No box or papers....?

[fat-sam]

while looking in various watch shops this weekend and driving my wife mad(''just one more shop'') it occured to me while trying on a S/H SS YM, and the owner said it didnt have any box or papers(it was only 2 years old), that it crossed my mind as to why so many s/h watches dont have them?

while i accept, not everyone who buys a rolex shares our passion, surely if you spent £5k on a watch you wouldnt throw the box away as you walked out of the shop- its not a disposable camera! i accept that some get lost and damaged, more so with older ones. but as i wear mine most days, the original 1953 box stays in my safe(so it doesnt get damaged as opposed to being a target for thieves) and it got me pondering two things:

1- why?
2- what do you do with your boxes?-(im guessing this is a bigger problem for some of you with massive collections)

[mrbieler]

After the warranty is up, I chuck boxes and paperwork on almost everything I have unless I use the box for storage. If I've held on to it that long, selling it isn't on the horizon.

Mind you, I only have 1 Rolex and it didn't come with a box of paperwork, but then again it's from 1981.

[madformac]

No box is probably understandable but no papers sounds a little suspect. Certainly on a 2 year old watch, and an expensive one at that. If I was thinking of buying it I would want it checked out with Rolex UK to make sure its legit and then have the shop send it to Rolex for a service and sent back with proper documentation.

I keep the lot. Papers, box, outer sleeve, hang tags, booklets etc. Its not like they take up much space and I wouldn't like to sell a watch without them.

[fat-sam]

Originally Posted by madformac

No box is probably understandable but no papers sounds a little suspect. Certainly on a 2 year old watch, and an expensive one at that. If I was thinking of buying it I would want it checked out with Rolex UK to make sure its legit and then have the shop send it to Rolex for a service and sent back with proper documentation.

I keep the lot. Papers, box, outer sleeve, hang tags, booklets etc. Its not like they take up much space and I wouldn't like to sell a watch without them.

im the same, i often put them back in their box(tags and all) if im not wearing it for a bit... so it feels like new when you put it back on(sad i know)

[C.J.]

I hang on to mine and always have. But, like you said, some people just aren't into them like we are and probably discard them

[astcell]

I don't throw anything like this away as long as there is Ebay.

[fat-sam]

Originally Posted by astcell

I don't throw anything like this away as long as there is Ebay.

hell yeah, theres money in everything now!
even if i were passing it on to my kids or nephews its a bit nicer when you hve all the trimmings

[mrbieler]

I think I'm just a product of my enviroment. We moved every 18~24 months when I was growing up 14 moves by the time I went off to college. Not many military brats can match that one. My dad's work kept up hopping.

I learned not to be a pack rat and to be willing to put everything you prize into a few small boxes and suitcases on short notice. Everything else be willing to sell or throw away quickly.

[fat-sam]

Originally Posted by mrbieler

I think I'm just a product of my enviroment. We moved every 18~24 months when I was growing up 14 moves by the time I went off to college. Not many military brats can match that one. My dad's work kept up hopping.

I learned not to be a pack rat and to be willing to put everything you prize into a few small boxes and suitcases on short notice. Everything else be willing to sell or throw away quickly.

i envy you, i was asked in a silly game what one item i would take if my house was on fire... i said i would risk 3rd degree burns and grab 10!
however were i too lose some of my watches, jewelery, pictures etc i would probably be a depressed wreck for months.

[joelwong]

Some spouse have the habit of junking anything unfamiliar to them during housekeeping

[JJ Irani]

Why would anyone throw away an empty Rolex box. They go for like 100 bucks on e-bay!!

I just keep mine in my drawer....all set for the next flip!!

[fat-sam]

[QUOTE=JJ Irani;143050]Why would anyone throw away an empty Rolex box. They go for like 100 bucks on e-bay!!



that have might answered why though.... i guess its a quick $100 for some people

[astcell]

Originally Posted by joelwong

Some spouse have the habit of junking anything unfamiliar to them during housekeeping

That's must have been what happened to my half-brother.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by astcell

That's must have been what happened to my half-brother.

[pennydanny]

I never throw any boxes away even from household items. Unless the produce is defective after few years.

[mikey]

I use my Rolex box as a jewlery box kept open at all times. I may put my DJ or Pani or whatever gold ring I am wearing and want to put in a safe place. If I didn't want it, I would put it on ebay. There is money in everything and anything Rolex.

[Alcan]

The only thing missing from my 1992 N serial TT black Sub is the original sales receipt. Everything else is there, both boxes, warranty paper, booklets, anchor, both tags, polishing cloth. Also has recent Toronto RSC service invoice, service box, and independent appraisal.

If I ever sell or will it, these might not increase the resale value but they will help authenticate the watch.

[mike]

In the "old days" a lot of boxes got trashed. Wonder how many guys that got a COMEX as a tool looked at the box and said "what good is this?"
Most of my vintage pieces are without B&P and to be honest I wouldn't pay a large premium for them.
However, I agree with the prices what they are today why throw away the B&P? Granted one should not put complete faith in the paperwork as it is easily forged (papers can be had on e-bay all the time) but it does make the package more complete.
I keep mine in the safe with all the bits.

[veilstylez]

I know why...I was at Ben Bridge one day and I asked if they buy rolexes and they said yes they take it in as a trade-in. I asked if it was worth more if i had the original box and papers and bring it in at the sametime? They said no, that its the same value, they didnt need the box and papers for it. So Im guessing that the person that traded in that watch or sold it...probably has the box at home and the dealer didnt need it.

I always keep the box and papers...just makes it nicer and easier to sell to in the future

[Launch Mini]

I just keep stacking them up in the corner.

Originally Posted by Launch Mini

I just keep stacking them up in the corner.

WOW!

[fat-sam]

Originally Posted by Launch Mini

I just keep stacking them up in the corner.

please tell me you aint got 8 pams?

[montecristo]

I have my boxes somewhere, just not sure if I will be able to find them without turning my house upside down.

[Launch Mini]

Technically I have 6, my wife has 2
and currently one of those boxes is being stored in Ontario

[montecristo]

Originally Posted by Launch Mini

Technically I have 6, my wife has 2
and currently one of those boxes is being stored in Ontario

Geez, how many arms do you got.

[Launch Mini]

Originally Posted by montecristo

Geez, how many arms do you got.

I think that should be my next wrist shot

[Spark]

Alot of people who don't have the same passion as us watch sad'os have the watch fitted in the dealers and walk out wearing it and that is it.
Hence there are so many new boxes on fleabay.
How many NORMAL people know what a Chronometer certificate is or care for that matter.

Spark.

[Rockrolex]

I keep all my boxes and papers even though I have no intention of flipping any of my watches. The boxes with the papers inside are stacked on the dresser in a spare bedroom next to the winders in which the watches sit.

When I get back to DC I'll take a pic of the setup. But right now I'm looking at this view from my balcony.

[JJ Irani]

Beautiful view, Ed....but what's that white patch on the beach!!