Should I buy a Rolex without a certificate?

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by Intheshed

Thanks everyone.

Would love to buy off the TRF forum but all of the 14060Ms that I have seen so far (and all of the recommended sellers) are located in the US. I might be getting my maths wrong but a $5000 dollar watch would cost a further $1000 in import duty to the UK.....obviously I would be happy to hear otherwise! I can buy a 14060M for around £500 cheaper in Europe than in the UK at the moment; I am assuming that the weak euro is helping with this ie the one on Chrono24 is £3000 whereas I am seeing nothing comparable in the UK for under £3500. If its a genuine watch then its a no-brainer!
The link is as follows if anyone would care to take a look...
http://www.chrono24.com/en/rolex/sub...id3266274.htm?

Another 'problem' for UK buyers of watches in the US is that the GBP is ridiculously weak against the USD at the moment. It's around £1 to US$ 1.45, which is the lowest I can remember it being since around 2001. It is simply not economically viable for UK based Brits to buy anything in USD at that sort of exchange rate.

[Intheshed]

Originally Posted by sirduncs

of course once you buy it, and then get around to servicing time, provided the watch is authentic, get it serviced by rolex and you will get service papers back, which will be a plus if you had bought a watch without papers. ultimately not having papers reduces the price a little. the most important thing as the others have mentioned is that the watch is a good example and has some kind of service history.

another alternative is to consider purchasing from europe. i travel onto the continent frequently, Gassan of Holland are frequently mentioned on here because their prices are slightly discounted if you purchase from their outlets in Schiphol Airport, plus factor in a good exchange rate with the pound. i did some rough calculations with the exchange rate favourable vs the Euro at the moment, i think a new ceramic sub was coming in at circa £3.7k from them although the rates are chopping and changing, but it seemed the cheapest place to buy a new one at the moment.

duncs

Thanks Duncs, I've just sent them a message requesting a quote. I prefer the older model aesthetically, but at £3,700 it would be highly tempting. Coincidentally my mother-in-law (who is Dutch) is flying out of Schipol to visit us this Friday.

[Rogdogg]

Personally I would prefer to buy one with everything, if only because if I ever had to sell it on, so many other people insist on it. However, if the price and condition was right for me I would buy one without the cert. As has already been said, once it's out of date its not worth anything anyway. Factor a service into the price and if still happy send it into Rolex to get a new 2 year warranty

[Ruud Van Driver]

Originally Posted by Intheshed

Thanks Duncs, I've just sent them a message requesting a quote. I prefer the older model aesthetically, but at £3,700 it would be highly tempting. Coincidentally my mother-in-law (who is Dutch) is flying out of Schipol to visit us this Friday.

In that case, pay the extra £600 and get a brand new one.

I might be mistaken here, and I'm sure someone will be along to confirm or enlighten, but I think I read it here somewhere that Gassan will take a deposit or payment by phone. Then you can get your ma-in-law to pick it up for you with minimal hassle to her. Saves you spending £100 on Sleazyjet and going to pick it up yourself.

[AL7273]

when i buy a car i expect it to have two keys, books, spare tire and the jack.
when i buy a Rolex i expect it to have box, warranty card, and papers (receipt/bill of sale).

but that's just me.

[dysondiver]

the day you buy its the day you sell it.