Trading watches for Rolex Submariner

[kikatok]

Guys, I had a wild idea.

I went shopping for a diamond ring with my wife to LA Jewelry District and saw a bunch of very pretty Rolexes right there. And it kind of hit me, no matter what I own, I still want a Rolex and preferably a Sub no date with a ceramic bezel.

So I had this wild idea, and I want to hear your thoughts on it. I have a Breitling GMT II Blacksteel, and a Tudor Black Bay (blue bezel and ETA movement). Both in good condition and with boxes and paperwork. Question is: Is this enough to trade for a Rolex I desire? Would I have to pay something extra? And most importantly - do you think it's doable somewhere here in LA? I just want to see a dealer - get rid of the watches I have, get the watch I want and maybe pay some extra for it.

Would love to hear any thoughts or recommendations about it. Dear mods, if I'm in the wrong section - please let me know and I'll just delete this topic.

Really appreciate any help with this project.

[mjclark32]

I'm not sure what the Breitling is bringing, but I'm guessing you'll have to come up with some cash as well.
Also, selling the watches to a dealer will, most always, bring less than selling them on your own.
Good luck

[zman]

You would probably only cover half of a new or new-ish Sub with your two watches.

[kikatok]

Originally Posted by zman

You would probably only cover half of a new or new-ish Sub with your two watches.

That's what I was thinking of anyway. But you think overall it's possible? I just need the one who can do the trade.

[burnthesehills]

Maybe stick with an AD (Rolex authorized dealer) so you don’t get scammed. There are a lot of counterfeits out there.

Aside from that, I would recommend selling your watches and using that money for a down payment to order the Submariner. It could take several months to arrive.

Trading your watches at any AD or jeweler will typically get you much less than selling them yourself.

[dafuture]

I'm sure someone would be willing to trade. However, they are not going to give you market value for your watches, as they still need to make a profit. You'd be better off selling them privately and purchasing the Sub wherever.

[1665fan]

Trade in a heartbeat...

[myporsche]

Yes its doable, by adding cash on top of course. How much and how doable? Well that depends how much work you can put into it and some patience. Take some nice pictures and list the watches on this forum, chorno24, and even ebay. Pool up the cash add to it. The more you do the upfront work the less cash you will need to front. If you want to sell quicker just price it slightly below market price or go crazy and put it for auction, you will still get more than the dealers, especially in LA jewelry district will pay you (they will lowball the crap out of it). I completely agree you should go for it.

[Mystro]

You are going to be shocked how much money those watches depreciated. Talk to one of our trusted sellers.

[dkg1616]

You will most likely have to come up with some extra cash. You will also maximize your cash by selling them on your own vs doing a trade.

Have you thought about contacting DavidSW? I am sure he could get you into a nice piece and give you a reasonable trade value.

If you are set going the new route with an AD, I’d suggest trying to sell on your own first.

[dhknola]

Go for it but be prepared to find out that your breitling and Tudor don't have the same value as you think they may.

[lew07]

Sell Your watches get some cash together then get Yourself the Rolex

[Gerry62]

selling them privately ?
too much time and difficult to treat and sell to private individuals

I would deal with a seller

[kikatok]

Originally Posted by dhknola

Go for it but be prepared to find out that your breitling and Tudor don't have the same value as you think they may.

Yeah, I'm always very cautious with my buys, so I've mostly dealt all of my watches on watchrecon. So I know what we could make for it. Only question is that I'm not sure how much it might take me sell my watches, might take some time.

[ferrissteve11]

As others have said, you're likely to take a hit on the 2 that you have. If it were me I'd sell them on my own, add the cash and then buy the Sub. It might take a little longer than you like, but you'll likely get the most value out the 2 on the sale block.

[mk2jag]

Be careful about selling off your watches. You may regret it someday. I would try and save the cash and get a submariner to add to your collection. Its nice to have three watches and a variety. Breitling are nice watches but dont retain their value that well.

Saving for something special is rewarding once you have met your goal. If you have a savings plan and stick to you you will be able to estimate when the purchase can happen.

I'm saving for the tt everrose GMT at the moment and by my calculations can pick one up in December...A realistic goal to work hard for...

By the way, I did the same many years ago, sold my two Breitlings to help buy a Rolex. I didn't get much for those two great watches and still to this day, regret selling them.

[peterpl]

If your losses on both those watches are too high just keep them. If the combined amount is < 50% the value of a sub then its probably not worth it for you to flip.

Keep them both and just save for a sub and continue to enjoy all 3 when you eventually get the sub.

[Tha Baron]

I’ve traded and consolidated many lesser watches into Rolex... even though I have too many pieces, I’m all about quality over quantity. Especially when a $2000 watch will cost just as much to service than the $10,000 watch. Breitling, Omega, etc are just high depreciation pieces.

[mrs_LA]

Originally Posted by kikatok

Yeah, I'm always very cautious with my buys, so I've mostly dealt all of my watches on watchrecon. So I know what we could make for it. Only question is that I'm not sure how much it might take me sell my watches, might take some time.

It will take time to sell, but if you price them aggressively you may still get more than trade values. Plus, the biggest anxiety with selling watch is always dealing with unknown buyers that may try to scam you too. If this is a concern, I understand that you want to go the personal trade route. Since you are in LA, have you checked out OCROLEXGUY? He is probably a safer option than DTLA jewelers.


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[Ballzzz]

Try and sell privately, exhaust that option before trading. Get trade values so you know what your baseline is.

Good luck!

[Sublovin]

This is an incredibly vague question. You won’t get in trade what you could get if you sell yourself. Also, what Rolex??

[77T]

Originally Posted by peterpl

If your losses on both those watches are too high just keep them. If the combined amount is < 50% the value of a sub then its probably not worth it for you to flip.

Keep them both and just save for a sub and continue to enjoy all 3 when you eventually get the sub.

I lean towards this approach.

For OP
Only you know what condition and service history exists for your two watches. If you trade 2 for 1 with a dealer, you’ll leave at least 40% of street value on the table. Try selling them first, you might still need some cash but it will be less than if you trade. Then look for the 114060 pre-owned to further reduce your out-of-pocket.


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[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by kikatok

That's what I was thinking of anyway. But you think overall it's possible? I just need the one who can do the trade.

I would sell both and use the funds to buy the sub. I agree with the above comments, i think you can get close to half of the value of the sub.

[kikatok]

Originally Posted by mrs_LA

It will take time to sell, but if you price them aggressively you may still get more than trade values. Plus, the biggest anxiety with selling watch is always dealing with unknown buyers that may try to scam you too. If this is a concern, I understand that you want to go the personal trade route. Since you are in LA, have you checked out OCROLEXGUY? He is probably a safer option than DTLA jewelers.


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oh, thanks for this recommendation. seems like a good dealer. never heard of that company before. thanks.

[Dr Watches]

Originally Posted by Tha Baron

Especially when a $2000 watch will cost just as much to service than the $10,000 watch.

This is an underrated point of view. Taken a step further, my Rolex watches have been way less finicky and needing of attention than my similarly old Sinns, IWCs, Omegas, etc.

[kikatok]

Originally Posted by sublovin

this is an incredibly vague question. You won’t get in trade what you could get if you sell yourself. Also, what rolex??

114060

[lew07]

I’m thinking once He has the Rolex the others won’t get much wrist time.Maybe sell them first?

[007_Omega]

I assume the Breitling would be hard to move on your own and will take some patience to get a decent price for it. The Tudor shouldn't be a hard sell. See what the dealer will offer you and compare that with what you can sell the watches for on your own. If the difference isn't huge, then may not be worth the hassle especially if he'll deliver the Sub to you.

Either way, the Sub is king. It'll be glued to your wrist once you have it and you may catch the Rolex bug in the process and want another one.

[Vvvlllooo]

They won’t even touch your trades.

[kalo925]

Sell them yourself. Research on Ebay how much your exact watches in about the same condition have sold for. List them on Craigslist in your area or the closest large metro area near you. Use standard precautions when selling, only sell face to face locally in a reasonably safe/secure location, banks work. Text or chat a bit with your potential buyer to understand if they are serious. Maybe even exchange facebook or other details to feel comfortable. "Trusted sellers" are middle men who must be paid. Easy but costly. Good luck.