Step By Step Preloved For Dummies

[Ricco]

Please sirs,share with me what items to check before purchasing a preloved...

[Woody]

The seller.........buy from a reputable source and you should be fine

[jimbones43]

Buy the seller
Ask a lot of questions
Have it fully insured by the seller when shipped
Enjoy

[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by Woody

The seller.........buy from a reputable source and you should be fine

X2

[Speed]

Know what you want.

[blama215]

Agree with other post always buy the seller first, this fourm seems to have many reputable sellers.

[Ricco]

You're saying checking is useless. Getting from a reputable seller is the only key to successful purchase?

[enronforme]

Originally Posted by Ricco

You're saying checking is useless. Getting from a reputable seller is the only key to successful purchase?

Checking what?
Bob

[Ricco]

Serials? Bezels? Dials? Whatever?

[Chris B]

Don't ever be shy of asking for your homework to be checked here on TRF,
better to be safe than sorry

[Megalobyte]

I'd ask if the watch has been serviced and if it's running inside COSC.

[Speed]

OK

1. Know the seller's reputation / what site(s) does he sell on? Discuss in the TRF who's who section. Correspond with buyers who have bought one or MORE watches from this person.

2. Look at the watches he is offering. You may miss out on a watch or two as you do your due diligence

3. Make sure the seller posts crystal clear photos of all angles of the watch.

4. Does he know when the last service happened?

5. Does the watch come complete with Box, papers, tags etc. (if you are interested)

6. What sort of payment method is required? PayPal? Bank Wire?

7. Get a phone # and email address - preferably a paid email address - i.e. not a free yahoo account.

8. Understand his return policy - if any.

9. Send your money, get your watch...enjoy

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by Ricco

You're saying checking is useless. Getting from a reputable seller is the only key to successful purchase?

You can't learn enough to out think a good swindler. What you can learn is what model you really want by studying the options and upgrades that are available in used Rolex. If you are after the watch that will be closest to new condition, for the money you have to spend, and you are very concerned about aftermarket parts, you should probably buy the most recent model that you can afford. The serial number will give you the approximate age and knowing what model you want is about all the info you'll need. After this, you just want to know that the watch is "stock" (everything is still the way Rolex built it-- bezel, dial, bracelet, movement).

The model numbers can help you figure out what was stock, but you can still get cheated. That's why "buying the seller" is the key. A good seller can tell you what you need to know. Then you can relax and enjoy your new watch.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Ricco

Serials? Bezels? Dials? Whatever?

Condition, condition, condition..

.Serial is irrelevant if it's the model you want, just make sure it has one; as well as the reference number on the other side..

Check lugs and case to ensure that they are not thinned down and over-polished..

If it's a plastic crystal it should be clear and not cracked; a sapphire needs a fingernail run around the edge to check for excessive chipping..

.Bezels should work as expected... depends on the watch...

.Dials - here is the minefield because most of the watches value is in the dial.... You NEED/MUST know what you are looking at and for..

.Whatever - enought links to fit you, bracelet stretch, Crown and stem function. Service history/provenance

Now, go out and get one...... These old watches must be rescued and preserved........

[Sharkrolex]

Things to check(watch on hand, face to face transaction):

1. Authenticity of the watch(this is where a trusted seller comes in).
2. Box and papers intact, booklets, manual, warranty card and or chronometer cert.
Make sure the paperwork matches the serial no. of the watch.
3. Is the crystal flawless? Does it have the laser etched crown?(newer models)
Does it have a small S?(replacement crystal)
4. Was the case refinished? How thick are the lugs? Any deep nicks?
5. Look how clean the dial is, use a loupe if you must. Check for dust, cracks etc.
6. Check the lume if you can, is it even, does the color of the hands lume match
those on the dial?
7. Check for bracelet stretch, does it sag too much?
8. Check for complete number of links on the bracelet.
9. Does it have the proper clasp for the bracelet?
10. Are the visible spring bars stainless and not worn out?
11. Original dial or replacement dial?
12. Unscrew the crown, any visible damage? O-ring intact?
13. Wind the watch, is it smooth?
14. Adjust the time, adjust the date, move it past 12, does the date change?
15. Shake the watch, any unusual sound, grinding?
16. Is the caseback scratched or marred?
17. Any rust or black gunk build up on the bracelet links?
18. Any bracelet adjustment screws loose or marred?
19. Any marks where the bezel meets the case?
20. If it has a turning bezel, does it turn smoothly? Markers aligned to 12 on the dial?
21. Is the clasp snappy? If with lock, is it not loose?

These are mostly cosmetic issues, I'm sure there are a lot more things to check.

[Ricco]

Wow, just wow. Great insights! Thanks.

[tifosi]

If buying from a trusted seller on TRF...most if not all the sellers here only deal in higher quality pieces so some of the checking is redundant.

Know what you want and buy the seller!

[Johny]

the trusted sellers on this forum are a good option for you. rolex made millions of watches so there is no shortage. imho condition is everything.

[Ricco]

The thing is international shipment are subjected to customs, taxes, duties & import barrier....:(

[Johny]

Originally Posted by Ricco

The thing is international shipment are subjected to customs, taxes, duties & import barrier....:(

hi where is DKI?

[Chipmunk]

Don't be shy to ask for discount.

[George Ab]

If outside the US from a US seller, does the seller have experiencing assisting you through negotiating the pathway through Customs.

[Ricco]

Originally Posted by Johny

hi where is DKI?

Jakarta, Indonesia, South East Asia.

[Speed]

Have you looked locally? What is the pre-owned market like in Indonesia. Much of the foregoing advice is still good...but I am unaware of your Rolex environment.

[buke45]

Originally Posted by woody

the seller.........buy from a reputable source and you should be fine

x2