So, what’s a factory warranty worth?

[Copasetic]

How much more would you pay for a full, or close to full, factory Rolex warranty? For example, a trusted seller has a white gold YM 42 (reference 226659) that’s new with a 5 year Rolex warranty and the identical watch from 2020 that has the balance of the five year warranty, maybe a year or so, maybe less, I’m not sure.


The asking price difference is $3k. Worth it?

[S’portEye]

The warranty is only part of the difference in price. The other part is one watch is five years older than the other. If I had to put a number on the warranty, I would say about the cost for a full service ($1000).

[~JJ]

For me, there’s not a lot value with a warranty… I’ve owned 12 Rolex pieces and have never submitted a warranty claim. I think a service is around $1k, which includes a 2 yr warranty so perhaps in that ballpark.

[Copasetic]

Originally Posted by S’portEye

The warranty is only part of the difference in price. The other part is one watch is five years older than the other. If I had to put a number on the warranty, I would say about the cost for a full service ($1000).

Unless you really prefer to own a watch no one else has worn, I wonder what’s the difference if it’s five years old? In this case the watches are identical. It’s not like a Sky-Dweller, for example, where minor improvements were made and the reference number changed.

[ikincooper]

I’d agree with all the above approximate values provided.

Are the 2 watch conditions exactly the same? Are they both full sets. Buying used ultimately I would always focus primarily on a watch’s condition above all else and would expect some of the $3k difference to be on account of this factor


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[ArtNouveau]

If the condition of the older one is still excellent, I’d probably save the $3K.

[Guppydriver]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

If the condition of the older one is still excellent, I’d probably save the $3K.

Me too …..

Put aside a grand for a service someday and you’re already two grand closer to your next watch.

[WatchEater666]

Personally I feel like if the first few months of existence are ok for a watch, then the warranty is pretty useless.

I've had a few watches for 10 - 15+ years and only one out of ~8 ran into an issue that was pretty cheap to service.

So personally for me, when it comes to Rolex, I don't care at all about the warranty. I'd rather pay less for the watch :) They are cheap and fast to service, and built like tanks.

This is different though by brand for me. IE if I was buying a Lange Zeitwerk again I'd try to find one with warranty coverage left b/c they hard to service, expensive to service, and complicated - so more can go wrong.

[S’portEye]

Originally Posted by Copasetic

Unless you really prefer to own a watch no one else has worn, I wonder what’s the difference if it’s five years old? In this case the watches are identical. It’s not like a Sky-Dweller, for example, where minor improvements were made and the reference number changed.

The difference is 5 years of use. This is not a complicated concept.

[jb335]

If everything else is equal or close to it, I’d take the $3k savings.

Rolex are tanks and rarely need service work within the first five years - and on the offset chance it needed work, it won’t cost you anywhere close to $3k.


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[cdmorenot]

To me, it has made all of the difference.

Exhibit 1 - Submariner low cyclops mag - Replaced under warranty
Exhibit 2 - Dust on dial OP - Addressed under warranty
Exhibit 3 - Bezel assembly popped off and damaged on Black Bay replaced under warranty

For me, I am only OK with no warranty on used watches and if factory warranty period has already expired.

[brandrea]

In your example it comes down to the condition of the watch.

I’ll keep the 3 k if the used watch is like new

[Tools]

There is no "premium" for a watch that is still in warranty, it is a matter of the age of the watch and any depreciation it may incur for being older.

Additionally, if you find a mint example that is out of warranty, it may very likely be worth more than one in poor condition but with a warranty.

Warranties are for manufacturer defects, not wear and tear or damage.

[kieselguhr]

Whatever dollar value you would put on peace of mind

[Copasetic]

Originally Posted by S’portEye

The difference is 5 years of use. This is not a complicated concept.

What’s five, actually four, years of use worth in dollars?

[Copasetic]

Originally Posted by brandrea

In your example it comes down to the condition of the watch.

I’ll keep the 3 k if the used watch is like new

The watch is like new, I have seen it in person, The seller is one of the most trusted sellers on this forum and the seller has rated the condition as excellent.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Copasetic

The watch is like new, I have seen it in person, The seller is one of the most trusted sellers on this forum and the seller has rated the condition as excellent.

That’s the route I’d go


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[SLWoodster]

As long as trusted seller has his own 1y warranty, you're fine. These things are tanks. I'd go 2020.

Originally Posted by Copasetic

How much more would you pay for a full, or close to full, factory Rolex warranty? For example, a trusted seller has a white gold YM 42 (reference 226659) that’s new with a 5 year Rolex warranty and the identical watch from 2020 that has the balance of the five year warranty, maybe a year or so, maybe less, I’m not sure.


The asking price difference is $3k. Worth it?

[BraveBold]

Condition is first, then warranty, then age.

[S’portEye]

Originally Posted by Copasetic

What’s five, actually four, years of use worth in dollars?

Probably not worth it to me, but everyone’s different

[CH69]

To me, the key difference is whether it is used or brand new. That difference justifies a premium. If both used, i think the condition matters more than age and warranty.

[joli160]

Nothing. Rolex is not always good in honoring warranty. Chances are that if however unlikely anything pops up you have to pay yourself anyway.

[1William]

Not sure if you have reached the stage where you have negotiated with the Trusted Seller but if you decide to get serious I would see if the gap between the two watches could be closed. If you were at $1000 or $1500 difference then I would go with the new watch with the warranty. I would also get the date on the card of the new watch as I am sure it says unworn, not new. If the card is dated back any significant amount of time that also impacts the value for me. If you stay 3k apart on the two watches after everything I would go with the pre-owned model and save the money. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[HogwldFLTR]

I had my OP36 serviced and a dial swap done by a Boutique's service person; it has the full Rolex service warranty. The price was $700. This was done at the end of last year. Not all services cost $1K. This should give 2 years of peace of mind. In truth I don't understand why a service doesn't carry the same guarantee as a new watch, five years.

[ltmgeller]

Can't wear the warranty. It's nice to have but not for that much more, especially when a full service costs less.

[Copasetic]

Originally Posted by 1William

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

I ended up making a trade with another trusted seller I have done a lot of buying/trading with. Just received the watch and am loving it. Thanks, everyone, for your help.

[123Blueface]

I bought my DD40 unworn from grey dealer with one and a half years of warranty gone. Could have had one with full five years. Took the lesser warranty and saved $1,500 in my case.
Five year Warranty would have been over about now. Never needed it.

[Jari from Finland]

That I would like to buy the newest one if they are identical watches and naturally how many years is the difference between in those two watches.

[cascadez71]

Originally Posted by ~JJ

For me, there’s not a lot value with a warranty… I’ve owned 12 Rolex pieces and have never submitted a warranty claim. I think a service is around $1k, which includes a 2 yr warranty so perhaps in that ballpark.

The 5 year warranty is helpful on 32xx models.

Mine has gone in a second time. First for dust/debris on date wheel, now for typical movement issues.

All the 31xx and 30xx across my extended family have never gone in for warranty work.