What is considered a "new" Rolex?

[Stauffermi]

Hi. I just purchased my first Rolex from an authorized dealer. It is a Yacht Master with a serial number beginning with a D. In surfing around on the web, I realize that this is either a 2005 or 2006. Its definately "new in box" but I guess I'm a bit surprised to find that its actually 1 - 2 years old. I know that I've got the full two year warranty and all, but would any of you insist on a "newer" Z serial numbered piece? I'm sure its different, but I wouldn't buy last year's model of a car (even if nothing had changed) without insisting on a significant discount.

Thanks for any insight.

[leopardprey]

I would say a D, Z, or M series, even if a couple year old, if bought BNIB from an AD is considered new. You have nothing to worry about at all in getting a D Series. Nothing different than the Z series. A year or two does not make really any significant difference.

[Tools]

New is new...

Doesn't matter if it was built upon a D or Z or the latest M case... It starts when the warranty paper is filled out.

However.....This is a WIS group mostly....If you know that the latest is a Z, then when you buy you must insist to the AD that you will not take anything with a prior build date..

YM's are not fast movers...You will probably still find plenty of new D and Z models for sale..

It's more a personal thing than reality. There is no difference between the two except when the case was stamped..

[mike]

As Chad and Larry said, it's the same watch, and will have a new two year warranty. If you can get a break on the price all the better.

[worktolivelife]

Realtime makes no difference as long as the piece doesn't reflect it may of been on display for the last 2 yrs, personally i requested my AD order me a new one in just me!. to most if you should wish to sell it WILL come across as older than it actually is

steve
bit late now though as you.ve already purchased?

[chemist]

If you paid MSRP, then you should ask for the latest one as your watch probably have been handled by thousands of customers for the past 2 years. Certainly, some scratches will be found. On the other hand, if the AD gave you a good discount, that is fine.

[Stauffermi]

Originally Posted by chemist

If you paid MSRP, then you should ask for the latest one as your watch probably have been handled by thousands of customers for the past 2 years. Certainly, some scratches will be found. One the other hand, if the AD gave you a good discount, that is fine.

Yeah, that's what I assumed. I paid $7,500 which is about 12% off the $8,600 retail. I believe that's a pretty good deal.

What's funny is that I didn't even realize that the serial number aging could be used as a bargaining chip. No matter really because I do love the watch.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by Stauffermi

Hi. I just purchased my first Rolex from an authorized dealer. It is a Yacht Master with a serial number beginning with a D. In surfing around on the web, I realize that this is either a 2005 or 2006. Its definately "new in box" but I guess I'm a bit surprised to find that its actually 1 - 2 years old...

Thanks for any insight.

Welcome to TRF!

In a way you are LUCKY!

Because what you did just experience is what is called "buying a NOS Rolex".

"NOS" means "New Old Stock" and is IMHO a desirable thing, as long as the watch also APPEARS "new", condition-wise that is!

BUT:

You must consider that the watch is from 2005. And no automatic watch, including Rolex, benefit from lying around two years. Now, it MAY have been "activated" (set to run) occasionally during that period, but in an automatic watch there a oils. Those oils are of the synthetic kind, but would STILL tend to stiffen if they are not "moved about" inside the watch between the moving parts on a regular basis.

You do not need WORRY as such, but you should be aware that a Rolex ought to be serviced about every FIFTH your. So basically, YOUR Rolex ought to be serviced in THREE years since it has already TWO years "on its back" so to speak.

[Paulie]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

<snip>

You do not need WORRY as such, but you should be aware that a Rolex ought to be serviced about every FIFTH your. So basically, YOUR Rolex ought to be serviced in THREE years since it has already TWO years "on its back" so to speak.

That's what I did. Mine is a early Y series (2002-2003) which I picked up in Sept 03 (I know it's early because it has visible lug holes for the bracelet, and they switched to closed holes late in Y). So I wore the watch for 4 years daily, and just sent it in just before it's birthday on 03 Sept.

Another week or so and I'll have it back... not having a spare Rolex though is painful. I'll fix that problem before the next service.

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by Paulie

That's what I did. Mine is a early Y series (2002-2003) which I picked up in Sept 03 (I know it's early because it has visible lug holes for the bracelet, and they switched to closed holes late in Y). So I wore the watch for 4 years daily, and just sent it in just before it's birthday on 03 Sept.

Another week or so and I'll have it back... not having a spare Rolex though is painful. I'll fix that problem before the next service.

We must have bought ours at just about the same time, Paulie. My all black GMT is an early Y series with lug holes. I figure I'll probably wait a couple more years before having it serviced. I know what everyone says, but I'm of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" school.

[OysterDavid]

Originally Posted by Stauffermi

Hi. I just purchased my first Rolex from an authorized dealer. It is a Yacht Master with a serial number beginning with a D. In surfing around on the web, I realize that this is either a 2005 or 2006. Its definately "new in box" but I guess I'm a bit surprised to find that its actually 1 - 2 years old. I know that I've got the full two year warranty and all, but would any of you insist on a "newer" Z serial numbered piece? I'm sure its different, but I wouldn't buy last year's model of a car (even if nothing had changed) without insisting on a significant discount.

Rolex does NOT punch a new case for each movement that is ready to ship. Cases are cast, ground and polished in batches and then numbered. They then sit around for a bit until demand catches up to production and they are stuffed with a movement. It's entirely possible that your case sat on a shelf for a year or two naked as the day it came into the world, and then finally, when the Rolex stork deemed it to be born, it was fitted with a movement and bracelet and sent on it's way.

Speaking of bracelets, you probably have a better chance of dating the watch (without opening the case) by checking the letter and number code on the bracelet clasp which signifies the actual production date of the bracelet. You can check that code out at oysterinfo.de and click on english and then details, unless you speak german.

New is new is new and the warranty doesn't begin until the cash register rings. Sure, there's new old stock (NOS) but that is the exception and tends to be offered a the lower volume AD's, or at AD's that are no longer getting in new stock for one reason or another. Just an aside for NOS...last week I was at a resort in Hawaii where the AD had lost it's franchise. There was a brand new W series Oysterquartz still gathering dust with a price tag from the mid 90's. I posted here that AD was keen to offer immediate discounts just to be rid of the stock. On that particular watch, I have no idea of the battery power, but it was still ticking. Perhaps that AD changed the battery every two years or so. For someone wanting a new, but discontiued Rolex Oysterquartz, it would be quite a find at quite a price.

[Paulie]

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

We must have bought ours at just about the same time, Paulie. My all black GMT is an early Y series with lug holes. I figure I'll probably wait a couple more years before having it serviced. I know what everyone says, but I'm of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" school.

Sent ya a PM with my serial. Lets see ours are long lost brothers.

I want it to out last me, and service is the only way to make sure (at least mechanically). I considered selling/trading for a white ExpyII, though I'm also in love with the Roman Rhodium DJ), but it's the last of the lug hole GMTIIs, and it is my first Rolie. Don't have the heart anymore to flip it.

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by Paulie

Sent ya a PM with my serial. Lets see ours are long lost brothers.

I want it to out last me, and service is the only way to make sure (at least mechanically). I considered selling/trading for a white ExpyII, though I'm also in love with the Roman Rhodium DJ), but it's the last of the lug hole GMTIIs, and it is my first Rolie. Don't have the heart anymore to flip it.

As you'll see from my response, we're not too far apart. I would never part with mine. It was my first (and only) NIB Rolex but more important, it is my absolute favorite watch in my whole collection.

[Stauffermi]

Originally Posted by OysterDavid

Speaking of bracelets, you probably have a better chance of dating the watch (without opening the case) by checking the letter and number code on the bracelet clasp which signifies the actual production date of the bracelet. You can check that code out at oysterinfo.de and click on english and then details, unless you speak german.
.

Wow! You are the Man. My bracelet clasp is an "MA" which is 2005. Thanks for providing the insight.

PS - Its nice to have a forum like this with a bunch of helpful (and polite) enthusiasts.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

Welcome to TRF!

In a way you are LUCKY!

Because what you did just experience is what is called "buying a NOS Rolex".

"NOS" means "New Old Stock" and is IMHO a desirable thing, as long as the watch also APPEARS "new", condition-wise that is!

BUT:

You must consider that the watch is from 2005. And no automatic watch, including Rolex, benefit from lying around two years. Now, it MAY have been "activated" (set to run) occasionally during that period, but in an automatic watch there a oils. Those oils are of the synthetic kind, but would STILL tend to stiffen if they are not "moved about" inside the watch between the moving parts on a regular basis.

You do not need WORRY as such, but you should be aware that a Rolex ought to be serviced about every FIFTH your. So basically, YOUR Rolex ought to be serviced in THREE years since it has already TWO years "on its back" so to speak.

I disagree Bo and what you are saying doesn't make sense.

Why would you consider it lucky and desirable for someone to buy a new watch that was 2 years old and then tell them they need to have it serviced sooner than expected because the stiffened oils might not be too good. This make no sense. You bought an 'M' SD when you could have bought a 'lucky' and "desirable" old "Z" or a 'D' or a ?.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

We must have bought ours at just about the same time, Paulie. My all black GMT is an early Y series with lug holes. I figure I'll probably wait a couple more years before having it serviced. I know what everyone says, but I'm of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" school.

Hi God,

That's a bit like not servicing your car because it isn't broken.

[GoISU]

Stauffermi- Our YM watches are definitely long lost brothers. I got mine from an AD in Orland Park and my bracelet is a MA as well. I too was surprised to find out that my watch was produced in 2005 but after lurking here I learned it is not a concern. I got mine in November of 2006. Two YM's bound for Chicago, they probably came over in the same container...

[Stauffermi]

Cool! I bought mine at Fey in Naperville. Thanks for the post.