So, here's the story. . . My parents were on vacation in Europe back in 2000 or 2001. While walking up to the casino in Monte Carlo, my dad noticed something shiny on the edge of the road. He picked it up and realized it was a Rolex. He asked the staff at the casino if anyone had reported a lost watch, but no one had. Since he found it on the street, as opposed to just outside a specific hotel, there really wasn't anyone else to check with, so he kept it. The crocodile strap was worn/torn at the clasp, so that appears to be how it fell (or was torn) off the original owner. After replacing that, it's been a great watch that my father has worn sparingly. He recently gave it to me and I've been toying with the idea of selling it. So, my questions to all of you are, are there any issues with selling (or buying) this watch? Also, can anyone tell me what you think it is worth? Several years ago, I was offered $13k, but prices seem to be a lot higher these days, from what I've seen online. Specifics: Rolex Daytona Model# 16519 - Sodalite face with diamond markers Overall good worn condition. Other than some light scratches from use, the only issue I see is the "1" in the "15" marker is missing or dislodged. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
If your inclined to, you could check to see if anyone reported it lost with Rolex. You could give them the serial number. They keep track of lost / stolen pieces. Are you sure it’s legit and not a “Tribute Watch”? Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat.com mobile app
Retail might be quite a bit higher (Chrono24.com)..What a dealer would pay would be significantly less. Perhaps split the difference and work out a trade on watch that you might like better? Please keep us informed on the outcome. GLWS!
Not an expert, but I vaguely recall hearing that if it's been reported stolen or an insurance claim has been filed and you send it to Rolex for service, it won't be sent back. @Adamas, or someone who knows for sure?
I believe Rolex won't tell you anything over the phone. You have to bring it in, physically hand it to the clerk and they'll take it in the back to check it out. If it's on the list, you don't get it back. Period. That's what I was told by a Rolex sales guy when I asked him what happens if my watch is lost or stolen. (I have four Rolex watches)
I suggest the OP just keep the watch until it stops working, then bring it in for a cleaning. At that point, you'll be dishing out $1k+ for the repair so at least your loss will be reduced if it's suddenly not yours anymore. If it passes, then you can sell it with a clean bill of health and clear title. Additionally, if you sell it to some duffus and they take it straight away to Rolex and find it's been stolen, then you're potentially liable for selling stolen property. Hardly worth it for a trinket.
I appreciate all the replies. I have a pretty good relationship with my local AD, so I'll give him a call and see if he can help me find out if it's on any claims list. If it is, then I'll figure out what to do with it. If it isn't, then I'll be back to deciding whether to keep it or sell it. And, for the record, I would never sell it without disclosing the whole story to a buyer. Definitely not worth any potential trouble.
I’m 99.9% certain that this is not a real Daytona. Aside from the non-existent blue dial and blue strap that is not factory but could be aftermarket, is that the center Chrono is incorrect. A real Daytona has a 60, 20, and 40 marking on that chrono. If you notice, that dial is to the left, which is an indicator of a replica. Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
I agree with Pis7a2020 above...that’s a fake Rolex. Here’s a photo of a real Daytona: Image Unavailable, Please Login Among other problems, the sub-dials at 6 pm and 9 pm have been swapped. Alan N.J.
Are you sure? https://www.chrono24.com/rolex/rolex-daytona-zenith-16519-sodalite-diamond--id16138724.htm
Yes Sir. It is not an authentic Rolex. Feel free to reference the actual Rolex website and compare the chronos. https://www.rolex.com/watches/cosmograph-daytona/m116519ln-0027.html Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
I'm not trying to argue with you. Did you even look at the watch for sale in Milan that I linked. There appear to be variances in the Daytona dial over the years. Here's another listing for your viewing: https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/daytona-automatique/ref-rolex-16519/lpi I'm not speaking to the authenticity of the watch in question but you posting a picture of the current Daytona may not be relevant. Is Paul Newman's Daytona a fake since it doesn't match yours? https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-weekly-rolex-and-audemars-piguet/rolex-paul-newman-daytona-reference-6241-a I don't pretend to be an expert but you might be incorrect?
Anything is possible. There certainly are slight variations over the years. At the very least, I would say that the dial and band are not authentic Rolex and the clasp looks suspect to me as well. The only way to be sure is to open up the case and look at the movement. Can easily be done at any Rolex authorized dealer. It’s is possible that this is a vintage model that was retrofitted with an aftermarket dial and band. Good luck. Hope it turns out to be the real deal. Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
I suppose there is a chance the watch is not real, but since I brought it to a dealer and had them order the strap, I am certain that at least the strap is authentic Rolex. The dealer also didn’t have any doubts about the watch looking at it quickly.
First thought I had when I saw the picture is that it is not real. Better have someone open the back to authenticate it. Your dealer friend can help you out
Also, I’m not sure what you mean “by non-existent blue dial.” The blue sodalite dial is rare and was only made around 1999/2000, but I am at least positive it was offered by Rolex. Again, I’m not saying there isn’t a chance it’s fake, but if it is it’s a copy of an actual authentic watch.
Sounding like you should have taken that $13,000 when offered But seriously - even if is just a fake or whatever -- keep it. Your dad found it and gave it to you. That means something Jedi
Here is a good reference for you. The idea would be to figure which bezel/chrono combination best aligns with your specific watch. However, the aftermarket bezel is going to make it a bit difficult to know for sure. I encourage you to open the back (or have someone do it) and verify the movement. https://www.timeandwatches.com/p/history-of-rolex-cosmograph-daytona.html?m=1 Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
I like it, and I agree. Keep it. It's a good excuse to tell a unique story about your Dad. Real, fake, who honestly cares? Let it be a mystery. You found it so it's not like anybody got duped. Wear it in good health and tell the story to anybody who will listen!
Well, it is certainly a rare piece then with a great story to go along with it. Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat