My first Rolex store experience yesterday, a few questions?

[MitchellWiggs]

I went into (what I thought was) a flagship store yesterday, that I later realized is also part of a Mayor's Jewelers here in S. Florida. I went to go try on a SS 36mm DJ for the first time to make sure it was a big enough watch for my wrist (which I guess it is, since I'm not a fan of big/chunky watches anyway), and left the store wondering a few things.

I was told that with the style I like (Jubilee band), the 36 is my only option, and that they don't come in 41mm. Is that true?

She told me it cost 7k + change, but I could have sworn that the most recent price list on here had it at it 5-6k, though I could have been mistaken.

I was also wondering what the pros/cons of buying new vs. buying pre-owned are, other than the obvious financial difference.

She also told me that they offer 21 month, interest free financing (which I know most people on here aren't a fan of, but I find it to be a decent option if buying new anyway).

Hopefully some of you can give me a little insight as I go into purchasing my first Rolex, and welcome any advice that can be given

Thanks guys!

[Rocco22]

The good thing about buying new is the obvious,that you get a new watch with a full 24 month warranty and if you have any problems bring it back.also you know it's not abused.one con To buying new is you pay more but your paying for security in a brand new watch.im pretty sure the dj was 5-6 for a 36 mm also you should be able To get a discount being its a dj and not a sub.if you like the idea of financing do it,don't matter what anyone else says if it suits your budget better then go for it.either way its a great watch.

[LA_LEC]

If you can pay cash pay cash. If you need to make payments then it sounds like buying via Mayors is a good option so why not? I bought mine there but I paid cash at the time.

Nothing wrong with Mayors at all.

Personally I would prefer to buy new unless you are getting a great deal on used and/or the used watch is in amazing condition. Remember if you are getting a used watch it may or may NOT be covered by a warranty. Also, depending on the age of the watch it might be ready for a Rolex maintenance visit which could run you $600 plus, so that would need to be factored in.

Just think of it as buying a car...new vs. used.
With new you get that new car smell and the pleasure of making the first dent yourself!

[Flyfisher]

To follow up on your other Q, the jubilee bracelet is not currently available on the DJII, which is the 41 - only the oyster bracelet is available in the larger size.

[Annan]

Ditto to the previous comments. Yes, as I understand it the 41mm DJ (the DJII) does not currently have the option of Jubilee band. As for price, the SS DJ can have a fluted bezel or a smooth (domed) bezel and come with the Jubilee or the Oyster bracelet. The fluted bezel is white gold and that would drive the price up into the $7K range. Also, the Jubilee is usually a slightly higher cost than the Oyster. The DJ is a great looking model and IMO, the Jubilee bracelet looks the best with it. What you describe would be a great first Rolex for anyone. Good luck!

[DC Engineer]

List price for the DJII 41mm smooth bezel is $7150USD. With fluted bezel its around $8K. Mayor's has some good merchandise and I believe they actually offer "pre-owned" Rolex as well. I shopped for my wife at the Lincoln Rd location..

[bridgs]

My first Rolex was a pre-owned Sub (17 years ago). I still have it and it runs great! I love it now just as much as I did when first buying it. When I originally went to the AD to purchase a sub, she did not have one in stock. She said she had just sold the last one she had and she could order a new one but I would have to pay the new increased price. I did not have enough to cover the new price which I was unaware of before coming in. I left disappointed as I knew at the time I probably would not qualify for financing as I was maxed on credit lines. The next day she called me to tell me that the dude brought it back as he said he had to pay for an unexpected surgery for his father. He was refunded and she sold me the watch at a considerable discount as I recall. It worked out great because I actually had the right amount of cash to cover it. For me, buying used worked great! But I have lost out on several used cars I have purchased in the past. Go with your gut instincts. If the dealer you mention is reliable as some have said here, it is possible you would do well with a pre-loved model.

[mr.president1]

Seeing that you seem to have the money for the watch now, financing it would be a great idea... That way you wouldn't be shelling out all that money at once. Although I would put a hefty down payment on it right then so you can keep the payments lower for your own benefit. I think the DJ is an excellent choice. As to the price, around this time every year a lot of Swiss watch manufacturers have what's called a price increase... Which may be why you thought it was cheaper on your last visit. At any rate, if you can buy new then do it, especially if you have all or most of the money and can finance it....

[MitchellWiggs]

Thanks for all the feedback so far!

I guess I should have included that I also want to get an aftermarket diamond bezel, which would void a warranty on a new watch anyway. So I guess the only real benefit of getting a new one would be the financing option, since I don't know of any places that offer pre-owned Rolexes and interest free financing for almost 2 years. I checked Mayor's online selection of pre-owned, but they don't have the one I want there.

I'd more than likely get a pre-owned from a user on here, or from an online jeweler like this one.

[Annan]

I have done business with this dealer and was 100% satisfied.

[zippycar]

You might try going into the store and have them look through used inventory. When i was shopping for mine i found out they dont update the website as often as they should. Might be they have what you're looking for in used but haven't posted it yet.

[Speed]

Why not ping David SW or Oscar...you may even do a F2F deal in FL...and save $$$

[teqp]

Originally Posted by Speed

Why not ping David SW or Oscar...you may even do a F2F deal in FL...and save $$$

x's 2...especially if you are adding an aftermarket bezel, i'm sure they can find you a very nice piece.

Whatever you decide, enjoy your watch when you get it.

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by MitchellWiggs

Thanks for all the feedback so far!

I guess I should have included that I also want to get an aftermarket diamond bezel, which would void a warranty on a new watch anyway. So I guess the only real benefit of getting a new one would be the financing option, since I don't know of any places that offer pre-owned Rolexes and interest free financing for almost 2 years. I checked Mayor's online selection of pre-owned, but they don't have the one I want there.

I'd more than likely get a pre-owned from a user on here, or from an online jeweler like this one.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I'm not sure throwing on a diamond bezel would void the warranty per se. Just throw the original back on first if you need to submit the watch for warranty work.

[MitchellWiggs]

Originally Posted by zippycar

You might try going into the store and have them look through used inventory. When i was shopping for mine i found out they dont update the website as often as they should. Might be they have what you're looking for in used but haven't posted it yet.

That's a good idea, I might just do that

Originally Posted by Speed

Why not ping David SW or Oscar...you may even do a F2F deal in FL...and save $$$

I was definitely going to contact David SW. Is Oscar another popular seller on here? I'm a newbie lol

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I'm not sure throwing on a diamond bezel would void the warranty per se. Just throw the original back on first if you need to submit the watch for warranty work.

Would Rolex be able to tell if the bezel had been removed/switched and switched back?



Again, a big thanks to everyone for their help/advice so far

[seabreeze]

Originally Posted by Rocco22

The good thing about buying new is the obvious,that you get a new watch with a full 24 month warranty and if you have any problems bring it back.also you know it's not abused.one con To buying new is you pay more but your paying for security in a brand new watch.im pretty sure the dj was 5-6 for a 36 mm also you should be able To get a discount being its a dj and not a sub.if you like the idea of financing do it,don't matter what anyone else says if it suits your budget better then go for it.either way its a great watch.

+1

First rolex is a very good idea to buy new. Negotiate your best price as a cash buyer, then once agreed to, let the, know your intention to finance it.

Good luck, let us know how it turns out

[Ravager135]

I think a 36mm Datejust on a Jubilee bracelet is a great first piece. Diamond dials/bezels are not my thing but if that's what you like more power to you. You might find a fluted bezel accomplishes the same bling with less cost.

The absolute best thing you can do right now though is learn as much as possible which it seems you are doing. I went the opposite way and was gifted a Submariner as my first piece. I still absolutely love it but after learning a lot more about the brand I think I would have been more satisfied with a different model.

I am in no way talking you out of your choice. Just don't be afraid to try on lots of stuff and learn a little bit about the heritage of each model. Something might sing to you that didn't initially. It looks like you've resisted the urge for an impulse buy this far. You should be able to lay all the pieces out next to one another and one should clearly jump out at you. Let us know what you end up with. Stoked for you!

[MitchellWiggs]

Originally Posted by seabreeze

+1

First rolex is a very good idea to buy new. Negotiate your best price as a cash buyer, then once agreed to, let the, know your intention to finance it.

Good luck, let us know how it turns out

Is there room to negotiate at a Rolex store or are all the prices set in stone? Will they try to tell me the price is higher if I opt for financing?

Originally Posted by Ravager135

I think a 36mm Datejust on a Jubilee bracelet is a great first piece. Diamond dials/bezels are not my thing but if that's what you like more power to you. You might find a fluted bezel accomplishes the same bling with less cost.

The absolute best thing you can do right now though is learn as much as possible which it seems you are doing. I went the opposite way and was gifted a Submariner as my first piece. I still absolutely love it but after learning a lot more about the brand I think I would have been more satisfied with a different model.

I am in no way talking you out of your choice. Just don't be afraid to try on lots of stuff and learn a little bit about the heritage of each model. Something might sing to you that didn't initially. It looks like you've resisted the urge for an impulse buy this far. You should be able to lay all the pieces out next to one another and one should clearly jump out at you. Let us know what you end up with. Stoked for you!

Thanks so much for all of the advice! Most of my life I was actually never particularly attracted to Rolex, but that's changed quite a bit recently. I originally planned to purchase a watch from Cartier, until I started browsing the Rolex selection and fell in love with the Datejust. It took me a while to research all of the available models/options until I found the 'winning combination'

I might of sprang for the 41mm version, but since it's not available with the Jubilee band (a non-negotiable for me), I'll be getting the 36mm. I have a Movado now that's 36mm and like the way it feels (low-profile, not bulky), but I think it's time for an upgrade!

[Mystro]

Go preowned. Rolex takes a big depreciation from new. Most chances you can find a like new pre owned for thousands less $$.

[Wllnv19]

I would recommend contacting Oscar(Bodybump) or David. Oscar lives in South Florida and has always come through for me and saved me a lot of money even on brand new watches.
Just look in the buyers/seller who's who for other references. Good luck!

[seabreeze]

There is of course room to negotiate.
I will send you a PM

[metalsofwar]

I think it might be a tough decision to decide weather you want to buy new or second hand. I decided to buy new for my last one. I had a Precision before (used) that I get rid of (I was a fool), but this was one of my personal goals to go to an AD and buy a luxury watch for cash before 30. So I did and I have no remorse what so ever. you know the saying there are a lot of Rolexes out there BUT THIS ONE IS MINE!!! :)

M.

[Tracknod]

I would DEFINITELY contact Bodybump (AKA Oscar) Or DavidSW here on the forum. I have never done business with David, but he has a stellar reputation but I have spoken with him on the phone and he exudes his reputation. Oscar is just fantastic to deal with and you will think you are dealing with a close friend. Plus, Oscar is in SF and will drive down and meet you in person face to face.

Let me offer a little advice for financing for you since you seem a little younger and I wish someone had offered me the same advice when I was younger.

Don't finance toys unless you absolutely have too. And being toys... they are never an absolute must.. Then, if you do, I would suggest only financing if you have the cash in the bank and pay it off in three to four months which will help your credit score.

To put this in perspective... I'm 40 and buy all my toys in cash. If I don't have the money, it doesn't go in the garage. This doesn't mean I don't have toys... It just means I am not driving around on a "rented" 80k Ducati Desmosedici, or a 250k Lambo. Instead I'm on a BMW 1000rr, my Adventure, or numerous vintage Beemers and drive vintage rods that get more attention. I'll tell you it feels so much better knowing that the things you have are yours and you are not just renting them from a bank.

I know to many of my friends that F$%ked their credit for a LOOOOONG time by financing toys when they were young looking for instant gratification.

Whatever you do, enjoy your new watch :)

[MitchellWiggs]

Originally Posted by Wllnv19

I would recommend contacting Oscar(Bodybump) or David. Oscar lives in South Florida and has always come through for me and saved me a lot of money even on brand new watches.
Just look in the buyers/seller who's who for other references. Good luck!

That sounds like a fantastic idea, thank you so much!

Originally Posted by metalsofwar

I think it might be a tough decision to decide weather you want to buy new or second hand. I decided to buy new for my last one. I had a Precision before (used) that I get rid of (I was a fool), but this was one of my personal goals to go to an AD and buy a luxury watch for cash before 30. So I did and I have no remorse what so ever. you know the saying there are a lot of Rolexes out there BUT THIS ONE IS MINE!!! :)

M.

That's how I feel at the moment! I definitely don't mind saving money with a pre-loved one that's a few years old, but on the other hand, I'd love to walk out of that Rolex store with that little green bag

Originally Posted by Tracknod

I would DEFINITELY contact Bodybump (AKA Oscar) Or DavidSW here on the forum. I have never done business with David, but he has a stellar reputation but I have spoken with him on the phone and he exudes his reputation. Oscar is just fantastic to deal with and you will think you are dealing with a close friend. Plus, Oscar is in SF and will drive down and meet you in person face to face.

Let me offer a little advice for financing for you since you seem a little younger and I wish someone had offered me the same advice when I was younger.

Don't finance toys unless you absolutely have too. And being toys... they are never an absolute must.. Then, if you do, I would suggest only financing if you have the cash in the bank and pay it off in three to four months which will help your credit score.

To put this in perspective... I'm 40 and buy all my toys in cash. If I don't have the money, it doesn't go in the garage. This doesn't mean I don't have toys... It just means I am not driving around on a "rented" 80k Ducati Desmosedici, or a 250k Lambo. Instead I'm on a BMW 1000rr, my Adventure, or numerous vintage Beemers and drive vintage rods that get more attention. I'll tell you it feels so much better knowing that the things you have are yours and you are not just renting them from a bank.

I know to many of my friends that F$%ked their credit for a LOOOOONG time by financing toys when they were young looking for instant gratification.

Whatever you do, enjoy your new watch :)

If I go pre-owned, they will definitely be the guys I contact. I'm so thankful to have found such an awesome community that's taught me so much about all this stuff!

If I ended up going the new route, I'd pay for most of it (75-90%) cash and just finance the little remaining balance. I don't want to find myself making high payments just for my Rolex

The decision I have to make now is just pre-owned vs. new!

Thanks again for all of the advice though, it's all helping!