ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
25 October 2020, 02:36 PM | #1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: London
Posts: 56
|
Question for those who've bought used
I'm looking to buy a late model 16710, just wanted to know from anyone who has bought used, whether it's common practice to ask the dealer to open up the case back so that it can be verified that it's all legit inside or would this be frowned upon?
|
25 October 2020, 02:45 PM | #2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: TRF
Posts: 2,270
|
Buy from a TS and you needn’t worry about that. I bought my 16710 from a TS in July this summer.
As they say here on TRF, buy the seller. |
25 October 2020, 02:52 PM | #3 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Real Name: Roger
Location: Colorado
Watch: this ya'll
Posts: 4,966
|
Quote:
No it’s not. Most “people” selling used do not have the tools. Some of the large sellers may have them, but I still wouldn’t ask. You either trust the seller or not IMHO. Other users may disagree.
__________________
Current Collection: Rolex 126619LB, 116710BLNR, and 216570 polar Explorer II; Omega Apollo 8 Speedmaster and Planet Ocean 42; Tudor BB Bronze Bucherer Blue Edition; Nomos Neomatik 42; Breitling Aerospace, Avenger Blackbird, & SuperOcean 44; Doxa 300 Pro Carbon; Stowa Limette; Laco Napa Flieger; Mickey Mouse Timex Electric; and dare I say it...an Apple Watch too |
|
25 October 2020, 03:48 PM | #4 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Real Name: Francisco
Location: San Juan, PR
Watch: Is Ticking !
Posts: 25,168
|
Question for those who've bought used
If its a dealer yes think is not that rare of a request and is a reasonable request; if it’s a private party not common and as said above many wouldn’t have the means to open it or perform a pressure testing afterwords.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
__________________
Francisco ♛ 16610 / 116264 Ω 168.022 / 2535.80.00 / 310.30.42.50.01.002 / 210.90.42.20.01.001 Zenith 02.480.405 2FA security enabled |
25 October 2020, 10:26 PM | #5 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Real Name: Josh
Location: Lost in time
Watch: Me Nae Nae
Posts: 9,823
|
I agree with those that have said that if it’s a dealer sure it’s a reasonable request. I wouldn’t ask a private party to do it as they won’t have the tools or experience to properly open it up.
Also just a side note in response to the people who have said if it’s a trusted dealer you don’t have to worry... 99% of the time that’s likely to hold up. But I’m not entirely convinced that every trusted seller is opening up the case back to verify the movement is correct. I could name a half dozen cases where Franken-watches have slipped through the hands of very trusted sellers. It’s more common than you may think. Many of these trusted sellers are so large that they may not even actually touch the watch personally. Of course if there was an issue post-sale a trusted seller will no question make it right. But It’s up to you to do your due diligence. Ask every question you need to so you feel comfortable. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
"Sometimes the songs that we hear are just songs of our own." -Jerome J. Garcia, Robert C. Hunter |
25 October 2020, 10:30 PM | #6 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: FL
Watch: OP41 Silver
Posts: 1,814
|
All “Trusted Grey Market” vendors on this site and in general will remove case back and inspect the movement. If you’re buying even “new” from the GM it’s already been partially disassembled. Another reason GM isn’t my favorite. Watches have been properly molested and sold as “new or unworn” when they’ve clearly been worn and scratched up and opened up. And if they aren’t doing this, there’s too high of a risk of it being a fake. So if you buy grey it’s either been molested and dust has been introduced into the movement and seals have been worn some, or it’s a fake, or you got really lucky neither happened and you’ll never know for sure.
|
25 October 2020, 10:35 PM | #7 |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Real Name: Goat
Location: Southwest Florida
Watch: 16613
Posts: 5,442
|
I personally did not have them open the case back or even ask. I bought from a trusted seller. YMMV and I don’t think it’s a bad idea, just not one I would do. The case back on my watch will be opened when it goes to get its yearly insurance appraisal, they have a pressure tester.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
25 October 2020, 10:39 PM | #8 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Chicago
Posts: 89
|
Quote:
|
|
25 October 2020, 11:27 PM | #9 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Real Name: Lee
Location: 42.48.45N70.48.48
Watch: Too many to list!
Posts: 33,674
|
Echoing the trusted seller aspect; buy from a known entity and you'll be fine.
|
25 October 2020, 11:29 PM | #10 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Hong Kong
Watch: 16610 Sub, 16710 P
Posts: 333
|
I bought a late model 16710 from OCRolex and it was a great idea. Paid more than perhaps buying from a random individual but some element of trust. Then I had a rolly service and all legit.
Sent from my SM-G9730 using Tapatalk |
25 October 2020, 11:44 PM | #11 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: USA
Watch: Collector
Posts: 1,482
|
I bought a z-serial 16710 from SD Watches a few years back. I did not ask for Tony to open the case. The watch was practically NOS condition, and I have never questioned authenticity, nor would I. Additionally, if/when it goes in for service, I know without question if there was an issue with illegitimate parts or otherwise, Tony would make it right.
Note: if I was paying a premium for a 3186 movement, yes- I would want pics to verify this.... otherwise, no need. |
25 October 2020, 11:48 PM | #12 |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Real Name: Goat
Location: Southwest Florida
Watch: 16613
Posts: 5,442
|
|
25 October 2020, 11:51 PM | #13 |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: United States
Watch: Rolex and Patek
Posts: 11,383
|
I would never open the case. It was closed in correct humidity and dust free air conditions at the factory. Why let dust and humidity into the movement.
|
26 October 2020, 12:10 AM | #14 |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Real Name: Stan Cooper
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Watch: GMT-Master II
Posts: 2,880
|
Buy the seller.
I had previously (23 years ago) bought a 1675 from Bernard Watch, then in Dallas. That transaction went smoothly, and as soon as I got it I sent it to RUSA in NYC for service and to change the Jubilee bracelet to an Oyster Lock. It turned out the previous owner had it serviced twice since new at RUSA. Over the years, I had bought a number of watchmaker tools including a case back opener and a limited assortment of Rolex case back O-rings. When I decided to buy a 16710 earlier this year, I went back to Bernard which had relocated to Austin, and purchased a P-serial number (c. 2000) 16710N with box and papers that had been serviced by RUSA. When the watch arrived, I opened the case and verified the movement was an authentic Rolex 3185. The watch is in like new condition in spite of being 20 years old. The purchase price was $12,500 which is not out of line in the current market.
__________________
♛16710 GMT-Master II, ♛1915 Rolex WW1 Trench Watch, Zelos Thresher 500m GMT Meteorite, Zelos Swordfish 40 200m Ti Blood Moon Meteorite, Hamilton Pilot Chronograph, Ball Roadmaster Pilot GMT COSC Chronometer, Zelos Mako 300M Traveler GMT Meteorite, Seiko SSC813 quartz solar powered chronograph It's weird being the same age as old people. - Stan |
26 October 2020, 12:18 AM | #15 |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: California
Posts: 3,133
|
I bought my Tudor Sub from a TS. Did not bother asking him to open it. I did however send it in to get serviced when I received it, new superdome installed, and the rehaut cleaned so no surprises either way.
|
26 October 2020, 01:18 AM | #16 |
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: NL
Watch: Yachtmaster
Posts: 14,745
|
Not common, expect refusals.
Sellers are dealing with many tyre kickers and so called experts. They might pass and sell to someone who shows no distrust.
__________________
Day Date 18238, Yachtmaster 16622, Deepsea 116660, Submariner 116619, SkyD 326935, DJ 178271, DJ 69158, Yachtmaster 169622, GMT 116713LN, GMT 126711. |
26 October 2020, 01:26 AM | #17 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,170
|
I don’t know how common it is. I bought from an individual I didn’t know, took it to an AD and had it’s authenticity confirmed.
“Buy the seller” is true enough I suppose. That’s no guarantee of anything either. Is it. |
26 October 2020, 01:31 AM | #18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: TRF
Posts: 2,270
|
|
26 October 2020, 01:48 AM | #19 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Michigan
Posts: 166
|
I purchase used and always try for no box/papers to keep the price down if I don’t intend to resell. Buy the seller and you will be fine. That said I DO have my watch maker open them up and service them once I get them and I’ve never been burned.
Well...I recently was burned on a new one that broke a week into ownership LOL but it’s under warranty. |
26 October 2020, 01:51 AM | #20 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Michigan
Posts: 166
|
One thing you can also do is build the price of a factory service into the purchase...that would answer any questions
|
26 October 2020, 01:54 AM | #21 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Middle East
Posts: 1,808
|
I liken it to people asking to see the engine of a used car. It’s fine if you know what you’re looking at / for, but otherwise seems pointless if buying from a trusted source.
I bought a late 16610 from a trusted vintage dealer. I didn’t ask to see the movement as it came with a 12 month warranty and all the paperwork I could ever need. |
26 October 2020, 05:11 AM | #22 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: SA,TX
Watch: 16570,BLNR,116610
Posts: 2,241
|
I didn’t and I bought my 16570 polar at grey from Federico at delray watch. buy from TS and no worries
|
26 October 2020, 07:57 AM | #23 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 1,759
|
I have never asked but if they did open it for you, would you know what to look for? I wouldn’t and I have owned quite a few Rolex’s. The inside can look authentic as well. I don’t buy from, the “trusted sellers “on this site due to their markup but if new to this game it may be worth it for your piece of mind. No matter where you get it BUY THE SELLER!
|
26 October 2020, 10:56 AM | #24 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Abroad
Posts: 829
|
Quote:
Not sure if there are any UK trusted sellers on here but if there are it is probably few enough that it would significantly reduce the choice. But along the same sentiment, i would buy from a trusted source with good online reviews and it shouldn't be necessary. |
|
26 October 2020, 11:07 AM | #25 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: May 2017
Real Name: Louis Nick Ric
Location: Michigan, USA
Watch: Blnr, Expll, Subs,
Posts: 10,171
|
Common practice? I'd say no. I know when I traded in a 14060 the AD, (not mine now) opened it first thing. I say it goes both ways, if that is a priority for you how can it hurt to ask. They can only say yes or no. I bought two 5 dgt pieces in the last 1.5 years and felt comfortable with both sellers so it wasn't an issue for me. One was a private seller who I know couldn't and one from my AD whom I felt no need to ask. Whatever you do, buy the seller first, that's been said a million times.
Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.