Buying advice

[Efria]

I'm getting more and more interested in buying a Rolex and would appreciate your advice. The models that I am considering are the GMT II and the Explorer II.

But I have some questions about purchasing...

If I buy used (would most likely buy from one of the reputable/known TRF sellers):
-What are the warranty transfer considerations that I need to be aware of?
-Are there any specific "Gotch ya" items that I need to be aware of (rebuild/refurb, stolen, etc...) and how to identify?

If I buy new (only one AD in my town):
-What should I expect from ADs and MSRP pricing?
-I noticed there is a price list in another thread, but do dealers hold true to MSRP?
-I travel a fair amount, should I purchase from a city where ADs are forced to compete for customers?

The reason I ask this is because I buy a lot of guitars and nobody pays MSRP... and only a fool would pay the hang tag set by the dealer. There is always money to be saved by just asking what the dealer is willing to negotiate.

Thanks and I look forward to getting the right Rolex for me!

[azguy]

If you are lloking for value, the trusted sellers of TRF are the go. Most of them love a face to face so if you are going to be in there area just set something up and look at some watches

While a warranty is nice, I prefer the savings I have 7 pre-owned watches, nevre bought one new, and thnaks god I've never had a problem. Sure a watch of two needed to be regulated and I pressure test all my watches too, but they all run and keep time.

If you only have 1 AD in your area, you more than likely will not see any great deals.

A 16710 is a great watch, especially if you travel

[Tools]

Welcome to the Forum.

You have a lot of research to do if these are your issues..

Generally speaking, Rolex warranties do not transfer - however, out of 30 Rolex watches over the years, I have never had a warranty issue.. Sometimes the Dealer or Service Center doesn't ask who you are, they just accept the warranty card as-is, so long as it is valid. Rolex warranties are 2 years from the date stamped on the warranty card.

Rolex sells for MSRP or very close to it except for the two tone and gold models. They are not like guitars or other brands where you start below MSRP and work down. Rolex contracts only with certain Dealers in specific sales areas, so no, you will not find competition as you hope for.

Good luck on your search..

[Efria]

Thanks for the initial feedback. Being an informed consumer is the best place to be!

[JasoninDenver]

You may be able to get a BNIB watch with a blank warranty card from some of the trusted sellers if you are willing to wait a little longer and pay a little more.

[wantonebad]

The only watches I ever bought from an AD were sought after models that I sold at a profit. Any watch I put on my wrist I bought from a gray dealer or TRF member. I hate parting with money and as long as you do your homework you can do the samething, save big!

Good luck to you!!

[Cru Jones]

Yup, you've got some good advice already. Just to say, between a GMTII and am Explorer II, you have a tough choice to make. Both are great. Good luck!

[77T]

"-Are there any specific "Gotch ya" items that I need to be aware of (rebuild/refurb, stolen, etc...) and how to identify?"

Yep - some sellers on certain "lists" or "bays" are unscrupulous. You can add replica's made to look like Rolex to your list of Gotch ya's. After years of study and experience you might identify these if you could put the actual watch in your hand.

But there is one easy way to avoid these issues...and it is RULE 1 of buying outside the Rolex AD network..."Buy the Seller first, then the watch".

If always you do this simple step you will avoid 99% of problems. I strongly suggest looking at TRF's "Who's Who" section to find very trusted sellers. And browse the Classifieds for some great deals.

On the watch choice - since both of those perform the same function I really would lean to the Explorer II. Less to go wrong with a fixed bezel and a bit more rugged shockwise.

Welcome to TRF and the start of a beautiful addiction.

[Adam.]

The local Rolex AD was resistant to offering discounts.

I purchased my Yacht-Master at a non AD jewelry store. They offered better customer service, have been at the same location for as long as I can remember, and they guaranteed the watch for a year.

The AD offered an authentication service. It took less than 20 minutes.