Original Rolex paperwork

[dash17]

When buying a used rolex, is it common to get the watch without
the original certificate from Rolex ?

I hear that with vs without the original Rolex paperwork, the price
difference is only around $200.... is this right ?

[Tools]

Paper is nice.

Most Rolex watches in the world probably do not have the paperwork with them - but of course, they are not all for sale..

I wouldn't pay an extra nickel for a current watch with papers.. I would welcome them, put not pay extra for them.

I would pay extra for a vintage piece with a paper trail..

But that's just me

[Lol-x]

Papers are always good too have especially from a collectability and resale perspective.
However, once you have the original warranty you will probably hardly ever look at it.
The original COSC certificate can add, in some cases, quite a few additional dollars to the value of the watch, but ultimately only as much as someone is willing to pay which could be $200 to $2000.

[BiG JeEzY]

Personally, I dont really care for the paperwork since Im buying the watch and not the papers that go along with the watch.

However, it is true that they may slightly increase the resale value of a watch when they are accompanied with it during the sale. It should not be anything too significant though. Also, yes it can be common to buy a preowned Rolex without the papers, especially the older vintage timepieces. Newer models usually come with the papers though.

[mike]

On certain pieces the complete package can add quite a premium to the cost. In most cases though I think the money may be better spent insuring the watch is as up to speed as possible.

[redshirt1957]

Paper is nice but not necessary when purchasing as you, the buyer, need to do the proper due diligence. I have bought many "pre-owned" and one BNIB from a grey without paperwork. Personally selling CAN BE a different matter. While this on the surface sounds like a contradiction to the above statement, I have found it much easier to sell to an uneducated Rolex buyer, who most likely will not do any due diligence, when you have all the paper work. The paper trail takes some of the anixety out when they fork over their cash. Just look at my past post to understand the meaning of an uneducated Rolex buyer! Finally, if we all bought solely from an AD how would we sell our watches without having to wholesale them to an AD at substantial lower price?

[arttay10]

I took my first Rolex purchase - to my AD here in the U.K, to be sent to Rolex for Authentication and Valuation for my insurance (and peace of mind!) The watch was purchased from the States from a collector and I was guided with help and advice from two brilliant members of this forum.
I gave the AD the watch and looking - he gave his personal opinion based on his experience. His exact words were ' Its a pitty you dont have the original papers' - with that, I produced them to show him. He then went on to say that he could be 99% sure that watch is genuine, and even then advised me not to really bother sending it off to Rolex - unless I really wanted to.
From this experience - I quickly learned that Paperwork must always be better.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by dash17

When buying a used rolex, is it common to get the watch without
the original certificate from Rolex ?

I hear that with vs without the original Rolex paperwork, the price
difference is only around $200.... is this right ?

I for my part run away as soon as the COSC papers have gone. I simply like the FULL package, and therefore I also only buy from an AD.

I simply cannot understand why an owner can throw away or loose the papers!

But if buying estate, having its papers and full package would add to the value, and not having it would detract from from the value.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

I simply cannot understand why an owner can throw away or loose the papers!

Live in my house for a while. You'll understand.