Need Help - Considering Trading for Air King 14010

[PeakTek78]

Hi all. I'm new to the forum and appreciate your help in advance. I currently own (and wear 24/7/365) a Submariner Date with a black dial which I absolutely love. Prior to receiving this as a wedding gift in 2009, I had purchased several watches in the past (1 Omega, 2 Tags and 2 Movados) - but, ever since procuring the Rolex, I never wear the other watches. I currently have a trade offer from a reputable dealer who is willing to trade me an Air King for my five watches. Specifically, the five watches I'm thinking of trading are:

• Omega 2221.80
• Movado 0604824
• Movado 260021
• Tag Heuer WAC1111
• Tag Heuer WAC111A

My logic here is simple: a Rolex is an asset, an investment that, minimally, hold their value if not appreciate in value. The others, while nice watches, do not hold their value and are not what I would consider true assets. I also think having a second Rolex that I'd actually wear is more sensible than having five watches collect dust.

My questions are: 1) would you do this trade? 2) am I missing something about the Air King that makes it unattractive (I know it's smaller)? 3) Is there any advice you'd give me regarding this potential deal?

If I do the deal, I'll immediately send to Rolex for a full servicing so it will feel and look "new" to me.

I'll look forward to hearing from you and, again, appreciate your help.

Pat

[WML]

There are many more on TRF that have far, far more Rolex knowledge then I. But given then option described above, I would trade for the AK.

[PeakTek78]

Thanks WML. May I ask why you'd do the trade? I have two options: 1) a straight up trade without box/docs; or 2) my watches plus $250 for the Air King with box/docs. Your thoughts on paying an extra $250 for the box/docs? I plan on sending it in to Rolex for a full servicing anyway, but for some reason am uncomfortable not having the box/docs. Perhaps I'm just being a bit anal.

[CWIN]

I think the Air King is a great looking watch, although a little small. I wouldn't trade for it personally. I would save for a while and buy it outright.

[ecsub44]

I would 100% do the trade!

[SUBversive]

I think I would do it.

[joe100]

For a 14010? Not even a question. Full steam ahead! The AK is sublime, but I'm partial

[Tools]

I'm surprised that you have a "Reputable Dealer" who would withhold the box and documents unless you paid an extra premium for them.. They are completely worthless without the watch..

In any event, I would never pay additionally for any modern reference "papers" and you are correct, the Air King will hold it's value well - far more than the other makes in your watchbox..

[salem65]

Airking is one of the most classic Rolex and still in a nice normal size. If you don't wear the others and they hold no sentimental value, do the trade.

[kieselguhr]

I would trade for the AK, its a beautiful watch. All 34mms of it. Will definitely hold its value a lot better than your current stable combined. Don't worry about the paperwork, it means nothing. But as always buy the seller not just the watch, or papers for that matter.

[powerfunk]

Go for it! If you already have a great every day watch that you love, you need a strong second contender that really sings to you. Trade sounds roughly reasonable.

A SS Sub date was also my first Rolex, and a few years later the Air King in my avatar became my second. The Air King is 34mm of subtle awesomeness!

[Armyguy03]

My little brother had about six Movados. I purchased a 14060 as a gift and they all collect dust now. I'm not an Air king fan, but if I was and had the option and was, I would do the trade.

[PeakTek78]

He isn't withholding the papers. He has two Air Kings - one with papers, one without. For the one with papers, he wants my watches plus $250. For the one without, he only wants my watches (no cash). What I'm trying to reconcile is whether the papers are worth an extra $250, especially since I'm going to get it serviced by Rolex which will come with an insurance appraisal guaranteeing authenticity.

[kcmo]

Go for it!

[Cc1966]

Seems like you have already answered your own question by the way it was worded. Go for it and good luck. Don't pay anymore for the boxes, he needs to include them in the initial deal.

[azguy]

Originally Posted by PeakTek78

Thanks WML. May I ask why you'd do the trade? I have two options: 1) a straight up trade without box/docs; or 2) my watches plus $250 for the Air King with box/docs. Your thoughts on paying an extra $250 for the box/docs? I plan on sending it in to Rolex for a full servicing anyway, but for some reason am uncomfortable not having the box/docs. Perhaps I'm just being a bit anal.

First of all, I would not pay a penny more for the box/papers and would insist they are included in the deal. What's he going to do with them once you have the watch. Throw them out

With that said, I would do the trade as you will get more wrist time and satisfaction of out it than the 5 watches your are not wearing.

[PeakTek78]

I apologize if I"m being unclear about the box/papers. He has two Air Kings: 1 has box/papers and 1 does not. For the one with box/papers, he wants $250 more. For the one without, he will do a straight straight for my watches without cash outlay. The question I have is whether I should take the one without papers and save $250 or go with the one with papers for $250. He isn't "withholding" the papers from the one - he simply doesn't have them. Please advise, and thank you.

[powerfunk]

Watches either have b/p or they don't...I've never heard of a watch with b/p being offered at a discount if you don't take the b/p.

Also, $250? Absurd. This isn't a DRSD we're dealing with here. If you're sending it to RSC anyway, then you're good to go. If they have the papers, they should give them to you, period. Sounds like a car salesman offering you a price and then charging $250 more for a "clearcoat."

[Tools]

Originally Posted by PeakTek78

I apologize if I"m being unclear about the box/papers. He has two Air Kings: 1 has box/papers and 1 does not. For the one with box/papers, he wants $250 more. For the one without, he will do a straight straight for my watches without cash outlay. The question I have is whether I should take the one without papers and save $250 or go with the one with papers for $250. He isn't "withholding" the papers from the one - he simply doesn't have them. Please advise, and thank you.

Some people will pay extra for such things - I'm not one of them. However, I would work my deal for the best condition example..

Never pass on an excellent example for another in lesser condition just because it has a box and out-of-date warranty card..

[Angrypuppy]

I would do the trade. Pick the better condition watch. Who cares about boxes and papers.

[anothernewphone]

I would do that trade, just to be able to sell the Air King. It's easier than selling all five of your quartz watches alone.

[PeakTek78]

Taking this a step further - if the condition is pretty good for both of them, aren't I splitting hairs since I'm sending it for a servicing anyway? My goal is to have it back from Rolex and feel brand new. Is the consensus to take the one without the box/papers and invest that money in the servicing which will ensure paper-based authentication from Rolex itself as well as a watch that aesthetically appears to be brand new?

[azguy]

Select the best condition one, least amount of bracelet stretch as that can't be corrected via service. Once it's serviced Box/papers are pretty much worthless IMHO.

[mjclark32]

I'd do the trade.
If you're going to get it serviced anyway, put the $250 towards the service costs.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by PeakTek78

Taking this a step further - if the condition is pretty good for both of them, aren't I splitting hairs since I'm sending it for a servicing anyway? My goal is to have it back from Rolex and feel brand new. Is the consensus to take the one without the box/papers and invest that money in the servicing which will ensure paper-based authentication from Rolex itself as well as a watch that aesthetically appears to be brand new?

Simple answer: Yes

[impalass]

Do not pass go, do not collect $200, go straight to the Air King in the best condition regardless of box and papers.

A very good trade imho.

[Lgear080]

Rsc will hit you up for $500 for servicing. Sell your watches on eBay
And buy whatever you want. I would not go out of my way to
Acquire an air king. This is a personal choice and a macro approach.

[tinger]

I'll go for the one without the box even if in slightly worse condition (if it can be clean/polish out at service). As per earlier post, pay attention to bracelet stretch.

[rmfnla]

I would do the trade for the simple reason that I would wear the AK but I wouldn't wear any of the other five...

[PeakTek78]

So, I just spoke with the dealer. The one without box/papers is definitely older, in worse condition (yellowing on the dial, more scratches on bracelet, etc.) and has a few less linkes in bracelet. It also has the old bezel without the grooves. I think I'm going to pay the $250, not just to obtain the box/papers, but to have a newer watch, in better condition, with a newer look. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?