Help! Advice on buying Rolex explorer (stains)

[nomadethan]

Hi all - I am new to the world of watches... have been doing some research while locked at home these past couple weeks and considering my first purchase.

Considering buying a pre-owned Rolex explorer. Overall, the watch looks like its in great condition, except for the lug area looks like there's some stain (see pics attached). Almost looks like some chemical staining (maybe from the washing process)?

Is this stain normal where the dealer may 'service' the watch before listing and just residue from a cleaning fluid? Or some bigger issue that won't come off with wear?

Thanks in advance all!

[Chitownkilly]

I wouldn't worry about it, could be just oil, shadows, dirt, etc. It's not stained, hence stainless steel, scratches are one thing. Could've been polished but it would look different if polish job was shotty.

Sent from my LM-Q720 using Tapatalk

[GGGMT]

I’d say residue from cleaning. Unsolicited guidance as you make your first buy so you don’t end up in the WATCH OUT! Section of TRF potentially having lost your money: buy the seller. Many great trusted sellers here sell 14270 and 114270 like you’re looking at. Check them out. Make sure you’re dealing with a trusted seller

Good luck. That watch has been among my favorite for many years.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chitownkilly]

Could have also been from stickers?

Sent from my LM-Q720 using Tapatalk

[Al1969]

OP, What’s the seller’s explanation?

[AF_Rob]

I had the similar looking residue on my OP when I purchased it. It came off with no issues. I'd ask the seller to make sure.

[nomadethan]

Originally Posted by Al1969

OP, What’s the seller’s explanation?

Great point - let me ask

[nomadethan]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

I had the similar looking residue on my OP when I purchased it. It came off with no issues. I'd ask the seller to make sure.

Thanks. Makes me feel more comfortable.

[piratfisk]

Ask the seller. See if they can send more pics of the lug area from different angles. I do agree with the others' sentiments: "Buy the seller." While I do not have first-hand experience with the TRF trusted sellers, clearly, they wouldn't still be in business & have their own section on the forum if they were scamming people out of their money. If I were to buy a watch online, it'd be through one of them.

[TimelessQuality]

The same thing has happened to my watches, in the same location, and I just needed to wipe it. I also noticed it on other watches when browsing online.

It's likely just oil or a residue as mentioned. I would still ask the seller to clean it and send new photos just to be sure.

[Rexplorer214270]

Are you set on going pre-owned? First Rolex, try and get the AD experience if you can and have the funds to do so. The Explorer is a great choice.

[42itus]

That looks like sticker residue to me. I’ve never heard of or seen a stain on stainless steel. There should be lots of these for sale so if you’re not completely comfortable with the sale move on and keep looking. Good luck. Great watch!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk