What Paperwork

[100thmonkey]

If buying secondhand Rolex what paperwork is essential and what is desirable? I know that the box is but what else should be there and if its not why is it a problem

Thanks in anticipation

[mgm]

Originally Posted by 100thmonkey

If buying secondhand Rolex what paperwork is essential and what is desirable? I know that the box is but what else should be there and if its not why is it a problem

Thanks in anticipation

Others here will know far more than I about this, but the primary interest in papers is knowing the provenance; ie, is the watch real? An AD can satisfy that question with or without papers, but it is nice when buying to be certain. However, papers can be forged.

The secondary issue is completeness. A watch with papers, as in all collectibles, carries more information with it and a sense that the previous owner or owners cared about the details, suggesting better shepherding. This may or may not be true, of course, but the subliminal impressions add comfort. The asking price of a watch with papers will generally be somewhat higher than one without.

[Tools]

This is always an area where debate rages, and probably will for years..

Nothing is essential except that the watch be genuine.. Paperwork or a box does not verify this nor does it guarantee it..

Personally, I think it is more important that the used piece be period correct. .. Of course, the price may be too attractive to pass up, so a service correct replacement is also fine..

Many, many used watches do NOT come with any original paperwork. Many Dealers will not have these things if the watch was traded in, it just isn't practical..

Buying from an individual I would expect that they could demonstrate that there has been some care and maintenance... such as the original invoice, warranty, or service docs..

Boxes are up to you...it's nice, but you have to store them someplace and you can always find one if you need one..

[mgm]

Dust jackets on books, boxes for Barbie... But there's nothing wrong with that!

[SLS]

For current models a watch originally came with the following:
Outer sleeve that fits around the white box with the Rolex crown on top
Outer white box, noted above
Green Rolex Box with a wavy style top and small gold rolex crown
The watch!!!
Pleather strip
Plastic foam around the inside edge of the green box
Booklet and Warranty card holder
Service Booklet
The particular watch you bought manual
Credit card warranty (Older models had a paper)
Hang Tags

I think that covers it!
~Scott

[scottschoe]

RSC service papers are very desirable, especially on older models