First purchase-any advice please

[Ricco]

Originally Posted by ArthurWinner

Thanks to everyone for really helpful advice. I have seen a S/S DJ (smooth bezel). The serial # starts with "W", that I think makes it 1995. The seller is asking £1900. The seller (a jeweller/porn brokers) say they had it serviced and will give a 2 year gaurantee. I did call Rolex and they advised to have it serviced by them. Outwardly the watch seems fine but that might be misleading. Given these circumstances, is £1900 a reasonable price?
I know I will buy a Rolex, my gut instinct is that its right for me, but I am ignorant of what I am looking at, comparing one model with another. Is there anywhere an online catalogue that descibes each model?
Again< thank you all for your advise and consideration.
Arthur

"Porn brokers?"

[slcbbrown]

In the US, I would expect to find a huge range of DJ's available from $2,500 to $3,500. Cheaper is also possible, but maybe not for the first watch you buy.

I'm a big fan of DJ's (I include TOG's). There are plenty out there and all sorts of dial, bezel and metal combinations.

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by GFLRolex

What about online dealers of pre-owned ROLEXes that have their own service center and issue their proper one year warranty? How important is the Rolex service really?

I've bought two brand new Rolex and never used the warranty. I've bought five, used, that would have been out of warranty, anyway.

The online guy's warranty is only as good as his intentions and skills. If the dealer is close to you, it has more value, IMO. And, even dealers who mean to do well don't have a highly skilled tech doing the repairs. So, the warranty may have some value, but it's only as good as the seller.

[aleiberman]

buy a used explorer II white or black dial from a trusted seller on this forum. great bang for the buck, and a very versitle watch.

[chicfarmer1]

Originally Posted by slcbbrown

The online guy's warranty is only as good as his intentions and skills. So, the warranty may have some value, but it's only as good as the seller.

Might add: only as good as their ability to stay in business. Especially in this climate, don't be very swayed by a warranty from the small guy. Fortunately, you can get a new warranty via service at RSC, but that does cost.

[ArthurWinner]

Originally Posted by ArcticMoose

I haven't really looked much into the non-sports models, so I could be wrong, but considering the condition I think it should cost significantly less.

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with a watch that has had a good life, but it needs to be reflected in the price.

Also, I think you should have a look at the Air King and Turn-o-Graph. I've seen some spectacular photos of them on here recently, almost made me want to get one, even if they are too small for me.

Don't have time to go looking now, but here are a few images from Google:







You get the idea.

I do get the idea and the last image of the "turn-o-graph" is stunning. Any idea on price?

[ArthurWinner]

Comoing back to the Rolex Date mentioned and shown earlier, the asking price is £1900 but some responses suggest it's over priced. I have asked the seller for there best price and they say, "make them an offer". So my question is, and I am calling on your vast collective expertise,what would be a fair offer for this Date given its age and condition?
I will really appreciate your advice.
Arthur

[ArcticMoose]

Originally Posted by ArthurWinner

So my question is, and I am calling on your vast collective expertise,what would be a fair offer for this Date given its age and condition?

Does it come with original box and papers?

[ArthurWinner]

Originally Posted by ArcticMoose

Does it come with original box and papers?

Alas no papers or box, but I did check with Rolex (lost&stolen) and it is OK in this respect. The shop say it's been serviced and will give a 2 year guarantee.Condition could be better.
What do you think?

[ArcticMoose]

I've only tracked prices for sports models, so I could be way off here, but considering no box or papers and the condition of the twelve o'clock end link (and perhaps entire bracelet?) I would offer £1300 and let them negotiate to £1500.

I'm sure others with more experience will chime in.

[ArthurWinner]

Originally Posted by ArcticMoose

I've only tracked prices for sports models, so I could be way off here, but considering no box or papers and the condition of the twelve o'clock end link (and perhaps entire bracelet?) I would offer £1300 and let them negotiate to £1500.

I'm sure others with more experience will chime in.

Thanks for the input. At that kind of price I think I could send it to Rolex for a service and to make good any issues the Date might have. At the same time I am still looking around at other models (DJ and Explorer)

I know there is a decent watch out there with my name on it!

Thanks for the help
Arthur