When does a Rolex stop being a Rolex?

[Qoopy]

So, I do not yet own a Rolex, however, I think I may be in the market for one, or, I thought I was…here’s my dilemma:

I cannot afford a new Rolex, so I have been shopping the used market through the internet from many trusted web sites that have been mentioned here. It seems the watches that I can afford have had their bracelets replaced, and many have had a crystal conversion to sapphire done as well. Are these watches even considered desirable anymore? They “look” beautiful, but are they still worth the money seeing they have had so much work done to them?

Maybe it’s just that I cannot buy an all original Rolex, so I’m pushing the envelope of affordability? Thanks to all who offer their educated opinion.

- Qoopy

[Widows Son]

I don't have a problem with replacing bracelets and crystals as long as they're replaced with the proper Rolex parts. Why would someone wear a watch with a cracked or badly chipped crystal??? Replacing plastic with sapphire won't work in many cases and will make the watch less than water tight. Loose bands can be sent out and rebuilt. Replacing dials and bezels with aftermarket parts is a no no. The only exception to this is if you were to keep the original part and have it stored in case you ever wanted to sell the watch. As most collectors say, "it's only original once."

[Speed]

What model are you looking for?

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Widows Son

I don't have a problem with replacing bracelets and crystals as long as they're replaced with the proper Rolex parts. Why would someone wear a watch with a cracked or badly chipped crystal??? Replacing plastic with sapphire won't work in many cases and will make the watch less than water tight. Loose bands can be sent out and rebuilt. Replacing dials and bezels with aftermarket parts is a no no. The only exception to this is if you were to keep the original part and have it stored in case you ever wanted to sell the watch. As most collectors say, "it's only original once."

X2

Welcome to TRF.

Nothing wrong with used, and a lot of people buy them that way. However go for all original Rolex parts.

[AlbyCrowned]

You'd better look for something original in all of its parts!

[slcbbrown]

Welcome to the Forum and, hopefully, Rolex ownership. I'm a big believer in buying Rolex pre-owned. However, it does kind of force you to learn a bit about the brand. I've bought 2 brand new Rolex and 5 or 6 used over the years. Rolex are built to last 50+ years of daily wear, so getting one that someone else has used for 10 ro 20 years, is still a pretty good deal.

My experience in buying used is that the sellers tend to tell you most of what you need to know, but you have to recognize what they've told you. You have picked up on two of the more common and important things (sapphire "upgrade" and aftermarket bracelet) to understand. You can live with either but should understand the value and performance implications. A Rolex made for plastic crystal was not built for the sapphire crystals and watertightness will not be guaranteed, typically. This is a huge deal, but for the right price, you can have the watch put back to original.

Aftermarket bracelets are probably worth $50 to $100 (assuming not all gold). While the Rolex version is in the neighborhood of $1,000 to $2,000.

[eric23]

Welcome to TRF!

[Mike_Templar]

You could even try finding one with no bracelet to save money and wear it on a NATO.

[humvee]

For me, A Rolex stops being a Rolex when:
1) When It is stolen.
2) When It has fake parts.
3) When it is bought with a loan.
4) When it has diamonds added to it -- IF I want diamonds, I would go to Harry Winston. If I want a timepiece, I would go to Rolex.
5) When It is given to me as a gift -- A few attempts were made on me but all unsuccessful. I take tremendous pride in buying my own Rolex. I do not want it given to me as a gift, even by my own wife. Buying a rolex for me, searching for it, is a very personal experience for me-- kind of like using the restroom -- when I am in it, no one else is allowed in
6) last but not least, when it is on a strap! .............. OUCH!!!

[Timber Loftis]

Vintage Rolex's look great on straps, I think. Often the original bracelet gets so stretched that it's a better option. I keep one of my Rolex's on a $20 Nato strap.

The parts that you don't want to get non-OEM are the head and basically anything inside it. I would not trust a crystal conversion.

[buffy]

Maybe save up a bit and buy a great pre-owend one?

[harry in montreal]

i bought my first old air king for 1100.
then traded it plus about 1800 for an old GMT.
then traded the old GMT plus 1200 for a new sea dweller.

buy what you can afford and trade up!

i also like tudors. you can get a day-date for a grand.

[Qoopy]

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies. It seems my best bet is to save some more money and not rush into a purchase that I may regret over time. The reason I want to own a Rolex is a little bit about the struggles I've had toi endure to own one, so , I want it to truly reflect what it stands for.

In the mean time, I'll keep involved with the forums so I continue to learn. I'll also watch for "deals" as the present themselves. Thank you.

[Jwrightmcps]

I am not sure about your budget but you can definitely find great pre-owned watches out there for reasonable prices, especially compared to the cost of new ones… However you should be very patient and don’t just make a “quick” decision to buy one… Take your time to search and do your homework it will pay off in the end.

As a good example for finding great deals, I recently picked-up a great all original TT DJ 16233 that has a beautiful black dial and diamond markers, with all boxes, papers and hang tags for 3,500! I can tell you I had to search for about 2 months and passed on many watches to find this one, but in the end I got an excellent watch at a great price!

I would also agree with many that buying a watch that has aftermarket parts is not the best choice and there are many reasons for this. The largest is the quality of aftermarket parts, which will never come close to Rolex quality. Second is the installation of these parts, especially things like crystal upgrades. Believe me the last thing you want is water or moisture in your movement which will damage it and can cause rust, this will translate into a LARGE repair bill, maybe even more than you paid for the watch!

Anyway, do what is best for you and what will make you happy, just be sure to make well informed decisions and remember that if you turn enough stones over you will find what you are looking for!

Best of luck!

Jason

[Vetteman]

Does this apply to automobiles and motorcycles too?... If so everyone I own is now fake...

[MY-WATCH]

Originally Posted by widows son

i don't have a problem with replacing bracelets and crystals as long as they're replaced with the proper rolex parts. Why would someone wear a watch with a cracked or badly chipped crystal??? Replacing plastic with sapphire won't work in many cases and will make the watch less than water tight. Loose bands can be sent out and rebuilt. Replacing dials and bezels with aftermarket parts is a no no. The only exception to this is if you were to keep the original part and have it stored in case you ever wanted to sell the watch. As most collectors say, "it's only original once."

x3

[Qoopy]

Thank you everyone for your input. I am impatient and that is partly the reason for looking at used with aftermarket parts, but now I know that is not the right way to go. I guess I'll make a game of it and search for the very best deal while continuing to save. It will be at least a few more months before I own my frst Rolex.

[Jwrightmcps]

Originally Posted by Qoopy

Thank you everyone for your input. I am impatient and that is partly the reason for looking at used with aftermarket parts, but now I know that is not the right way to go. I guess I'll make a game of it and search for the very best deal while continuing to save. It will be at least a few more months before I own my frst Rolex.

Now you're talking! I myself love the hunt and the reward that comes when I get that awesome deal

Happy hunting!

Jason

[siewmaiwatch]

as long as it's all orginal, nothing wrong with it.

but for peace of mind (and this is very important imho), i would suggest just to save up a little bit more, and buy pre-owned from reputable sellers here on the forum. it will be worth the wait.

[Atomant]

Originally Posted by humvee

for me, a rolex stops being a rolex when:
1) when it is stolen..

x2

[MoBe]

Regardless of price I`d look for a watch with a verfiable history of ownership,as in one that comes with all it`s original paperwork including the original buyer`s receipt from a AD that is still in business.If you`re considering a watch without papers then you need more knowledge of the used market in Rolex.I`ve been studying for six months and I`m still learning the basics about used Rolex`s.

Good luck!

[Jwrightmcps]

Originally Posted by MoBe

Regardless of price I`d look for a watch with a verfiable history of ownership,as in one that comes with all it`s original paperwork including the original buyer`s receipt from a AD that is still in business.If you`re considering a watch without papers then you need more knowledge of the used market in Rolex.I`ve been studying for six months and I`m still learning the basics about used Rolex`s.

Good luck!

x2

[Numone]

Save and wait for the one you really want. I did and got what is a great watch with docs, boxes, receipts and history at a reasonble price - I saw it and knew this was the one. Yes, I did replace the plain SS bezel, but just because I prefer the fluted WG one - that was the one I was originally looking at buying new for more than twice the price two years ago, but couldn't justify buying at that time.

[gwalker]

Originally Posted by humvee

For me, A Rolex stops being a Rolex when:
1) When It is stolen.
2) When It has fake parts.
3) When it is bought with a loan.
4) When it has diamonds added to it -- IF I want diamonds, I would go to Harry Winston. If I want a timepiece, I would go to Rolex.
5) When It is given to me as a gift -- A few attempts were made on me but all unsuccessful. I take tremendous pride in buying my own Rolex. I do not want it given to me as a gift, even by my own wife. Buying a rolex for me, searching for it, is a very personal experience for me-- kind of like using the restroom -- when I am in it, no one else is allowed in
6) last but not least, when it is on a strap! .............. OUCH!!!

I 100% disagree with almost everything you just said.... The only thing I kinda agree with is the "fake" as you call them parts. Have you ever tried to source parts for a 70 year old Rolex??? Sometimes aftermarket parts are the only way to get one working again. A $60k DDII with diamond dial isn't a Rolex, HAHA. And a stolen Rolex as wrong and despicable as it is is still a Rolex. So what is the Rolex DSSD I got as a graduation gift, a timex or omega. It says Rolex but according to you it isn't. Must have come from Mr. Chang in Chinatown. Folex

[bigwatchman]

Originally Posted by gwalker

I 100% disagree with almost everything you just said.... The only thing I kinda agree with is the "fake" as you call them parts. Have you ever tried to source parts for a 70 year old Rolex??? Sometimes aftermarket parts are the only way to get one working again. A $60k DDII with diamond dial isn't a Rolex, HAHA. And a stolen Rolex as wrong and despicable as it is is still a Rolex. So what is the Rolex DSSD I got as a graduation gift, a timex or omega. It says Rolex but according to you it isn't. Must have come from Mr. Chang in Chinatown. Folex

Hey. Hey. Whats wrong with Omegas? They may not be a Rolex, but the definitely aren't a Timex... just my 2 cents...

[Timber Loftis]

Originally Posted by gwalker

I 100% disagree with almost everything you just said....

LOL, yeah I gotta chime in that I agree that the only thing agreeable on Humvee's list is #2. Otherwise his list:
- Incorporated Laertes's fatherly advice from Hamlet* into the horological requirement for what constitutes a Rolex.
- Declared my wife's DJ a non-Rolex simply because it was a gift from me.
- And for the coup de grace declared James Bond's Submariner a non-Rolex because it was on a strap.

And, frankly, even #2 is not a fait accompli on this question. For instance, I would gladly install a clear caseback on any Rolex without fear of making it a non-Rolex. Check out: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=154091. Additionally, my wife loves her DJ about 1000% more after I got her an AM diamond bezel for it last month.

LOLFLCOPTER.

(* "Niether a borrower nor a lender be" was Laertes's advice, as I recall it.)

[gwalker]

Originally Posted by bigwatchman

Hey. Hey. Whats wrong with Omegas? They may not be a Rolex, but the definitely aren't a Timex... just my 2 cents...

No disrespect meant. I love Omega. I was just throwing a brand out there. I think some of their sports models are on par with some Rolexs especially those with the cal 8500 mvt. I do not have "the Rolex Superior complex." A PO LM will probably be my next watch.

[brkanand]

When the letters R, O and L fade, it would read EX and therefore no longer a Rolex

[Dilemma]

Originally Posted by humvee

For me, A Rolex stops being a Rolex when:
1) When It is stolen.
2) When It has fake parts.
3) When it is bought with a loan.
4) When it has diamonds added to it -- IF I want diamonds, I would go to Harry Winston. If I want a timepiece, I would go to Rolex.
5) When It is given to me as a gift -- A few attempts were made on me but all unsuccessful. I take tremendous pride in buying my own Rolex. I do not want it given to me as a gift, even by my own wife. Buying a rolex for me, searching for it, is a very personal experience for me-- kind of like using the restroom -- when I am in it, no one else is allowed in
6) last but not least, when it is on a strap! .............. OUCH!!!

I find this post utterly ridiculous.
A stolen Rolex isn't a Rolex any longer? Really?
Fake parts I'll concur.
Bought with a loan, no longer a Rolex. An Amex?
Diamonds added. After the fact, MAYBE. Lemme muse.
A gift. And you relate this to using the restroom. Portable, or stationary?
And finally, a strap. Damn plastic throws me off too.