New or Used - Opinions Welcomed

[Punchthefatkid]

Hi all

I am very close to purchasing my first (long and eagerly awaited) Rolex.

After lots of soul searching/mind changing and general indecision as to which beauty will be the first (hopefully of many) I decided to stick with a classic and go for the Sub Date Ceramic 116610LN.

Now that's sorted, the next big 'dilemma' is new or used?

My thoughts are that there doesn't really appear to be enough price difference (in the UK at least) between a watch that is say 3 years old and a brand new one.

In the UK, the list for the 116610LN is £6,250

Used prices for a private sale can be as high as £5900 which I cant really justify paying, purely because for just a few hundred £'s more I can have a brand new one.

Dealer prices on the other hand for used items can either be the same as, or actually higher than list!

Obviously I would never pay more than list for a second hand watch, but don't fancy waiting another 4 to 6 months either which is the current average time I've been quoted by a couple of Rolex AD's.

Just wondered what the forums view is generally on pre owned vs new and would welcome feedback on the pro's & cons of both.

Regards

Max

[watchwatcher]

If the price differential isn't that much, I would go new.

[minute_man]

Unless shopping for a discounted model, I prefer to be the original owner.
Especially if the difference is a couple hundred quid...

[DramaTurtle]

New. Less hassle too. And your name on the card.

[AK797]

When I bought mine a few years ago I got 20% off for a mint one so now it's only worth getting new, try ringing around a few ADs, should be one around.

[natosub]

For your first, I would go new from an AD.

[Abdullah71601]

My rule of thumb is to go to the AD if the price is within $500. In your situation, I think the AD is the better option. The AD offers the lowest resistance, least hassles, fewest worries option.

Looking forward to the incoming.

[Quailhunter]

The price differential new/used for a SubC locally (Atlanta, Ga) isn't enough for me to warrant going with a used model. I'd rather pay more and get an absolutely new watch.

I got close to buying a used SubC and had a knowledgeable friend look at it. She found a tiny crack in the bezel and a few other flaws. This watch was from a reputable dealer and described as "like new".

It's just too much money to get bamboozled.

[FTX I]

New. No brainer.

[Chewbacca]

new.

[Gerry62]

New , without hesitation

[the_natural]

New and never look back.

[armen34]

New, unless preowned is mint and more than a few hundred difference

[HL65]

Always new for me.

[droptopman]

For that price difference go new. I go either way just depends on the model, availability and cost difference.

Plus if it is your first it is good to go new.

[MickCollins1916]

The savings in this case don't sound like they're worth the hassle. I'd go new and fresh from AD.


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[slowturbo]

For that little of a difference, new without hesitation. I think I would need to save at least 1k to deal with potential hassle and pay for a service if need be.

[japenney]

New when possible if not a large price difference or if keeping for sure.

[rjstuf001]

Well the question is either new in 4-6 months or used right now for about the same price. It's a tough decision when you've made up your mind about the model and are already picturing it on your wrist.

[faz]

For the first Rolex, definitely new.

If you can buy from a trusted seller, you will save some $$$, so if it doesn't bother you, go that route.

[TickTockChuck]

Congrats on making your Rolex choice! The Subc Date is an excellent choice indeed!

Definitely go with new and shop different AD's to see if there is any pricing wiggle room. Generally if you hit it off with a salesperson, they will certainly try to accommodate you.

New is worry free with a clean history and full 5 year warranty and up to 10 year service interval, plus the more strigent +/- 2 sec/day accuracy (green Surperlative Chronometer seal hangtag, see attached link for more in depth discussion).

http://www.ablogtowatch.com/rolex-ex...n-house-tests/

Good Luck in your first Rolex purchase! Make sure you post some pics. Cheers!

[UnicoJG]

If the price difference is not that significant, I recommend you purchase it new!

[T4ME]

Originally Posted by Quailhunter

The price differential new/used for a SubC locally (Atlanta, Ga) isn't enough for me to warrant going with a used model. I'd rather pay more and get an absolutely new watch.

I got close to buying a used SubC and had a knowledgeable friend look at it. She found a tiny crack in the bezel and a few other flaws. This watch was from a reputable dealer and described as "like new".

It's just too much money to get bamboozled.

Bamboozled is the key word. Go new

[BadgerHawk]

Find a good AD who will give you a good price, and get a brand new one with your name on the card. It will feel more special to you that way.

[toucan]

New!!!

[Ryuden]

Originally Posted by Punchthefatkid

...I cant really justify paying, purely because for just a few hundred £'s more I can have a brand new one...

You already made up your mind, go new...

Sidetrack, nice avatar. Is that a 587 or 673?

[Rocket_Man]

New is a no-brainer in this case. The price difference is not enough. And taking a 2-3 year reduction in the warranty is not worth it. Wait for a new one. It may not be that long. The AD may be telling you this so he can move a used one now, not a new one later.

[nikesupremedunk]

My first Rolex was new and from AD and it was definitely an unforgettable experience. My second one I just picked up used and to be honest, I would do it again. Saved myself $600 for not getting to pull the plastic pieces off myself.

First piece def new but the ones after that, used is fine as long as it's from a trusted seller and in mint condition.

[Punchthefatkid]

Originally Posted by TickTockChuck

Congrats on making your Rolex choice! The Subc Date is an excellent choice indeed!

Definitely go with new and shop different AD's to see if there is any pricing wiggle room. Generally if you hit it off with a salesperson, they will certainly try to accommodate you.

New is worry free with a clean history and full 5 year warranty and up to 10 year service interval, plus the more strigent +/- 2 sec/day accuracy (green Surperlative Chronometer seal hangtag, see attached link for more in depth discussion).

http://www.ablogtowatch.com/rolex-ex...n-house-tests/

Good Luck in your first Rolex purchase! Make sure you post some pics. Cheers!

Thanks for the comments and additional info- appreciated

[Punchthefatkid]

Originally Posted by Ryuden

You already made up your mind, go new...

Sidetrack, nice avatar. Is that a 587 or 673?

My 673 - well spotted!