What can a Rolex Service Centre do for free (or low cost) during the warranty period?

[Ninja Master]

Hi all

Sorry for the basic question. I'll tell you where it's coming from.

Let's say I buy a grey market Rolex, it seems to be authentic, but I want to be sure. It's still under warranty (assuming it's real).

What can a Rolex Service Centre do for free (or low cost) during the warranty period - something which would be enough to get peace of mind the watch is genuine?

Thank you.

[WatchTimes]

Nothing
They only fix problems.
Perhaps you can try complaining its not within specs time wise but they will likely just put it on a tester and see its within specs and then return it to you.
If you are worried about its authenticity you are buying from the wrong seller...

[Ninja Master]

Originally Posted by WatchTimes

Nothing
They only fix problems.
Perhaps you can try complaining its not within specs time wise but they will likely just put it on a tester and see its within specs and then return it to you.
If you are worried about its authenticity you are buying from the wrong seller...

Thanks for the reply.

My concern is some of the super clones are so good now, and most grey dealers don't open the case back, so even they could be bamboozled.

I've spent a lot of time comparing super clone OPs with my real ones, and they're virtually identical. It's really only the movement which will tell me it's fake.

[Tools]

1. Actual Grey Market watches often do not have a valid warranty, they are brought in country bypassing the authorized distributor. Used (secondary market) watches are different.

2. "Super Clones" are not identical and most any watchmaker can let you know. If you are interested in these, and their tells, try one of the Replica Forums that bound.

3. The warranty is for manufacturing defects. If your watch is performing poorly, or an actual defect, not damage, is found they will assess it for you. As they will tell you, they are not an authentication service.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Ninja Master

Thanks for the reply.

My concern is some of the super clones are so good now, and most grey dealers don't open the case back, so even they could be bamboozled.

I've spent a lot of time comparing super clone OPs with my real ones, and they're virtually identical. It's really only the movement which will tell me it's fake.

For you it looks like that for a pro it isn’t. Buy from a trusted seller and stop worrying

[Ron P]

Today there are superclones around with an original Rolex movement. They are taken from a PM model that sells for less than the full steel models. So you a fake case/bracelet and an original movement. Scarry and very hard to detect.

[Latrodectus]

Originally Posted by Ron P

Today there are superclones around with an original Rolex movement. They are taken from a PM model that sells for less than the full steel models. So you a fake case/bracelet and an original movement. Scarry and very hard to detect.

Do you have any pictures to show?

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Ron P

Today there are superclones around with an original Rolex movement. They are taken from a PM model that sells for less than the full steel models. So you a fake case/bracelet and an original movement. Scarry and very hard to detect.

There is no business model doing this and which PM sells for less than its SS brother exactly ?

[Ron P]

Originally Posted by Ron P

Today there are superclones around with an original Rolex movement. They are taken from a PM model that sells for less than the full steel models. So you a fake case/bracelet and an original movement. Scarry and very hard to detect.

This story came from a very reputed juweller, watchmaker. I have not seen pictures of it myself. I could imagine when you sell superclone with a real movement, sell the PM case you end up with more money than just selling the PM model and a clone. Probably only for selected model.

[Davidt]

Originally Posted by Ron P

This story came from a very reputed juweller, watchmaker. I have not seen pictures of it myself. I could imagine when you sell superclone with a real movement, sell the PM case you end up with more money than just selling the PM model and a clone. Probably only for selected model.

I’m struggling to believe that. Are you sure they weren’t referring to vintage watches which can sometimes be had for scrap, then pulling the movement out?

[KatGirl]

That does sound odd. I do know,, from reading, that even the movements in super clones are 1:1 replicas, so if you want to be sure your watch is totally legit, just buy from a seller who you trust 100%.
In my case, I choose to buy only from an AD. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy from one of the trusted sellers, here, if I were to buy a preowned watch.

Kat


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[Ninja Master]

Originally Posted by Ron P

Today there are superclones around with an original Rolex movement. They are taken from a PM model that sells for less than the full steel models. So you a fake case/bracelet and an original movement. Scarry and very hard to detect.

Yes, I read the posts on the replica forums and the things they're producing now are insane.

They even have a few watchmakers taking the super clone cases, dials and hands and putting real movements in them.

I don't think some people realise how good the super clones are now. For example:

https://www.rwg.bz/board/index.php?/...ve-comparison/

If you look in the sales forums you'll see guys who replace the imperfect parts (e.g. the buckle and case back) and turn the watch into what is basically the exact same as a genuine. These are the franken watches made up of clone and genuine parts.

[csaltphoto]

I think super-clones with gen movements is kinda an internet lore thing. There was one poster here years ago who had this happen to them but there was some hijinks involved along the way. Can't remember the details.

I've spent some time on their forums and it's this wacky hobby where they buy these clones and then mod them with gen parts. As is usual the devil is in the details. The clones tend to look ok mostly but the finishing is rougher and there is plenty of dust and gunk in there. Assembly is sloppy. But some people have fun in trying to beat Rolex at their own game. Kinda like kit car guys who put together a replica Shelby Cobra and it's mostly that but still not a Cobra.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Maybe instead of worrying about superclones you should buy from a more reliable and credible source.

[subtona]

Pressure test?

[Watchdog]

I have not seen the super clones in person; however, I do hear and read that some are exceptional. So . . .
At this point (and even way, way before), I do not understand, and I never will, why anyone--when making such a significant financial commitment, and a truly huge emotional one for me, as well--would not just make sure that they are buying the seller and make sure, without question, that they are getting the genuine article.
Some people praise and others badmouth the Trusted Sellers on this forum. I cannot vouch for all of the sellers, but I know a couple, and their word is gold.
I also know that despite some people complaining about the so-called high prices (which they are now), some of the buyers can't or don't negotiate. That's their problem just like in any business (and I am not in the business field).
It also goes both ways. Sure, people complain now that the market swings in the seller's favor. But no one was complaining when members on this forum were getting more than 20% off of SS GMT ceramics when they debuted, yes the first ones with the green arrows and black bezels. The GMT IIC two tone? Over thirty percent discount could be had. No complaints then.
Just buy the watch from a reputable dealer or person and don't worry about engaging in other "games" like wondering what Service Centers will do for free.
Then you introduce the threads of "The Service Center SCRATCHED my watch!"

[ExplorerI]

You can just send it to them and ask them to verify its authenticity.

[milgauss2232]

Could you say something like you dropped the watch and was worried that the movement is screwed, just open and check if everything is in place?

[996marty]

It sounds like you are interested in something from a seller you clearly don’t trust. The only thing you can do is buy from someone that comes highly recommended and pay the appropriate price

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by ExplorerI

You can just send it to them and ask them to verify its authenticity.

Bingo. They will authentic the watch for minimal cost

[1William]

Take the watch to the service center and submit it for an evaluation for a service. They will tell you what needs to be done and the cost. If they find the watch to not be real they will decline the service and advise you of such. Just decline the service unless something significant need to be done. Problem solved.

[kopi-c]

Originally Posted by Ninja Master

Hi all

Sorry for the basic question. I'll tell you where it's coming from.

Let's say I buy a grey market Rolex, it seems to be authentic, but I want to be sure. It's still under warranty (assuming it's real).

What can a Rolex Service Centre do for free (or low cost) during the warranty period - something which would be enough to get peace of mind the watch is genuine?

Thank you.

What model are you buying and why not just purchase from an AD.

[Ninja Master]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I appreciate you taking the time to give advice.

Originally Posted by kopi-c

What model are you buying and why not just purchase from an AD.

Red OP and yellow OP. Can't be gotten at ADs anymore.

[77T]

Originally Posted by 1William

Take the watch to the service center and submit it for an evaluation for a service. They will tell you what needs to be done and the cost. If they find the watch to not be real they will decline the service and advise you of such. Just decline the service unless something significant need to be done. Problem solved.

This is the best route. Fully insured shipping cost to/from RSC + RSC cost of estimate would probably be around $200 all-in.

It is the least-cost RSC route to answer the OP's question.

In addition, that route also validates the watch's pedigree of legitimacy. If it is a stolen watch on Rolex's international registry, then OP will get a disappointing email vs. authentication of his newly purchased preowned Rolex.

I also agree with the many posts advising OP to buy from a trusted seller - however, even a trusted seller could have a stolen watch in their inventory. So make sure the seller's guarantee includes return of purchase price if it was a stolen watch.


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[fsprow]

Originally Posted by milgauss2232

Could you say something like you dropped the watch and was worried that the movement is screwed, just open and check if everything is in place?

Lying as a recommended strategy?

[Ninja Master]

Originally Posted by 77T

So make sure the seller's guarantee includes return of purchase price if it was a stolen watch.

This hadn't occurred to me. Good tip for everyone!

[77T]

Originally Posted by fsprow

Lying as a recommended strategy?

Even with the lie, nothing is free - the RSC would charge the same price if one was a truth teller.

"This watch may need a full service and I'd like a quotation."


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[kopi-c]

Originally Posted by Ninja Master

Thanks for the replies everyone, I appreciate you taking the time to give advice.




Red OP and yellow OP. Can't be gotten at ADs anymore.

Cannot go wrong with either color dial, too bad it was discontinued.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Short answer: Anything that wasn't caused by negligent wearing/wearer that is, according to Rolex SA, "out of spec".

[omar-rye]

RSC does offer an authentication service for a fee of around $150. A movement service quote is not an authentication or an indication that the watch is authentic.