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algibbs77 · 19 January 2009, 03:18 PM

I am looking forward to buying my first Rolex and I keep seeing reasonable deals on preowned Rolexes on Craigslist. Does anyone have any thoughts or tips on buying a preowned Rolex from Craigslist? I have read several articles online that all say to never buy from Craigslist. I understand why you need to be cautious but I don't understand why you should never buy a Rolex from the site. It seems to me that if you have some common sense and you are cautious about what you buy there are some good deals on used Rolexes. Not everyone out there can be trying to scam you. If you understand that if it is too good to be true it probably is and if you have the watch authenticated by an Authorized Dealer, why not buy one? Of course I would only buy locally and in person. Are ADs not willing/able to verify the authenticity of a Rolex? I am sure there are plenty of people out there that have purchased a Rolex from someone or someplace other than an AD. I am really interested in reading your thoughts and opinions.

onkyo · 19 January 2009, 03:23 PM

You are playing with fire my Californian friend.

For your first Rolex, buy from an authorized dealer OR there are some very good/reliable sellers here on TRF (sellers/buyers section) that will beat most dealer prices.

mck22 · 19 January 2009, 03:56 PM

I bought my first one off of craigslist. I went to an AD and had them look at it. They told me it was the real deal and I bought it. Easy transaction and worked out great for me. Like everyone on here say buy the seller first and then the watch!!! Cant wait to hear your story if it works out for you!!

jbjenkins · 19 January 2009, 05:02 PM

I've got the tools and the knowledge. I just tell them beforehand i'm going to open the watch, take off the band, and subject it to the same scrutiny that an AD would (even if I cannot). 90% say "um, no thanks" the rest are real. :-)

stevemulholland3 · 19 January 2009, 08:34 PM

I have bought close to ten rolex from craigslist...and everyone has been absolutely correct..but I also have the knowledge to weed out all the obvious and not so obvious fakes before I ever communicate with them..

TimeToGo · 19 January 2009, 09:29 PM

Knowledge goes a long way!

If anything, have them meet you at an AD!

algibbs77 · 20 January 2009, 12:45 AM

For those of you that said you wouldn't buy one from Craigslist, what is the risk if you have the watch certified by an AD?

For those of you that have used and AD to certify a watch how has the AD responded. Are the usually willing to help you out or do they get irritated that you aren't buying a new watch from them?

DSJ · 20 January 2009, 02:09 AM

Andy, if you have a relationship with the AD, then there's usually no problem. If you have never done business with an AD, then you would reasonably expect to pay them for this trouble, so ask what they would charge (remove caseback to verify movement, remove bracelet to verify s/n).

stusrt · 20 January 2009, 03:47 AM

this is what I do -
contact the seller and tell him I will pay the $50 to have an apprisal done on the watch at the AD of their choosing.
90% of the time you don't hear back from the seller.

But I have found a few legit deals on craigslist. You just have to shovel through tons of garage to find them.

Knappo 1307 · 18 July 2012, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stusrt

this is what I do -
contact the seller and tell him I will pay the $50 to have an apprisal done on the watch at the AD of their choosing.
90% of the time you don't hear back from the seller.

But I have found a few legit deals on craigslist. You just have to shovel through tons of garage to find them.

This

greekbum · 20 January 2009, 12:19 PM

Buying from Craigslist ebay or anywhere is always buyer beware.The reason you are looking there is to get what you think is a deal.Its like anything if you are trying to get a DEAL on something you better know what you are looking at or else the deal you thought was a deal turns out to be a nightmare.I would suggest to anyone who doesnt put the time in this or have the knowledge and tools to pay the fair market and sleep at night.I have bought watches off of Craigslist and have been shown the best fakes i have ever seen from craigslist also.The best was this guy who had 3 months earlier bought a submariner new at mayors swapped it with a high grade fake and brought me the recipt box papers etc.When I asked to take the band off he got pissed off and told me I would scratch it so we went to mayors where they remebered him and VERIFIED that the watch was indead authentic cause he bought it there.My trained eye called him out in front of the AD salesman and I asked them to take the band off.Guess what the ad said it was a fake and than they got into an argument and I left.Scammer all the way.Any other person would have bought it.

mretzloff · 20 January 2009, 12:58 PM

Your first Rolex should be from an AD.

If you cannot afford a new one (I'm not meaning this in a derogatory way), buy a used one from an AD.

You're asking to be scammed. And if you are, you'll regret it.

chenx15 · 20 January 2009, 12:34 PM

i've had 3 rolex purchases in craigslist all genuine all for the best prices!

ijen0311 · 20 January 2009, 02:01 PM

Craigslist is the breeding ground for nutjobs.
Evidence:

cody p · 21 January 2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ijen0311

Craigslist is the breeding ground for nutjobs.
Evidence:

yikes!

stevemulholland3 · 21 January 2009, 12:34 PM

what the f&c%??
ho my goodness!!

ijen0311 · 21 January 2009, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevemulholland3

what the f&c%??
ho my goodness!!

Craigslist for imitation crab meat

Craigslist for Rolex:

walds11 · 21 January 2009, 05:43 PM

Jen, that is hilarious. He is from Philly :)

technicaldirector · 22 January 2009, 03:20 AM

I've purchased two Rolexes and an Omega off Craigslist without any hassle. I consider myself a pretty good judge of character and know what to look for. :)

Flaxmoore · 22 January 2009, 03:35 AM

I'd have no problem if the watch were authenticated by an AD before purchase.

Numismatist · 22 January 2009, 06:26 AM

Some things to consider on Craigs or eBay or anywhere other than an AD:

An AD may be able to authenticate a Rolex; however, you are trusting the judgment of that employee at that AD who sometimes are not as educated on Rolex as one might think.

Even if it is a legit Rolex, the AD may or may not be able or willing to determine if it is functioning properly.

It may be a real Rolex but stolen - Rolex may confiscate it if you ever need to send it in for repair.

If you meet face to face, you have now alerted someone to the fact that you have enough cash to buy a Rolex...

Anyone else got any to add?

arhant · 23 January 2009, 03:06 AM

Well, I have purchased 2 Rolex watches from CL sellers and one from Watchnet. I'm not an expert, but used common sense. Buy the Seller is number one. Make sure the story makes sense. Meet the seller personally. Know what you are looking at. I bought a transitional Submariner and the guy invited me in to his house. We had an hour long visit talking about his other collectibles. Number 2 is, if the price is too good, stay away. I got good deals, but not 'steals'.
I would never recommend anyone purchase from an Enay seller. However, this forum seems like a great place to pickup a preowned watch.

mikeym · 23 January 2009, 09:53 AM

meet at a dealer, if they give the thumbs up take it!

Paul B · 23 January 2009, 04:31 PM

I bought one on Craigslist, had it opened and checked by an AD and everything was fine.

Paul

SLS · 23 January 2009, 08:05 PM

If you know what you are doing, you will be fine. I can open any Rolex caseback and confirm what I am looking at is legit. AD's may be useless in this process. Like ebay, Craigslist has many scams.
~Scott

Terry Newton · 24 January 2009, 03:38 PM

The train show was scary. Bad scary images floating in my head tonight; i.e., near naked men. Now I am suffering from PTSD and will have to sue CraigsList for damages.

Terry Newton

JimW · 25 January 2009, 06:56 AM

hmmmmm

rosspanics · 5 February 2011, 11:07 AM

Always buy the seller! I bought mine on Craigslist, the seller was a local CEO that I knew I could trust. He had all of the paperwork, boxes, etc and we even met at his office. I doubt a guy who makes megabucks is going to try an scam me out of $3k. He just has a dozen+ and was unloading a few.

rosspanics · 5 February 2011, 11:07 AM

(sorry, double post)

Nanny · 5 February 2011, 11:51 AM

Trust you best judgement, dont fall in love with the watch and let you lust over take common sense. Do your due dilligence and cover all your bases. You can find great deals on CL and Ebay. Not everyone out there is out to scam others.

Like many have said buy the seller, then the watch.

In todays economy people are in need of cash and are parting with valuables at rock bottom prices. I just picked up a TT Blk U serial Sub off CL for $3,900 with box and papers. Watch was in mint condition.

View Poll Results: Would you ever by a preowned Rolex from Craigslist?
Absolutely! I don't even need to have it certified.	14	9.66%
Only if it was certified by an AD, was a good price and had the box and all paperwork.	72	49.66%
No way, are you crazy?	53	36.55%
What's Craigslist?	6	4.14%
Voters: 145. You may not vote on this poll

19 January 2009, 03:18 PM	#1
algibbs77 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Andy Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2	Buying from Craigslist I am looking forward to buying my first Rolex and I keep seeing reasonable deals on preowned Rolexes on Craigslist. Does anyone have any thoughts or tips on buying a preowned Rolex from Craigslist? I have read several articles online that all say to never buy from Craigslist. I understand why you need to be cautious but I don't understand why you should never buy a Rolex from the site. It seems to me that if you have some common sense and you are cautious about what you buy there are some good deals on used Rolexes. Not everyone out there can be trying to scam you. If you understand that if it is too good to be true it probably is and if you have the watch authenticated by an Authorized Dealer, why not buy one? Of course I would only buy locally and in person. Are ADs not willing/able to verify the authenticity of a Rolex? I am sure there are plenty of people out there that have purchased a Rolex from someone or someplace other than an AD. I am really interested in reading your thoughts and opinions.

19 January 2009, 03:56 PM	#3
mck22 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Brent Location: St Louis Watch: Rolex Sub Date Posts: 1,516	I bought my first one off of craigslist. I went to an AD and had them look at it. They told me it was the real deal and I bought it. Easy transaction and worked out great for me. Like everyone on here say buy the seller first and then the watch!!! Cant wait to hear your story if it works out for you!! __________________ 16610 Submariner GMT Master II 16710 1675

20 January 2009, 02:09 AM	#8
DSJ "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: David Location: USA Watch: your step! Posts: 7,882	Andy, if you have a relationship with the AD, then there's usually no problem. If you have never done business with an AD, then you would reasonably expect to pay them for this trouble, so ask what they would charge (remove caseback to verify movement, remove bracelet to verify s/n). __________________ Rolex. The Rolex of watches. 16570 Expy2 Noir, 116710 GMT Master II, 2552.80 SMP

20 January 2009, 12:19 PM	#11
greekbum "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Nikos Location: Florida Watch: Rolex GMT 16750 Posts: 8,418	Buying from Craigslist ebay or anywhere is always buyer beware.The reason you are looking there is to get what you think is a deal.Its like anything if you are trying to get a DEAL on something you better know what you are looking at or else the deal you thought was a deal turns out to be a nightmare.I would suggest to anyone who doesnt put the time in this or have the knowledge and tools to pay the fair market and sleep at night.I have bought watches off of Craigslist and have been shown the best fakes i have ever seen from craigslist also.The best was this guy who had 3 months earlier bought a submariner new at mayors swapped it with a high grade fake and brought me the recipt box papers etc.When I asked to take the band off he got pissed off and told me I would scratch it so we went to mayors where they remebered him and VERIFIED that the watch was indead authentic cause he bought it there.My trained eye called him out in front of the AD salesman and I asked them to take the band off.Guess what the ad said it was a fake and than they got into an argument and I left.Scammer all the way.Any other person would have bought it. __________________ Follow Me On Instagram @nickgogas Original Owner ROLEX 16750 GMT Daily Wearer For Over 13,000 Days And Counting

19 January 2009, 03:23 PM	#2
onkyo Banned Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Pav Location: Manhattan Posts: 11,495	You are playing with fire my Californian friend. For your first Rolex, buy from an authorized dealer OR there are some very good/reliable sellers here on TRF (sellers/buyers section) that will beat most dealer prices.

19 January 2009, 05:02 PM	#4
jbjenkins "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 71	I've got the tools and the knowledge. I just tell them beforehand i'm going to open the watch, take off the band, and subject it to the same scrutiny that an AD would (even if I cannot). 90% say "um, no thanks" the rest are real. :-)

19 January 2009, 08:34 PM	#5
stevemulholland3 Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: steven Location: tampa bay Watch: 1680 18k sub Posts: 6,672	I have bought close to ten rolex from craigslist...and everyone has been absolutely correct..but I also have the knowledge to weed out all the obvious and not so obvious fakes before I ever communicate with them..

19 January 2009, 09:29 PM	#6
TimeToGo 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North Florida Posts: 16,736	Knowledge goes a long way! If anything, have them meet you at an AD!

20 January 2009, 12:45 AM	#7
algibbs77 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Andy Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2	For those of you that said you wouldn't buy one from Craigslist, what is the risk if you have the watch certified by an AD? For those of you that have used and AD to certify a watch how has the AD responded. Are the usually willing to help you out or do they get irritated that you aren't buying a new watch from them?

20 January 2009, 03:47 AM	#9
stusrt "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The Motor City Watch: too many Posts: 1,114	this is what I do - contact the seller and tell him I will pay the $50 to have an apprisal done on the watch at the AD of their choosing. 90% of the time you don't hear back from the seller. But I have found a few legit deals on craigslist. You just have to shovel through tons of garage to find them.

20 January 2009, 12:58 PM	#12
mretzloff "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA Watch: Submariner Date Posts: 822	Your first Rolex should be from an AD. If you cannot afford a new one (I'm not meaning this in a derogatory way), buy a used one from an AD. You're asking to be scammed. And if you are, you'll regret it. __________________ "M" 16610 Submariner "M" 16570w Explorer II

20 January 2009, 12:34 PM	#13
chenx15 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: somewhere Posts: 2,891	i've had 3 rolex purchases in craigslist all genuine all for the best prices! __________________ 16 GS Titles 16 AMS titles (1 short of Agassi) 23 Consecutive GS semifinals 17/18 of the last GS finals, 237 consecutive weeks #1 5 consecutive wimbledon + 1 = 6 cups 5 consecutive US open 4 Australian open 1 Sweet french open a crown for every achievement The Greatest Of All Time loves Rolex

20 January 2009, 02:01 PM	#14
ijen0311 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Jen Location: Jax, FL Watch: Sea-Dweller Posts: 3,977	Craigslist is the breeding ground for nutjobs. Evidence:

21 January 2009, 12:34 PM	#16
stevemulholland3 Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: steven Location: tampa bay Watch: 1680 18k sub Posts: 6,672	what the f&c%?? ho my goodness!!

21 January 2009, 05:43 PM	#18
walds11 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Adam Location: Philly ‘burbs Posts: 5,660	Jen, that is hilarious. He is from Philly :) __________________ Adam

22 January 2009, 03:20 AM	#19
technicaldirector "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Real Name: Mike Location: Los Angeles Watch: 1675 Pepsi GMT Posts: 181	I've purchased two Rolexes and an Omega off Craigslist without any hassle. I consider myself a pretty good judge of character and know what to look for. :) __________________ Rolex 1675 Pepsi GMT Master Tudor 9411/0 Snowflake Sub Tudor 76100 Tudor 76100 Non-Mercedes Hands Tudor Tiger 79280 Chronograph

22 January 2009, 03:35 AM	#20
Flaxmoore Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Casey Location: Toledo, Ohio Watch: Alpha Milsub Posts: 704	I'd have no problem if the watch were authenticated by an AD before purchase.

22 January 2009, 06:26 AM	#21
Numismatist "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Real Name: Chris Location: Camden ME & STT Watch: 116600 Posts: 6,350	Some things to consider on Craigs or eBay or anywhere other than an AD: An AD may be able to authenticate a Rolex; however, you are trusting the judgment of that employee at that AD who sometimes are not as educated on Rolex as one might think. Even if it is a legit Rolex, the AD may or may not be able or willing to determine if it is functioning properly. It may be a real Rolex but stolen - Rolex may confiscate it if you ever need to send it in for repair. If you meet face to face, you have now alerted someone to the fact that you have enough cash to buy a Rolex... Anyone else got any to add? __________________ Rolex 116600 Sea-dweller Montblanc Solitaire Doué Black & White Legrand FP Montblanc Solitaire Doué Black & White RB Montblanc Meisterstück Diamond Mozart BP Montblanc Meisterstück Mozart BP

23 January 2009, 03:06 AM	#22
arhant "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Rocky Mts. USA Posts: 89	Well, I have purchased 2 Rolex watches from CL sellers and one from Watchnet. I'm not an expert, but used common sense. Buy the Seller is number one. Make sure the story makes sense. Meet the seller personally. Know what you are looking at. I bought a transitional Submariner and the guy invited me in to his house. We had an hour long visit talking about his other collectibles. Number 2 is, if the price is too good, stay away. I got good deals, but not 'steals'. I would never recommend anyone purchase from an Enay seller. However, this forum seems like a great place to pickup a preowned watch.

23 January 2009, 09:53 AM	#23
mikeym "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: mike Location: savannah Watch: yachtmaster Posts: 367	meet at a dealer, if they give the thumbs up take it! __________________ 18k Yachtmaster 18k/SS Yachtmaster MOP Platinum/SS Yachtmaster SS Yachtmaster II SS GMT2C

23 January 2009, 04:31 PM	#24
Paul B "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Paul Location: Canada/NY Watch: Don't go there... Posts: 366	I bought one on Craigslist, had it opened and checked by an AD and everything was fine. Paul

23 January 2009, 08:05 PM	#25
SLS "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Scott Location: GMT -7 Watch: GMT's & Sub's Posts: 10,401	If you know what you are doing, you will be fine. I can open any Rolex caseback and confirm what I am looking at is legit. AD's may be useless in this process. Like ebay, Craigslist has many scams. ~Scott __________________ "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of lower price is forgotten." -Benjamin Franklin Member No. 922

24 January 2009, 03:38 PM	#26
Terry Newton "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Terry Newton Location: Michigan Watch: Rolex TT GMT II c Posts: 6,644	The train show was scary. Bad scary images floating in my head tonight; i.e., near naked men. Now I am suffering from PTSD and will have to sue CraigsList for damages. Terry Newton __________________ Terry Newton; Superstar and Fake Sleuth "Z" SS Date Submariner "Z" TT GMT-Master IIc

25 January 2009, 06:56 AM	#27
JimW Banned Join Date: Nov 2008 Real Name: Jim Location: Kentucky Watch: 18k Datejust Posts: 196	hmmmmm

5 February 2011, 11:07 AM	#28
rosspanics "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Rocky Mountains Watch: Exp2, Exp1 Posts: 727	Always buy the seller! I bought mine on Craigslist, the seller was a local CEO that I knew I could trust. He had all of the paperwork, boxes, etc and we even met at his office. I doubt a guy who makes megabucks is going to try an scam me out of $3k. He just has a dozen+ and was unloading a few.

5 February 2011, 11:07 AM	#29
rosspanics "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Rocky Mountains Watch: Exp2, Exp1 Posts: 727	(sorry, double post) Last edited by rosspanics; 5 February 2011 at 11:24 AM.. Reason: double post

5 February 2011, 11:51 AM	#30
Nanny Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: US Watch: out for pot holes Posts: 82	Trust you best judgement, dont fall in love with the watch and let you lust over take common sense. Do your due dilligence and cover all your bases. You can find great deals on CL and Ebay. Not everyone out there is out to scam others. Like many have said buy the seller, then the watch. In todays economy people are in need of cash and are parting with valuables at rock bottom prices. I just picked up a TT Blk U serial Sub off CL for $3,900 with box and papers. Watch was in mint condition.

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