Question regarding purchasing a pre-owned Rolex

[barneybre]

Hi,

I am looking to buy a pre-owned Rolex for my wife from a reputable online seller - It's a beautiful Datejust which I'm sure my wife will love BUT the seller tells me it's from late 1970's. The seller has added new crystal & also some diamonds so I know it's not the exact original but my main question is how wise is it to purchase a Rolex that is over 30 years old??

Any info is greatly appreciated.

[z32turbo]

For one that old it depends on service history and condition. Both are very difficult to tell without being able to inspect the watch in person. If you really trust the seller and they are reputable then it should last many many more years to come.

Good luck!!!

[The GMT Master]

If its had aftermarket modifications, Rolex won't service it without putting it back to how it was originally (at your cost). On a watch of that age, it's not easy to service it at the best of times. I would personally avoid it

[NYMike]

Wise? Do you like it? If you like it, and the price is ok, then it's wise. You're not buying it to make money on, you're getting it because it looks nice. So don't worry. Datejust was and is the most popular rolex ever made. In the 1970's they were super popular, so many exist from that period. You can get it serviced in many places, so as long as it's a good value, it's mechanically sound and it looks good, it's a good buy.

[Singslinger]

I think it's a question of price. The fact that the watch has been modified detracts from its value and so does its age. As Chris has pointed out, watches that old will be difficult to service. However if the watch has been regularly serviced and well-looked after this may not be that big an issue. So if the seller is offering the watch at a price you just cannot refuse - and your wife really likes the watch and she knows that it's not fully original - then it might be worth considering.

[kilyung]

I'd avoid any altered watches as Rolex service can be finicky unless you have a good watchsmith.

[joe100]

I wouldn't buy a modified Rolex. Ever.

Also I think it's interesting that everyone finds their online source to be reputable. TRF and VRF are the ONLY two places I'd even consider purchasing a Rolex online.

With that said, it's your money but pictures would help.

[Brushpup]

I would avoid it and keep looking unless the price is extremely good. I doubt it is in that situation, but you never know.

[Pup]

What Chris, Mike, and Patrick said. Plenty of opportunities with factory diamond dials and/or bezels with TRF trusted sellers here. Just go to the "For Sale-Watches" subforum and you'll likely find a bargain that can be serviced by RSC without worry.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by barneybre

Hi,

I am looking to buy a pre-owned Rolex for my wife from a reputable online seller - It's a beautiful Datejust which I'm sure my wife will love BUT the seller tells me it's from late 1970's. The seller has added new crystal & also some diamonds so I know it's not the exact original but my main question is how wise is it to purchase a Rolex that is over 30 years old??

Any info is greatly appreciated.

If it is, in fact, from the 70's, I would think twice about the purchase unless the price is really right..

It definitely should have a new crystal, but that old, the crystal would be plexiglass.. You should be able to find one from the late 80's or 90's with a modern sapphire crystal and later fast-beat movement for not much more..

[Kiwinz]

Don't buy one with non genuine parts, like diamonds fitted to dial, makes the watch pretty worthless when resale.

Wait and buy something better, or from accredited Seller.

[Time2time]

Personally i'd swerve it.

Look around and contact one of the trusted sellers here on TRF.

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

If its had aftermarket modifications, Rolex won't service it without putting it back to how it was originally (at your cost). On a watch of that age, it's not easy to service it at the best of times. I would personally avoid it

I have no problem getting service for my late-50's TOG or '73 rootbeer. You can have an issue with RSC, but I think even RSC will service older watches if they have parts.

I would want to know where the diamonds came from-- is this a case of aftermarket diamond dial/bezel and an "upgrade" to sapphire crystal? Doesn't mean you shouldn't buy it, but you should know this info.

[JUSTROLEXES]

If you can buy newer you'll sleep better at night
Try to stay in the mid 90s at least and newer