Pre-owned Rolex watches That Actually Aren't.

[ming the merciless]

Has anyone else had a similar experience to mine ? I've had a Submariner for quite a few years now and I've always had a bit of a yen to get a more "dressy " watch. It was only about 3 years ago that I could justify financially the purchase of another Rolex. In March 2009 My local dealer had several watches of various make for sale in what was advertised as a pre-owned section. One was a Rolex Perpetual Date 15200, it was for sale at £ 1,650, down from if I remember correctly a list price of £2,950.

When I enquired about the watch I was told it was actually brand new and came with all the usual seals, boxes and the Rolex two year guarantee ! Of course I snatched their hand off and bought it with cash right away. After that I kept my eye on the shop waiting for an opportunity to get another bargain.

I'd had my eye on a Rolex Datejust Turnograph 116264 for a while but at £ 5,250 it was a bit rich for my blood. Imagine my amazement when in June 2011 I saw the same watch for sale at £ 3,500 ! The deal was a 20% down with three-year interest free credit ! I was in like a shot to spec out the deal. Yes it was a brand new watch as before, same seals, boxes, two year guarantee etc but they would only give me a two year interest free credit deal. Still this was just too good to turn down so the Turnograph became my third Rolex.

Shortly after this the shop lost it's Rolex dealership. I suppose times were hard and they just weren't selling enough Rolex watches. Unfortunately it doesn't look like there will be anymore bargains for yours truly.

Anyone else out there had a similar experience or can throw some light on shops selling discounted Rolex watches ?

[Brushpup]

Well sorry to hear it. It may be that they were victim to the Rolex Boutique mantra. Our economy is positively booming where I live and one AD was forced to stop selling them after 45 years of loyalty to Rolex. Now they Have Breitling, and Omega, with AP to follow.

[Chewbacca]

wow! i can see why you'll miss that rolex ad!

sounds like the writing may have been on the wall and they wanted to liquidate inventory...?

[Alpino]

_
It's not a photoshop.

I bought an Explorer 2 at this occasion ... now this AD is no more an AD ...

[chhatre9]

Yea.....they aren't supposed to do that....

[Speed]

The watch you bought at discount is simply not a very popular watch. That said, all that matters is you like it ... and enjoy it. Sounds like that's the case, so well done!

Some ADs will discount to move product. Of course Rolex takes a dim view of that now and is closing ADs left and right.

[hnt1987]

their businesses need to survive so they begin to cut some deal with customers, 20% in order to pay utility and rent bills + to feed their family + and to profit; it is the economy.

[GrahamF]

Hi Ming, (I guess that's your real name...)
Yes, I just picked up a real beaut at my local AD in London.
Datejust 116234, silver baton dial/jubilee bracelet etc... "unworn" for £3190.00!!
All stickers/seals/plastic bezel protector/boxes/papers etc...
Checked serial no. & it is "M" with a "PJ" clasp, meaning the watch has been in circulation from late 2008/early 2009 or so.
They had exactly the same watch in the window for the full retail price of £5300.00, not sure of the serial no.
I'm very happy............
The sales guy told me they are losing Rolex early next year due to their strict requirements (Ernest Jones at Westfield).

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by Alpino

_
It's not a photoshop.

I bought an Explorer 2 at this occasion ... now this AD is no more an AD ...

Now that's not something you see very often...

[GrahamF]

this is the "unworn" DJ, now being worn.....

[sond86]

I've come across something similar to this at several dealers, and they indicated they have approval to mark them down to clear them out. Each time these seemed to be "new old stock" and did have good discounts.
I've even seen some that were even 8-10 year old P serial items.

[RRGHOST1]

Nice DJ by the way,i like Silver dials with sticks,very classy. I have bought a couple of watches at Miltons(Miltonairs on webb)some they get have the stickers still on them and they might be a few years old. Good place to buy from and a similar type situation as yours,you did well.

[Freedom fighter]

I have recently bought a Rolex in exactly these circumstances. I was in bluewater shopping centre in Kent, and I always check Ernest jones stock. They have a pre owned section of maybe 5 watches or so. Well a few weeks back they had a two tone Daytona white dial for £6800. I thought immediately this wasn't a bad price so I asked to look at the watch. To my surprise, it was first sold in jan 2012 but fully stickered and in as new condition. The only sticker not present was the bezel. Because there were the faintest of hairlines on the bezel they couldn't resell the watch as new. Here's the best part. I whipped out the signet shareholder card and got another 10 per cent off the price and it stood me in £6140. List on this is currently £11,250. Result of the year for me and my new beater.....hasn't been off the wrist since!

Said watch....

[GrahamF]

hey Bill, now that IS a bargain & a very nice watch!!! & I thought mine was a deal...!!

[GrahamF]

Originally Posted by RRGHOST1

Nice DJ by the way,i like Silver dials with sticks,very classy. I have bought a couple of watches at Miltons(Miltonairs on webb)some they get have the stickers still on them and they might be a few years old. Good place to buy from and a similar type situation as yours,you did well.

thanks, I am very pleased with my first Rolex.....

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by Freedom fighter

I have recently bought a Rolex in exactly these circumstances. I was in bluewater shopping centre in Kent, and I always check Ernest jones stock. They have a pre owned section of maybe 5 watches or so. Well a few weeks back they had a two tone Daytona white dial for £6800. I thought immediately this wasn't a bad price so I asked to look at the watch. To my surprise, it was first sold in jan 2012 but fully stickered and in as new condition. The only sticker not present was the bezel. Because there were the faintest of hairlines on the bezel they couldn't resell the watch as new. Here's the best part. I whipped out the signet shareholder card and got another 10 per cent off the price and it stood me in £6140. List on this is currently £11,250. Result of the year for me and my new beater.....hasn't been off the wrist since!

Said watch....

Bill! Nice job! Beauty too!

[Ck8]

Originally Posted by ming the merciless

Has anyone else had a similar experience to mine ? I've had a Submariner for quite a few years now and I've always had a bit of a yen to get a more "dressy " watch. It was only about 3 years ago that I could justify financially the purchase of another Rolex. In March 2009 My local dealer had several watches of various make for sale in what was advertised as a pre-owned section. One was a Rolex Perpetual Date 15200, it was for sale at £ 1,650, down from if I remember correctly a list price of £2,950.

When I enquired about the watch I was told it was actually brand new and came with all the usual seals, boxes and the Rolex two year guarantee ! Of course I snatched their hand off and bought it with cash right away. After that I kept my eye on the shop waiting for an opportunity to get another bargain.

I'd had my eye on a Rolex Datejust Turnograph 116264 for a while but at £ 5,250 it was a bit rich for my blood. Imagine my amazement when in June 2011 I saw the same watch for sale at £ 3,500 ! The deal was a 20% down with three-year interest free credit ! I was in like a shot to spec out the deal. Yes it was a brand new watch as before, same seals, boxes, two year guarantee etc but they would only give me a two year interest free credit deal. Still this was just too good to turn down so the Turnograph became my third Rolex.

Shortly after this the shop lost it's Rolex dealership. I suppose times were hard and they just weren't selling enough Rolex watches. Unfortunately it doesn't look like there will be anymore bargains for yours truly.

Anyone else out there had a similar experience or can throw some light on shops selling discounted Rolex watches ?

Hi Ming,

I think ADs are like Main car dealers, they have to sell X number of watches per year so if they are not reaching the target they would pre-register the watch, like cars, and sell it on as pre-owned.

[caryyee]

Wow, there definitely seems to be some bargains to be had at AD's, you just gotta be at the right place at the right time!

[Gaijin]

Originally Posted by caryyee

Wow, there definitely seems to be some bargains to be had at AD's, you just gotta be at the right place at the right time!

Yea. Hope so. My old AD back in the States was closed by Rolex. They used to once or twice a year put all their older serial number but still new in box Rolex on sale. Some for 30-35% off MSRP. I picked up a DJ and a TT Blue Dial Yachtmaster on one of those sales. Sadly Rolex is going boutique.