what to check when buying a new rolex?

[keithop]

Apologies, I'm sure it must have been asked before.

I'm going to buy a new rolex from an AD I haven't used before. I'm sure they're reputable, or at least, I assume they are and they're linked from Rolex AD site.

What would be sensible due diligence to do at the shop when I pick up the watch?

Compare serial number on the paperwork with the watch (is it in an easy to read place on the watch?)

Any other common sense stuff should do?

[MonBK]

When buying from an AD you can relax and don't have to worry.

[tyler1980]

the day i have to do due diligence to buy from an AD is the day i retire from this hobby. Maybe a quick check to make sure the card and the watch serial numbers match as mistakes happen, but thats it.

[Speed]

Make sure you pay as much as possible...

And don’t gulp your Diet Coke. Bad form.

[beshannon]

I would make sure the watch is sized and set properly after all the stickers are removed.

[Old Expat Beast]

If they size the bracelet, check for gouges and scratches on and around the screws. It happens.

[904VT]

The only thing I ever check at my AD is to make sure no visible blemishes from handling in their cases if it was on display. So many stickers though, they're usually no issues at all. If you have a saleswoman that wears diamond jewelry and constantly handles the watches, perhaps worth an extra look over.

[Swiss Mad!]

Don't get p*ssed on the free Champagne..

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[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by Speed

Make sure you pay as much as possible...

And don’t gulp your Diet Coke. Bad form.

my AD always calls me before noon when he has something for me. I guess i drink too much of their booze. So its coffee only, as its bad form to have a drink that early

[envuks]

I’d recommend giving the watch a once over to make sure there's no scratches or dings from the AD's case display / customer handling. You’re buying new and your piece should be flawless

Once you leave the store with it, good luck going back if you find something odd

[vladamir15]

Check that there aren’t hairline scratches from handling. If you’re not getting a discount, you can always ask the AD to order the watch directly from rolex for you.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by vladamir15

Check that there aren’t hairline scratches from handling. If you’re not getting a discount, you can always ask the AD to order the watch directly from rolex for you.

in the UK he isnt getting a discount on a SS watch even if the AD threw it down the stairs first. And he probably waited a year for the privilege.

[imperio]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

in the UK he isnt getting a discount on a SS watch even if the AD threw it down the stairs first. And he probably waited a year for the privilege.

[vladamir15]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

in the UK he isnt getting a discount on a SS watch even if the AD threw it down the stairs first. And he probably waited a year for the privilege.

Lol

Didn’t know he was getting a ss sports model.

The UK sounds delightful.

[SpeedyTuomas]

If it is an AD, I see no point in due diligence. Perhaps inspect the watch for scratches before you buy it or take it out of the store. I actually saw a Daytona at an AD in Nice France which had a good scratch on it.

[Clay]

I would check your bank balance...

[Rick_Nashville]

Originally Posted by keithop

Apologies, I'm sure it must have been asked before. I'm going to buy a new rolex from an AD I haven't used before. I'm sure they're reputable, or at least, I assume they are and they're linked from Rolex AD site. What would be sensible due diligence to do at the shop when I pick up the watch? Compare serial number on the paperwork with the watch (is it in an easy to read place on the watch?) Any other common sense stuff should do?

I actually bought a watch recently (not a Rolex) that was running when I tried it on. I made sure it fit me, and paid for it. Not more than 30 mins later at a restaurant, I noticed that I couldn't manually wind the watch, i.e., the crown was frozen solid when in the manual wind position. I immediately took it back, the AD agreed that something was wrong, and they were totally apologetic and offered me my money back. Normally I always test all the operational functions of a watch (winding, date-setting, hand movements) while I'm trying it on, but this time I didn't. Admittedly, I've never had this problem with any Rolex I've purchased, but from now on I'm going to make sure that I do this brief testing with *every* watch I purchase before leaving the store.

[ccaballero]

Make sure to ask for all boxes.

[tbonesteak]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

the day i have to do due diligence to buy from an AD is the day i retire from this hobby. Maybe a quick check to make sure the card and the watch serial numbers match as mistakes happen, but thats it.

This is all, mistakes happen - make sure the numbers match, give the watch a once over, and that is all.

No AD would ever do anything to risk their status with Rolex, especially not for $10, $20, or $50k.

[newbee1]

Once you bring it home, the most important thing I like to check is reserve time even if it’s a new watch. Wind the crown for 40-60 times and Check when it stopped.


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[904VT]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

in the UK he isnt getting a discount on a SS watch even if the AD threw it down the stairs first. And he probably waited a year for the privilege.

Probably true and people would still want it

[Cesarmsi]

Make sure to get the extra links and also ask for the Plactic Box that the watch is shipped in, some people call it the coffin. Its handy to have it in case you have to pack it for traveling or shipping for service.