Making A Responsible Rolex Purchase

[Jimmy The Weasel]

OK, I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on my first Rolex but I'm trying to be as prudent as possible in the purchase.

My budget is about $2,000 for a somewhat recent (last ten years) two tone Datejust.

I have seen some out there that are for sale in that range but I was wondering how some of you bought your first pre-owned Rolex and what you would do differently (knowing what you know now) if you had to do it all over again.

I have learned to avoid places like Melrose Jewelers and their collection of Frankenjusts.

Thank you

[Bisquitlips]

First of all welcome to TRF! This is the best of Rolex forums with very kind, patient, and knowledgeable people.

I am sure that others will chime in, but you are on the right track in looking well into your going. You should be able to come up with a nice Rolex for that price, especially if you will wait a few months.

My thoughts are:

Make sure you get all the accouterments with the watch. Papers, boxes, and booklets. And make sure those match the watch.
Buy the seller and not the watch. The watch will follow. Ask lots of questions.
Finally, if you find one you like. Pull that trigger and enjoy it!!!

[jas55]

Good luck with your purchase, hope you find something great

[Dan Pierce]

Welcome to TRF. My first Rolex purchase was a 1986 ss DJ for sale on TZ. As always, buy the seller, know your product, and access the price you're willing to pay.
Good luck,
dP

[Irish Dan]

The best advice I received was on this forum. As Richard mentioned above, BUY THE SELLER. Ask for references, check them out on "good guys" sections of this and other forums. If you see anything you don't like, move on, there will always be another good deal to pursue down the road.

[rcarney]

If you buy the watch on-line or from a store selling pre-owned watches please do all you can to research that seller before you buy. If they are selling on an auction website, please carefully check their history to see if there have been complaints about the watches their selling. For stores, you can check the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed. You can type the person or store's name in a search engine to see what you can find.

And ask them many questions about the watch, the availability of supporting documentation and original box that should be included with the watch, the working condition of the watch, the originality of all of the parts within the watch,etc... If they are a legit seller then they should not mind answering all of those questions because they'll understand that any watch buyer should be asking those questions before making a large investment in a watch. If they get frustrated by those questions then that may be a red flag about them or the watch they're selling.

Also, if you see one on-line then carefully compare those photos to photos of authentic watches to see if there is anything glaringly wrong and feel free to ask the seller for more photos of the case, back of watch, the strap, and the dial. And go on-line and read a few articles on recognizing fake rolexes to assist yourself with staying out of trouble. Keep in mind that there are many thousands of fake Rolexes out there so you MUST be very careful.

And... you can also post photos on this website of watches you are considering and members will likely be able to tell you if it's real and give their general opinion of whether it's a good deal.

Good luck with your search.

[East Bay Rider]

For your first Rolex I suggest establishing a relationship with a reputable shop that specializes in watches and follow the afore mentioned advice of getting the box, papers etc.

[Jimmy The Weasel]

Hey, this post finally showed up!
(many hours after I posted it)
Thanks everyone for the replies.

OK, let's talk box and papers.

Why is that so important other than as a potential safeguard against getting a fake, or is that the only reason?

[SSD]

Most folks like to have "the goodies" in order to demonstrate provenance/ due diligence with respect to the watch's history. Sometimes it counts, sometimes all that matters is getting an authentic one with a good service record to show its proper care. Its more important when considering vintage pieces IMHO.

Then again, some folks simply like to have a complete set, as correctly delivered with a new watch. But everything except the papers can normally be obtained if you just look enough.

[bradg]

Lots of good advice...My advice is keep reading TRF and you will gain a wealth of knowledge prior to buying your watch and will know what you are doing. Good luck snd hope you get what you are looking for. Enjoy!!

[dotcomakazee]

Try Dallas Gold and Silver Exchange in Dallas, TX. I have bought many Rolexes from them. They have a HUGE pre-owned inventory (probably 50+ DJ's) and all the watches come with a 2 year warranty.

[Jimmy The Weasel]

Thanks again for the quick answers.
I appreciate it.

My next 'noob' question is about changing out the dial.
Most of the Datejusts I see (in my price range) have dials I don't like.

What are the economics of doing a proper Rolex dial change?
What about the crystal?
What I mean is are there any generally recognized sources for getting new, N.O.S. or like new dials and crystals, and what do they typically run?
I really want to stay with only Rolex factory parts

Next, what's the best method of doing the actual dial replacement?
Is there anyone or anyplace that is generally recognized as the go-to person, or place, for those things or do I just walk it into any AD?
I'll assume that isn't something I can just knock out with no previous watchmaking experience and a jeweler's screwdriver on a Saturday afternoon.

Thanks again everyone!

FYI, this is what I hope to end up with.