New Find in Japan: U Serial 16700 - Thoughts?

[ElectronTheory]

Hi all,

After being a long-time lurker in this community, I’m excited to finally share my recent watch find and hear your thoughts!

I'm currently in Japan, I came across this watch and couldn’t resist the price: 1,345,455 yen (approximately $9.2K USD). I would appreciate any feedback on the piece and whether you think I made a good choice based on the photos attached.

Details:

Model: U serial 16700

Year: 1997

Purchase Location: Book Off (a chain store for used/vintage items)

Comes with inner and outer boxes, some papers, but unfortunately, no warranty card, no tags.

Notes:
An overhaul was done in May this year not by Rolex.

Upon closer inspection, the polish on some of the lugs looks a bit off.


I don’t have a photo of the movement yet, but I can share those in a few weeks once I’m back home.


Thanks in advance for your insights!

[Tools]

Good looking watch that appears to be in good condition.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

The Japanese treat their stuff like none other. Good condition overall, it has been polished a fair bit. You can see how "not crisp" the clasp coronet is. Polishing job isn't bad though. Lots of life left. CG's look nice. For that price in Japan atm, I'd pass though.

[springer]

Looks like a very nice watch and at $9200, what's not to like, You have a great watch at a very good price with a few extras. Way to score! Enjoy your watch.

By the way, as far as "being polished a fair bit" as someone else commented, I'm not seeing that. A light polish - yes - but not overly done at all.

[ElectronTheory]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Wasn’t too sure if I rushed into the decision too quickly but you’ve put me at ease.

[pk552502]

I like it

[Dom9]

Lovely watch at what seems like a reasonable price for a pretty complete set!

Enjoy it - many decades left in that!

[77T]

A remembrance of your trip that will stay with you.

Yea, a nearly 30 year old watch will have some polishing done. The clasp isn't especially worrisome.

Do you also need to pay duties or did the seller cover that?


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[ElectronTheory]

Originally Posted by 77T

A remembrance of your trip that will stay with you.

Yea, a nearly 30 year old watch will have some polishing done. The clasp isn't especially worrisome.

Do you also need to pay duties or did the seller cover that?


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Thanks! The price I mentioned above is the tax free price - it was advertised at 1,480,000 yen with tax


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[Incroyable12]

Japanese dealers have a tendency to polish every watch they sell.

[zapokee]

Why buy a Rolex from Book Off? It's a second-hand book store. They know nothing about vintage Rolex.

There's no point buying overseas when there are so many good dealers domestically, and trusted USA dealers who ship worldwide. What if there's a problem, with the distance and the language barrier in Japan?

Hard pass for me.

[ElectronTheory]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Why buy a Rolex from Book Off? It's a second-hand book store. They know nothing about vintage Rolex.

There's no point buying overseas when there are so many good dealers domestically, and trusted USA dealers who ship worldwide. What if there's a problem, with the distance and the language barrier in Japan?

Hard pass for me.

Edited as I felt I was a bit harsh.

Book off is still reputable and do their own authenticity checks - probably more diligent than some dealers out there. Saw some great pieces at many of the 2nd hand stores that were well taken care of.

Of course I did my own due diligence and this was probably the 30th store I was in during my trip (just the way the Japanese do business puts me at ease).
I took the watch the Rolex service centre in Tokyo for verification (which was all good) and the watch ran at +3.2s/day.

Yes it’s easier to go to a dealer - but you’ll be paying the premium. I find a thrill in finding a piece at a great price myself.

If there’s a problem they’ve provided me too it’s a guarantee-regardless I took it to Rolex.




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