Vintage buyng thoughts

[David AP]

Morning all,

Following on from a recent post, how significant in terms of resale are having original papers on a vintage rolex.

Fair enough if it's 5 - 10 years, I can't think of a good reason there wouldn't be papers, but if you are looking at something from the 50's or 60's as I currently am, I suppose you just have to bite the bullet and deal with it eh?

Thoughts?

[1976]

Hi David,

From a collector's point of view: papers are a big plus. To find one from the '50-'60's is going to be hard.....For instance: it took me years to find one with papers from 1976!

Bite the bullit I would say or prepare yourself for a long search...I'd go for the long road: searching is fun and if you find one with papers it makes it even more special !

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF, David!

Having its papers and box adds to the value of a vintage Rolex, no doubt about it, and if the watch has all its SERVICE papers, as well, it is even better.

Collectors like to know the "history" of the watch (not only service history, but also any provenance (how many owned it, and who?).

[mike]

David, Depending on the reference "the complete package" can and does add significantly to the total value. There are those that "specialize" only in the total package which can add upwards of 40% to the overall value.

The reality is that many vintage pieces had their packaging discarded or lost at some point. Who could have forseen the explosion in the vintage arena back in the day. To many that bought --or were issued--these watches the packaging was excess with no pertinent value. The watch was a tool.
One does need to be very knowledgeable in the correct packaging of the time--which can be an area of specialization in it's own right as fake paperwork (even service paperwork) has become a reality.
I've seen many examples sold with "box&paper" only to have the buyer find the bits were not appropriate for the reference.

As was mentioned, the "hunt" can be fun--and leads to knowledge, which after all is part of the allure of vintage.

[Tools]

David...Great Quest.

It all depends on what you are looking for the watch for....

If it's for a collection of your own, and you want it to be top notch, then as has been said, the search is long, and the price is high.

If you just want a nice example from the 60's, and your quest is to refurbish to period proper.....it's a whole different experience..

[David AP]

Shameless bump on this topic...

Has anyone bought from watchestobuy.com?
Seem perfectly sound and offer a 3 day refund on all stock.

Cheers.