Will sending Rolex a watch help resale value?

[RLROCK]

My preowned Rolex YM 116622 did not come with papers when I purchased it. I have been debating whether or not to send it to Rolex for a routine service so that it comes back with some pedigree papers just in case I want to sell it in the near future.

It was produced in 1999, and I have no idea if and when it was ever serviced. It keeps incredible time (+3 seconds per day) and looks good except that the platinum bezel doesn't look like it just came out of an AD's showcase (but it still has some nice shine and luster).

Would this increase the resale value more than enough to offset the cost of the service? Is the service record almost as good as having papers? Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks.

[Swift_Movement]

You might want to send it in to have the seals checked anyways

[powerband]

I would personally pay $600 to $800 more for a Rolex with (recent) service paper, sans original box and papers.

[Tools]

Having "paperwork" is a negotiating issue (more on the Internet than anywhere else) and has little to do with much else..

If you have a good example then it is unlikely that spending 600-1000 bucks or more, just to have a service guarantee, is going to garner you that much of an increase in value.

What current paperwork does is increase your market pool because there are some who will not buy anything without what they perceive as "paper". Market value is still market value and what you are willing to accept is the bottom line..

[HL65]

For some yes for me no....so quite personal.

[powerband]

I agree with Tools; it's just that I'm willing to spend $600-$800 more for one with paper to know that a real Rolex heart is ticking inside the watch I'm buying -- which means if a preowned Rolex has no paper of any kind, I'm probably one of those who won't buy it... unless it's $600-$800 below preowned market value and from from someone I trust.

[DanG]

Something is wrong here. There was no 116622 YM in 1999. The 116622 YM was introduced in 2012.

I would have iit checked to make sure it was a real 16622.

[GradyPhilpott]

I wouldn't send it in for service to gain paper or increase value, but I would certainly do so to protect my investment.

This is not to say that I don't think that papers are unimportant, but a certifiably sound watch is more important than papers.

[SohAIS]

I would leave it if it does not need service.

[s14roller]

Would leave it and discount the price

[R.J.]

Originally Posted by powerband

I would personally pay $600 to $800 more for a Rolex with (recent) service paper, sans original box and papers.

Me too.

[mikkolopez]

For me, any RSC servicing will help in bringing the watch back to specs or at least like new condition for the aesthetics. Therefore should help in setting a higher resale value than a "beaten up no servicing" watch.

On the pedigree (if no papers) it should help in establishing that it's all original and authentic. Whether the buyer wants another round of "certification" before paying up is another story.

[crowncollection]

Probably easier to sell, worth a few hundred more I would say, not 800 more IMHO.


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[HL65]

Originally Posted by mikkolopez

For me, any RSC servicing will help in bringing the watch back to specs or at least like new condition for the aesthetics. Therefore should help in setting a higher resale value than a "beaten up no servicing" watch.

On the pedigree (if no papers) it should help in establishing that it's all original and authentic. Whether the buyer wants another round of "certification" before paying up is another story.

Or eliminate a lot of buyers like myself as well who want unpolished original watches.

[zama]

I dont plan to sell mine, so it is good to know its heart is beating well and you know everything in there is how it should be. I would never go more than 10 years on a service (normally it should be less but I rotate as many do so 10 should be fine). Based on the age you should assume it has not had a service and do one. Biggest pain is not just the $'s but how long your friend will be away at RSC.

[RLROCK]

Thank you all for your help and input.

Since it is over 10 years old, I will send it to the RSC in Manhattan. That being said, it just might persuade me to keep it when it comes back.

And it was my mistake that the YM is a 16622, not a 116622.

[Cru Jones]

Originally Posted by RLROCK

Since it is over 10 years old, I will send it to the RSC in Manhattan. That being said, it just might persuade me to keep it when it comes back.

that's EXACTLY what i was going to write before i read all the way through the thread. when the YM comes back, i'm sure you will have a difficult decision to make.

[TempoKing]

Originally Posted by RLROCK

My preowned Rolex YM 116622 did not come with papers when I purchased it. I have been debating whether or not to send it to Rolex for a routine service so that it comes back with some pedigree papers just in case I want to sell it in the near future.

It was produced in 1999, and I have no idea if and when it was ever serviced. It keeps incredible time (+3 seconds per day) and looks good except that the platinum bezel doesn't look like it just came out of an AD's showcase (but it still has some nice shine and luster).

Would this increase the resale value more than enough to offset the cost of the service? Is the service record almost as good as having papers? Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks.

As a rule "papers" help increase the value of any Rolex watch

With some models a lot, with others less
ie. a 25 year old steel and gold Datejust either with papers or without
- the difference in price is minimal - but.... if it is a steel 25 year
old Daytona it does make a big difference in value having official service
papers with a 2 year warranty even if the original papers are lost.

Your Yachtmaster although it keeps good time is 13 years old
and a service is required, sending it to Rolex NY it will cost an
easy 600..so will you recover the expense if you are planning to sell it (?).. I doubt it.

Also
it has happened in the past a few times and I am sure many
can tell you a story - if the watch has been lost or stollen or if it
is/was part of a dispute in a divorce and has been reported to Rolex ?
...Rolex will keep it....So I hope you have recourse to get your
money back in case this scenario comes to play.

This is an extreme/rare happening - but it has happened

[mpaone]

I agree that some want the warranty card or papers but to me it makes little difference. I've owned and bought both with and without warranty. IMO aside from having the papers to show/ display there is little actual value to it. I've never had to use the Rolex warranty once (which I guess is a good thing) since the watches are built quite well and rarely require any adjustment in the first 2 years. And if you're really worried about the authenticity of the watch, either meet in person at an AD or somewhere they will open the watch OR request images of the movement.

However, regarding the OP question- yes it is a good idea to service it regardless of paperwork on a 10 plus year old watch. My 16600 SD is a Z serial and is away geting serviced now... I miss her.

-Mike.

[VADanno]

Having a Rolex service history on a preloved Rolex is all about peace of mind. The buyer knows that all the parts are genuine Rolex, and a two year warranty covers the rare occasion that something malfunctions. I had Dallas RSC do the service on mine, and it was $700, including delivery. I'd put the value at $300-$400 over an unserviced watch in the same condition, but time will tell. White gold Turn-O-Graphs in as-new condition have been selling just above $5000. I need to take some more pictures before I can post mine for sale, and will continue to watch TRF to determine market price.

[azguy]

It's money well spent....