Are you just getting into watches? If so, the brand that probably springs to mind is Rolex. For those of you just starting out, we've put together a guide to all Rolex models - www.the-wind-up.com/blog/rolex-beginners-guide
I recently stumbled across this incredible vintage Explorer 1016 (Mk2 Dial / '79 Case) while sorting through my late grandfather's belongings.
Here’s the interesting part: I’m pretty sure the dial is an original Mark 2, but the mid-case dates to 1979. It was likely swapped out during an old Rolex service, or maybe mismatched by an independent watchmaker years ago.
I’m not a Rolex expert by any means, so I could use some advice on what to do next. Should I send it directly to Rolex for servicing, or would it be better to take it to a reputable local watchmaker? Keep in mind, it’s currently running perfectly. I’d also love to get a rough estimate of what it might be worth. Any help is appreciated!
Found this in my uncle’s desk. It appears to have been sitting untouched for over 40 years. It still runs and has a smooth sweeping seconds hand. I have not opened the case or removed the bracelet yet. Before I take it to a watchmaker, I’d appreciate any thoughts on likely reference, originality of the dial/hands/bezel, or anything that immediately stands out. Not looking for a valuation yet—just trying to understand what I have.
Happy 250 years of freedom❤️🤍💙🇺🇸 my fellow patriots.
I ordered a few links for my datejust and they keep telling me a week more. I only check in when they tell me it should be there, as to not pester. Has anyone had to order links and could share their experience?and or could provide how long they on average take it would be greatly appreciated. Been a month so far and not trying to rush but excited to wear it with the jubilee.
I was with a group of friends when one of them brought this watch into the conversation. He claimed he had paid a good amount of money for it, and right away a debate broke out about its authenticity. What do you guys think, is it a legitimate Rolex or not?
I inherited this watch but unsure if it’s real - the gold seems to be wearing off a bit especially off the crown … any advice would be helpful!
My friend had this in her dads stuff. Any thoughts on real or fake?
Found this in an old box and wasn’t sure if it’s worth anything. It doesn’t work anymore and I want to know if there is any obvious signs of it being fake. Thanks!
Edit: nvm after reading the words I noticed a misspelled word lmao
Told me they wanted to kidnap me after work for a couple hours.. surprised me with this at late lunch
Moderator here (u/Bridge_Too_Far) flagged my watch as a rep based on the serial number in a photo, deleted my post and temporarily banned me. I had bought the full set from a trusted seller so no reason to believe him but it got in my head.
We dm’d and I asked a few questions and shared more details. By the end of the chat he concluded one of my other Rolex models was also fake based on serial and clasp codes. I know modern Rolex watches fairly well as an enthusiast but am not an expert, and there were no red flags with either of my pieces in question.
I talked with my grey seller who said no chance, but encouraged me to get them checked out by the RSC for peace of mind, otherwise I’d always have a shadow of doubt, so that’s what I did. A month later I got a letter confirming both were genuine, and RSC quoted me for a full service. It would be another 4-6 weeks to get them back.
Looking into the details, the mod relied on Google AI mode summaries in attempt to be an expert. His queries consisted of [my serial #] + “fake Rolex”. Because AI is prone to confirmation bias, it hallucinated a false positive and went as far as to fabricate sources to give him what he was looking for.
Cost me unnecessary stress, a couple months without two of my favorite watches and an awkward conversation with my seller.
Lessons are to blur your serial number if you post and know that mods (and AI) are not reliable sources of information. Or maybe just stay off the internet.
I shared this update with u/Bridge_Too_Far last week. No response.
Little thunderstorm here in ATL to cool off these real feel 112 heat. Batgirl by the pool waiting for it to stop.
I’ll try to keep this story short.
My father in law gifted this watch to my partner when she came to live with me, it was her mother’s watch from the 90s that her father bought from a sketchy dealer.
The real question is if this watch is real or not.
Things pointing towards REAL:
-The watch is REALLY smooth and keeps time just as well as my modern seiko.
-The material quality is really nice
-the construction and feel is way to good to be a 90s fake
-The dial doesn’t have a single scratch
Things pointing towards fake:
-No serial number (but as I’ve said, it was a really sketchy dealer so it could have been stolen and had the serial number scrapped off)
-dirt in the dial
-I’ve been trying for some time so find a match for this model but haven’t been able to
Sorry if the English is kinda messy, it’s not my first language. Any help is appreciated!
Mod flagged my watch as a rep based on the serial number in a photo. I bought from a trusted seller so no reason to believe him but it got in my head.
I asked questions and the mod showed me his search findings saying that my serial number was a fake. He was very confident in his assessment and by the end of it he suspected one of my other Rolex models was also fake.
I talked with my seller who said no chance, but encouraged me to get them checked out by the RSC for peace of mind, so that’s what I did. A month later I got a letter confirming both were genuine, and quoting me for a full service. It will be another 4-6 weeks until I get them back.
Going back over the details, the mod relied on an AI query of [serial number] + “fake Rolex”. Because AI is prone to confirmation bias, it hallucinated a false positive and fabricated sources to give the mod what he was looking for.
Cost me some unnecessary stress, a couple months without two of my favorite watches and an awkward conversation with my seller. Lessons are blur your serial number if you post and know the mods and AI apps are not reliable sources of information. Or maybe just stay off the internet.
Assuming both fit, and price difference aside, which do you guys prefer and why? (Can justify reason by general opinion on watch, how each is viewed, which is more sought after, etc).
Edit: To whoever isn’t a huge fan of either, what are some alternative all gold options in the 50-60k range