'I paid for the real thing': Heather Locklear caught up in counterfeit Rolex scandal after ex Richie Sambora purchased her timepiece from accused 'dodgy' dealer

By Juliet Paylor

PUBLISHED: 09:47 EST, 21 March 2014 | UPDATED: 11:53 EST, 21 March 2014

Heather Locklear is the latest celebrity to be caught up in the counterfeit Rolex scandal sweeping Hollywood.

As reported by TMZ, the actress is apparently concerned that the rose gold 1962 Female Presidential Rolex purchased by then-husband Richie Sambora in 2001 could be a fake as it was purchased from the same dealer currently being sued by singer John Mayer.

Robert Maron - a close friend of Charlie Sheen's - is being sued by the Heartbreak Warfare hitmaker for allegedly selling him as many as seven fraudulent knock-offs in 2007 and is seeking a refund of $656,000 on his $5 million investment.

Another victim? Heather Locklear is the latest star to be caught up in the counterfeit Rolex scandal sweeping Tinseltown, with the timepiece gifted to her by then-husband Richie Sambora in 2001 also purchased from Robert Maron

Another victim? Heather Locklear is the latest star to be caught up in the counterfeit Rolex scandal sweeping Tinseltown, with the timepiece gifted to her by then-husband Richie Sambora in 2001 also purchased from Robert Maron

Speaking to TMZ after arriving back in LA from his tour in Australia, Sambora described Maron as 'very knowledgeable, likable and kind' during their transaction.

'When you order a Rolex, you expect a real Rolex,' the 54-year-old added. 'Just like when you order a Coke, you expect and pay for the real thing! All I can tell you is ... I paid for the real thing.'

Now worried she's in possession of a counterfeit Rolex, Locklear is said to be taking her timepiece to a professional to have it authenticated.

Sources tell TMZ that the 52-year-old wants to know for sure one way or another so that she can protect others who may have fallen victim to Maron's allegedly shady dealings.

The real deal? The actress's rose gold 1962 Female Presidential Rolex - similar to the one pictured - is said to be of 'great sentimental value' to the 52-year-old and she is going to have it authenticated to find out whether it's a knock-off or not

The real deal? The actress's rose gold 1962 Female Presidential Rolex - similar to the one pictured - is said to be of 'great sentimental value' to the 52-year-old and she is going to have it authenticated to find out whether it's a knock-off or not

'When you order a Rolex, you expect a real Rolex': Heather's ex-husband, Richie Sambora - seen here together in 2011 - tells TMZ he 'paid for the real thing', though he's now concerned he may have been ripped off after his dealer was sued by singer John Mayer

'When you order a Rolex, you expect a real Rolex': Heather's ex-husband, Richie Sambora - seen here together in 2011 - tells TMZ he 'paid for the real thing', though he's now concerned he may have been ripped off after his dealer was sued by singer John Mayer

The star is reportedly emotionally attached to the watch, saying it has 'great sentimental value'.

Considering Rolexes cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars, it also has plenty of monetary value, too - that is, if it is authentic.

Adding to the intrigue, it has emerged that Mayer was actually well aware that the watches he was purchasing from the seller contained counterfeit parts, posting on a message board: 'Anyone who wants to sell me one of these watches can get these fake pieces off their hands and make a killing
on it.'

As detailed in a letter obtained by TMZ from Maron's lawyer, Eric George, which was sent to Mayer's lawyer before the lawsuit was filed, the singer is quoted as seeking Flat Dial watches some purists claim are not true Rolexes.

'Bob's integrity is beyond reproach!' Robert Maron has been defended by good friend Charlie Sheen, who has come out swinging at Mayer, saying, 'This calamity of buyer's remorse 7 years after the fact is clearly a reflection on John Mayer's character and not on Bob Maron's'

'Bob's integrity is beyond reproach!' Robert Maron has been defended by good friend Charlie Sheen, who has come out swinging at Mayer, saying, 'This calamity of buyer's remorse 7 years after the fact is clearly a reflection on John Mayer's character and not on Bob Maron's'

He knew what he was paying for: Mayer is seeking a refund of $656,000 on his $5 million investment after claiming that he was unaware that seven Rolexes purchased from Maron in 2007 contained counterfeit parts - though his posts on a Rolex message board beg to differ

He knew what he was paying for: Mayer is seeking a refund of $656,000 on his $5 million investment after claiming that he was unaware that seven Rolexes purchased from Maron in 2007 contained counterfeit parts - though his posts on a Rolex message board beg to differ

'I will even accept a letter from you as a dealer releasing you from any liability in having sold me a counterfeit dial,' the 36-year-old wrote. 'I will be buying these as counterfeits.'

Several of the watches in question were gifted by the lothario to then-girlfriends including Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Simpson and Minka Kelly.

Charlie Sheen, meanwhile, has come out swinging at Mayer in defence of his pal.

After news broke of the lawsuit, the star told TMZ: 'WAIT!! Mayer spent $5M with Maron and is crying about $600K? Ask him how he did on the $4.4m...! Sorry that 7 of your 100 watches aren't to your liking! boohoo! (sic)'

The 48-year-old added: 'Maron wrote the book - period the end. Nothing but respect for Bob - his integrity is beyond reproach! This calamity of buyer's remorse 7 years after the fact is clearly a reflection on John Mayer's character and not on Bob Maron's.'

'Mayer spent $5M with Maron and is crying about $600K? Ask him how he did on the $4.4m...!' Outspoken Sheen was only too willing to jump to his pal's defence, alleging that the singer had sold - and made a tidy profit - on the watches

'Mayer spent $5M with Maron and is crying about $600K? Ask him how he did on the $4.4m...!' Outspoken Sheen was only too willing to jump to his pal's defence, alleging that the singer had sold - and made a tidy profit - on the watches

Comments (36)

Share what you think

 View all

The comments below have not been moderated.

I suspect that there are probably a lot more of these 'dealer-like' people who somehow find their way in-between rich celebrities and the shops they want to visit.

0
0
 Click to rate

thats why you buy expensive items straight from the actual store.

0
2
 Click to rate

LOL...

1
0
 Click to rate

Well if Charlie Sheen will vouch for him he must be trustworthy :\

0
20
 Click to rate

Nowt wrong with my Zeon Scuba Master watch. 20 odd years old and still going strong, never misses a beat and never has.

0
4
 Click to rate

I doubt these watches are fakes , they may have redone dials and a few parts from other Rolex's in side that happens with old watches . Rolex cannot supply all parts for vintage watches , that is the nature of the beast .

1
12
 Click to rate

I THOUGHT she was DEAD.?

7
9
 Click to rate

I did as well!!

4
7
 Click to rate

Rich people problems

3
24
 Click to rate

FIRST.WORLD.PROBLEMS.

3
30
 Click to rate

What a load of old rolex.

0
21
 Click to rate

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Who is this week's top commenter? Find out now