Rolex - Help with authenticating...

Help with authenticating...

Sep 22, 2017,18:26 PM

Hi all, it's been a long time since I've come by here, but I saw a lovely vintage Rolex the other day and it has me interested. It was presented to me as a mid 1940's Rolex Oyster (model #4365) - it has the "Rolex Oyster" written on the crown instead of the actual crown logo. It's the perfect size for me and the price is okay. The only thing that's got me re-thinking it is that the dial has been "re worked" and as such, I think the Rolex & crown above, and the "chronometer" below have been re done but I'm not sure. The seller is someone who acquired this watch I think in the early '80's, sold it to a friend, and bought it back recently. He said when it came to him originally, the dial had already been re done, but nothing's been done to it since other than basic maintenance. I've looked up the model online and I cannot seem to find any examples that have this hand painted black Rolex/crown or chronometer. Most examples seem to have a gold raised up crown and/or Rolex, but not written in black paint on the dial.

To those here who have more expert eyes than I, does this look authentic from what you can see? Many thanks in advance!

did you ask for movement pictures?did you ask for receipt on servicing/invoicing? Never buy a watch just based on the condition of the dial only but ask for macro shots of the case, crown,

By: georgeszaslavsky : September 23rd, 2017-00:41

dial and movement which is the most important part of the watch. What is supposed to be legit at the first glance isn't sometimes, so better double check and triple check no matter what the seller says. Remember always "Buy the seller first, then the watc...

Duh and no

By: shari : September 23rd, 2017-11:24

Hi Georges, thanks for the suggestions, which are obvious and I should have asked at the time, but no I did not see any pix of the movement, crown or case. I can take some added pix if I go back to see it again though. I should probably also get a serial ...

welle ask your watch repair guy if he has ever worked on it but if it is a no, ask for reimbursement of the money spent and give back the watch .

By: georgeszaslavsky : September 23rd, 2017-14:56

Yes and check serial number and reference case because, it will help you to clear any doubts if the watch is not legit. The seller can tell you what he wants but check with the watchmaker to make sure that everything is right. Best regards Georges

Georges, I didnt yet buy it...

By: shari : September 25th, 2017-23:37

But I will see the watchmaker this week and show him the photo, if he's worked on it, he will remember it, I'm sure. will let you know...thanks I get serial numbers, can I authenticate them somewhere online or with Rolex directly?

check with http://www.oysterworld.de/ it is the Rolex helpful online bible [nt]

By: georgeszaslavsky : September 26th, 2017-13:19

So, the local Rolex guy has never seen this watch...

By: shari : September 28th, 2017-14:28

So it's been worked on by someone else apparently. I am in no hurry to go into further inspection of this one so we'll see. If I am still thinking about it in a month's time, I'll start investigating. Thanks Georges, for your guidance, most appreciated!

Glad that I could be of guidance, it is too good to be true, return it and get reimbursed. I don't like to see honest people being burnt by so called professionals which aren't ones

By: georgeszaslavsky : September 30th, 2017-01:48

And before buying a watch, mandatory high resolution movement, case back crown, dial and glass pictures also a scan of the last service invoice. Without this no purchase. And I will repeat it again and again: "always buy a seller before buying a watch."