What to look for when buying a used 116519 daytona?

[HippoDancer]

Hello everyone, new guy here!

Considering buying a used 116519 WG with leather strap from Sant Blanc. I am aware that it is a reputable shop though overpriced. The main reason that I am planing to buy from them is because they have the exact watch that I want (at least according to its description online). Asking price is 21K but has not negotiated with them yet.

Currently I own three watches: 1) Yacht-master 116622 grey dial; 2) Blancpain Fiftyfathom Bathyscaphe Chronograph; 3) Panerai 1321. All of them were bought new from local ADs. So I must admit that my experience with used high-end watches, especially used rolex, are very limited to none.

Online transaction is not a problem for me--planning to use a credit card to do the purchase via Sant Blanc's ebay or Chrono24 link. I know I may end up paying more but it gives me a peace of mind in case any dispute occurs. My question is about what I need to look for when I receive the watch, e.g., condition of the watch, etc. After all, this would be my first major purchase online.

Looking forward to hearing your advice & thanks in advance!

[HippoDancer]

Anyone any thoughts??

[Rado63]

Anytime you buy a pre owned piece, you need to assess the condition, and the completeness of the set. I have heard of the reseller you are referring to, they have been around for a while so they probably inspect and prepare all of the watches before sale, but I do not have any first hand experience with them. Look at Photographs of the watch from every angle so you can see the case and the finish. Inquire about any service that has been completed, and if leather strap, check originality or need for replacement. Look at other watches online to evaluate completeness of boxes and books. Paying with CC is definitely a plus since you have some recourse, but solid trusted sellers can be fine also. The quality of the photographs is one way I determine if I want to buy from a reseller. If the photos aren't to your liking ask for more photos. If no additional photos, then ask for no questions asked return and refund if after inspection it's not to your liking. Every reseller of pre owned pieces gets pieces that range from average to excellent in their condition. Inspect thoroughly, and buy a piece in excellent condition and also a complete set would be my suggestion for the best purchase, and this insures good re sale if you decide to trade later.

[HippoDancer]

Originally Posted by Rado63

Anytime you buy a pre owned piece, you need to assess the condition, and the completeness of the set. I have heard of the reseller you are referring to, they have been around for a while so they probably inspect and prepare all of the watches before sale, but I do not have any first hand experience with them. Look at Photographs of the watch from every angle so you can see the case and the finish. Inquire about any service that has been completed, and if leather strap, check originality or need for replacement. Look at other watches online to evaluate completeness of boxes and books. Paying with CC is definitely a plus since you have some recourse, but solid trusted sellers can be fine also. The quality of the photographs is one way I determine if I want to buy from a reseller. If the photos aren't to your liking ask for more photos. If no additional photos, then ask for no questions asked return and refund if after inspection it's not to your liking. Every reseller of pre owned pieces gets pieces that range from average to excellent in their condition. Inspect thoroughly, and buy a piece in excellent condition and also a complete set would be my suggestion for the best purchase, and this insures good re sale if you decide to trade later.

Many thanks for your advice, it's really helpful! I have requested more photos from the reseller; will also ask them to clarify their return/refund policy.

Will a reseller be honest and tell the buyer whether the condition of watch is "average" or "excellent" based on their experience and judgement? Guess this question is silly, after all resellers need to make a profit and will try their best to sell watches.

[JayG]

Hope it comes with the original oysterflex strap as well.

[RolexNorth]

Get it opened up and confirmed.

[HippoDancer]

Originally Posted by JayG

Hope it comes with the original oysterflex strap as well.

It's a pre-2015 watch, so I thought the leather strap is the original?

[HippoDancer]

Originally Posted by RolexNorth

Get it opened up and confirmed.

Upon receiving the watch, would you recommend to take it to a Rolex-specialist watchmaker or a Rolex Service Center to have it opened and checked?

[Rado63]

"average" and "excellent" are open to individual interpretation.

[Danny83]

No way that dial will be original. This has to be a 11620 dial swap

[kitsgq]

Sant blanc doesn't include original rolex warranty card from what I've seen.

They are also pretty apathetic.

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[sp006]

Known for selling great condition pieces. Although I’ve heard a close friend of mine claim that they dial swap which is why most of their older inventory doesn’t have papers. Just a word of caution...


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[socalwatchcollector]

Buy the seller. No reason to pry the case open.