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Most Vintage Rolexes Have Been Put Together

Traveler
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.... not my words, but those of Hodinkee ‘expert’ Isaac Wingold, after he was called out on recommending a put together 1016.

Bring a Loupe: A Gilt Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016, An Anti-Magnetic Doxa, And A Trio Of Funky Swatches
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/bring-a-loupe-may-2-2019

Once again, he seems to be deflecting attention after making a gaffe.... an absolutely idiotic statement IMHO, but I’m not an ‘expert’ ...

🍿

C5AF5215-DF22-4362-988A-F1C93F047343.jpeg
 
ICONO
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Of the Rolex vintage watches I have seen, or handled in the last year…

At least 60% have dubious provenance, or have been ‘prepared’ …including some examples, from allegedly ‘impeccable’ sources

What was previously discreetly covert…is now blatant…& has extended to popular vintage Tudor models, as well
 
Traveler
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My point was, I think that the original statement is an alarming generalization from someone smarting from being called out on such a bad looking Franken. To go from recommending it, to justifying it because ‘everyone else’s watches are also garbage’ is absurd, especially from someone representing a business that has been a major contributor to the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex at all levels. I don’t doubt that there are tampered and undisclosed watches out there. But, I don’t think it’s the ‘majority’ of them, and I don’t like the ‘attitude’ in making this statement. I’m also probably still annoyed about the $100k 2998 from a few weeks ago that was recommended as a ‘solid investment piece that would never go down in value’ or some such. The hubris spouting from this guy’s keyboard is questionable at best.
 
ICONO
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Traveler Traveler
But, I don’t think it’s the ‘majority’ of them, and I don’t like the ‘attitude’ in making this statement.

I would gently recommend an objective cruise, through the Dealer / Quasi Dealer / Rank amateur Dealer …commercial offerings that are shown on Instagram

A watch that is 40 years old…should not look like a watch that is 6 months old…Simple common sense…or so you would think ?

Cases are routinely lasered and recut…to deliberately deceive

Bezels are chemically enhanced… to improve aesthetics

Dials / hands / bezels are regularly swopped out …before the ‘authentication’ of a genuine Rolex service card

Paperwork is so easily forged…it’s usually worthless…unless a direct clear line of provenance, is established

How many times do I read… “The watch was serviced one / two / three years ago, but there is no paperwork”…Seriously ???

Sellers reputations are built on hyperbole…and in direct proportion, to the extent of some Buyers credulity

To qualify my statements…I am sure the majority of vintage sports Rolex, still held in existing, original ownership / ‘private hands’… are usually authentic…but as soon as they are snapped up by the first ‘Shark’, on the open market…a transformation takes place

I am sorry, if this sounds pessimistic…but it appears to be the norm, now
 
ConElPueblo
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Traveler Traveler
...I don’t think it’s the ‘majority’ of them, and I don’t like the ‘attitude’ in making this statement...

His use of the word "most" is idiotic. Unless he really has inspected more than half of all 1016s in existence, he should perhaps use a more humble expression. The selection of watches in that article is... Well, I would probably have recommended others.

The "steel" Doxa is probably, what, 8-10x overpriced compared to regular sales on eBay.
 
S.H.
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Yes, this "steel" Doxa is not steel and grossly overpriced indeed.
 
Mark020
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In the comments that part about the case is very interesting
 
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