Buying a Rolex from a former AD

[schoolboy]

Okay guys, this one has me losing sleep.

I met a jeweler who used to be an AD. He has a watch that I am interested in, that is new old stock.

He says he bought it, among others, with his AD license back when he was an AD, then lost the Rolex line, and never sold it.

I asked him if the watch will still have Rolex warranty if I purchase it, and he said yes (if I am not mistaken, but I am confident this is what he was said. He said “yes, and I will give you in store warranty too” or something like that.)

I am having a hard time believing this because I know that an AD “activates” the warranty at the date of sale to a customer.

Since he bought the watch, lost the Rolex line, and still hasn’t sold the watch, if I buy it, I feel like I am buying from a grey dealer as opposed to an AD, and so he can’t activate the warranty, because he is no longer an AD.

Am I right?

Can you all share your thoughts please?

Just a rookie trying to learn

[FSUGeoff]

I would assume no warranty, but then you prob wouldn't need it. treat the transaction as a gray dealer and you won't feel burned.

[THC]

What model number? Pics?

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by THC

What model number? Pics?

Rolex 16570 Polar

I didn’t take any pics


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[dmash]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

Role 16570 Polar

I didn’t take any pics :(


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You're interested in a timepiece that was discontinued 7 years ago, yet concerned about it not having a valid 5 year warranty?


Lol, I'm seriously confused

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by dmash

You're interested in a timepiece that was discontinued 7 years ago, yet concerned about it not having a valid 5 year warranty?


Lol, I'm seriously confused

If I understood correctly, the jeweler mentioned that the warranty would begin at the time of sale (just like when you buy from an AD). If he would’ve activated the warranty 7 years ago, you are correct, the original warranty would’ve expired. But, this is not the case (at least that’s what I have understood from the gentleman).

I was just trying to ask you guys for input on whether or not this may be true.


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[dmash]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

If I understood correctly, the jeweler mentioned that the warranty would begin at the time of sale (just like when you buy from an AD). If he would’ve activated the warranty 7 years ago, you are correct, the original warranty would’ve expired. But, this is not the case (at least that’s what I have understood from the gentleman).

I was just trying to ask you guys for input on whether or not this may be true.


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That's the other thing.

7 years ago, Rolex only had the 2 year warranties. They just started doing the 5 year warranty on July 1, 2015. Therefore, the ONLY way this watch is still under warranty is if:

1. He got the watch sometime before discontinuation in 2011
2. It sat in the case until minimum July 2015 (at least 4 years)
3. He swiped the card before he lost his AD status between July 2015 and now.

See why this doesn't seem plausible whatsoever? If the card was swiped at any point before July 2015, there's no warranty left. Forget about the stock warranty. Only buy the watch if it's something you feel good about like a grey purchase. Zero difference.


*The card could have also been swiped between May 2015-June 2015 and you'd have 1-2 months left on warranty (as Rolex did a 3 year retroactive warranty), however this is a moot point. Not sure why you'd care about that.

[S-F]

Perhaps he swiped the card, along with others, while he was still an AD?

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by S-F

Perhaps he swiped the card, along with others, while he was still an AD?

Maybe, but seeing that the watch is a couple of years old, the warranty is probably done with no?


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[Bigblu10]

I agree with you. Basically you are buying a NOS watch from a private individual now. Not a valid AD. Pretty sure there will be no valid warranty with the watch. But if it is a piece you want and the price is right, I wouldn't let the whole warranty thing defer you from the purchase. The majority of watches never need warranty work.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

Okay guys, this one has me losing sleep.

I met a jeweler who used to be an AD. He has a watch that I am interested in, that is new old stock.

He says he bought it, among others, with his AD license back when he was an AD, then lost the Rolex line, and never sold it.

I asked him if the watch will still have Rolex warranty if I purchase it, and he said yes (if I am not mistaken, but I am confident this is what he was said. He said “yes, and I will give you in store warranty too” or something like that.)

I am having a hard time believing this because I know that an AD “activates” the warranty at the date of sale to a customer.

Since he bought the watch, lost the Rolex line, and still hasn’t sold the watch, if I buy it, I feel like I am buying from a grey dealer as opposed to an AD, and so he can’t activate the warranty, because he is no longer an AD.

Am I right?

Can you all share your thoughts please?

Just a rookie trying to learn

This is easy to solve.


Walk away.

When there is doubt, there is no doubt.

If warranty is this important to you, this is not the watch for you.

[phillycheez]

If he bought it probably still has some manufacturer warranty left.

Just ask for a grey dealer discount..

Oh I just read it's a 16570!

Forget the warranty.. Next time you send it for service you get two years manufacturer warranty.

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[AK797]

I would need to know from when the warranty starts to take this any further.

[RonSwanson]

16570 went out of production in 2011. So it’s likely new very old stock. It probably needs a service already, but if priced accordingly, could be good. Especially if you prefer the smaller 40mm size.

[Rrpdc]

Originally Posted by ronswanson

16570 went out of production in 2011. So it’s likely new very old stock. It probably needs a service already, but if priced accordingly, could be good. Especially if you prefer the smaller 40mm size.

+1

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by RonSwanson

16570 went out of production in 2011. So it’s likely new very old stock. It probably needs a service already, but if priced accordingly, could be good. Especially if you prefer the smaller 40mm size.

I do prefer the 40mm size, and the watch is priced at $8100.

[037]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

I do prefer the 40mm size, and the watch is priced at $8100.

If this dealer wants $8100 then it had better come with a 3186 and have every sticker on it.

You should be able to find a mint condition, full-set 16570 with 3186 movement for $5500 to $6500. NOS adds a bit more but if you're going to wear it then the NOS factor goes away pretty quickly.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by 037

If this dealer wants $8100 then it had better come with a 3186 and have every sticker on it.

You should be able to find a mint condition, full-set 16570 with 3186 movement for $5500 to $6500. NOS adds a bit more but if you're going to wear it then the NOS factor goes away pretty quickly.

I see what you're saying.

Thanks !

[WJGESQ]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

I do prefer the 40mm size, and the watch is priced at $8100.

Isn't that pretty high?

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

I do prefer the 40mm size, and the watch is priced at $8100.

Does the watch have stickers on it?

Do you know that it's a 3186 movement?

Otherwsise $8100 for this watch is a pawnshop deal.

These can be had for much, much less money.

Don't fixate on this one because you've seen it.

[Bt122]

If it doesn’t feel right walk away. It’s lots on money

[droptopman]

If you like the watch and it is priced fairly, buy it. I have never used a Rolex warranty in 30 years of wearing them. They are built like tanks.

[c41006]

I don't really feel the warranty is all that important on a Rolex. There are plenty of Rolex watches out there that run for decades and never see the inside of RSC. Worst case scenario something does go wrong then you send it in for service and it's good for another 10 years minimum.

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by c41006

I don't really feel the warranty is all that important on a Rolex. There are plenty of Rolex watches out there that run for decades and never see the inside of RSC. Worst case scenario something does go wrong then you send it in for service and it's good for another 10 years minimum.

Thanks Joshua

[SLS]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

Okay guys, this one has me losing sleep.

I met a jeweler who used to be an AD. He has a watch that I am interested in, that is new old stock.

He says he bought it, among others, with his AD license back when he was an AD, then lost the Rolex line, and never sold it.

I asked him if the watch will still have Rolex warranty if I purchase it, and he said yes (if I am not mistaken, but I am confident this is what he was said. He said “yes, and I will give you in store warranty too” or something like that.)

I am having a hard time believing this because I know that an AD “activates” the warranty at the date of sale to a customer.

Since he bought the watch, lost the Rolex line, and still hasn’t sold the watch, if I buy it, I feel like I am buying from a grey dealer as opposed to an AD, and so he can’t activate the warranty, because he is no longer an AD.

Am I right?

Can you all share your thoughts please?

Just a rookie trying to learn

Is the watch offered at a fair price? If so, jump on it. More than likely you will have no warranty, but a phone call to an RSC may help answer your questions.

My thoughts are that if Rolex pulled his AD status, it would be in Rolex's best interest to offer to buy back current inventory. I would have to guess that something along the lines of that would be written their contract.

As far as the watch needing a service, most likely it will be fine as it has been mostly static. Plus, the offer of the inhouse warranty should put those concerns to rest. The security of buying from a brick and mortar establishment also has some credence. Best of luck

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by SLS

Is the watch offered at a fair price?

As far as the watch needing a service, most likely it will be fine as it has been mostly static. Plus, the offer of the inhouse warranty should put those concerns to rest. The security of buying from a brick and mortar establishment also has some credence. Best of luck

Thanks for your feedback Scott.

The watch is being offered at $8100. I am thinking of making him an offer on it though.

What do you think might be fair?

This is for a new old stock (very old lol) Rolex 16570, with engraved rehaut which I think means that it has the 3186 movement.

Thanks!

[SLS]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

Thanks for your feedback Scott.

The watch is being offered at $8100. I am thinking of making him an offer on it though.

What do you think might be fair?

This is for a new old stock (very old lol) Rolex 16570, with engraved rehaut which I think means that it has the 3186 movement.

Thanks!

Take a look over in the For Sale section of this site. They are some very trusted sellers there offering 16570's for $2-3K less so keep that in mind. Don't get fooled by the cal 3186 hype, the cal 3185 in some of the older Exp II's are just as adequate.

If you are buying the watch because you would be the first owner or uncomfortable buying from and online seller, I can certainly understand that.
If you are buying it because it is a great deal, I would advise you to shop around a bit more.

[RolexPD]

Originally Posted by schoolboy

Thanks for your feedback Scott.

The watch is being offered at $8100. I am thinking of making him an offer on it though.

What do you think might be fair?

This is for a new old stock (very old lol) Rolex 16570, with engraved rehaut which I think means that it has the 3186 movement.

Thanks!

I don't think that you can be sure that it has the 3186 movement just because it has an engraved rehaut. What letter does the serial number start with?

Does the watch still have stickers on it? How much can you trust this "former AD"? In other words, can you really be certain that the watch is NOS?

[schoolboy]

Thanks to all of you for your feedback.

I am going to go ahead and conclude that the watch won't have factory warranty when I purchase it.

I understand your comments stating that warranty may not be needed, but I thought that if it is indeed under warranty when I purchase it, this is just a PLUS

Further, I wondered if this can even be true, seeing that the jeweler lost the Rolex line.

Thanks again, just trying to learn how things work.

[FTX I]

This is a bargain considering the asking prices these days. This link might help you.

http://www.sdwatches.com/product/rol...olex-3186-nos/