no box/papers

[IntegratedCheese]

I'm just curious, for those that do or have bought just the watch by itself.. what are the steps you personally take to protect yourself? Is it purely trust of the seller? Maybe the seller is 100% trustworthy but the person he got it from wasn't 100% honest? Also curious why anyone would throw away the box/papers for a Rolex?

[Etschell]

Box and papers are easier to fake than the watch. I buy the seller. Papers can get misplaced. When in doubt don't buy the watch....

[nick c]

Meet at AD to check to make sure it's Authentic.

[Tools]

Many watches, including Rolex, are purchased and worn out of the store leaving the box behind.

Very few people, until recently, kept boxes, just like they didn't keep boxes for their toaster. Early Rolex boxes actually came with directions on how to turn your box into a cigarette holder for your table. That is why early Rolex with boxes and outdated papers are valuable - they are extremely rare. Today Internet shoppers expect those things so a savvy seller will duplicate or scrounge for the pieces that appear to be the elusive "full set".

Box and papers, whatever that actually means, can never authenticate or verify a watch until after those documents themselves are properly authenticated..

[sickened1]

^ Thanks Larry. I learn something new here everyday.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Tools

Many watches, including Rolex, are purchased and worn out of the store leaving the box behind.

Very few people, until recently, kept boxes, just like they didn't keep boxes for their toaster. Early Rolex boxes actually came with directions on how to turn your box into a cigarette holder for your table. That is why early Rolex with boxes and outdated papers are valuable - they are extremely rare. Today Internet shoppers expect those things so a savvy seller will duplicate or scrounge for the pieces that appear to be the elusive "full set".

Box and papers, whatever that actually means, can never authenticate or verify a watch until after those documents themselves are properly authenticated..

I couldn't agree more; really this is an internet thing and has little to do with the watches value especially older ones. Some kept their junk and others just wore watches.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by nick c

Meet at AD to check to make sure it's Authentic.

No.

Very few Ads will do this. What's in it for them - but potential trouble?

[Sublovin]

Buy from a trustworthy seller. As for throwing away b&p...happens all the time. Not everyone with a nice watch is "in to " watches...

[Old Expat Beast]

Yeah the 'cigarette card' is nice to have, if you're into B&P, etc. Happy to do without all that, though, if the watch is right.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Yeah the 'cigarette card' is nice to have, if you're into B&P, etc. Happy to do without all that, though, if the watch is right.

Horrible idea - promoting cigarettes - but interesting bit of history.

[Star Ferry]

Originally Posted by Speed

Horrible idea - promoting cigarettes - but interesting bit of history.

Strongly depends on the extent to which you enjoy the odd cigarette

[vman]

You can get the watch authenticated for around $100.

[timlaw]

a lot of watches are pledged to pawn shops as the watch only and if not reclaimed by the owner in 6 months you have another genuine watch only rolex on the market. I went into a very upmarket pawn shop (careful typing here) to look at a lovely JLC watch but watch only so not interested. I was told 75%of their stock was watch only and they must have had 100 watches in the window between £1k to £15k and pretty sure they were all genuine.

[BNA/LION]

I take ALL Rolex watches I buy to a CW21 Watch Maker and he looks at them for me. Always ask for a few days to be able to return the watch and have it inspected. You will feel a lot better knowing what you have on your wrist every time you look at it!

[WristEnvy]

You being in SF you can take it to the RSC for a small fee.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[crowncollection]

Box and paper is not essential to me but nice. As for authentication it's best to learn here and do that yourself with there's plenty of information on the forum or members that can help, run it through the watchout section before you buy it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[back]

Have a Tag and Baume and never crossed my mind to save that stuff. When I decided to add a GMT and started researching I then discovered for Rolex...that stuff adds value. I guess the collector types look for artificial things to add value..so a full set is more rare. As said earlier, most watch wearers don't think "fussy" like people who collect things do. I think nowadays, people buying used see that stuff adds a few $$ in value so keep it. I personally had zero interest in that stuff as I am not a collector and don't see how it adds any value to the purchase beyond possible future resale value...so would have paid a very small premium simply because they do have value. Then would have sold them on Ebay because I wanted a watch....not some more crap to keep track of cluttering the house. Had I bought new...especially before the days of the internet I am about positive I'd have tossed that stuff at some point just like any other watch I have purchased new. I think if one has some common sense, and used this site as a great guide, one can be pretty sure what they are getting, much more so than some easily obtained papers that you are basically holding for the "next guy" Like my watch and glad to have saved some coin because it had no papers.

[padi56]

Myself cannot understand why they called them papers unless it was because the old warranty was made of paper.The so called papers are nothing more than in most cases buying used is a outdated warranty.Today these so called papers and the plastic cards are much easier to fake than the actual watch.So never ever rely on the packaging or a bit of paper/card to prove authenticity of any watch unless buying from a 100% reliable source.Myself always buy on condition of watch and the seller plus if any service history,and not the packaging and boxes or plastic bits.

Well let be honest the Rolex packaging box is not the best around considering the prices of the watches.In my days with Rolex the boxes were perhaps put away somewhere and most times forgotten where you put them.Then the most important thing was the watch.And the same for the anchor they used to give with the subs SDs as they served no real purpose only purely for marketing.Today I have to smile at the prices some are willing to pay for hang tags, bezel protectors, anchors, and boxes etc, but that's the Internet and Rolex hype fever for you.

Now many of 1960s Rolex Tudor ladies boxes in those days they made them to be useful like for storing paperclips using as a cigarette box/ashtray etc.

[DiamondJack]

Originally Posted by padi56

Myself cannot understand why they called them papers unless it was because the old warranty was made of paper.The so called papers are nothing more than in most cases buying used is a outdated warranty.Today these so called papers and the plastic cards are much easier to fake than the actual watch.So never ever rely on the packaging or a bit of paper/card to prove authenticity of any watch unless buying from a 100% reliable source.Myself always buy on condition of watch and the seller plus if any service history,and not the packaging and boxes or plastic bits.

Well let be honest the Rolex packaging box is not the best around considering the prices of the watches.In my days with Rolex the boxes were perhaps put away somewhere and most times forgotten where you put them.Then the most important thing was the watch.And the same for the anchor they used to give with the subs SDs as they served no real purpose only purely for marketing.Today I have to smile at the prices some are willing to pay for hang tags, bezel protectors, anchors, and boxes etc, but that's the Internet and Rolex hype fever for you.

Now many of 1960s Rolex Tudor ladies boxes in those days they made them to be useful like for storing paperclips using as a cigarette box/ashtray etc.

Peter is absolutely right and the watch is always the most important factor and should be checked carefully irrespective of the added extras.

However, papers do add quite a lot of value and are a very nice addition if part of a true full package. I personally only buy full packages...... but would also be very hesitant if the watch only came with the guarantee certificate.

I have seen this on quite a few occasions in recent years and just don't believe that if someone went to the trouble of keeping the guarantee certificate they would not have also kept other bits and pieces such as the sales receipts etc. Therefore, whenever I buy a full package, I need to see all the little extras if I am paying the typical premium asked for......

[azguy]

Believe me, you want the box and papers when you go to sell it otherwise the vultures point out the missing "pieces" as an excuse to throw low ball offers at you.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by azguy

Believe me, you want the box and papers when you go to sell it otherwise the vultures point out the missing "pieces" as an excuse to throw low ball offers at you.

EXACTLY.

So why...why...why - unless you KNOW you will NEVER sell the watch... would you not want all the bits knowing most astute buyers - even if they didn't give a monkey's bum about box and papers - would use the fact they're missing as a bargaining point to offer you less! It just makes sense.

[Seaotter]

For new watches ?

No box No papers NO DEAL !

I also keep all Rolex repair/service bills in the box, for if I ever sell the watch / next generation.....

[timlaw]

Originally Posted by Seaotter

For new watches ?

No box No papers NO DEAL !

I also keep all Rolex repair/service bills in the box, for if I ever sell the watch / next generation.....

couldn't agree more - if the owner couldn't be bothered to keep all the stuff the watch came with - what chance he has treated the watch with any care?

and if the watch is even slightly "vintage" I would be looking for some service history for sure.

[Seaswirl]

I do prefer papers simply to show the watch's origins and history. With all the smash and grab robberies, my primary concern buying used would be buying a stolen watch. Btw, I've lost boxes before. Just happens.

[evlkoala]

Originally Posted by Seaswirl

I do prefer papers simply to show the watch's origins and history. With all the smash and grab robberies, my primary concern buying used would be buying a stolen watch. Btw, I've lost boxes before. Just happens.

Exactly, I like to know the watch's origins and history, it makes it more exciting to own.

[FTX I]

Used watch with box, papers, tags and service history usually means the owner cared about it, and that is really important IMO.

[Porter]

The other day sold one of my watches to a german called interested in the watch. I told him the watch had box and papers but were in other city ( I have all my watches in a special case and keep each box and paper work in other place ) so he had to wait a bit till receive it. Well... was a great surprise when this man said, " don't worry I don't want them" .....whaaaat????
Yes, some people thinks is important the watch not the "things" coming with!
I think is not hard work keeping them.

[dlack]

I've purchased many Rolex through various forums over the years, rarely with box and occasionally with papers. Always nice if the original Rolex serialized certificate is included, but its absence is not a deal-breaker for me. I always used the following wisdom in Rolex purchases: "Buy the seller, then the watch", and "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is". As a result, have never run into an issue re authenticity or otherwise. It takes patience, inquiries may have to be made and some research on the seller carried out (not particularly difficult these days online), but always worth the time and trouble. If a seller is slow to respond, or is reluctant to provide requested information, photos, and a guaranty of authenticity, or if for any other reason something doesn't feel right or add up (e.g. based on your research), walk away.

[Onikage]

They get lost, wife throws them out, disappear when moving house etc. Nice to have but serve no purpose except taking several square feet of wardrobe space.. At least in my case.

[firstOwatch]

Without boxes, instructions , angkor , accessories... are ok with me but MUST have paper work to prove the watch is not a stolen one !

Imagine if we all don't buy stolen goods ! We can wear our watches freely anywhere, anytime on Earth