Rolex Warranty/Trusted Seller Question

[dmash]

Good evening Gents.

So I've perused the forums for well over 10 hours, compiling (what I hope to be) all the knowledge necessary for my first Rolex purchase. This is a fantastic website with a wealth of knowledge! Was definitely informative to say the least. After all my research, I still am uncertain about a particular subject, which I'm hoping you all can help me with.

Let's say I were to purchase from a Trusted Seller here. Firstly, I'm under the impression that to ensure you wouldn't need a 'proof of purchase' (if warranty work was needed), it would be wise to only get a watch that was from a stateside AD. Check. However this brings me to my point of confusion. I see from a couple Trusted Sellers......the watch is brand new, with a blank warranty card. How is this possible that I can receive it blank and fill in my own name? I thought it was a requirement of Rolex for all Dealers to complete this card in full and have photographed documentation of it? This would seem to me like it's a Grey Market watch and not from an AD.

Any help would be appreciated here! Honestly, even with VAT/discounts, loophole this or that.......it's just about the same price + MUCH simpler to just purchase from a Trusted Seller (as long as somebody can clarify on the above). I just need to be certain that everything would be legitimate as I don't want to purchase such a high price item then perhaps have to fork over more money in 3 years due to warranty issues.

Thanks in advance!

*Oh and in case you guys were wondering, have my eyes on the 116600. Ever since it was released I had slowly started putting back for it. Excited beyond belief the time has almost come

[beshannon]

Have you asked a "trusted seller" this question?

[azguy]

You're an AD guy just buy your watch there

[blue16613]

Originally Posted by azguy

You're an AD guy just buy your watch there

I agree 100%. The only way for you to be absolutely sure is to purchase the watch from an AD. Even given the huge amount of positive feedback you will find here on some "trusted sellers," in the end,if you buy from one of them it's just a crap shoot.

Please know that I am NOT saying anything bad or disrespectful about them.....the best of the "trusted sellers" are totally trustworthy and will oftentimes exceed your expectations with the quality, speed and personalization of their service. But, when it comes to the warranty, unless it is filled out by the AD with your name and you have a matching bill of sale there will always be the off chance that it will not be honored. Don't let any of them tell you otherwise.......

Now, if a "trusted seller" will offer you a warranty from a US (if you are in the US, not sure about the rest of the world) Rolex AD stamped and dated with your name AND you speak personally with the AD and get confirmation of it, you are "good to go." But I doubt any of them will offer this.......

Again, I am referring only to the absolute "watertight" (no pun intended) nature of a warranty. Others will opine I am wrong but after reading their posts, spend some time on this Forum and read hundreds of posts from people who's warranty was not honored OR call one of the Rolex Service Centers and ask them.

Good luck!

[dmash]

Originally Posted by azguy

You're an AD guy just buy your watch there

I assure you I'm not. Wouldn't simply fork over thousands more for no reason whatsoever if it can be avoided. I'm simply asking a question. I've bought plenty of 'higher end' watches, none of which have been from an AD and some Grey Market, etc. Rolex with a 5 year warranty is a different story though, as it's definitely worth it to ensure the warranty is in effect and all is ok. A 2 year warranty was always whatever to me as I've never had anything go wrong in that time frame. The other difference is this whole 'photograph the completed warranty card' deal when the watch is first purchased. These are all different things and I'm trying to educate myself. Rolex isn't the only brand of nice watches you know...

This isn't anything close to my first rodeo friend, I just never joined RF because I never felt the need. Been on WatchuSeek and Paneristi forums for years and years. Think it's a decent subject I'm inquiring about, especially when compared to some of the threads that clog up the general discussion here.

Originally Posted by blue16613

I agree 100%. The only way for you to be absolutely sure is to purchase the watch from an AD. Even given the huge amount of positive feedback you will find here on some "trusted sellers," in the end,if you buy from one of them it's just a crap shoot.

Please know that I am NOT saying anything bad or disrespectful about them.....the best of the "trusted sellers" are totally trustworthy and will oftentimes exceed your expectations with the quality, speed and personalization of their service. But, when it comes to the warranty, unless it is filled out by the AD with your name and you have a matching bill of sale there will always be the off chance that it will not be honored. Don't let any of them tell you otherwise.......

Now, if a "trusted seller" will offer you a warranty from a US (if you are in the US, not sure about the rest of the world) Rolex AD stamped and dated with your name AND you speak personally with the AD and get confirmation of it, you are "good to go." But I doubt any of them will offer this.......

Again, I am referring only to the absolute "watertight" (no pun intended) nature of a warranty. Others will opine I am wrong but after reading their posts, spend some time on this Forum and read hundreds of posts from people who's warranty was not honored OR call one of the Rolex Service Centers and ask them.

Good luck!

Thanks for the detailed response. Yeah, that's just what I'm trying to wrap my head around. As stated above^, I could usually care less about legitimizing the warranty, but Rolex offering the 5 year warranty is definitely a huge plus.

Originally Posted by beshannon

Have you asked a "trusted seller" this question?

Still waiting on the response. Figured I would bring up here and possibly get some first hand opinions.