1st Rolex: Need some advice/opinions

[Louislove29]

Hi,
So I have recently been entertaining the idea of finally buying myself a Rolex after contemplating it for the last year. I am a recently graduated nurse practitioner and finally got an official position as such (after searching for 8 long months) and feel like it is the right time to treat myself.

I'm definitely decided on the fact that I want a 36mm Datejust with a fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet, and blue Roman numeral dial. The issue is whether to buy new or used?? I have always been very practical so that makes me lean towards used to save money, but on the other hand I know I will never sell this watch as I have wanted it forever and it will have sentimental value, and kind of want the experience of buying brand new. Opinions??

Also, I have considered buying from sellers on here but the thought of wire transferring such a large sum of money freaks me out lol. Am I protected in some way if I were to go this route and I end up having an issue?

[cda555]

Unless you are well versed on the nuances of buying used, I would buy new from an AD. There are way too many variables to consider when buying used, such as services history and potential non-genuine parts on the inside.

As far as buying here, there are a few sellers that many people (myself included) wouldn’t have any reservations sending $$$ to. If you go this route, do your research and you’ll be fine.

Congrats on the accomplishment and your new watch.


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[Louislove29]

Originally Posted by cda555

Unless you are well versed on the nuances of buying used, I would buy new from an AD. There are way too many variables to consider when buying used, such as services history and potential non-genuine parts on the inside.

As far as buying here, there are a few sellers that many people (myself included) wouldn’t have any reservations sending $$$ to. If you go this route, do your research and you’ll be fine.

Congrats on the accomplishment and your new watch.


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Thanks. As far as non-genuine parts on the inside, do you think that’s something to be concerned about with a new watch purchased highly rated gray dealers here??

[redfoxer]

Originally Posted by cda555

Unless you are well versed on the nuances of buying used, I would buy new from an AD. There are way too many variables to consider when buying used, such as services history and potential non-genuine parts on the inside.

As far as buying here, there are a few sellers that many people (myself included) wouldn’t have any reservations sending $$$ to. If you go this route, do your research and you’ll be fine.

Congrats on the accomplishment and your new watch.


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Agree with this guy. If you want the piece of mind and assurances that an AD store can give you, definitely go there.

If you feel the discount is worth the (associated) risk and feel comfortable enough to derisk by your own knowledge and purchasing ritual, go used.

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[Rentalcarman]

Originally Posted by cda555

Unless you are well versed on the nuances of buying used, I would buy new from an AD. There are way too many variables to consider when buying used, such as services history and potential non-genuine parts on the inside.

As far as buying here, there are a few sellers that many people (myself included) wouldn’t have any reservations sending $$$ to. If you go this route, do your research and you’ll be fine.

Congrats on the accomplishment and your new watch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This. For my first one, I would go the AD route. There is something nice about being the first owner with your name on the warranty card, especially if you are commemorating a special mile stone. That being said, I know at least 3-4 Trusted sellers on here that I would rate 10/10 and not hesitate to purchase from. Good luck to you and congratulations!!

[CoveWatch]

FIrst off, congratulations on your accomplishments! way to treat yourself ! at least you already know what watch you want, like Crystal has mentioned, buying new from an AD would be your safest worry free bet.. obviously you'd pay a bit more but your name would be on the warranty card (if thats also important to you)... i've purchased used Rolex's before, but I have a relationship with a couple Rolex AD's here and one of them has an in house Rolex watch guy who opens, inspects, check serials etc for me (for a small fee) to make sure the watch im buying is completely legitimate before i hand over any money.. maybe you can call around your local AD's and see if they also have someone like that you can use if you want to go the used route... good luck and happy searching! I also think the search is one of the best parts of this journey!

[Alternative_Facts]

oh boy... buy from a trusted seller and you can figure out who they are.
buy a pre-owned one.

you'll find a lot what you are looking for around and you'll be able to get an amazing deal.

[ink3027]

Buying from a trusted grey dealer here like DavidSW or Takuya is completely worry-free. Their watches are 100% authentic and can probably save you something like $1000 over the MSRP, potentially even more if you're factoring in sales tax.

However, in your case I'd recommend going through an AD. This will be your first Rolex and one that you'll likely have forever, like you said. Using an AD for the buying experience will be more enjoyable for a situation like this, at least in my opinion. Plus, watches often look different in person and on the wrist than from what you like online. Going through an AD confirms that you're getting the right one for what you want.

Congratulations on the hard work and now enjoy the rewards

[Urosfan]

Congrats on your accomplishment, I’d second the notion of going through a AD for your first peice,

[Richard Carver]

If you don't go AD you'll always regret it. The pain of a few bucks will disappear but the daily joy of a factory fresh Rolex can never be taken from you. :)

[Alternative_Facts]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

If you don't go AD you'll always regret it. The pain of a few bucks will disappear but the daily joy of a factory fresh Rolex can never be taken from you. :)

I'll respectfully disagree as i've saved more than $20k buying from grey dealers. Why pay full retail?

It's all about managing dollars and cents.

[redfoxer]

Originally Posted by Alternative_Facts

I'll respectfully disagree as i've saved more than $20k buying from grey dealers. Why pay full retail?

It's all about managing dollars and cents.

I'm an advocate of choice so it's up to the individual to choose. But as someone who had to go through an insurance claim due to an unfortunate event, I feel that purchasing from an AD has help me speed up resolution to a satisfactory outcome. Not sure if it would have been as fast or to the amount I would have wanted if I went grey dealer.

I don't have the experience otherwise to compare but that is my thought (right or wrongly so).

Plus you don't always have to pay full retail at an AD.

Sometimes it's worth it to pay for peace of mind. The value of which depends on the individual (and of course the discount you can get at an AD can factor).

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[superdog]

Originally Posted by Alternative_Facts

I'll respectfully disagree as i've saved more than $20k buying from grey dealers. Why pay full retail?

It's all about managing dollars and cents.

Over how many purchases?

For this one purchase, the couple of bucks won’t “add up”.

This is going to be a sentimental one off deal. Not a watch nerd blowing through watches.

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

If you don't go AD you'll always regret it. The pain of a few bucks will disappear but the daily joy of a factory fresh Rolex can never be taken from you. :)

This ^^^

In this market the cost difference between AD and gray is not enough to justify going gray. Unless you want something you simply can’t get from your AD I see zero value in going gray. Perhaps if the margin was greater I’d be more inclined. But I don’t see that moving anytime soon. Heck on half the models gray dealers are more expensive!


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[redfoxer]

Congratulations!! A watch is an awesome way to celebrate a milestone. My recommendation is to not buy a rolex. It will start an addiction and will make you want another! ;)

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[Seibei]

Originally Posted by Louislove29

I'm definitely decided on the fact that I want a 36mm Datejust with a fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet, and blue Roman numeral dial. The issue is whether to buy new or used?? I have always been very practical so that makes me lean towards used to save money, but on the other hand I know I will never sell this watch as I have wanted it forever and it will have sentimental value, and kind of want the experience of buying brand new. Opinions??

Also, I have considered buying from sellers on here but the thought of wire transferring such a large sum of money freaks me out lol. Am I protected in some way if I were to go this route and I end up having an issue?

If you are going to wear the watch to work, then a fluted bezel may not be the best choice, for obvious reasons. (The reasons will become obvious after you have scratched/dinged it a few times).

If this is a watch for the rest of your life, buy new. Saving a few $ now on an item that you will likely own for decades makes no sense.

Why do you want a 36mm? If you are not a woman and you do not have an unusually small wrist, then you may wish to reconsider. Watches on the small side are not fashionable at the moment.

Are you sure you want Roman numerals? They are not fashionable. I would avoid them unless there is some reason that you absolutely must have Roman numerals.

Buy the watch new from an AD. Walk in there and say you want a steel sports model that you are sure they do not have. Act very disappointed when told that they do not have the watch you want. Allow yourself, gently and gradually to be talked into buying the watch you are truly after. There is then a very good chance that you can get a significant discount on a 36mm DJ with Romans.

[Louislove29]

Originally Posted by Seibei

If you are going to wear the watch to work, then a fluted bezel may not be the best choice, for obvious reasons. (The reasons will become obvious after you have scratched/dinged it a few times).

If this is a watch for the rest of your life, buy new. Saving a few $ now on an item that you will likely own for decades makes no sense.

Why do you want a 36mm? If you are not a woman and you do not have an unusually small wrist, then you may wish to reconsider. Watches on the small side are not fashionable at the moment.

Are you sure you want Roman numerals? They are not fashionable. I would avoid them unless there is some reason that you absolutely must have Roman numerals.

Buy the watch new from an AD. Walk in there and say you want a steel sports model that you are sure they do not have. Act very disappointed when told that they do not have the watch you want. Allow yourself, gently and gradually to be talked into buying the watch you are truly after. There is then a very good chance that you can get a significant discount on a 36mm DJ with Romans.

Well actually I am a woman with a petite frame and small wrist but I like big watches lol. That is the reasoning for the 36mm. And the Roman numerals are a matter of personal taste. They’re my favorite markers

[importstunna]

Originally Posted by Louislove29

Well actually I am a woman with a petite frame and small wrist but I like big watches lol. That is the reasoning for the 36mm. And the Roman numerals are a matter of personal taste. They’re my favorite markers

It’s great that you know exactly what you want, and congratulations on the accomplishment! In your case I would go new since that $___ you save is really insignificant over the time you’ll own the watch. The sentimental value will be much higher IMO over its lifetime. Good luck!

[Seibei]

Originally Posted by Louislove29

Well actually I am a woman with a petite frame and small wrist but I like big watches lol. That is the reasoning for the 36mm. And the Roman numerals are a matter of personal taste. They’re my favorite markers

Perfect. I hope you have your gorgeous watch soon, all the best.

[Louislove29]

Thanks to everyone for your input, I appreciate it. I’m in the works with an AD so hopefully in a few weeks I’ll be posting the end result

[joli160]

Huge congrats to you. New is the way to go. Perhaps look at chrono24 for some price indication, which can give you some leverage when dealing with your AD.
It does not hurt to get a quotation from a few TS's as well before you really buy

[nikesupremedunk]

My first Rolex was from an AD and while I don’t regret it, there really isn’t anything special about an “AD experience”. You should buy new from a trusted seller like davidsw and save yourself a bunch of money especially on a model like dj36. AD will discount but nowhere near as much as a trusted seller and you will still receive a brand new watch with stickers. And congrats on your achievements!

[superdog]

For this special occasion, go new.

Get a full nice experience. Is it magical? No. It’s not. But it’s better than receiving it in the mail and then going to an AD to size it for you.

Sit down, get your Diet Coke, and have some memories of the experience as well.