

Thanks so much!!!
 
#6
yeah check it out--rolexforums. There are lots of knowledgable folks there--even a vinage Rolex thread/forum. There are also watches for sale there from trusted sellers. they are your best bet if you're not super knowledgeable about Rolexes
 
#9
I have a 1964 Rolex Air King Date that was a present from my father. Definitely look on the Rolex forums as others have mentioned, as they treasures troves of information on authenticity, where to find replacement parts, how to restore, etc.

Rolex will not work on any watch pre 1980s at this point, so you will need to find a replacement strap on your own and take it to a watch repair shop.
 
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