New buyer needs help please

[wizzy boy]

Hi there my friends of Rolex-ness,
I am on the verge of buying a Rolex GMT 11, black.
The issue I have is the following:
It is available from a respected online company and is some thing you can go and try on in their store. They are not a Rolex authorised dealer but have been dealing in the big names for years.
The watch is 6 months old, brand new, still has the clear seals on the strap etc. fully boxed with warranty card, was originally purchased in ITALY on Christmas Eve 2014, word is that a broker who deals with the UK company manages to buy it from the Rolex dealer in Italy. So everything adds up.
My
Concern is that, how can a broker this particular Rolex from Italy and then sell it to a reputable pre owned watch company?
Just need to get my head around it to make sure all is good. My local Geuine Rolex dealer has warned me against buying a foreign Rolex even if it has a European warranty and all the papers. The Rolex am looking at has the remaining 18 months Rolex Warrenty left. Just need to figure out the legitimate factors of how it could be bought by the broker? Why didn't the Italisn Rolex store sell is in third store if the person decided it wasn't for him?
Looking forward to hearing back.

[Saoirse32]

I'm a bit confused by your question-
Do you mean how could a broker buy the watch in Italy and then sell it to your man in the UK?
Also, one must ask how much money are you saving here?

[AK797]

Who is the dealer? If they are like Iconic they are fine, many resellers in UK now buy cheaply from EU ADs they know and sell in UK for good discounts.

[Tools]

Many brokers buy Rolex watches in Italy and Hong Kong, to name a couple, because of their more liberal laws and marketplace. These watches are then resold into more lucrative markets.

It's how most business is conducted outside the "authorized" channels.

If they are bought through import-export companies that are "buyers" as opposed to retailers/resellers or consumers, they are still considered new. When imported into another country they become Grey Market products.

[wizzy boy]

That's correct. The company who is selling it here in the UK said one of his brokers has sourced it from a genuine Rolex dealer in Italy
Purchase 24th December 2014. Remainder of Warrenty left. Tags and all seals, plastic on watch. Unused. Saving of £350. However I am chipping in an omega which they have given me a fair price for hence why I am wanting to do the deal.
He thinks that for whatever reason it was bought as a present and he didn't want it? So yes, wondering why the Italian dealer didn't just re sell it there and how did it end up officially over here?

[joe100]

Buy from our trusted sellers here, far less hassle

[wizzy boy]

Really appreciate that very much.
That certainly explains it more clearer.
Just couldn't understand why the Italian Rolex
Dealer sold it to a broker when I Would imagine the UK would sell it only in their official Rolex dealerships. Seems the European way is more liberal.
I had 2 official Rolex UK dealers warning me against buying this and to buy only from their stores.........

[DR.Golf]

First, what is important is that you get the right watch. don't settle or pick a watch due to a deal. Buy what you truly want. Second, purchase from a source that is there for you if you need them. If you want the AD experince buy from one, you won't regret it. If you want a trusted seller, buy from one of them. Last week I purchased a Hulk from Bobby (Canwatchco), great guy and I was treated well. Not a huge transaction for either of us, we both received what we wanted.

It is not about how cheap one can buy a watch. These forums are full of experiences where someone took a chance on a deal that looked like there were great saving to be had and the transaction worked out to be a disaster. Is it really worth the risk for a few sheckles when you are buying a Rolex?

Go AD or Trusted Seller and you won't be sorry.

[wizzy boy]

Also, I did a separate valuation on watches of Switzerland UK website fort current sea master and it came up as £1308, took it in today and they offer me £450, no negotiation.
I can also see that you can do a value my watch on line and then drop he watch off at a dealer to confirm the price. Do hey have to send it off or do they confirm the value right there ok the spot?

[beer]

The official ADs would warn you against purchasing grey market watches. Although it is wise to be careful I would take what they say with a pinch of salt as they obviously want your custom and have been told to warn against grey dealers by Rolex

[Jack T]

For £350, it it really worth the hassle and uncertainty? The reduced warranty? Too many loose ends for me, I prefer the confidence and security of an AD.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by joe100

Buy from our trusted sellers here, far less hassle

He's in the UK. Too much hassle with customs and VAT buying from the USA.

Originally Posted by wizzy boy

Really appreciate that very much.
That certainly explains it more clearer.
Just couldn't understand why the Italian Rolex
Dealer sold it to a broker when I Would imagine the UK would sell it only in their official Rolex dealerships. Seems the European way is more liberal.
I had 2 official Rolex UK dealers warning me against buying this and to buy only from their stores.........

Any Rolex or Tudor watch with a valid warranty card from any country is internationally covered, worldwide. I have a couple of watches with Italian cards, and both have had warranty work done on them by Rolex in Hong Kong.

[wizzy boy]

Really appreciate your learned thoughts.
The only real question I now have is this:
The UK big player, watch dealer had told me 100% authentic Rolex GMT, bought in a Rolex dealer 24th Dec 2014. Still had wrappers on the watch etc. Box, papers, card with 18 months warranty. He also said that they bought it from a supplier in London who acquired it from his contact in Italy

I know that I will saving all in £800 (as they will give me more for my seamster trade in vale and the GMT has £300 off) BUT I just want to be reassured that that GMT has not be swopped for a brilliant fake? as they cannot tell by looking at the rolex if it is absolutely the one that is connected to the card and box etc.
Sorry to go on but I am in a right pickle as to what to do.
Many thanks

[beshannon]

Sorry to be cynical but there are too many details that read like a Nigerian email scam. Why the significance of Christmas Eve? How much less do you need to spend to be comfortable with this sale?

[AK797]

So who is the seller? Serial number on the watch's rehaut and the warranty should match and they should be able to tell you or even show you pics.

If they are reputable they will also take back the watch if it is fake. Also you have Trustpilot, TZ-UK and Newturfers where you can leave negative feedback that can really hurt them to ensure they do right by you.

[Old Expat Beast]

The serial number on the card should also be on the inner rim (or rehaut) around the bottom of the dial. But if you really don't know your way around a Rolex (no offense) then find a seller with a rock solid reputation and references. Otherwise, just use an AD, or take a holiday in Italy, and get a good AD discount there.

[Saoirse32]

Indeed! Also, I don't get why you won't name the "seller." Could go a long way in us giving you the best advice...I believe it's been asked a few times now. In the end, I'd pass on this deal. Usually, if you're patient, another good deal will materialize in the future. Good luck!

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The serial number on the card should also be on the inner rim (or rehaut) around the bottom of the dial. But if you really don't know your way around a Rolex (no offense) then find a seller with a rock solid reputation and references. Otherwise, just use an AD, or take a holiday in Italy, and get a good AD discount there.