Alfred's Checklist for buying Rolex watches

[FNFZ4]

Since there have been so many post about items not as described recently, I believe that a checklist should be in order for both buyer and seller.

When I buy a Rolex watch, here are the things that I look for and I believe is important.

1.) Crystal Crystal Crystal!

The one thing I hate the most is that when there are blemishes, imperfections on the Crystal. I always run my finger nail on the rim of the Crystal to check for chips. I hate chips... I would never sell a watch that has even a tiny chip on the Crystal.

2.) Bezel and Insert

Is it original? is it dented?
Is it aligned?
Is it turning properly (for sport watches that have rotating bezels)

3.) The Case

Dents?
Dings?
Rust?
Sign of Laser Soldering?
Incorrect Polish/Over Polish of the lugs?

4.) The Bracelet

Clasp code match with serial number in terms of estimated production date?
What is the condition of the Coronet?
Is there any stretch on the bracelet?
Does it have complete links?
Are the screws fine and not over torque?
Does the clasp close properly?

5.) The Engine

Does the date change?
Does the hour and minute hand change?
Shake the watch, can you feel the rotor inside (if yes needs a service)
Wind the watch, it should be very smooth. If its coarse, needs a service

Hope this helps...

[Jay Tee]

Thank you Alfred! Great advice from a great seller!

[mrchrischen]

Great post!!

Cheers,
Chris

[jlee5050]

[Angrypuppy]

Very nice.

[Momomomo]

Great checklist, thank you, Alfred

[cop414]

Great checklist, thank you.

[Osler Marine]

great post Alfred, very helpful!

[jolimont]

awesome post Alfred

[Rogdogg]

Very good post. Thanks for taking the time

[archisf]

thanks much

[GeoGio Greece]

Originally Posted by Rogdogg

Very good post. Thanks for taking the time

+ 1

[Sherwooddavid]

Thanks Alfred for a great checklist !

[Frosty]

[DryCleanOnly]

Thanks for the info Alfred! Hoping to pick up my first rolly in the next few days...

[MrDoug]

I've found that buying ANYTHING used, a trip to a local watchmaker (aka: the spa) is always a good investment. If you do it right after a purchase, and there's something significantly wrong, you usually have a little better chance at recourse. Just my opinion.

[FNFZ4]

Originally Posted by MrDoug

I've found that buying ANYTHING used, a trip to a local watchmaker (aka: the spa) is always a good investment. If you do it right after a purchase, and there's something significantly wrong, you usually have a little better chance at recourse. Just my opinion.

I have to agree with this. But not all have a trusted watchmaker to have their new purchases inspected.

[Roll the Lex]

Thank you so much for the checklist.

And as we often say here at TRF, buy the seller, not the watch!

[Lucky777]

Great list, thanks for sharing

[FNFZ4]

Originally Posted by Roll the Lex

Thank you so much for the checklist.

And as we often say here at TRF, buy the seller, not the watch!

[Nycturbovr6]

Very helpful!

[Glenn422]

This is helpful Alfred, thanks!

[GGGMT]

Thanks Alfred for this post. Many months after you made it, still helpful. Thk you.

[Hairdude1]

Just read this! Thanks

[melons]

Great advice. Thanks for the bump HD, missed this first time around.

[dysondiver]

now can you turn it into a mnemonic please

[Soflobusinessman]

Shake the watch, can you feel the rotor inside (if yes needs a service)
Wind the watch, it should be very smooth. If its coarse, needs a service

Hope this helps...[/QUOTE]


A friend at work has a sub 16610, when on his wrist, he spins the watch, like to check the time, the rotor makes a small barley noticeable squeaky noise and you can feel the rotor spin. This normal or a sign of???

[incontrol]

Thanks for the tips Alfred. Very simple and easy to follow. These could save a lot of aggravation when buying a used watch. Moral of the story, as already stated, buy the seller then the watch.

[robisan]

Originally Posted by Soflobusinessman

Shake the watch, can you feel the rotor inside (if yes needs a service)
Wind the watch, it should be very smooth. If its coarse, needs a service

Hope this helps...

A friend at work has a sub 16610, when on his wrist, he spins the watch, like to check the time, the rotor makes a small barley noticeable squeaky noise and you can feel the rotor spin. This normal or a sign of???[/QUOTE]

I think its normal.

[FNFZ4]

=Soflobusinessman;4448868]Shake the watch, can you feel the rotor inside (if yes needs a service)
Wind the watch, it should be very smooth. If its coarse, needs a service

Hope this helps...

A friend at work has a sub 16610, when on his wrist, he spins the watch, like to check the time, the rotor makes a small barley noticeable squeaky noise and you can feel the rotor spin. This normal or a sign of???

This is not normal. The reason why you feel the rotor are:

1.) Lack or Dry lubrication
2.) Axel is broken or not aligned.

if you let this be, you will damage the rotor because its hitting the case back. Other parts of the movement will also be damaged because if friction. have it fixed immediately.