Newbie has an uncle with a Rolex

[Ruth Biggs]

I have read the rules and think that this post is OK. Sorry if I have misunderstood.

I signed up to get some advice. My uncle has a Oyster perpetual (Milgauss). He bought it used in 1982. He took it to a well respected jewelry store and they told him that it was valuable. He wants to sell the watch.

Any suggestions on how to approach this? What is the best way to sell it? We don't want to be taken advantage of because we don't know much about watches.

Thank you.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by Ruth Biggs

I have read the rules and think that this post is OK. Sorry if I have misunderstood.

I signed up to get some advice. My uncle has a Oyster perpetual (Milgauss). He bought it used in 1982. He took it to a well respected jewelry store and they told him that it was valuable. He wants to sell the watch.

Any suggestions on how to approach this? What is the best way to sell it? We don't want to be taken advantage of because we don't know much about watches.

Thank you.

Hi Ruth,
I can tell you this is not the for sale section of the forum so if you want to post a for sale notice this isn't the place, if you are looking for some advice you can post questions and pictures but its hard to know what it is you are looking for?

[AIKO]

Post some good quality pictures, that way the experts can give you some feedback.

[Ruth Biggs]

Actually I was wanting advice about how to approach selling it. We don't know anything about how to sell a watch like this. Should I just post it in the for sale area? Mainly we don't want to be taken advantage of just because we're ignorant. So I guess I'm asking if you had a watch like this, how would you sell it?

The info I have is that it is model # 1019 cir. 1979 Second hand has a red tip.
There are 4 words on the bottom of the face. I can make
out the only 3 of them: S------------ Chronometer Officially
Certified.

Thanks.

[Ruth Biggs]

Originally Posted by AIKO

Post some good quality pictures, that way the experts can give you some feedback.

Thanks! You were posting as I was typing. My uncle probably doesn't have a digital camera and he lives in another city, but I'll try my best to get some clear pictures.

[wantonebad]

hard to give you a price as there are many variables especially with rare vintage pieces, it has to be authenticated somehow best way is through a trusted vintage dealer who can verify it for you and give you an appraisal.

[Chozn1]

Post pics. That's the only way you're going to get reliable advice.

[AIKO]

Originally Posted by Ruth Biggs

Thanks! You were posting as I was typing. My uncle probably doesn't have a digital camera and he lives in another city, but I'll try my best to get some clear pictures.

The pictures will be essential because it will give you a point where to price it. You could go to Ebay or list it on our Sales Section. But without the info. you may price it way below or way above where it should be priced.

[Tools]

In good condition it's worth 20 to 30,000 dollars...

Go seek professional help so that you don't do anything to devalue this watch, or so you don't mislead somebody about it..

...............

[daytona1]

Originally Posted by Tools

In good condition it's worth 20 to 30,000 dollars...

Go seek professional help so that you don't do anything to devalue this watch, or so you don't mislead somebody about it..

...............

Jackpot!!!! Good luck I hope its a good one..

[marke]

Hey ruth

as previously stated you need to get some expert advice on the watch you have. It may be worth contacting antiquorum the auction house in the USA and ask them to help and point you in the right direction.

The Milgauss 1019 is a pretty rare timepiece nowdays, back in the mid 80's rolex sold them for about $600 dollars and they were a bugger to shift, but now its a different ballgame... In the current climate there is no telling how much they can sell for either privately or by auction.

it may also be worth posting on vintagerolexforum.com to get some more ideas.

Hope this helps

[allanofcalifornia]

I would go to a Rolex dealer or get a professional appraisal of the watch and then maybe put it on ebay to sell it with all documents supporting the watch.


Allan

[Ruth Biggs]

Thank you so much everyone! If I have done this properly, here are 2 pictures. The person who alerted Frank that his watch is valuable is Certified Master Watchmaker and AWI Fellow. But he didn't have ideas about how to sell. Now, thanks to you, I have avenues to pursue.

[Lol-x]

It's a Milgauss 1019 model. Looks like it has the original hands. Quite nice condition.

This model is not ordinarily seen with a Jubilee bracelet (which does appear quite stretched) but that isn't really a big issue.

[Watchdog]

20 to 30 grand?

That is nice!

[Ruth Biggs]

Originally Posted by allanofcalifornia

I would go to a Rolex dealer or get a professional appraisal of the watch and then maybe put it on ebay to sell it with all documents supporting the watch.


Allan

What kind of documents? As far as I know, when the watch was sold to my uncle, the seller took it off his arm and gave him the watch. So, are we out of luck?

[folexhater]

[QUOTE=Ruth Biggs;1242345]What kind of documents?
Documents that support the appraisal/authentication of the watch!

[Ruth Biggs]

[QUOTE=folexhater;1242382]

Originally Posted by Ruth Biggs

What kind of documents?
Documents that support the appraisal/authentication of the watch!

I think I got it this time. When we take it to an appropriate person, that person will say that yes, this is a Milgauss 1019 model in good to very good condition. Something like that?

I'm trying to be not dense, I just have no experience with selling anything, much less something this valuable.

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by Ruth Biggs

Actually I was wanting advice about how to approach selling it. We don't know anything about how to sell a watch like this. Should I just post it in the for sale area? Mainly we don't want to be taken advantage of just because we're ignorant. So I guess I'm asking if you had a watch like this, how would you sell it?

The info I have is that it is model # 1019 cir. 1979 Second hand has a red tip.
There are 4 words on the bottom of the face. I can make
out the only 3 of them: S------------ Chronometer Officially
Certified.

Thanks.

Ruth, FYI, the missing word is "Superlative."

BTW, that's a beautiful watch. Keep us posted on how the sale goes.

Oh, and don't try to sell it on e-bay. Unless you are an experienced e-bay seller, it will be too easy to rip you off.

[daytona1]

Be careful Ruth. People will definatly try to low ball you.

[daytona1]

Originally Posted by Ruth Biggs

What kind of documents? As far as I know, when the watch was sold to my uncle, the seller took it off his arm and gave him the watch. So, are we out of luck?

Its not a must to have papers it helps though. A pro in the business will know exactally what he's looking at. Watch him try to contain his excitment...

[lobo58]

Simplest thing to do is to mail it to a Rolex Service Center. They will give you a written quote before any work is done. Turn down the work and they will return the watch. The quote will identify your watch as authentic.

[allanofcalifornia]

Originally Posted by Ruth Biggs

What kind of documents? As far as I know, when the watch was sold to my uncle, the seller took it off his arm and gave him the watch. So, are we out of luck?

I would have the appraisal from a professional appraiser and Rolex authentication paper from the RSC (Rolex Service Center).


Allan

[Gaijin]

That jubilee bracelet totally throws me off.


It sounds like you don't have the original box and papers right. Shame as that would add to the value.

[Ruth Biggs]

Originally Posted by KansaiVet

That jubilee bracelet totally throws me off.

So, is the watch band not the original one? And I take it that is a bad thing.

[Idle Swede]

Originally Posted by Ruth Biggs

So, is the watch band not the original one? And I take it that is a bad thing.

As been said before, No it's not the original bracelet.

Have you had it appraised yet?

[Ruth Biggs]

Originally Posted by Idle Swede

Have you had it appraised yet?

No. It is in another state from me and I need to help my uncle get through this. It has been seen by a Certified Master
Watchmaker, AWI Fellow and member of the Chronometer
Club. He is the one who alerted my uncle to the fact that it was valuable.

How do we find a Rolex appraiser? Phone book?

We don't move quickly, especially on something of this magnitude.

[Lol-x]

You are not permitted to expressly or implied offer a watch for sale outside the for sales forum.

Having regard to your non-observance of the rule I would strongly recommend anyone on this forum who may entertain the slightest interest in buying this watch proceed with extreme caution.

It's one thing to ask questions about a watch or a model, but it is quite another to give a story and offer or express an intention to offer it for sale in these circumstances.

What's more here is a very similar thread that makes me all the more cautious about this matter:
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=86528

[ijen0311]

What he said...

[Ruth Biggs]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

You are not permitted to expressly or implied offer a watch for sale outside the for sales forum.

Having regard to your non-observance of the rule I would strongly recommend anyone on this forum who may entertain the slightest interest in buying this watch proceed with extreme caution.

It's one thing to ask questions about a watch or a model, but it is quite another to give a story and offer or express an intention to offer it for sale in these circumstances.

What's more here is a very similar thread that makes me all the more cautious about this matter:
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=86528

Gosh, I hadn't seen this, wish I had followed my own thread more carefully.
My first post said :"I have read the rules and think that this post is OK. Sorry if I have misunderstood.

I signed up to get some advice."

All I wanted was some advice on how to go about selling this watch. Yes, I did post a similar thread. I thought someone might see the second thread who had not seen the first thread.

As I said, I am a newbie trying to advise her uncle. Just a few minutes ago I found the forum "Watch Out" and was admiring the work done to keep members safe. Next thing I know, I'm on the "be careful of this" list. Which is probably good for the community - though a shock to me.

I'm just moving slowly waiting for my 16 posts and 16 days so I can post the watch for sale here as one poster suggested. When I know nothing about watches, it is hard to come up with 16 posts.

When I do meet the minimum requirements, I hope to be prepared. I have been reading the "For Sale" forum rules trying to make sure I do it properly and with safeguards for both the purchaser and me.

Sorry to have caused people concern - it was totally through ignorance and inadvertent.