How do box and paper affect selling prices?

[GOB]

Say you are interested in a watch, but it has no papers. How much does value drop versus one that has papers?

Same thing regarding the box. If the watch does not come with a box (usually means the papers are missing too), how much does value drop?

This for a "regular" Rolex, not some limited edition or rare model. In my particular case, for a 116518 (YG Daytona on strap). This watch is proving to be harder to find than expected and the one I found has no paper, but the seller wants a price that is in line as if the watch did in fact have papers.

[Ticking Away]

My guess somewhere between 5 - 10% of the mean selling price.

[AJMarcus]

I'd say 10%. But you're looking at a Daytona so......

[GOB]

Forgive my ignorance, I have had a few Daytonas (SS, two tone, white gold/meteorite), and in all instances, I either broke even, or made money when selling time came. Not sure what AJMarcus means... Do I just pay to join, or do I demand a higher discount (10%)? The seller (a jewelry store in Boca Raton) says their price is firm, so not much I can do, but walk away.

I want to buy from a direct user, but those seem to either not exist, or love them so much they don't want to sell!

[kareemthedream33]

If you aren't comfortable having no box/papers or with the price, then walk away. Don't spend thousands on something you're only partially satisfied with. You should put a WTB post in the classified section, maybe one will pop up. There was one for sale recently but I believe it sold.

[Hkspwrsche]

Give em a take it or leave it price. Talk to the owner. Make sure it's reasonable

[Hkspwrsche]

Box is $150 and service papers I'd you get 5 years out of it will help as well. 5 years from now with a box and service papers you'll lose very little. Selling next week.... May not recover as much.

[Ebruner]

It's all up to the buyer. Some are hung up on all the packaging, others not as much.

-Eddie

[RUFFTURBO911]

I definitely think the packaging is part of the whole experience - papers and all.

[z32turbo]

Both can be purchased later thru service so they are really immaterial if it's the watch you really want. What's most important is condition of the actual watch. Box and papers won't do you much good if the watch has damage or won't keep proper time. Focus on the watch as that is what you are truly buying and using. Not too many folks walk around carrying the box and papers.

Just my $.02

Good luck!!!!!!

[gwalker]

Personally box and papers aren't a big deal to me.

[perpetualman88]

IMHO I would not buy a rolex without box and papers. To me it adds to what a special item you have and when it comes time to sell its always best to have documentation with it.

[Tools]

Condition is the most important thing in a watch purchase...That, and the watch should be one you want. Then you negotiate for a price that you are comfortable with..

The so called "papers" are of no value except to those who desire to have them but they would certainly be no more of a negotiation tool than a couple of hundred bucks on a modern reference..

I prefer to buy a watch in top condition... not a box and somebody else's old warranty card....

[DG123]

50%

Originally Posted by gob

say you are interested in a watch, but it has no papers. How much does value drop versus one that has papers?

Same thing regarding the box. If the watch does not come with a box (usually means the papers are missing too), how much does value drop?

This for a "regular" rolex, not some limited edition or rare model. In my particular case, for a 116518 (yg daytona on strap). This watch is proving to be harder to find than expected and the one i found has no paper, but the seller wants a price that is in line as if the watch did in fact have papers.

[GOB]

Thank you all for the replies. I was not aware that I could get the papers from Rolex in case I am not the original owner and the original papers are no longer with the watch. I assumed that there was a difference in price between a watch that has box and papers versus one that does not (based on personal experience that is).
The watch in question is pretty much what I want (116518 model, inner bezel engraved with the serial number and Rolex, as per the store selling it, recently serviced, looks mint on pictures, etc), but the price ($12K) is, I believe, on the higher end for a non Newman dial or one that is 1 year older than Z serial and having no papers.

Edited: Do not attempt to circumvent Forum rules

[snog]

Originally Posted by GOB

Thank you all for the replies. I was not aware that I could get the papers from Rolex in case I am not the original owner and the original papers are no longer with the watch. I assumed that there was a difference in price between a watch that has box and papers versus one that does not (based on personal experience that is).
The watch in question is pretty much what I want (116518 model, inner bezel engraved with the serial number and Rolex, as per the store selling it, recently serviced, looks mint on pictures, etc), but the price ($12K) is, I believe, on the higher end for a non Newman dial or one that is 1 year older than Z serial and having no papers.
I wish I could put a WTB post, but las, though active in other forums (mostly cars), for some reason I cannot do so in this board.

after 16 days and one more post I believe you would then be able.

[GOB]

Unfortunately for me, living overseas, the time to buy in the States is somewhat limited. If I don't have it in Miami no later than August 12, then it would be no later than August 25 in Utah, otherwise, I have no clue when is the next time I will be in the States. Shipping internationally here is not too much of an option as things of high value tend to be "lost" at times and duties are prohibitive.
My wife's best friend is married to the local Rolex distributor, but even with the discounts I get from him (we are buddies too), I cannot beat used pricing. The seller (jewelry store in Boca Raton, claims to have a Rolex certified tech that just serviced the watch) is firm on price. On one hand I do not want to lose the opportunity, but on the other, I don't want to overpay (what I feel) is not 100% what I want (can easily be done for another $1K or so, at which point, the watch is definitely over priced).

[padi56]

Originally Posted by GOB

Say you are interested in a watch, but it has no papers. How much does value drop versus one that has papers?

Same thing regarding the box. If the watch does not come with a box (usually means the papers are missing too), how much does value drop?

This for a "regular" Rolex, not some limited edition or rare model. In my particular case, for a 116518 (YG Daytona on strap). This watch is proving to be harder to find than expected and the one I found has no paper, but the seller wants a price that is in line as if the watch did in fact have papers.

Myself would put little importance on any out of date warranty paper or bit of plastic or packaging box.Myself always buy the watch first, then the condition of the watch.Now with say a rare vintage watch then yes the papers box etc would add to the watch.But as for any Rolex say after 1988 for me I would never pay any extra for any packaging or out of date bits of paper.Over the many years of being around Rolex watches I have learned that bits of paper and a box don't alway prove a watch is genuine seen some very good reproductions that would fool most.Like any used Rolex say 5 plus year old if no service history it would be wise to get it serviced.Then you will have a valid bit of paper with a full two year warranty with all the watch details on a valid warranty paper.

[dpkong]

I think if you really like the watch, then decide on a price and forget the papers and boxes. for me, my watch sits on my arm, not in a box so I don't really care about boxes. the condition of the watch is all that matters.

as to your original question, how much less without box and papers is up to you to decide. for me, i'd say $300 less would be fair. while it may not have all the tags, manuals etc, it would of course be nice if it had at least the warranty card but not a necessity, or at least a guarantee from the seller of the origin of the watch.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Like padi56 said, when you send it to RSC for service you get the paper.. I would do that anyway if your not sure of the service history, how do you know if they did a service on it.

For me, just send it out and have it serviced just to make sure that that it's all authentic, I think it's worth it. Let the dealer know if it comes back with problems you will want your money back, work that into the purchase price/deal. That would be a deal breaker for me if they don't agree to it.

Good luck !!

[train-time]

Reduces the selling price 10-15%