Need help checking if gen rolex explorer 1

[theSubterfuge]

Hi all!

New to this forum and I need some help identifying if a rollie explorer 14270 is rep or gen.

I've done as much research as i can on this forum as i'm about to purchase a rolex explorer 14270 transitional swiss only dial. i unfortunately won't be seeing the watch in person so pictures are my only way to gauge . Seller has given me serial no and i've matched the production date to the dial, bracelet and non-SEL. The movement is a 3000 based on a quick test the seller did to verify it for me on video. (cw wind, ccw hands)

Everything seems to check out so far but going through some threads on this forum scared the daylights out of me, some of the replicas seem even better built than the gen.

Could I trouble some of you experts to run your eyes over these pictures the seller sent me and tell me whether you think it's a gen or rep?

Thanks!

 

[pompompurin]

looks correct and gen to me so far

correct case shape and lug (the replica 162xx case shape and lugs are slightly different)
crown height is good
hands look good
78790 correct bracelet stamp for model and it has hollow links (some aftermarket bracelets like riyi ones are stamped with generic 70216 with solid bracelet)
clasp has the right amount of micro adjustment holes (6 for gen) (riyi bracelet/cartel old explorer 1/BP 16570 bracelet all have 5 holes if i recall correctly)

but the more pics the better
movement pic would be nice because you never know, the movement could even be a SA3130 or SH3132 / SH3135 converted lol

 

[connor86]

Watch is gen.

 

[d4m.test]

Thanks for the input guys so far, especially pompompurin! This does give me a lot of assurance. I did buy the seller first and he seems like an honest guy simply tight for cash.

The seller does not have a cash back opener nor is he comfortable to pry open the watch for an inspection.

 

[Drummania]

Buy the seller, and hope you get a good price. Since you cannot see the watch in person, even if he shows the movement to you now, there is nothing preventing him from switching to SH3130 before shipping to you.

 

[d4m.test]

Ill actually be getting a friend to check the watch in person and do the deal for me in person. He's in the same country but different state as I am. Price is $3600 aud (~2950 usd). No box or papers. He had tools to remove the bracelet for me so seems like he's somewhwt savvy, but most basic watch collectors have access to these tools as I do. Swapping a movement seems like it will require some form of expertise.

 

[pompompurin]

Ill actually be getting a friend to check the watch in person and do the deal for me in person. He's in the same country but different state as I am. Price is $3600 aud (~2950 usd). No box or papers. He had tools to remove the bracelet for me so seems like he's somewhwt savvy, but most basic watch collectors have access to these tools as I do. Swapping a movement seems like it will require some form of expertise.

swapping the movement isn't hard - just drop and replace the dial and hands
a SA3130 clone movement can be bought on perfect clones for $200

The seller does not have a cash back opener nor is he comfortable to pry open the watch for an inspection

what is his reaction when you suggest to have your friend take him to a jeweler for authentication and/or quick inspection? Jewelers have the proper caseback openers usually

besides, it is good practice to open the caseback (before paying for a second hand rolex) to check if the movement is rust-free - the gaskets and seals can get blown throughout the years which causes minor water damage and/or rust

 

[d4m.test]

He said the jeweller wouldn't do authentication, neither would the AD in Melbourne, but the jeweller offered him 3.3k for the watch. Based on how cooperative he has been so far, it's likely he will head down to a jeweller if I can find one in Melbourne that would do it.

 

[pompompurin]

He said the jeweller wouldn't do authentication, neither would the AD in Melbourne, but the jeweller offered him 3.3k for the watch. Based on how cooperative he has been so far, it's likely he will head down to a jeweller if I can find one in Melbourne that would do it.

no need for authentication, have the jeweler open the caseback and ask ur friend to send u a pic via whatsapp
easiest way to determine if base movement is a genuine 3135/3130/3000 or SA/SH 3135 is too look at the balance

but it's up to you, if you buy the seller then that's ok too

gen Rolex 3135/3000/3130 balance (as long as the movement's balance looks like this, then you are good to go - this is the major differentiating factor between rep and gen 3135)

china sh3135 balance

china sa3135 balance

 

[d4m.test]

Thanks for your effort pompompurin! Unfortunately he told me he used a pin to pop the bracelet off and has no tools to open the caseback.