How to buy your first Rolex

[dynamyte43]

Hi all,

I was referred to this forum by a few Rolex aficionado's and was told this is probably the best place to get information. I'm looking to purchase my first Rolex. I have my eye on a 1994 Datejust two-tone with a black tapestry dial and stainless steel/gold jubilee from a private seller who says he's been buying/selling Rolex watches for 20+ years and opens them and services them before each sale. He mentioned its a Y series and says I can have it inspected before purchased. What are the questions one should be asking before making a purchase? Thanks in advance!

[Safetrends]

We have several good top notch sellers with excellent feedback, you should have no problem finding what you want here on TRF.

[sleddog]

Welcome to TRF!!
There is a watch on the "sale boards" here,the same as your looking at from a respected member of ours!!!
Check it out,might be in better condition and price!!!

[JUSTROLEXES]

Welcome to TRF,
It's a good idea to have it inspected by a 3rd party.
buy the Seller and not the watch
It's always better to buy the watch with warranty paper. and if you have papers match the serial #.
Check the crystal to make sure it's original and no nicks.
check the stretch on the band and the size of the band.
Check if there is a service receipt on the watch or when was the last service done.
try to see if there is any warranty if buying from a store or a business.
Compare prices before you buy.

Please check the For Sale section here as we have lots of great seller... DavidSW, Bodybum, Mosco, TempoKing, lawrenceb, TurboWatch, stevemulholland3 and many many more

[George Ab]

Originally Posted by justrolexes

Welcome to TRF,
It's a good idea to have it inspected by a 3rd party.
buy the Seller and not the watch
It's always better to buy the watch with warranty paper. and if you have papers match the serial #.
Check the crystal to make sure it's original and no nicks.
check the stretch on the band and the size of the band.
Check if there is a service receipt on the watch or when was the last service done.
try to see if there is any warranty if buying from a store or a business.
Compare prices before you buy.

Please check the For Sale section here as we have lots of great seller... DavidSW, Bodybum, Mosco, TempoKing, lawrenceb, TurboWatch, stevemulholland3 and many many more

Great response Tony. However, you failed to mention yourself as one the elite sellers here on TRF!

[mike]

Welcome.

Some will center on pricing, but for me the number one issue is the condition of the watch. Buy the best example you can find even if it means a couple bucks more. In the long run it's worth it.

The adage "buy the seller" is always wise, but you bring up a factor that sets my radar in motion---servicing the watch.

In my experience there is service---and there is service. Changing the oil in my view is not a "service". Ask who did the service, what parts might have been replaced, were replacement parts genuine Rolex parts, and did the watch get regulated and pressure checked to it's stated depth.

I would also inquire if the bracelet has all the links (I don't know if you're speaking new or used).

Then if all passes muster pricing becomes a factor. Remember patience is a virtue. There are many choice examples out there and one has your name on it.

Good luck!!

P.S. if you can get some good photos post em here. A picture is worth a thousand words.

[MortgageGuy]

Originally Posted by justrolexes

Welcome to TRF,
It's a good idea to have it inspected by a 3rd party.
buy the Seller and not the watch
It's always better to buy the watch with warranty paper. and if you have papers match the serial #.
Check the crystal to make sure it's original and no nicks.
check the stretch on the band and the size of the band.
Check if there is a service receipt on the watch or when was the last service done.
try to see if there is any warranty if buying from a store or a business.
Compare prices before you buy.

Please check the For Sale section here as we have lots of great seller... DavidSW, Bodybum, Mosco, TempoKing, lawrenceb, TurboWatch, stevemulholland3 and many many more

Yeah, I think there is another great seller here on the forum but for the life of me I cannot remember his name... I think it starts with a T... Tom? No, thats not it, Tim??? No, that doesnt seem right either, I wish I could remember who it was... Oh yeah, its TONY

[sleddog]

Here is the listing I mentioned above........
Seller is lawrenceb,a respected and trustworthy seller!!!!
http://************/showthread.php?t=131363

[dynamyte43]

Thanks for the reply. I'll see if the seller has papers and what service was done to it. I've attached a picture. The seller is asking around 3k for this piece including a 1 year warranty. I've been looking for quite some time and definitely want to find the right fit for a watch I plan on keeping for a very very long time.

[JUSTROLEXES]

Originally Posted by George Ab

Great response Tony. However, you failed to mention yourself as one the elite sellers here on TRF!

Originally Posted by MortgageGuy

Yeah, I think there is another great seller here on the forum but for the life of me I cannot remember his name... I think it starts with a T... Tom? No, thats not it, Tim??? No, that doesnt seem right either, I wish I could remember who it was... Oh yeah, its TONY

Thanks George and Adam I am Blushing now...

[sakuraba]

FWIW I would be worried with any private seller who claims to service his watches. IMHO improper servicing will cause more harm than good.

I've only bought from sellers with sterling reputations, and have yet to regret a transaction.

Good luck with your search!

[Christian B]

Originally Posted by dynamyte43

...opens them and services them before each sale.

This would be a red flag for me.

I would only buy a pre-owned Rolex if it's servicing has been done by a Rolex Service Center (RSC), and has all the relevant documentation and service records.

IMHO, I would buy from a trusted seller, who has many good references.

Good luck with your purchase!

[nauticajoe]

I acquired my 1st from an AD, but subsequent pieces from awesome sellers here in TRF.

Happy Hunting!

[Christiaan]

A "Y" series should be from 2002....

[dynamyte43]

thanks all! you've been super helpful. it doesn't seem that much service was done to it except to check the movement for authenticity and whatnot. i think i'll just be patient until i find the "one".