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Old 18 September 2012, 08:26 AM   #1
rw170driver
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Should I buy this watch?

Hey folks, I'm a long time lurker but first time poster. I have a friend who wants to sell his 95 stainless steel sub. He took care of it in all other ways but he's never had it overhauled. Would this be a poor purchase or a good one? Price is competitive and not really a factor as I would be helping out a friend. This would be 1/2 of my ultimate stainless sub and gmt stable I'm saving for. I turn it loose to all you Rolex experts. . .
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Old 18 September 2012, 08:29 AM   #2
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Not sure how we can help? No images, no description of condition, does it have the box and papers? How did you determine the price was competitive?
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Old 18 September 2012, 08:45 AM   #3
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Yes, it has box and papers. I've searched for prices of similar models from that year and it's comparable. Maybe a little high but I'd save several thousand and help a friend out. I've held the watch, worn it, and examined it and it's in excellent condition. My only concern is the fact it's been a daily wearer and never overhauled.
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Old 18 September 2012, 09:17 AM   #4
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Yes, it has box and papers. I've searched for prices of similar models from that year and it's comparable. Maybe a little high but I'd save several thousand and help a friend out. I've held the watch, worn it, and examined it and it's in excellent condition. My only concern is the fact it's been a daily wearer and never overhauled.
If you know that it's been well take care of, then why not !! Only you can decide if the price he is selling for is a price you are willing to pay..

You should expect to get it properly serviced if you want it to be it's freshest and most "like new". This may be a negotiating point, but don't expect to deduct your cost for a service as a condition to buy.. Service is up to you, not to him..
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Old 19 September 2012, 03:27 AM   #5
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If you know that it's been well take care of, then why not !! Only you can decide if the price he is selling for is a price you are willing to pay..

You should expect to get it properly serviced if you want it to be it's freshest and most "like new". This may be a negotiating point, but don't expect to deduct your cost for a service as a condition to buy.. Service is up to you, not to him..
These watches are good for 50+ years, so buying used isn't an issue for me. I'd budget a service and enjoy the watch. Good luck.
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Old 18 September 2012, 08:52 AM   #6
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It should be overhauled you need to add the cost of that to the price of the watch. An overhaul could be pricey.
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Old 18 September 2012, 09:52 AM   #7
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I'm probably wrong, but it kinda sounds like he is taking advantage of you.

You said yourself: it's a little high based on your research. You also say that you'd be helping a friend. What about him also helping you and you both make out?
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Old 18 September 2012, 09:58 AM   #8
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If its about 20 years old and never been serviced you should factor in more than the normal $550. In my experience even if it running OK there will be more worn parts than a normal service. I say this because my uncle waited 20 years to service his DJ and it was $1k ish. My mom waited 23-24 years to service her DJ but it stopped. There was some damage to the movement and the service from Rolex was 3x what the watch was new. Also I make it a point not to buy large purchases like that from friends. If something goes wrong then a friendship can be ruined. Also if the price is "a little high" as you say why buy it? Plenty of Subs out there for sell.
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Old 19 September 2012, 03:42 AM   #9
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If its about 20 years old and never been serviced you should factor in more than the normal $550. In my experience even if it running OK there will be more worn parts than a normal service. I say this because my uncle waited 20 years to service his DJ and it was $1k ish. My mom waited 23-24 years to service her DJ but it stopped. There was some damage to the movement and the service from Rolex was 3x what the watch was new. Also I make it a point not to buy large purchases like that from friends. If something goes wrong then a friendship can be ruined. Also if the price is "a little high" as you say why buy it? Plenty of Subs out there for sell.
Always love your logic. Price and need to be very reasonable IMO. It's a Ss sub most popular watch on the planet.youll find one.
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Old 19 September 2012, 07:05 AM   #10
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If its about 20 years old and never been serviced you should factor in more than the normal $550. In my experience even if it running OK there will be more worn parts than a normal service. I say this because my uncle waited 20 years to service his DJ and it was $1k ish. My mom waited 23-24 years to service her DJ but it stopped. There was some damage to the movement and the service from Rolex was 3x what the watch was new. Also I make it a point not to buy large purchases like that from friends. If something goes wrong then a friendship can be ruined. Also if the price is "a little high" as you say why buy it? Plenty of Subs out there for sell.
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Old 18 September 2012, 10:12 AM   #11
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So what do you think?
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Old 18 September 2012, 10:38 AM   #12
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17 years without a service isn't taking care of the watch. Rolex recommends the watch be serviced every 24 months which is the life of the oil. To compare would be like driving your car and not changing the oil for 50,000 miles.
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Old 18 September 2012, 10:45 AM   #13
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17 years without a service isn't taking care of the watch. Rolex recommends the watch be serviced every 24 months which is the life of the oil. To compare would be like driving your car and not changing the oil for 50,000 miles.
That is news to me. Never heard that before. Normal service is recommended every five years - not two years. Also, even though the Submariner being discussed here is 17-years-old, that does not mean it has been running for 17 years.

I just had a 1970 GMT serviced for the first time and it was in outstanding condition according to my watchmaker. I had no issues with it upon its return to me.
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Old 18 September 2012, 10:54 AM   #14
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Your question is hard to answer - you say the price is comparable but also that it is a bit high. It also sounds like your desire to help your friend is complicating what should be a calculated decision (to the the extent buying a Rolex can be a calculated decision only).

I think if you want to help your friend, then buy the watch, understanding that you may be paying more than if you bought a similar watch from a stranger. On the other hand, the fact you helped your friend, might make the watch more valuable in your eyes. Only you can decide whether it's worth it.
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Old 18 September 2012, 10:58 AM   #15
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That is news to me. Never heard that before. Normal service is recommended every five years - not two years. Also, even though the Submariner being discussed here is 17-years-old, that does not mean it has been running for 17 years.

I just had a 1970 GMT serviced for the first time and it was in outstanding condition according to my watchmaker. I had no issues with it upon its return to me.

Yep
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Old 18 September 2012, 11:23 AM   #16
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That is news to me. Never heard that before. Normal service is recommended every five years - not two years. Also, even though the Submariner being discussed here is 17-years-old, that does not mean it has been running for 17 years.
Do you have that in writing? From Rolex?
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Old 19 September 2012, 03:30 AM   #17
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Do you have that in writing? From Rolex?
As a matter of fact, yes.
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Old 19 September 2012, 06:56 AM   #18
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Do you have that in writing? From Rolex?
Engraved on all my Rolexes - factory engraved. You need a microscope to read it.
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Old 18 September 2012, 12:56 PM   #19
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17 years without a service isn't taking care of the watch. Rolex recommends the watch be serviced every 24 months which is the life of the oil. To compare would be like driving your car and not changing the oil for 50,000 miles.
That is wrong. Rolex does not recommend service every 24 months. I have plenty of rolex service booklets. Rolex recommends every 5 years. I'd say most on here service every 6-7 years.
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Old 19 September 2012, 03:51 AM   #20
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17 years without a service isn't taking care of the watch. Rolex recommends the watch be serviced every 24 months which is the life of the oil. To compare would be like driving your car and not changing the oil for 50,000 miles.
That's over twice as often as they recommend
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Old 19 September 2012, 07:31 AM   #21
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17 years without a service isn't taking care of the watch. Rolex recommends the watch be serviced every 24 months which is the life of the oil. To compare would be like driving your car and not changing the oil for 50,000 miles.
No they don't...if they did I wouldn't have bought one...

Someone tell me he is wrong so I don't have to sell my watches...
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Old 18 September 2012, 11:00 AM   #22
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Oil quality changes as it does in the Automotive industry.
I see it as what movement it is, as some need more attention than the "Old Workhorses"
Less frictionpoints and beats mean less wear.

Certainly the enviroment in which the watch is worn has a influence too.
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Old 18 September 2012, 11:21 AM   #23
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price??
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Old 18 September 2012, 11:25 AM   #24
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By providing the price you'll help us give you some direction on this deal
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Old 19 September 2012, 03:53 AM   #25
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17 years without a service isn't taking care of the watch. Rolex recommends the watch be serviced every 24 months which is the life of the oil. To compare would be like driving your car and not changing the oil for 50,000 miles.
Every 24 months?! The rolex manual says every five years...

My Dad just serviced his explorer after 30 years, and it just cost the regular overhaul price.


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Old 19 September 2012, 04:29 AM   #26
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I'm no expert but I'll throw my 2 cents in. As other's have said it's way overdue for a service. I would ask your friend to split the cost of it with you.
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Old 19 September 2012, 05:21 AM   #27
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Thanks for all the replies. I agree with a poster who said that not having it overhauled was "not taking care of the watch". I'll keep saving for a new gmt c as originally planned. When I do buy I'll make sure to post some pictures, I certainly enjoy all of yours.
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Old 19 September 2012, 06:28 AM   #28
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Thanks for all the replies. I agree with a poster who said that not having it overhauled was "not taking care of the watch". I'll keep saving for a new gmt c as originally planned. When I do buy I'll make sure to post some pictures, I certainly enjoy all of yours.
Welcome to the forum Driver. That might be your best plan. If you were saying you get the Sub at a great price then ok. If not, you could find a better deal second hand most likely. Hurry and save for the new one though, Rolex is loving price increases these days.

BTW my Rolex manuals say 5 years. Does this mean I have in writing from Rolex?
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Old 19 September 2012, 09:57 AM   #29
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Thanks for all the replies. I agree with a poster who said that not having it overhauled was "not taking care of the watch". I'll keep saving for a new gmt c as originally planned. When I do buy I'll make sure to post some pictures, I certainly enjoy all of yours.
Good call
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Old 19 September 2012, 10:48 AM   #30
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Thanks for all the replies. I agree with a poster who said that not having it overhauled was "not taking care of the watch". I'll keep saving for a new gmt c as originally planned. When I do buy I'll make sure to post some pictures, I certainly enjoy all of yours.
Nice nice nice.
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