My Rolex CPO experience

[stupidcrow]

About a year ago, I decided that I wanted a late model Explorer II (16570) with the engraved rehaut (3186 movement). I preferred watches that were originally purchased from a US dealer and came with box and papers.

From there, I began my research. This model was discontinued 14 years ago so a new watch from an AD wasn't an option (I would've taken this route if it were). I became familiar with the recommended gray dealers and routinely browsed their storefronts. Good examples would occasionally pop up on WatchUSeek and I noted the turnaround time from initial posting to sale. Since gray market prices were identical to Rolex CPO (but without the Rolex authenticity check, recent service, and factory warranty), I took the CPO route. I browsed Reddit and TRF, but there wasn't much information about actual experiences with the Rolex CPO program.

One evening, I found the exact model I wanted on Govberg's CPO site. I called the next morning and got the process started. Here's how it went:

Drawbacks
1. The sales rep stated that Rolex had a very restrictive photo policy. They mentioned that only official Rolex photos could be provided. In other words, I couldn't request additional photos for clarification. I guess the only option would be to visit the dealer in person.
2. The watch came with its original box and paperwork, but I believe that the burgundy hangtag and paper display tags might be discarded by the AD and replaced with the white "Rolex Certified Preowned" insignia.
3. Case had been "lightly" polished, and while all of the edges remained sharp, there were some imperfections in the brushing around the lugs. Nothing that would be casually noticed, but definitely something you take note of when it's your watch.
4. Bracelet came undersized, so I couldn't immediately begin wearing the watch. It also had a minor amount of sag.
5. Details about what was replaced or updated during the CPO service were murky at best and only shared verbally.

Advantages
1. I traded a watch toward this purchase. My sales rep gave me a good price and kept their word.
2. My sales rep was very professional and honest. I worked with them throughout the entire purchasing process.
3. CPO watches come with a beige Rolex branded leather case, official CPO brochure, a white hangtag, a beige warranty card, and any original B&P
4. I called my sales rep to inform them that the watch was undersized and they quickly provided two new blister packed Rolex links at no extra charge.
5. Watch is running accurately at about +1-2s per day

Final thoughts
This is undeniably a used watch. It came with marks and imperfections, so I'm not as prone to baby it as though it were new. The 16570 is one of the last 5-digit models and has a certain allure to it, from the comfortable jangly bracelet + smaller stamped clasp to its subdued utilitarian appearance and 40mm case. CPO removes some risk and adds benefits to the purchasing process, however, it comes at a cost for watches that are selling above gray market prices.