ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

paul_p · 27 November 2007, 04:52 PM

Hi All,

Congrats on the excellent, friendly forum you've built and thanks for having me join.

I'm considering buying my first Rolex - saw a picture of a 1969 full gold Submariner with a blue dial in a watch magazine (wasn't for sale), and can't get it out of my head. I am reluctant to locate and buy pre-owned however, unless going through an AD.

I don't know enough about styles and model numbers, so I'm here to learn. The only thing I've figured out so far is to do business exclusively with an AD. I'm not interested in sales outside the official channel, as I've read and heard too many horror stories!

Could any of you please help with the following questions:

- Do you have any general advice about buying one's first Rolex?
- How does one best approach the buying process with the ADs?
- Do Rolex watches typically hold their value?
- What are some "Don't Do's" or common pitfalls to avoid?

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can offer.

- Paul_P

SPACE-DWELLER · 27 November 2007, 09:19 PM

Welcome to TRF, Paul!

First of all, if you are buying a FIRST Rolex, I advice you to buy from an AD ONLY!

When you are at the AD, try on many different models, and the one that smiles back at ya is the one to go for. But NO Rolex is "better" than the other, so basically you cannot go wrong with any model. It is just a matter of YOUR personal preference and taste what you would like to wear. So in other words: A Rolex priced at 50,000 US $ in gold and set with diamond is NOT any better than a Rolex with a price tag stating "US $ 5,000".

Make sure that you INSPECT the watch thouroughly! Look for dial misprinting, misaligned hands (turn the hands!), minute hairline scratches from staying in the window display, etc., etc.
Don't be embarrassed to use a loupe!

Now, use your negotiation skills! Don't be shy to ask for a discount! Paying cash always helps! Gold/steel and all-gold models are often easier to get a discount on than the stainless steel Rolex watches, since Rolex and the AD earn more on the gold/steel and gold models (and other precious metal watches, for that matter!). Some get up to 20+ % on precious metal Rolex watches, and if they are set with gemstones, even more.

On sport's Rolex watches, you can get up to 15 % (if you are lucky), but not on the SS Daytona, Milgauss and LV, typically.

Rolex watches hold their value quite well, but as an investment piece, the OLDER Rolex watches (discontinued ones!) are a better investment than the modern ones (or at least you will have to wait a long time before you can get your money back, or more). An exception is the current SS Daytona, that you can re-sell immediately for a premium.

Good luck!

Alcan · 27 November 2007, 09:56 PM

Hi Paul, welcome aboard!

There's a wealth of Rolex knowledge here.

frostie · 27 November 2007, 11:22 PM

welcome to TRF enjoy your stay here

Jerry B · 27 November 2007, 11:54 PM

Welcome to TRF, if you read Bo's post, it sums it up. Good luck, we can't Wait to see you buy.

Rockrolex · 28 November 2007, 12:02 AM

Hello, Paul. Welcome to TRF.

Bo's post sums it up well.

1. For your first Rolex go the AD route.

2. Try on as many models and styles as you can. The one that smiles at you most will be the one to get.

3. All Rolexes are good. None is better than any other.

4. Negotiate (and cash usually helps).

Good luck on the hunt and let us know what you finally decide on.

dallasdan · 28 November 2007, 02:33 AM

Welcome Paul! Some additional advice: visit a few ADs as inventory varies greatly between them. Once you find the model that smiles back at you, contact out-of-state AD and have them ship to you in order to avoid paying tax. Enjoy!

paul_p · 28 November 2007, 08:49 AM

Thank you Bo and All,

Your information is really helpful - just what I was hoping to learn. Can't wait to get to check out the ADs in my area once I return from this week's business trip and find a model that "smiles back" at me! It will probably take me a while to buy, but I'll be sure to share with you what I get, when I do.

Take care,
- Paul

paul_p · 28 November 2007, 08:50 AM

Thank you for your welcome, Alcan. I was just in Toronto, Canada a couple of weeks ago. Didn't get to check out Rolexes there, but the next time I go there I will.

I think I'll be able to learn a lot here.
- Paul

27 November 2007, 04:52 PM	#1
paul_p "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Paul Location: Nashua, NH Posts: 7	Newbie needs advice on getting started Hi All, Congrats on the excellent, friendly forum you've built and thanks for having me join. I'm considering buying my first Rolex - saw a picture of a 1969 full gold Submariner with a blue dial in a watch magazine (wasn't for sale), and can't get it out of my head. I am reluctant to locate and buy pre-owned however, unless going through an AD. I don't know enough about styles and model numbers, so I'm here to learn. The only thing I've figured out so far is to do business exclusively with an AD. I'm not interested in sales outside the official channel, as I've read and heard too many horror stories! Could any of you please help with the following questions: - Do you have any general advice about buying one's first Rolex? - How does one best approach the buying process with the ADs? - Do Rolex watches typically hold their value? - What are some "Don't Do's" or common pitfalls to avoid? Thanks in advance for any assistance you can offer. - Paul_P

27 November 2007, 09:19 PM	#2
SPACE-DWELLER "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Bo Location: Denmark Watch: Rolex, of course! Posts: 22,436	Welcome to TRF, Paul! First of all, if you are buying a FIRST Rolex, I advice you to buy from an AD ONLY! When you are at the AD, try on many different models, and the one that smiles back at ya is the one to go for. But NO Rolex is "better" than the other, so basically you cannot go wrong with any model. It is just a matter of YOUR personal preference and taste what you would like to wear. So in other words: A Rolex priced at 50,000 US $ in gold and set with diamond is NOT any better than a Rolex with a price tag stating "US $ 5,000". Make sure that you INSPECT the watch thouroughly! Look for dial misprinting, misaligned hands (turn the hands!), minute hairline scratches from staying in the window display, etc., etc. Don't be embarrassed to use a loupe! Now, use your negotiation skills! Don't be shy to ask for a discount! Paying cash always helps! Gold/steel and all-gold models are often easier to get a discount on than the stainless steel Rolex watches, since Rolex and the AD earn more on the gold/steel and gold models (and other precious metal watches, for that matter!). Some get up to 20+ % on precious metal Rolex watches, and if they are set with gemstones, even more. On sport's Rolex watches, you can get up to 15 % (if you are lucky), but not on the SS Daytona, Milgauss and LV, typically. Rolex watches hold their value quite well, but as an investment piece, the OLDER Rolex watches (discontinued ones!) are a better investment than the modern ones (or at least you will have to wait a long time before you can get your money back, or more). An exception is the current SS Daytona, that you can re-sell immediately for a premium. Good luck! __________________ With kind regards, Bo LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...

27 November 2007, 09:56 PM	#3
Alcan 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Al Location: Way Up North Watch: your P's & Q's Posts: 10,473	Hi Paul, welcome aboard! There's a wealth of Rolex knowledge here. __________________ Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution!

28 November 2007, 12:02 AM	#6
Rockrolex TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: God Location: Washington, D.C. Watch: What do you think? Posts: 37,947	Hello, Paul. Welcome to TRF. Bo's post sums it up well. 1. For your first Rolex go the AD route. 2. Try on as many models and styles as you can. The one that smiles at you most will be the one to get. 3. All Rolexes are good. None is better than any other. 4. Negotiate (and cash usually helps). Good luck on the hunt and let us know what you finally decide on. __________________ Despite the high cost of living, it's still very popular. *Tosser Cabinet Member* Official Member: 'Perpetual 30' Vegas International GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2018 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2019

28 November 2007, 02:33 AM	#7
dallasdan "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 36	Welcome Paul! Some additional advice: visit a few ADs as inventory varies greatly between them. Once you find the model that smiles back at you, contact out-of-state AD and have them ship to you in order to avoid paying tax. Enjoy! __________________ DallasDan Rolex Explorer II 216570 IWC Pilot Chronograph 371701 Omega Seamaster 120

27 November 2007, 11:22 PM	#4
frostie 1,000,000th PostMember Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Earth Posts: 14,048	welcome to TRF enjoy your stay here

27 November 2007, 11:54 PM	#5
Jerry B Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New York Watch: Pepsi,LV,SSDJ Posts: 343	Welcome to TRF, if you read Bo's post, it sums it up. Good luck, we can't Wait to see you buy.

28 November 2007, 08:49 AM	#8
paul_p "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Paul Location: Nashua, NH Posts: 7	Thank you Bo and All, Your information is really helpful - just what I was hoping to learn. Can't wait to get to check out the ADs in my area once I return from this week's business trip and find a model that "smiles back" at me! It will probably take me a while to buy, but I'll be sure to share with you what I get, when I do. Take care, - Paul Last edited by paul_p; 28 November 2007 at 08:58 AM.. Reason: added & changed content

28 November 2007, 08:50 AM	#9
paul_p "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Paul Location: Nashua, NH Posts: 7	Thank you for your welcome, Alcan. I was just in Toronto, Canada a couple of weeks ago. Didn't get to check out Rolexes there, but the next time I go there I will. I think I'll be able to learn a lot here. - Paul

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)