Rolex and papers

[Gdoc26]

I have a late model Rolex that I picked up on the cheap with everything but the warranty card. It wasn’t running well and I sent it to RSC for a complete service and just got it back with a 2 year warranty. Question, is this now considered a fully “papered” watch?

[Bizcut1]

Great question - also listening in for the answer from one of the experts...thx,.

[nationalrobert]

Full set = No
New warranty definitely helps with authenticity so it's kind of full but a collector would much rather have the card.

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[JR16]

Originally Posted by nationalrobert

Full set = No
New warranty definitely helps with authenticity so it's kind of full but a collector would much rather have the card.

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This


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[Seibei]

A full set is a FULL set. It it is not a full set if is not a full set. I hope that makes sense.

[Stew7]

You have “service papers” but not original papers. The service papers are more useful practically speaking since you have a fresh warranty but collectors are picky.

[Gdoc26]

An original warranty card is not what I would call “full papers”. That would be original store receipt from purchase as well.

[Nairn1980]

Originally Posted by Gdoc26

I have a late model Rolex that I picked up on the cheap with everything but the warranty card. It wasn’t running well and I sent it to RSC for a complete service and just got it back with a 2 year warranty. Question, is this now considered a fully “papered” watch?

If only it was that easy
The service papers help but it’s not a watch with “papers” or a “full set”

[58junior]

I think the recent RSC service warranty card is just as good and or better than the original on an older watch. It guarantees the watch is genuine including all the internal parts (which the original can’t confirm).

[Ricky Rolex]

Originally Posted by Gdoc26

I have a late model Rolex that I picked up on the cheap with everything but the warranty card. It wasn’t running well and I sent it to RSC for a complete service and just got it back with a 2 year warranty. Question, is this now considered a fully “papered” watch?

Not a full set as traditionally known but sometimes service papers are as good if not better than a warranty card as it shows it's been serviced, running well and dated.

[In-Cog-Neeto]

Originally Posted by Gdoc26

An original warranty card is not what I would call “full papers”. That would be original store receipt from purchase as well.

Original receipt? Wow

That’s a new one on me

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Ricky Rolex

Not a full set as traditionally known but sometimes service papers are as good if not better than a warranty card as it shows it's been serviced, running well and dated.

Have to agree I would take service paper/card any day over a out dated invalid paper/card warranty on any modern Rolex.

[joli160]

No, these are service papers and from a collector point of view are less desirable than the original which came with the watch.
Imho service papers have little or no added value

[Gdoc26]

I disagree. Blank Rolex warranty cards can be found all over the internet and clones even come with realistic cards. A Rolex service card that matches the serial number would be worth much more since a quick call to RSC would confirm the authenticity of the watch.

[James Nye 1982]

In my humble opinion, the service card is better than a warranty card for vintage watches. It shows the watch is genuine, it also shows that the watch is working as it should.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by nationalrobert

Full set = No
New warranty definitely helps with authenticity so it's kind of full but a collector would much rather have the card.

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Correct


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[joli160]

Originally Posted by James Nye 1982

In my humble opinion, the service card is better than a warranty card for vintage watches. It shows the watch is genuine, it also shows that the watch is working as it should.

The market proves otherwise, especially on vintage. A very huge mark up for the original papers.
RSC service card is a great add on but not a replacement for the original papers from a collector point of view.

[jimcameron]

"I picked it up on the cheap..." and "full set" rarely go together. But you now have a 2 yr warranty, and know beyond any doubt that your watch is 100% Rolex. You are way, way ahead of the game. Enjoy your watch.

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by joli160

The market proves otherwise, especially on vintage. A very huge mark up for the original papers.

RSC service card is a great add on but not a replacement for the original papers from a collector point of view.

This is correct, in my experience.


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[djgallo]

Full set including the original warranty paper or warranty card is King. Second best if missing the original paperwork would be a RSC service warranty card.

[JParm]

Originally Posted by joli160

The market proves otherwise, especially on vintage. A very huge mark up for the original papers.
RSC service card is a great add on but not a replacement for the original papers from a collector point of view.

Originally Posted by GGGMT

This is correct, in my experience.


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Also agree, and I think there's no way around it - original papers trumps everything else when it comes to market value for vintage watches.

Take a look at current prices and for those sold, both at auction and via grey dealers. Anything with original papers is going to be asking for more money, and will sell for more money. So regardless of your personal opinion on YOUR watch that you're looking to acquire, general consensus is original trumps service papers based on actual value.

[Cold904L]

Simple:

Original warranty paper/card + purchase receipt > original warranty > RSC service warranty > private retailer warranty > no warranty papers.

As long as you describe what you have accurately, the above hierarchy will impact value and desirability to varying degrees.