Advice for buying first Rolex

[Jud1229]

Hi All, within the next year or so I hope to be buying my first Rolex however I can't help but feel a little nervous. I am currently on the waiting list at a few AD's in my hometown (Manchester) but I don't have much faith in getting one via them due to no previous purchase history. Aside from the AD's my other option I am debating at the moment is purchasing one from a few of my friends associates, I see them around from time to time and I know some of them are selling their watches. However, I would like to think I fully trust them but something inside tells me not to? I have heard of a few people in my area being sold fakes - I am relatively new to the watch game so was hoping to get some advice from all you guys on what are the main things I should be looking out for to spot a fake and also what you would do in my situation?

[kieselguhr]

Welcome to TRF. My advice. Buy from a reputable seller who has a reputation to uphold. They don’t sell fakes if they want to stay in business long. In the event that they do sell you a bad watch, a reputable seller would reimburse you. They have nothing to lose doing so because they typically have insurance to cover their losses.

You can study and compare watches all day long. Unless you open the watch in person, you will never truly know.

[VacherObsessive]

Originally Posted by Jud1229

Hi All, within the next year or so I hope to be buying my first Rolex however I can't help but feel a little nervous. I am currently on the waiting list at a few AD's in my hometown (Manchester) but I don't have much faith in getting one via them due to no previous purchase history. Aside from the AD's my other option I am debating at the moment is purchasing one from a few of my friends associates, I see them around from time to time and I know some of them are selling their watches. However, I would like to think I fully trust them but something inside tells me not to? I have heard of a few people in my area being sold fakes - I am relatively new to the watch game so was hoping to get some advice from all you guys on what are the main things I should be looking out for to spot a fake and also what you would do in my situation?

Buy from AD or from reputable pre-owned bricks and mortar store in your town.

To avoid all doubt do not deviate from this.

In the UK in these times either way you’ll have to pay the piper I’m afraid (create purchase history / bundle / go pre-owned pay the premium). Assuming you’re looking for any professional range model that isn’t an exp1/airking/milly/TT/PM (this assumption is based on the fact you said ‘wait list’)

Tip: wait list doesn’t exist in the UK. That’s something ADs say to be polite. Prof models are sold to preferred customers as rewards for loyalty / in the hope of future spend in store

[TswaneNguni]

Reputable grey dealer .
You get it now,you know what you get ..at a premium .

[Little machines]

Welcome to the forum. Trust your instincts, buy from a reputable dealer AD or grey . Good luck !!

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum Jordan.

Buying your first Rolex should be an exciting and stress free experience. As above, buy the seller and go to a reputable gray dealer or go to your local AD.

Explain that you’re interested in buying your very first Rolex and discuss why it’s important to you, what models you’re interested in etc. etc. You never know, they might surprise you to the upside

[Master_Grogu]

I advise against buying from people you know, unless they are owner of an AD/Solid, reputable grey dealer.

[turkeysub93]

Buy from a TRUSTED reseller. Also do not settle on the watch you want.

[AdamW]

For your first, buy from an AD. It's peace of mind you just can't beat. As you become more into the hobby and learn more about the brand, branch out but I think the traditional route is the best.

Tell the AD it's your first. Sometimes they want to make you a customer and you could be surprised what they are able to do with inventory.

[Rado63]

Since you are already spooked about getting a fake then your best bet is the AD. If I had a friend with a Rolex ask him where he bought, ask to see the receipt and ask if he doesn't mind if you pay to have it evaluated by Rolex Service Center. Opening the watch is also not helpful because we now see cloned movements. The person opening the watch has to know what they are looking at because the rotor is easy to copy. Here's a link to a watch finder article about the cloned 4130.
https://www.watchfinder.com/articles...-rolex-daytona

[Pw92676]

I’d also suggest identifying which Rolex. I think the Datejust is an excellent first Rolex. Ask with your local and nearby AD. If they can’t supply in a reasonable time (note that you define what is reasonable to you) find an established and reputable trusted seller. Good luck!