How do I evaluate a reputable Vintage Rolex dealer?

[RobJordan]

I am currently considering a vintage Rolex purchase, but am not sure where to go to make this purchase. I have browsed vintage watches in online shops - some I am familiar with, some not - but I can't see myself purchasing a luxury watch without being able to try it on and feel it on my wrist first. What does the forum recommend in terms of shopping vintage Rolex pieces? Online? Any reputable dealer recommendations? If not, how do I make sure that the dealer is reputable and the timepiece is authentic? Thank you in advance!

[1675-David]

check the stickies at the top of this section, a lot of good advice to be found therein!

[Richard Carver]

Isn't Matthew Bain in Florida? He has a spotless reputation. I believe he's in Miami.

Interesting article...

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/wa...a-photo-report

[RobJordan]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Isn't Matthew Bain in Florida? He has a spotless reputation. I believe he's in Miami.

Interesting article...

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/wa...a-photo-report

I hadn't come across this article on Hodinkee! Thank you. How do you all feel about the vintage timepieces they began selling in their shop?

[Richard Carver]

Originally Posted by RobJordan

I hadn't come across this article on Hodinkee! Thank you. How do you all feel about the vintage timepieces they began selling in their shop?

I concur with the author of the article.

[DaveDhc]

I purchased 11 watches in a year and everyone of them is fantastic. I have 1950, 1952, 1953, 1958, and 1962 Rolexes as well as some non-Rolex.

I am not a believer in the "buy the seller" approach. Instead what I do is to research the watch under consideration and find other watches which more or less match what I am considering. If I cannot find another watch with the same dial, hour markers, and hands, then I look elsewhere.

I search for the watch and then look at images. This approach has worked well.

I find this is important even when purchasing from someone you have dealt with in the past. I even purchased two watches from the UK and wired money into an account. Doing so yielded my two finest watches. I got a 1962 6224 for roughly $3000. The case had never been opened and the watch was in pristine condition ... flawless. I also got the finest version waffle dialed watch I've ever seen. The watch is significantly finer than the same reference featured in James Dowling book.

It is a risky thing to purchase vintage Rolex, but if you research and you are careful, the payoff can make it all worthwhile.
By the way, the 1934 looks like it was manufactured this year. Solid gold, not Rolex, and people in the office say it is the nicest watch I have. The same individuals have seen my brand new Everose Daytona!

My point is that vintage watches can be fantastic and they are worthwhile pursuing.

Edit:


I didn't originally mention it, but every watch what I've purchased has been sent to a 35 year veteran master watch maker for inspection and cleaning the movement. The watches from the UK were sent to him directly prior to my taking possession of them.

[RobJordan]

Originally Posted by DaveDhc

I purchased 11 watches in a year and everyone of them is fantastic. I have 1950, 1952, 1953, 1958, and 1962 Rolexes as well as some non-Rolex.

I am not a believer in the "buy the seller" approach. Instead what I do is to research the watch under consideration and find other watches which more or less match what I am considering. If I cannot find another watch with the same dial, hour markers, and hands, then I look elsewhere.

I search for the watch and then look at images. This approach has worked well.

I find this is important even when purchasing from someone you have dealt with in the past. I even purchased two watches from the UK and wired money into an account. Doing so yielded my two finest watches. I got a 1962 6224 for roughly $3000. The case had never been opened and the watch was in pristine condition ... flawless. I also got the finest version waffle dialed watch I've ever seen. The watch is significantly finer than the same reference featured in James Dowling book.

It is a risky thing to purchase vintage Rolex, but if you research and you are careful, the payoff can make it all worthwhile.
By the way, the 1934 looks like it was manufactured this year. Solid gold, not Rolex, and people in the office say it is the nicest watch I have. The same individuals have seen my brand new Everose Daytona!

My point is that vintage watches can be fantastic and they are worthwhile pursuing.

Edit:


I didn't originally mention it, but every watch what I've purchased has been sent to a 35 year veteran master watch maker for inspection and cleaning the movement. The watches from the UK were sent to him directly prior to my taking possession of them.

Dave, thank you so much for your input! I feel better about looking online than I did before. I think the idea of having them sent to an expert for inspection is a brilliant idea. That way, once the watch is in-hand, one can truly appreciate it without any hesitation. Cheers!