Buying used: NYC 47th street or Internet?

[Alien1]

Hello fellow watch lovers!

Let the fun begin... I am looking for a used Rolex DJ. I've been monitoring the forums sales, but it seems that I can wait for a year before the exact model I want comes up for sale. So, there are a couple of choices I see:

1 - NYC 47th street. I once jumped into one of those places and was pretty impressed with the price and the choices (the seller offered to swap the watch dial with any one of the 30 genuine Rolex dials they had).
Likes: seeing all the potential surprises before buying (scratches, bracelet stretch, etc.).
Dislikes: no warranties or any guarantee the watch works and won't require a $500 maintenance right away.

2 - Online retailers. I read good things about watchchest, santblanc, and essential-watches.
Likes: Warranties they offer (1 to 3 years, guarantee of perfect time keeping)
Dislikes: not handling the exact piece I buy (but I think there is always the return option).
==========

So here are the questions to the experienced buyers:

1 - which option would you recommend?
2 - what stores on 47th would you recommend?
3 - what sites would you recommend?

Thanks a bunch!

[roger0770]

trusted sellers from the trf sales forum

[superdog]

Buy from a recommended seller here. Good prices, exceptional device. The best all around. No question. I can personally recommend Davidsw. The best of the best.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Alien1

1 - NYC 47th street.

Dislikes: no warranties or any guarantee the watch works and won't require a $500 maintenance right away.

Unless you are a pro - be very cautious. The genuine dials are often "refinished" - that is, customized older ones or fully refinished. Also, you'd need to have great negotiating skills to get the best real deal.

I believe you'd do better posting in TRF's WTB if you have time - and buy from a trusted seller here. Just my

[Shelby-villian]

I would never buy from those shops in NYC unless I was really into getting a good price on a aftermarket diamond bezel, diamond dial, diamond bracelet or all of the above. ;)

[FeelingTheBlues]

I fully agree with the trusted sellers on TRF, we have a whole lot of them and I realized their prices were very often better than other websites'.

[Alien1]

Thank you all for the responses!

Now, the $64000 question: what's a "trusted seller" and where do I find one?

PS: sorry if the answer is very obvious but somehow escapes me...

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by roger0770

trusted sellers from the trf sales forum

Yup

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by Alien1

Thank you all for the responses!

Now, the $64000 question: what's a "trusted seller" and where do I find one?

PS: sorry if the answer is very obvious but somehow escapes me...

I would recommend you to take a look in the For Sale section of the forum to find good deals and great sellers. If you wish to know the reputation of a particular one you can search through the Buyers/Sellers: Who's who? section, this is where people will give feedback about others when they make a deal with them!

Good luck on your hunt!

[Alien1]

so, the idea is to find the watch and then research the seller?

[guyrolex]

All I know is DON'T buy from 47th street dealers!

[smallcandle]

Originally Posted by Alien1

so, the idea is to find the watch and then research the seller?

Actually, research the seller 1st and then look for the watch you're interested in. Go to the "Who's Who" section here and starting looking for yourself...

[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by roger0770

trusted sellers from the trf sales forum

X2

[Art 1]

I don't like the diamond district. It has a sleazy feel to me. There are a number of good sellers on this sight. I have met DavidSW a few times and have dealt with him. You will have no problems with him and the others from this site.

[xxthe_remedyxx]

Originally Posted by Alien1

Thank you all for the responses!

Now, the $64000 question: what's a "trusted seller" and where do I find one?

PS: sorry if the answer is very obvious but somehow escapes me...

Only one comes to mind for me, DavidSW. Although I'm sure all the trusted sellers here are awesome.

[dougshagam]

I've purchased twice now from DavidSW. He's honest, fair, and a pleasure to do business with. Other than window shopping, I'd stay with a trusted seller on TRF.

[Oyster1982]

Never buy on 47th street I just don't trust those people. By from a trusted seller on TRF or I have a Guy who is on 42nd and 5th who sold me my DJ.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk

[apan]

There are trustworthy sellers on 47th street as well as in other small shops around New York. Just need to know who to deal with.

[jimisaint]

Trusted sellers: DavidSW, Bodybump . . . See a watch you want, click on the sellers info and look at the reviews. I wouldn't do 47th Street unless you know someone on 47th Street. You can get a deal there, but if you just walk in off the street . . .
I would buy from a seller here. I wish I knew about this forum when I bought my first Rolex. I got a good deal, but I would've gotten a better one TRF.

[mbrokerny]

Patrick, Ocrolexguy, is the man. Very reputable and has very fair prices.

[azguy]

David SW, George Ab, Greekbum, OCROLEXGUY and others here on TRF

Hang around here and you'll learn how the players are

[Welshwatchman]

Originally Posted by Alien1

(the seller offered to swap the watch dial with any one of the 30 genuine Rolex dials they had).

Not with a bargepole.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by apan

There are trustworthy sellers on 47th street as well as in other small shops around New York. Just need to know who to deal with.

Maybe you can share your knowledge with the OP?

[skypilot]

After buying 3 new at AD I bought my last one, a Milgauss, used from Mosco and couldn't be more pleased with it or with him. The AD experience was an ego boost I guess but my ego doesn't need to spend that much difference to be boosted.
My next purchase,when I decide what it is, will be right here.

[Wolfgang427]

I've been buying and selling on 47th st since the early 80's, nothing wrong with it at all as long as you go to the right people its just like going to the right AD that gives discounts and you trust as opposed to the ones that don't.

[rr-nyc]

Absolutely nothing wrong with buying off 47th...Just be prepared to negotiate and walk away if you don't get the deal you want. They are all grey market watches so keep that in mind when you buy.

TRF trusted sellers like DavidSW will get you a great deal and less headache.

[mltworldwide]

buying from someone on this forum with a good reputation.

[horseco]

I use Walter @ Exclusive Time on 47th st, I have done at least three hundred thousand in transactions with him in eight years , without issue ever...

[Genevapics]

Originally Posted by roger0770

trusted sellers from the trf sales forum

[mikkolopez]

Both your choices are risky and you may end up paying more. TRF sellers are better bet, Oscar (bodybump) is one of the most trusted seller who goes out of his way to make sure you are happy with your purchase.