Novice buying questions

[burrhead]

I’m a complete novice not only to Rolexes but all high-end watches. Retirement is coming closer and intend to buy myself a steel DJ 36 or 39. I live in an extremely rural area and, not only is the nearest AD 500 miles away, but I will also wear this watch every day and know it will end up showing use. I don’t need new or pristine. Because of all this, I’m looking at Bob’s Watches, Crown and Caliber, and especially here at the boutique sellers.

If I buy a used watch that is, say, two years old, do I still have three years of warranty? How about a gray market watch? Is it possible to get on a waiting list and buy a watch from an AD without going to their location if I decide to buy new? Any other buying advice is also appreciated.

I realize these are simple, basic questions but I’m feeling around in the dark because there’s no one in my area to ask. It's all a little nerve wracking. Thanks for your help.

[kieselguhr]

Welcome to TRF

If you buy a watch that was first purchased in January 2018, the warranty is good to January 2023. The warranty follows the watch and not the original purchaser.

Watches sold on the preowned market is likely what you are referring to. They were initially purchased from boutiques/authorized dealers. Watches from an actual grey market are a different story but I have no idea how to source those nor am I interested.

Typically ADs require you to come in physically in person to purchase a Rolex. Sometimes there are exceptions.

A DJ isn’t particularly rare and since you don’t mind buying preowned, browse the selection available on the classified section. If you find something you like, you can cross reference the seller’s name on the “who’s who” section.

The sellers who have their own sub forums (boutiques) on the classifieds section have a long history of successful transactions on this forum and many long standing members will vouch for them including myself.

[burrhead]

Thank you, that allays some of my concerns. I don't really know what a gray market is but I see it mentioned a lot in my reading. I don't mean to step on toes or be unethical. I am concerned about getting scammed being pretty green.

Thanks again.

[Ihatecheese]

Hi, the grey market simply means buying from a non authorised dealer. Like buying a BMW from a car lot that isn't franchised by BMW. Obviously there are more legit car dealers and then others which are worse so best to research the seller!

[42itus]

Welcome to TRF. My advice would be to take your time and don’t be afraid to ask questions. This place is great if you’re sincere.


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[RJRJRJ]

Gray market in Rolex terms means not buying from an AD, and not the standard gray market term of being procured through dubious channels. All Rolexes on the secondary market originate from an AD and are essentially just used watches, even if in brand new condition. If you have the warranty card, you should have the warranty.

If you want a DJ from an AD, I suggest you call the closest one and get ready for a road trip. You should be able to find what you want.

[RolexRog]

Originally Posted by burrhead

I’m a complete novice not only to Rolexes but all high-end watches. Retirement is coming closer and intend to buy myself a steel DJ 36 or 39. I live in an extremely rural area and, not only is the nearest AD 500 miles away, but I will also wear this watch every day and know it will end up showing use. I don’t need new or pristine. Because of all this, I’m looking at Bob’s Watches, Crown and Caliber, and especially here at the boutique sellers.

If I buy a used watch that is, say, two years old, do I still have three years of warranty? How about a gray market watch? Is it possible to get on a waiting list and buy a watch from an AD without going to their location if I decide to buy new? Any other buying advice is also appreciated.

I realize these are simple, basic questions but I’m feeling around in the dark because there’s no one in my area to ask. It's all a little nerve wracking. Thanks for your help.

I bought my first two Rolex watches from Bob's watches. Can't go wrong with Bob's..

[BisonHead]

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your search for your first Rolex. Plenty of great advice on here.

[Starlord]

Davidsw is another superb grey dealer. He takes very detailed photos and stands behind his products.

[DG123]

Originally Posted by burrhead

I’m a complete novice not only to Rolexes but all high-end watches. Retirement is coming closer and intend to buy myself a steel DJ 36 or 39. I live in an extremely rural area and, not only is the nearest AD 500 miles away, but I will also wear this watch every day and know it will end up showing use. I don’t need new or pristine. Because of all this, I’m looking at Bob’s Watches, Crown and Caliber, and especially here at the boutique sellers.

If I buy a used watch that is, say, two years old, do I still have three years of warranty? How about a gray market watch? Is it possible to get on a waiting list and buy a watch from an AD without going to their location if I decide to buy new? Any other buying advice is also appreciated.

I realize these are simple, basic questions but I’m feeling around in the dark because there’s no one in my area to ask. It's all a little nerve wracking. Thanks for your help.

Make the drive to your nearest AD, try on some watches, buy your favorite one

[Maiden]

I cannot recommend DavidSw highly enough, take a look at his website

[Swearengen]

Very safe option going with David SW, you won't go wrong

Originally Posted by Maiden

I cannot recommend DavidSw highly enough, take a look at his website

[campfire]

Welcome to the forum. Good luck with the search. Have fun and all the best.

[CKLII]

It’s a pain when you have to drive hundreds of miles to see a watch brand in person. I have two Rolex ADs in town but if I want to check out Grand Seiko or Tudor it’s time for a day trip.

That said, I’d highly recommend making the trip especially since you’re potentially looking for a Datejust. It makes such a difference to try the watches on. They might not have your ideal configuration but they’ll likely have something close enough to where you can get a feel for the look on your wrist. I’ve arrived at an AD ready to purchase pieces I’ve loved for years via internet pics and then hated the look on my wrist.

Happy buying!

[burrhead]

Thank you all for the advice. That's a good point to go to an AD because I'm torn between a 36 and 39. I'm wearing a 39 Seiko and like the size but that's apples and oranges. I'm going to the Austin/San Antonio area in October and I'll take a look while I'm there. Thanks again to everyone.

[SRQrws]

I have bought and sold from both DavidSW and SD Watches and have been very satisfied with the product and communications. David and Tony are top-notch. I have also sold to Bernard Watch in Austin, TX. They have a smaller collection but are good to deal with. Be very careful if you buy outside of an AD or one of the trusted sellers. Good luck to you!

[casadecamporolex]

If only for size comparisons, get the most current Rolex brochure and cut the outlines around the models you like. Try that out.
For me, after wearing 36, 40, 42mm models, I prefer 40.

[socalwatchcollector]

Brad at Premier Time, Username on here is Berk Jewel. I am not a fan of grey dealers but if you must use one he is the best by far. Far better pricing than any other grey on here and service is 10 stars.

[barters]

Bought from David SW 10 years ago before he even had a website.
Recommended.


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[Tools]

Originally Posted by burrhead

Thank you, that allays some of my concerns. I don't really know what a gray market is but I see it mentioned a lot in my reading. I don't mean to step on toes or be unethical. I am concerned about getting scammed being pretty green.

Thanks again.

The actual Gray Market is a legitimate business model that imports new products, bypassing the authorized Distributor. So, they almost never have a valid warranty. In the USA, JomaShop, Alan Furman, Costco, etc., are Grey Market Importers, other countries have theirs too.

It is grossly misused here and frequently seems to mean anything

The secondary market, which most watches are here, were sold by an AD to a consumer, so have an active warranty. If you get the card, it is just as valid for you as it was for the original purchaser.

The real Grey Market shops do not deal in counterfeits, it is against the law and they would risk their business license. Resellers and the secondary market is a crap-shoot, so we always say to investigate the seller in-depth before putting down your cash.