Hello ALL! So just bought my first Rolex. A Rolex 1991 GMT Master II Pepsi. Below are some photos. I'm from the New York area. I'd like to take it to the service center in New York of authentication. I read a trick on this forum is to ask them to size the bracelet and they will take a look at the watch and obviously tell you that it is or is not authentic. I could pay the $150 (I was told on this forum) for them to officially look at it. What do you guys think I should do/pay the $150 if that's still a possibility and what do you think of the photos? What do you guys think I should do/pay the $150 if that's still a possibility and what do you think of the photos? A
First, if you're unsure of its authenticity have it checked prior to pulling the trigger. Most Rolex AD's have a watchmaker onsite who could check it for you for a lot less than $150. Having said all that, the watch looks authentic to me from the pics. It has the correct 3185 movement. The bracelet looks authentic as well. Congrats on your purchase.
Going to to pros for a double check. And I did not pay $150 I'm asking if I should. Sounds like I shouldn't
If u want peace of mind then u should. It's looks authentic to me though I'm not a pro. The bracelet looks ok without seeing all the stamps, but it's the wrong one for this reference. Why would a gmt need a divers extension. [emoji848] I believe the proper one should b either 78360 or 78790 depending on the production yr of ur watch.
If you are going to pay $150, why not just have the Service Center do an overhaul. Use the $150 toward a service. When you drop it off, have them take a quick looksie..and voila! And you get Rolex documentation with it...
After all the help from this forum, that's the plan. I'm going to wear as is and once I have some cash saved I'll get a full service.
Looks good to me. Movement, case, and bracelet looks alright. I always struggle with bezels and dials though. But nothing that stands out as wrong.
haha even though Tourneau says they dont do "authentifications" you can always convince them. they offer champagne too when you go Im looking to possibly trade this in, what can you do for me?
UPDATE I have the GMT on my wrist. Small issue. The bezel is unidirectional. This is NOT correct for a GMT. It's 120 click. SO I'm going to go to Rolex tomorrow and ask them about it. Worst case I'll send back to the seller. I'm really happy with the watch. I wouldn't be surprised if the seller was the one who polished it. There is not a single scratch on it. I'd rather they left it as it was but what's done is done.
Looks authentic to me. Case is thin (fakes have the thicker sub case) and has chamfers. Most fakes don't have chamfers unless they were added custom. Movement is a 3185 so that's good. Date wheel and font look good. The hand stack is a great tell for this year. The fakes have the wrong hand stack but I can't tell the order from the pics above. Looks good to me.
Update 2 Went to Rolex Service Center in New York. On the phone they were really nice. I told them the issue and they said to come right in. After receiving some dirty looks (wearing a dress shirt but not a suit and had a backpack with the Rolex box inside.). The women that took my watch asked about the service history. I told her I didn't know the service history. She stood there and gave me yet another dirty look. Anyway all the rudeness that's expected from Rolex, aside they said they will take it overnight. If it's a serious repair they will ask me to get a FULL SERVICE and if it's a simple fix they might not charge me. I hope for the latter. We will see.
Final UPDATE Today I went back the RSC and they gave me back my watch %100 working. The bezel is so smooth. It has a really nice action. They didn't mention if they thought it was after market. I will comment that since starting this forum I have found several examples of bezels that the red stops near the 1 in 18, whereas it usually stops near the 8 in 18. Also I have to say that the bezel is very much faded. The red is turning pink. This for some might be a negative but I very much like the look. At the end of the day the price was right for this one. I'm finally a Rolex member. Side note: I paid nothing and they gave me 2 clothes and a Rolex travel pouch. Thanks again guys This can now be closed unless anyone has something to add.