Buying New vs. Used

[aggierolex]

Howdy all, fist post here. I am getting married in May and want to get either a 114270 Explorer or 126234 Datejust (fluted, silver dial on oyster) to commemorate it. The 36mm case size is what draws me to both these watches. I have checked out both in person (while not side by side) and have decided that I like the Explorer a little more due to its under the radar characteristics and that I'm only 24 and pretty casual guy. My question is, should I go for the Datejust since it is new? I've seen quite a few things saying you should buy your first Rolex new and wanted to get the community's opinion on whether that is true or not. If it is any help, if the Explorer didn't go to 39mm I don't think I ever would have seriously considered the Datejust. Thanks for the help!

TLDR: Buying new vs. used (discontinued model) to commemorate getting married.

[LooseCann0n]

New vs used argument only works if you really value the warranty card in your name (all else being equal).
My first was used (but as new condition) and didn’t find it necessary for it to be used.
That said as I wanted a DaytonaC, I wasn’t given much choice!


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[mountainjogger]

You may find it difficult to find either in stainless from an AD.

If you are lucky enough to do so, and this is going to be your first Rolex, I would but it new. You will have a greater comfort level.

If you cannot find either piece in stainless new from an AD, I would use a high volume trusted seller with a good rep like David SW.

[Tangier11]

I am in the "buy used" camp. On many models including the ones you mentioned you can save thousands by buying slightly used.

[mountainjogger]

And obviously, forgot to say that if you want an Explorer 1 in 36mm that model has been discontinued and you would need to buy the 36mm used.

[djgallo]

Welcome to the forum! I would by used in mint condition from a trusted seller. Get the full set with box and papers.

[twitch54]

Originally Posted by djgallo

Welcome to the forum! I would by used in mint condition from a trusted seller. Get the full set with box and papers.

I concur and with that being said keep this in mind ......... Thirty years ago when I bought my first Rolex there was no internet / Rolex forums for this kind of discussion. I bought new and still have my Pepsi GMT. I have since bought several used Rolex's with the help of this forum.

[Finslayer83]

I've received good deals on used watches - never on new ones...

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by Finslayer83

I've received good deals on used watches - never on new ones...

Exactly

[rtalk]

Welcome to the forum. It isn’t so much about new vs used in this case. It really should be about which of the two watches do you like more?

When buying used, please make sure to buy the seller not just the watch. When I purchase used, I go to an established used dealer that has been around for several years and offers a warranty on the watch. So if you have an issue, it should get resolved quickly. Btw, issues happen with new watches too. Some sites to consider: Bob’s, davidsw, watchfinder, jomashop, tournea etc. people will say their prices are high, but ultimately these companies have been around for a while, and so as a first timer, I’d pay up for piece of mind.

[ltmgeller]

I prefer getting the best deal I can. If you want the full set of box and papers, got for it. Sometimes you can get a watch below MSRP, sometimes you can't. Good luck and happy hunting.

[aggierolex]

Thanks for the replies everyone! Yes, I know if I want the 36mm Explorer I have to go used. I would definitely buy from a reputable dealer with a warranty and check it out in person. This has put me a little more at ease. I was worried that I would make a big mistake buying my first luxury watch used. Ideally, I'd like a NOS, but I know that would be very lucky. It's a tough choice but I think I'm leaning toward the Explorer.

[JParm]

For me, as long as it has box and papers, I go for the best deal...which used to be pre-owned, but not so much of a home run these days.

[mui.richard]

Have you considered a Datejust 36 with plain bezel on Oyster bracelet or an Oyster Perpetual 36? They are pretty much as "casual" as an Explorer and wouldn't look out of place at all even for a younger fellow.

And since these are ongoing models you'll have a brand-new watch with the full 5-year Rolex warranty.

Besides, I'd opt for a new watch to commemorate my wedding if it were me. I have nothing against pre-owned watches in fact my very first Rolex was a vintage 16014 Datejust, but a wedding is kind of a big deal...but that's just me.

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[aggierolex]

I have considered the smooth bezel on the datejust but it just doesn't look right to me. I couldn't tell you why but it just looks weird. I'm also not the biggest fan of the OP, I think that is because of the hands. I like the hands of the Explorer, especially the second hand.

I absolutely agree with you, a wedding is a big deal. I've been having this internal debate between these two watches for about 3 or 4 months now because it is such a big deal.

For those of you that have a datejust, how much do you where it outside of work? I always thought of it more of a dressier, work watch than a go do whatever you want watch (which is how I see the Explorer) though I know it is just as tough, 100m WR and all that.

[mui.richard]

Originally Posted by aggierolex

I have considered the smooth bezel on the datejust but it just doesn't look right to me. I couldn't tell you why but it just looks weird. I'm also not the biggest fan of the OP, I think that is because of the hands. I like the hands of the Explorer, especially the second hand.



I absolutely agree with you, a wedding is a big deal. I've been having this internal debate between these two watches for about 3 or 4 months now because it is such a big deal.



For those of you that have a datejust, how much do you where it outside of work? I always thought of it more of a dressier, work watch than a go do whatever you want watch (which is how I see the Explorer) though I know it is just as tough, 100m WR and all that.

While we can't change how you perceive the Datejust, ultimately it's your call. But fact is, the Datejust, especially on the Oyster bracelet, is not a really dressy watch. In fact it looks perfectly fine with a simple tee and denim or a shirt and khakis outfits. Fact is, more often than not I wore my 16014 with a tee and jeans and it works perfectly fine.

Most would suggest a brand-new watch for a wedding, it's supposed to be a once in a lifetime event.

If you're set on the Explorer, I'd suggest you try on a 39mm 214270. It doesn't really wear large and is a fine first Rolex. It was my first brand-new Rolex and even though mine is the Mk I with short hands I love it.



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[joli160]

I don't want somebody else his dna on my watch, must be new and fully stickered with my name on the card.

For me your dilemma is easy

[macrowatch]

I'm usually in the used camp when it comes to date justs, but for a wedding watch, I think the answer is always NEW. Congrats on the big occasion!

[calh22a]

Benefits to buying new or used, but personally for an especially big/memorable occasion, I’d prefer new.

[RJRJRJ]

My first was used, in used condition, and I love it just as much as my new ones.

[2nastie]

New vs. used, I will always prefer new if that was an option. But given how its more about the model/generation itself that is not always possible: i.e. your situation where you want the 114270.

As a standard/regular purchase, I would say go for the 114270 used. However, for a special occasion watch (unless it's a unique vintage piece), I would go for a new Datejust. Its a monumental event, I would like to get everything freshly stamped on it to mark the occasion.

[ROlesorusLEX]

Used or new, as long as it is from a trusted seller, is not too much of a big deal.

I'd strongly consider the 36mm DJ. It will never go out of style, can range from casual to dress, and will always be a trusted companion.

Explorers are great, but a DJ 36 is the classic reference for Rolex.

[Seibei]

If you are new to this, then aim to buy new from an AD. You will not be sorry.

If you are an expert and know what to look for and how to avoid the pitfalls, buying used might be a good option.

[ROlesorusLEX]

Originally Posted by Seibei

If you are new to this, then aim to buy new from an AD. You will not be sorry.

If you are an expert and know what to look for and how to avoid the pitfalls, buying used might be a good option.

Exactly this, actually

[Fat_ninja]

New = virgin
Used = someone else’s DNA

Lol


That’s the watch my wife tells me to think about it

[Tangier11]

New is only new for a moment and then it is used

[Jabbo84]

I am in the buy new camp. I don’t want someone else’s desk diving marks or deep scratches

[JoseR]

I recently purchased my first two and only Rolex and I felt better with new. For me it just feels better that I know no one else worn it. Like mentioned above, if it's your first buy new and if you know about watches and a trusted seller you can go used.

[Paul7]

Everybody wears a used watch.

[GradyPhilpott]

It's been said a million times and I'm going to say it again.

If you are going to buy used, go with someone you know and know well, who also offers a good return policy, as well as a warranty of at least two years.

I love my 114270 and I think it would be an excellent choice, but unless you really know what you are doing, I'd go with the DJ from an AD.