Question on first Rolex purchase

[Double B]

Now that my brother has got my interest up in quality watches I'm still trying to decide the year of Sub to buy. I have a couple related topics of concern:

1) - How important is it to have the warranty papers?
- How important is it to have the box, hang tag, etc?
- If my intent is to keep it for 10+ yrs is that stuff really important?
- I understand it is for the collector but for the long term wearer?

2) If I buy from one of the trusted sellers here and its used (2006-2010 vintage) it would be out of warranty anyway, and if so, why would I need the expired warranty papers? (I plan to have adjustments & work done by local AD)

This is a great forum with very helpful people! Thanks in advance. -Robb

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Double B

Now that my brother has got my interest up in quality watches I'm still trying to decide the year of Sub to buy. I have a couple related topics of concern:

1) - How important is it to have the warranty papers?
- How important is it to have the box, hang tag, etc?
- If my intent is to keep it for 10+ yrs is that stuff really important?
- I understand it is for the collector but for the long term wearer?

2) If I buy from one of the trusted sellers here and its used (2006-2010 vintage) it would be out of warranty anyway, and if so, why would I need the expired warranty papers? (I plan to have adjustments & work done by local AD)

This is a great forum with very helpful people! Thanks in advance. -Robb

Well myself the most important thing for me is genuine watch and the condition in any modern day Rolex watch.Not interested in any packaging box out of date warranty, or bits of sticky back plastic or hang tags.As these boxes bits of paper and plastic cannot always prove authenticity or ownership of any watch, and in reality are the easiest to fake.And when buying used if watch is say over 6 years old it would be wise to budget for a service.And after said service guess what you get service papers will all the watch information on and that paper will be a valid two year warranty paper.And just cannot see why they even call them papers all this paper/card is a two year warranty much like you get with most domestic goods you buy today.And once its expired well its then just a bit of paper or plastic.

[mike111]

If you plan on selling it you will do better with the complete set. You also have better peace of mind that it is not stolen or messed with. Although nothing is more important than to buy from a trusted source. I would try to get the complete set

[azguy]

If you forgo the box and papers, you'll save at least a couple hundred dollars..

Personally, I would spend the extra cash, as it does make selling the watch easier (just an easy way a buyer gets you off your price) and you never know what may change in the future....

Although, I would let the lack of ppw kill a great deal....all IMHO, of course...

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well myself the most important thing for me is genuine watch and the condition in any modern day Rolex watch.Not interested in any packaging box out of date warranty, or bits of sticky back plastic or hang tags.As these boxes bits of paper and plastic cannot always prove authenticity or ownership of any watch, and in reality are the easiest to fake.And when buying used if watch is say over 6 years old it would be wise to budget for a service.And after said service guess what you get service papers will all the watch information on and that paper will be a valid two year warranty paper.And just cannot see why they even call them papers all this paper/card is a two year warranty much like you get with most domestic goods you buy today.And once its expired well its then just a bit of paper or plastic.

This.
dP

[imono]

Maybe get your brother involve in getting you a nice one.
Hope he knows the how to's.
Good Luck!

[z32turbo]

My advice is to look for the best condition for the best price form someone you trust is selling an authentic Sub. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

[gwalker]

IMHO the watch is all that really matters after the watch is out of warranty. As Peter said if its 6-7 years old a service is probably needed. You will get service papers with this so there is your "papers". A box is super easy to get if you must have one. I can't see the point in paying hundreds more for a peice of paper that's really not with anything after the warranty and you will get a new one after a service. If preowned I'd suggest buying the best condition and newest watch you can afford.

[blue lion]

As others have stated, the extras are nice to have but not required. Realize the extras could be purchased off Ebay or elsewhere (other than the warranty/serial # items) by the seller anyway. The watch is what matters.

[Monte Cristo]

Originally Posted by azguy

If you forgo the box and papers, you'll save at least a couple hundred dollars..

Personally, I would spend the extra cash, as it does make selling the watch easier (just an easy way a buyer gets you off your price) and you never know what may change in the future....

Although, I would let the lack of ppw kill a great deal....all IMHO, of course...

This + this from padi56

....And when buying used if watch is say over 6 years old it would be wise to budget for a service.And after said service guess what you get service papers will all the watch information on and that paper will be a valid two year warranty paper.

[rjccarroll]

I myself just made my Rolex purchase and let me tell you what I should have done. Watch the TRF classifieds and determine the model you like. Now, check the archives to determine the fair asking price with and without papers. Finally, being that this is your first piece buy a yourself "beater" ($2,000-$3,500) Without papers. Wear the piece for a year and then see how you feel about your purchase. If you buy a grey market piece at a premium and bang it up while getting the kids out of the caravan than those papers you paid a premium for won't mean much. Good luck to you.

[boost2perfection]

Buy it with all the papers and boxes it's worth it, look hard and you will find a watch in great condition on here with all papers and boxes. I don't plan to sell but I just like knowing I have everything! G luck

[DCgator]

Welcome aboard and happy hunting!

[ingoodtime]

Originally Posted by gwalker

IMHO the watch is all that really matters after the watch is out of warranty. As Peter said if its 6-7 years old a service is probably needed. You will get service papers with this so there is your "papers". A box is super easy to get if you must have one. I can't see the point in paying hundreds more for a peice of paper that's really not with anything after the warranty and you will get a new one after a service. If preowned I'd suggest buying the best condition and newest watch you can afford.

My F series 16613 was purchased preowned from a non AD jewelry store about 3 years ago. It is from about 2004. I have not had it serviced yet and It keeps great time. I have the original box papers and anchor. I don't think it was worn much before I bought it. I'll probably have it serviced in a year or two...maybe bringing it to the 10 year mark before service.

[DG123]

Boxes, tags, papers do matter.
If you can afford it, buy a new Rolex from an AD.

Originally Posted by Double B

Now that my brother has got my interest up in quality watches I'm still trying to decide the year of Sub to buy. I have a couple related topics of concern:

1) - How important is it to have the warranty papers?
- How important is it to have the box, hang tag, etc?
- If my intent is to keep it for 10+ yrs is that stuff really important?
- I understand it is for the collector but for the long term wearer?

2) If I buy from one of the trusted sellers here and its used (2006-2010 vintage) it would be out of warranty anyway, and if so, why would I need the expired warranty papers? (I plan to have adjustments & work done by local AD)

This is a great forum with very helpful people! Thanks in advance. -Robb

[George Ab]

The majority of watches without paper have been purchased from online retailers who cannot include as they are not affiliated with Rolex. The market shrinks slightly that you sell into as many will only purchase if it has box and papers. A box can be had for $150 and paper usually means a few hundred to the price. Often the box and paper can be an positive indicator of the care the watch received. For me, never been a big deal as I purchase to wear, but I do take it into consideration for pricing.

[Z-Sub]

I've purchase several watches without paper and as long it's from a good seller, I don't worry too much. I bring it to local jeweler or RSC to have it looked at and if I get it at a good price, I use it toward a service at RSC and it come back with a new warranty card!

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

This.
dP

This is my feeling, too.

[YoyoGift8]

Everything else being equal, i would prefer a complete set. Could also be a Possible indicator of how the previous owner took care of the watch.