New vs nearly new

[scottIN]

New here as well...and you guys are going to get me in trouble!

Like the OP, I've debated the New vs. from a trusted TRF seller. Question though: When dealing with a seller on here, is a discount from the listed price customary? I'm sure it varies somewhat by seller, but I'm asking 'in general' do they expect you to ask for a discount from their listed prices? In other words, do they ask for more than what they want knowing they will eventually take less (similar to buying a house)?

As a salesman myself, I always give my lowest price from the get-go and don't dicker (and explain this to new clients from the start), but wasn't sure what was customary in the secondary watch market? I know everyone has to make a profit and I don't beleive in beating someone up on price - but y'know, I also want to make sure I'm getting a fair deal for both of us.

[seabreeze]

Originally Posted by Chad072

Sometimes you don't have a choice. I love the 16610 and I had no choice but to go looking for a pre-owned. Don't get me wrong, the SubC is beautiful, but doesn't have the "it" that the 16610 has to me. I was patient and found an unworn piece here on TRF and ended up with it. So, I guess you can say it was new...sort of.

I think I rather agree with this....I rather like the minute detail differences of the older..what year was this one stopped?

[seabreeze]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

Seabreeze, welcome to the forum.

The SubC (116610) is simply the new version of the date Sub. The previous version is the 16610. Both have date with cyclops magnifier. The SubC (C=ceramic bezel) has a different case, the maxi-dial with larger indices, improved bracelet, and a ceramic bezel. The Sub without date is a different model number altogether and the differences between the new and old versions of this model are similar.

If buying used 1-5 years the warranty means absolutely nothing once the watch is 2 years old.

As for the warranty, it is a little murky. Generally speaking the warranty follows the watch but it's been said that the East Coast RSC (Rolex Service Center) is a stickler and will only fix the watch under warranty for the original owner. Apparently the Dallas RSC doesn't care as long as you provide a valid warranty card. If this concerns you, just figure on sending the watch to Dallas. Also, consider the chances you will need the warranty versus the cost savings of buying pre-owned. As the watch comes closer to the two year mark the warranty obviously means less as long as the watch is in working order when you get it. Once the watch is out of warranty, the "package" (box and papers) only has value in that for resale purposes some people will only buy a watch with a full package and some others will pay a premium over a watch without these.

Out of warranty the RSC will work on the watch no problem as long as it's a real Rolex. However, if there are any aftermarket parts or modifications, they typically insist on bringing the watch back to all original condition at your cost, otherwise they will refuse to work on the watch. So if you know the watch has an aftermarket bracelet for instance, send the watch head only in for the repair.

As far as provenance, once you have the RSC service the watch out of warranty your name will be attached to that serial number in the Rolex database. I'm a little unclear on how it works if you have the watch serviced under warranty using the card with another name on it. This isn't a big deal as long as the watch isn't reported stolen to Rolex (another reason to use an AD or trusted TRF seller). In any event, always get a bill of sale on seller's letterhead when you purchase so you can prove how you came by the watch.

Personally I would only buy from either an AD or a trusted seller here.

Best of luck!

This is very good detail. Makes sense.. Thank you

[seabreeze]

Originally Posted by Chad072

SubC on the left (116610) and non-ceramic on the right (16610)*






*both images borrowed from the net

Ok I'm starting to get hooked and my eye is picking up the details...bad sign !
Now how old is the newest 16610? And I gues just looking under the classified here ?

Are there any non trusted sellers on this forum?. Or is everyone good

[Chad072]

Originally Posted by seabreeze

Ok I'm starting to get hooked and my eye is picking up the details...bad sign !
Now how old is the newest 16610? And I gues just looking under the classified here ?

Are there any non trusted sellers on this forum?. Or is everyone good

There are others more versed than I am, but I believe 2010 was the last of the 16610.

As far as trusted sellers on TRF, there's a "Who's Who" section with good reviews. I read through it and kept up with the board for a few months before getting my list down to a few that I kept my eye out for, and when one posted what I was looking for, I contacted them.