TDLR; I agree that it was a trap; I have a collected a few reps now, but still only wear the first one I purchased. Everyone compliments it. My business partner asked to hold it, he started playing 21 questions so I immediately informed him it was a rep. His eyes widened and was extremely impressed, asked me to get him one too--he said no Rolex though, he wants something exotic, lmao. Before I joined this website, I only ever wore my Apple Watch. And now I'm super obnoxious and wear two watches on one wrist so I can accommodate both. Nobody even comments on this seeming absurdity either.
Related Anecdote
I was never into watches. When my father passed away, the only thing he left me was a Rolex. After a long while, I starting wearing it. One day it stopped functioning, so I took it to my nearest Rolex Service Center. Whelp, they told me they could not service the watch (polite speak for: fake). I was a bit taken back--did my father really leave me a fake watch?
So I went to my local AD. AD bluntly told me to just buy a new watch, which I did, and that's the only other gen I have. But I still felt some strange filial piety to sort out my Dad's watch so I did the whole song and dance. AD suggested sending it to the Texas Service Center and told me the service center I went to previously only had two technicians in the back and was designed primarily for regular service only. So we sent it to Texas, I pre-authorized my AD to replace whatever parts needed to be replaced so long as Rolex would just accept the watch.
Thankfully they did. What was hilarious was that they sent back the watch with the bracelet separated. AD said they would not attach the bracelet. I guess the bracelet was fake too! Lmao!!
In hindsight, I would not have done this again. If a fake is what my dad wanted to leave me, I should have just accepted it and appreciated it. Does having a little green warranty card and official serial number in a little cloth green bag restore his honor? lol
I went in person to my nearest Rolex Service Center. You hand over the watch, fill out a form, and either wait ~45 minutes in the lobby eating their complimentary chocolates or go about your business until they give you a call. Most recently, you don't have to wait, they will just email you your options.
I am not a Rolex expert or connoisseur so I cannot opine, sorry. The Rolex Service Center refused to service his watch and essentially said it was not genuine. But the one in Texas was willing to do so. Both are official Rolex Service Centers by Rolex corporate to my understanding.