how important is warranty on slightly used Rolex

[Double B]

Still in pursuit of my first Rolex and narrowing in on a Yacht-Master. Could you please help out with the following:

-Is there any benefit to buying a nearly new watch with papers, box and warranty for original buyer dated within the past 12 mos vs 3-5 year old model (beyond warranty)? Is the warranty transferable?

- If the warranty is not transferable is there any reason to buy a 12-24 month old watch vs a 3-5 year old watch other than wear and lower price. Assuming the warranty is not transferable and the watch is built for 30+ years of life and the model has not changed is selection just a matter of budget and wear? (or not?)

Thanks so much - you all are very helpful.
-Robb

[hard8]

the warranty is valid for 2 years and it does not matter what name is on the card. if you have problems with the watch in the first 2 years, and you have the card in your possesson, rolex will correct any issues for you.

papers/box etc are in reality worth very little. personally i would seek out a decent 2-3 year old yacht master without any boxes or papers and save a heap of money. getting up to 5 years is pushing it a bit as the watch could easily have had a history of problems and be due a service.

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by hard8

the warranty is valid for 2 years and it does not matter what name is on the card. if you have problems with the watch in the first 2 years, and you have the card in your possesson, rolex will correct any issues for you.

papers/box etc are in reality worth very little. personally i would seek out a decent 2-3 year old yacht master without any boxes or papers and save a heap of money. getting up to 5 years is pushing it a bit as the watch could easily have had a history of problems and be due a service.

That post is quite true but I'd like to add my two cents on the bold part. If you buy a watch that is 5 years old or perhaps older there is a risk that it already has some accuracy problems and is most probably due for a service depending on how it was taken care of (perhaps the owner left it on his desk for a few months without letting the movement run or he had a couple of accidents with it), however I would say that this problem can be easily avoided if you buy from a trusted seller (if the dealer is a watchmaker, chances are he may have serviced the watch himself or had it serviced, in those cases he will most probably let you know). In the end you will have to buy the seller before you buy the watch.

[Double B]

Thanks so much. The transferable warranty is appealing, but your suggestion hits home, as I was considering a 3 and 4 year old YM at a pretty good deal - based upon researching prices for the past couple months. Thank you.

[azguy]

I would always take the good deal and set aside the money saved for an official RSC service

[Galion]

Originally Posted by FeelingTheBlues

That post is quite true but I'd like to add my two cents on the bold part. If you buy a watch that is 5 years old or perhaps older there is a risk that it already has some accuracy problems and is most probably due for a service depending on how it was taken care of (perhaps the owner left it on his desk for a few months without letting the movement run or he had a couple of accidents with it), however I would say that this problem can be easily avoided if you buy from a trusted seller (if the dealer is a watchmaker, chances are he may have serviced the watch himself or had it serviced, in those cases he will most probably let you know). In the end you will have to buy the seller before you buy the watch.

I have a TT GMT bought in 1995, never serviced, and it is as accurate as the first day.

I really dont care for the warranty, and never understood whats the deal in keeping the box and papers of an out of warranty watch

[hard8]

Originally Posted by azguy

I would always take the good deal and set aside the money saved for an official RSC service

this.

[Lmbeauleap]

Couple of things...

I was just quoted $600-$800 for service on a 6 year old watch. If you can save that or more buying one with an expired warranty you are still ahead IMO. The downside is you have to send your new (to you) watch in and be without if for a few months.

With the above in mind I purchased from a trusted seller here on TRF. After less than 3 months of working flawlessly it started making some noise and the power reserve wasn't lasting. So, time to send it in. Obviously not the sellers fault; it was a used watch due for a service anyway. I'm still up about $500 though and when I get it back I will have a fresh warranty and will know for sure the service history. I was planning on sending it in soon anyway so nothing lost really but I was hoping to get another year in first.

It does suck to part with it though.

Hope this helps.