New or preowned Rolex ?

[AIKO]

If money is no concern, buy new from AD. If getting a great watch at a good deal is important (like me) go pre-owned. In my mind, warranty for two years is not really that important. The chances you will need it are slim.

[rkot07]

I have purchased 2 new Rolex's in the past and about a month ago I purchased a pre-owned Yachty. Boy did I save a ton of money. Plus I got a 2 year warranty from the shop.
No problems what so ever buying pre-owned for me.

[austinmc]

I have three pre-owned and have had no problem. The Day-Date was obtained for 33% of retail new.

[lobo58]

Originally Posted by roamer

How does that work? Will any AD do this service? Is there a fee, if so is it reasonable?

Sure. If there's a fee associated, it will be moot. Just checking the serial number, an AD will be able to tell you that the watch is authentic and it's service history, as well as whether or not it is stolen, which is key. If you buy a stolen watch, it isn't yours.

[allanofcalifornia]

I would go pre-owned only IF I could save at least $1,000 over a new one from a GD. Otherwise I would buy a new one from a GD IF I could save at least $1,000 over a new one from an AD.


Allan

[bodybump]

There is more thrill buying a pre loved Rolex...the search of finding the best price is what excites me...and if i tend to loose interest it wont hurt much selling it...maybe for more...but then there is more security in buying new...

[Watchdog]

If you are careful, the prices for used right now are unbelievable. However, you must research and research and research some more--watch price trends again and again and again. And, as several have mentioned, you really are buying the seller and must be extremely careful.

Second option . . . buy from an A.D. However, in this case you must play hardball. You must stand up for yourself and negotiate. Or you must take a more charming tactic. You need to find the best strategy and apply it to every individual A.D. you encounter. Don't hesitate to play them against each other. This is business and only business, nothing personal. When it comes to this choice, "negotiation," it doesn't take as much research but requires more charisma.

Third, my favorite option . . . find a REPUTABLE and I DO MEAN REPUTABLE seller on this forum (with BNIB, warranty card in your name, all boxes, papers etc. from an A.D.), establish a relationship, and enjoy your watch with confidence and a substantial savings.

Ultimately, to each his own. Only you can decide what is best for you. However, I promise you if you spend the time and are patient, no matter the option you choose, you will have an amazing watch at an amazing price.

[Z-Sub]

First one, new, from AD or GD.
After that, I've gone both way...

[walds11]

Most of my purchases have been pre-owned. Let someone else take the intial depreciation hit.

[Lowflight]

I am not a high rollin balla like so many.....but Rolex is one of those watches that you can find a fair priced used watch all day long that is just as nice as new and much cheaper than buying from an AD

[zak98]

i have done both. new and pre-owned.. but my pre-owned purchases have all been off of WN, TZ or TRF.

i bought my GMT II (pepsi) new last may at a swiss watch "event" at a local AD. it was a very nice experience.. champagne, crackers/ cheese, nice music, brought in my R series datejust for a service, they did for free (not full service), free wolf watch winder..etc.. was a great night, with a lot of watch WIS there.

i missed this years event (last thursday) as i was out of town.

the "for sale" forums here or TZ, WN have a great many sellers offering great values, so be sure to take a look there as well!


good luck!

mike

[pz93c]

Originally Posted by walds11

Most of my purchases have been pre-owned. Let someone else take the intial depreciation hit.

Amen, Walds.

[tifosi]

It all comes down to personal preference. I knew that, before buying my first Rolex, I liked buying new. But, knowing that I still decided to buy pre-owned for my Sub. I saved myself a bunch of money and I really absolutely love my Sub. Unfortunately, I still find myself wishing I bought new. The watch just doesn't feel like its mine. So now I'm stuck with deciding wether or not I want to sell my pre-owned and go buy a new one. Biggest issue is that my Sub is non COSC. Haven't seen a new one of those in my AD's case in a while... Maybe I should keep my Sub and go buy a new LV. I think that will make me feel better...

[Bebot]

Originally Posted by drtooth73

Definitely pre-owned.
You can buy a used TT for a price of new SS

That's because TT have no resale value whatsoever.

[Bebot]

The beauty of buying a pre-owned is can sell it again for pretty much what you'd paid for if you don't like it. On some occasion you can even make money.

[Wooddog44]

Originally Posted by jason981

Hi all,

What does everyone think abbout buying new versus preowned watches. Is it better to buy new from an AD or pick up an almost new preowned for less cost.

Advanntages and disadvantages ??

Depends, in large part, on whether you are a "newest/latest" type person or not.

With my vehicles I generally go for the specific one I want but look for it coming in off a short term (2 or 3 yr.) lease. Then I get the benefit of a still relatively new vehicle without paying what the first owner/driver did when it was brand new.

Similarly with watches there are, of course, pros and cons to both but to get the "same" watch at a reduced price because another person had it for a couple of years first seemed a much better way to go in my opinion. A Rolex after all is designed to last for many, many years so in the big picture are the first few really that important? It is crucial though to make a pre-owned purchase from a reputable dealer or jeweler to assure that you are in fact getting what you pay for.

[Jet]

If you purchase new from an AD - you will get the peace of mind that you have purchased a genuine watch with a warranty. However, purchasing a pre-owned watch from a reputable seller will save you a considerable amount of $$$ & some reputable dealers will give a warranty.

If you purchase pre-owned, know your seller (investigate & check them out) X 3. You don't have to look far - there are plenty here on this forum.

There are those of us that are fascinated w/ vintage watches. Well, there is only one way to acquire them, that is pre-owned.

I have been kissing up to my father for nearly 12 years to sell me his 1980 SS Daytona (Ref 6263). Unfortunately, I have not yet met his asking price! I was 9 when he purchased it new. Since then, I have been wanting it. He let me wear it on several "special" occasions, but the local SWAT team always came by to get it back.

[slcbbrown]

I bought my first (GMT root beer) in 1974. I've bought three used (2 Exporer II's, and one 2-tone DJ) and have never been disappointed. Lots of great choices and prices on the used market.

[Bulltrapper]

I'd much rather know I'm the original owner, but hey, pre-owned sales is what keep the values up.

[Soarhead2]

If like me your from Dublin then buy from Ian Blowers in Hull. Ask for Mark Blowers.
100% reliable and will do a deal especially with STG vs Euro.
The website is http://www.blowers-jewellers.co.uk/

I just bought a DJ Turnograph and Im delighted. I even brought it to Weirs to have it verified as 100% genuine.
rgds

[Chozn1]

I bought the first 6 new and the last 4 used. If you know the seller, go the used route and take a trip to vegas with the difference.

[hawg]

I also have bought pre-owned and had very good luck. It looks as new as the newest model and keeps excellent time.

[Foxy]

Like someone said before, I think for your first watch, you should probably get new. Especially if it's a model you've been after for a while and which you know you will keep. It makes a difference knowing you have been the only one who's worn this watch.

After the first one, I reckon used is the way to go too. Besides, a lot of flipping is likely to take place :-) And the deals are TRF are among the best, from what I've seen since I've been here (not very long admittedly).

[johnswatch]

It had always been my aim to buy a Rolex Sub. Ended up buying a brand new SD. I would never have been totally satisfied knowing I was not the first owner of my 'grail' watch. Besides, hard bargaining will often get you a new one for the price a recently bought second hand watch.

After that I bought a Datejust used. Any future Rolex purchaes will definately be used watches and there are some very good prices out there at the moment.

[landroverking]

I have done both, new from an AD 5 times, 5 times used or from a Grey dealer. Right now there is a couple of used/grey dealers that have earned my trust and I doubt I will ever buy new from an AD again...As others have said it really is about what makes you happy and if there were an AD that I had a relatationship with I might feel different. The last AD I bought from has since lost his Rolex and Patek lines but I still have my Rolex's serviced there and they come back looking new.

[JPersat]

I bought one new at the AD, I liked it, but didnt love it. All the ones I have now are preowned. These are the ones that I have in my possession. My brother has one, and my dad has another.

[FremStar]

Originally Posted by diablojota

You will never get enough of a decent offer from Tourneau or any AD. Your best bet is to see what people have an equivalent watch priced at here and at other venues. Welcome to the forum. You should also post this in a new thread.

Thank you for your response Frank. I am actually viewing this for the first time since my original post. I actually decided to keep it and just recently purchased a 116231 on this site from lawrenceb. Awesome transaction! Still on the hunt to find the white mop 116234 for my wife.

Sam

[HL65]

Clean papered pre-owned--save the money!

[JBat]

My tendency is to buy new, but with the ever-escalating prices of new Rolex watches, I'm starting to lean towards pre-owned. I feel much more confident in doing so based on what I've learned here about buying the seller and what to look for in a used watch.

[TempoKing]

Originally Posted by jason981

Hi all,

What does everyone think abbout buying new versus preowned watches. Is it better to buy new from an AD or pick up an almost new preowned for less cost.

Advanntages and disadvantages ??

Although Some real Rolex watches you can only buy pre-Owned
I think brand new is the way to go.
When you can get a brand new...let's say Submariner 16610 for $4950
why would you buy a one or two year old for 4450..?
Do you buy from an AD or a grey seller..?
Again here it all depends if you know your grey seller or the seller in general.
I would check an AD first in your area just to measure how nice or how rude
they are, then see if you can have a discount...most would say NO
If so then ask your favorite grey seller to supply the desired watch
at a discount...depending on the type of Rolex you want the discount
will be offered accordingly.
Expect to pay more than retail for only one Rolex, the steel Daytona.
All the others start at 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% off MSRP.