Rolex Novice Here...Please Be Kind.

[Trandy]

This is my first post on this forum....so let's go easy on the new guy. :)

I have a chance to buy this watch from an acquaintance...it was given to him by his former boss (he's now retired) and he's looking to unload it.

It's a Datejust with an "X" serial number which I believe makes it a 1991 model.

Can any of you give me an idea of what a fair selling/purchasing price is for one of these?

Also, though I'm fairly certain it's a legit watch, are there any "tells" I should be aware of?

I only have the one crummy photo at the moment....I plan on posting improved pics tomorrow when I have some natural light available.

Thanks for any help offered...and remember....I'm a new guy and a Rolex novice....so please be gentle.

[m5blitzer]

First, welcome to TRF. Second, I will let the pros answer whether it is legit.

[cedargrove]

Welcome to the forums. Watch looks good to me. I'll let the experts weigh in on your other questions.

[Baco Noir]

"X" would be 1991. Tritium dial, with what looks to be replacement luminova hands. The watch value would also depend on the condition of the bracelet, the accessories (box, papers, tags) come with it, and it's service history.

[Adam K.]

From the photo, looks like a very beautiful example of a 16234 Datejust! As you probably know, the ridged bezel is in 18K gold, while the rest of the watch is in stainless steel--the "T" designators by the "Swiss Made" at the bottom of the dial indicate the luminous material on the hands and marker terminations are in tritium, which is appropriate for the approximate year of manufacture.

I'm no valuation expert--and I also don't know the condition of the Jubilee bracelet (that is, how "stretched" it is, etc.) or if the movement was recently serviced by a good watchmaker--but if all is above board and as fine as what your picture indicates, I'd think a reasonable price would fall somewhere in the $2550-$3000 range, based on what the secondary market is showing as of late. Anything discussion of values further, would be beyond the parameters of public postings on the forum.

Welcome to the forum, and thanks for sharing that watch!

[mfer]

Agreed with Adam. $2500-$3000 depending on condition and service history. B&P assumed to be included.

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by mfer

Agreed with Adam. $2500-$3000 depending on condition and service history. B&P assumed to be included.

This is a great watch, and I agree with the $2,500-$3,000 range, except I put little value on box/papers.

[Trandy]

Sadly there's no box or papers.

The watch has been serviced on a regular basis by an authorized Rolex dealer here in Missouri.

Thanks for the replies guys....now I'm really intrigued.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Trandy

Sadly there's no box or papers.

The watch has been serviced on a regular basis by an authorized Rolex dealer here in Missouri.

Thanks for the replies guys....now I'm really intrigued.

The so called Papers= Definition a warranty paper much like any other warranty paper you get with any other commodity today with a warranty and serial product number.But this bit of paper is not always proof that its a genuine Rolex.Back in the 1990s it was a one year warranty,now its just a bit of paper so its long past its sell by date and expired.

The Box= in reality a packaging box and not the best of those in the watch world.And back when watch was bought in the 1990s original box most properly chucked in some closet somewhere and forgotten about never to be seen again.

[Trandy]

OK...some better photos now that it's daylight (so to speak).

[harry in montreal]

Nice watch. It looks good to me as well. You should also consider that you can get a nearly identical watch that is older , model 1601 or 1603. These sell for around 1500 bucks. You'd depicted is a better watch, as it has a quickset date. However, I would try to pay in the 2000-2500 range for it. Harry

[Trandy]

Couple more quick pics...sorry about the quality. I'll take better ones tomorrow when the sun's out.

[1bad750]

I'll chime in here, and say thats an older style case with holes, high up crystal(not sure if its plastic or saphire) and some good stretch on that band. I think you would be stupid to pay any where near the 2500-3000 range and will price that myself at a max of $1,800. And would further say you would be better off adding in another 1k and get your self something newer with no holes a saphire crystal papers and a better looking face.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by 1bad750

...get your self something newer with no holes a saphire crystal papers and a better looking face.

There are a lot of folks who like those lug holes and the acrylic crystal, provided that is what we have here, and I personally really like the old stick dials.

That's simply a matter of taste.

[1bad750]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

There are a lot of folks who like those lug holes and the acrylic crystal, provided that is what we have here, and I personally really like the old stick dials.

That's simply a matter of taste.

Nothing wrong with them, just very easy to find some w/o for the same price.

[brownbear]

looks nice. let us know what happens.
that dial is sharp..

[Speed]

Jeez...Don't worry. What could people do to you?

Bracelet looks a bit stretched...how does it fit?

[Trandy]

Originally Posted by Speed

Jeez...Don't worry. What could people do to you?

Bracelet looks a bit stretched...how does it fit?

I have an eight-inch wrist and it's just a bit snug on me.....I think moving the micro clasp adjustment one hole would do the trick.

I belong to a number of forums....some of which can be rather brutal to newbies...just wanted to tip-toe in rather than shouting my arrival. :)

[Speed]

No worries mate. Folks are pretty calm here....for the most part.

I love this watch. I wanted one exactly like it...but ended up buying new. Should have been more patient.

[Perdu]

Rolex were still shipping X serials through 1992 and even the first couple of months of 93, so 1991 is ballpark.

[77T]

I'd say $1800 - $2000 is fair IMHO.

[bigwatchman]

Welcome. I'd go to about $2500 Max. Box and papers only really matter if you ever want to sell. My first didn't have them and I had problems selling. Otherwise, get the watch for you and enjoy.

[bluemartinifan]

I sold a stainless 16234 circa 2000 18 months ago for $2,000 - excellent condition, w/ papers and needed a service.

[jamesworthy52]

I'd use an official time source and figure out how fast or slow the watch is running each day. It might need a service, which would affect what I'd be willing to pay for it.

[jamesworthy52]

Also, hold the watch parallel to the floor and see how stretched the bracelet is and take a picture. It looks fairly stretched to me. That would also affect the price.

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Originally Posted by jamesworthy52

Also, hold the watch parallel to the floor and see how stretched the bracelet is and take a picture. It looks fairly stretched to me. That would also affect the price.

Hold the watch perpendicular to the floor with the band parallel to the floor.

[kilyung]

Depending on when it was last serviced, I think $1800-$2000 is fair.

[TSW]

Welcome to TRF!!

[Rags]

At this point the papers really don't mean anything. If you have the watch serviced at a RSC you will get new papers & warranty. The condition of the watch & bracelet is what counts. From the pictures the bracelet does look like it has some stretch to it but the watch is 20yrs old & that is to be expected. Like a previous post stated the hands look like they have been replaced. I would say around $2500 would be a fair price.

[Speed]

Do you have all the info you need?

If you want to see how the bracelet has lasted, you need to hold the watch head perpendicular to the ground and see if / how the bracelet sags.

Nice watch IMO.