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dynamyte43 · 11 June 2010, 10:02 AM

Hi all,

I was referred to this forum by a few Rolex aficionado's and was told this is probably the best place to get information. I'm looking to purchase my first Rolex. I have my eye on a 1994 Datejust two-tone with a black tapestry dial and stainless steel/gold jubilee from a private seller who says he's been buying/selling Rolex watches for 20+ years and opens them and services them before each sale. He mentioned its a Y series and says I can have it inspected before purchased. What are the questions one should be asking before making a purchase? Thanks in advance!

Safetrends · 11 June 2010, 10:04 AM

We have several good top notch sellers with excellent feedback, you should have no problem finding what you want here on TRF.

sleddog · 11 June 2010, 10:10 AM

Welcome to TRF!!

There is a watch on the "sale boards" here,the same as your looking at from a respected member of ours!!!
Check it out,might be in better condition and price!!!

JUSTROLEXES · 11 June 2010, 10:16 AM

Welcome to TRF,
It's a good idea to have it inspected by a 3rd party.
buy the Seller and not the watch
It's always better to buy the watch with warranty paper. and if you have papers match the serial #.
Check the crystal to make sure it's original and no nicks.
check the stretch on the band and the size of the band.
Check if there is a service receipt on the watch or when was the last service done.
try to see if there is any warranty if buying from a store or a business.
Compare prices before you buy.

Please check the For Sale section here as we have lots of great seller... DavidSW, Bodybum, Mosco, TempoKing, lawrenceb, TurboWatch, stevemulholland3 and many many more

George Ab · 11 June 2010, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justrolexes

Welcome to TRF,
It's a good idea to have it inspected by a 3rd party.
buy the Seller and not the watch
It's always better to buy the watch with warranty paper. and if you have papers match the serial #.
Check the crystal to make sure it's original and no nicks.
check the stretch on the band and the size of the band.
Check if there is a service receipt on the watch or when was the last service done.
try to see if there is any warranty if buying from a store or a business.
Compare prices before you buy.

Please check the For Sale section here as we have lots of great seller... DavidSW, Bodybum, Mosco, TempoKing, lawrenceb, TurboWatch, stevemulholland3 and many many more

Great response Tony

. However, you failed to mention yourself as one the elite sellers here on TRF!

mike · 11 June 2010, 10:30 AM

Welcome.

Some will center on pricing, but for me the number one issue is the condition of the watch. Buy the best example you can find even if it means a couple bucks more. In the long run it's worth it.

The adage "buy the seller" is always wise, but you bring up a factor that sets my radar in motion---servicing the watch.

In my experience there is service---and there is service. Changing the oil in my view is not a "service". Ask who did the service, what parts might have been replaced, were replacement parts genuine Rolex parts, and did the watch get regulated and pressure checked to it's stated depth.

I would also inquire if the bracelet has all the links (I don't know if you're speaking new or used).

Then if all passes muster pricing becomes a factor. Remember patience is a virtue. There are many choice examples out there and one has your name on it.

Good luck!!

P.S. if you can get some good photos post em here. A picture is worth a thousand words.

MortgageGuy · 11 June 2010, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justrolexes

Welcome to TRF,
It's a good idea to have it inspected by a 3rd party.
buy the Seller and not the watch
It's always better to buy the watch with warranty paper. and if you have papers match the serial #.
Check the crystal to make sure it's original and no nicks.
check the stretch on the band and the size of the band.
Check if there is a service receipt on the watch or when was the last service done.
try to see if there is any warranty if buying from a store or a business.
Compare prices before you buy.

Please check the For Sale section here as we have lots of great seller... DavidSW, Bodybum, Mosco, TempoKing, lawrenceb, TurboWatch, stevemulholland3 and many many more

Yeah, I think there is another great seller here on the forum but for the life of me I cannot remember his name... I think it starts with a T... Tom? No, thats not it, Tim??? No, that doesnt seem right either, I wish I could remember who it was...

Oh yeah, its TONY

sleddog · 11 June 2010, 10:33 AM

Here is the listing I mentioned above........
Seller is lawrenceb,a respected and trustworthy seller!!!!
http://************/showthread.php?t=131363

dynamyte43 · 11 June 2010, 10:33 AM

Thanks for the reply. I'll see if the seller has papers and what service was done to it. I've attached a picture. The seller is asking around 3k for this piece including a 1 year warranty. I've been looking for quite some time and definitely want to find the right fit for a watch I plan on keeping for a very very long time.

JUSTROLEXES · 11 June 2010, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by George Ab

Great response Tony

. However, you failed to mention yourself as one the elite sellers here on TRF!

Quote:

Originally Posted by MortgageGuy

Yeah, I think there is another great seller here on the forum but for the life of me I cannot remember his name... I think it starts with a T... Tom? No, thats not it, Tim??? No, that doesnt seem right either, I wish I could remember who it was...

Oh yeah, its TONY

Thanks George and Adam

I am Blushing now...

sakuraba · 11 June 2010, 03:03 PM

FWIW I would be worried with any private seller who claims to service his watches. IMHO improper servicing will cause more harm than good.

I've only bought from sellers with sterling reputations, and have yet to regret a transaction.

Good luck with your search!

Christian B · 11 June 2010, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynamyte43

...opens them and services them before each sale.

This would be a red flag for me.

I would only buy a pre-owned Rolex if it's servicing has been done by a Rolex Service Center (RSC), and has all the relevant documentation and service records.

IMHO, I would buy from a trusted seller, who has many good references.

Good luck with your purchase!

nauticajoe · 11 June 2010, 09:08 PM

I acquired my 1st from an AD, but subsequent pieces from awesome sellers here in TRF.

Happy Hunting!

Christiaan · 11 June 2010, 11:13 PM

A "Y" series should be from 2002....

dynamyte43 · 12 June 2010, 06:33 AM

thanks all! you've been super helpful. it doesn't seem that much service was done to it except to check the movement for authenticity and whatnot. i think i'll just be patient until i find the "one".

11 June 2010, 10:02 AM	#1
dynamyte43 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4	How to buy your first Rolex Hi all, I was referred to this forum by a few Rolex aficionado's and was told this is probably the best place to get information. I'm looking to purchase my first Rolex. I have my eye on a 1994 Datejust two-tone with a black tapestry dial and stainless steel/gold jubilee from a private seller who says he's been buying/selling Rolex watches for 20+ years and opens them and services them before each sale. He mentioned its a Y series and says I can have it inspected before purchased. What are the questions one should be asking before making a purchase? Thanks in advance!

11 June 2010, 10:10 AM	#3
sleddog TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Rob Location: Nearby. Posts: 24,931	Welcome to TRF!! There is a watch on the "sale boards" here,the same as your looking at from a respected member of ours!!! Check it out,might be in better condition and price!!! __________________ He who wears a Rolex is always on time, even when late!! TRF's "After Dark" Bar & Nightclub Patron-Founding Member..

11 June 2010, 10:16 AM	#4
JUSTROLEXES ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2024 SubLV41 Sponsor & Boutique Seller Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Tony Geha Location: San Diego, CA Watch: Yacht-Master Posts: 51,134	Welcome to TRF, It's a good idea to have it inspected by a 3rd party. buy the Seller and not the watch It's always better to buy the watch with warranty paper. and if you have papers match the serial #. Check the crystal to make sure it's original and no nicks. check the stretch on the band and the size of the band. Check if there is a service receipt on the watch or when was the last service done. try to see if there is any warranty if buying from a store or a business. Compare prices before you buy. Please check the For Sale section here as we have lots of great seller... DavidSW, Bodybum, Mosco, TempoKing, lawrenceb, TurboWatch, stevemulholland3 and many many more __________________ Instagram @JustRolexes 2FA security active

11 June 2010, 10:33 AM	#8
sleddog TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Rob Location: Nearby. Posts: 24,931	Here is the listing I mentioned above........ Seller is lawrenceb,a respected and trustworthy seller!!!! http://************/showthread.php?t=131363 __________________ He who wears a Rolex is always on time, even when late!! TRF's "After Dark" Bar & Nightclub Patron-Founding Member..

11 June 2010, 10:33 AM	#9
dynamyte43 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4	Thanks for the reply. I'll see if the seller has papers and what service was done to it. I've attached a picture. The seller is asking around 3k for this piece including a 1 year warranty. I've been looking for quite some time and definitely want to find the right fit for a watch I plan on keeping for a very very long time. Attached Images

11 June 2010, 10:04 AM	#2
Safetrends Banned Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: David Walz Location: San Diego CA USA Watch: my hand. :) Posts: 9,156	We have several good top notch sellers with excellent feedback, you should have no problem finding what you want here on TRF.

11 June 2010, 10:30 AM	#6
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	Welcome. Some will center on pricing, but for me the number one issue is the condition of the watch. Buy the best example you can find even if it means a couple bucks more. In the long run it's worth it. The adage "buy the seller" is always wise, but you bring up a factor that sets my radar in motion---servicing the watch. In my experience there is service---and there is service. Changing the oil in my view is not a "service". Ask who did the service, what parts might have been replaced, were replacement parts genuine Rolex parts, and did the watch get regulated and pressure checked to it's stated depth. I would also inquire if the bracelet has all the links (I don't know if you're speaking new or used). Then if all passes muster pricing becomes a factor. Remember patience is a virtue. There are many choice examples out there and one has your name on it. Good luck!! P.S. if you can get some good photos post em here. A picture is worth a thousand words.

11 June 2010, 03:03 PM	#11
sakuraba "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Jib Location: SJ, California Watch: sun dial Posts: 8,189	FWIW I would be worried with any private seller who claims to service his watches. IMHO improper servicing will cause more harm than good. I've only bought from sellers with sterling reputations, and have yet to regret a transaction. Good luck with your search! __________________ F 14000 AirKing black F 16710 GMT Pepsi F 16570 Explorer II white T 16600 SD D 16610 LV "fine quality is remembered long after the pain of spending money" -Steve Mulholland

11 June 2010, 09:08 PM	#13
nauticajoe "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Joe Location: PA Posts: 14,774	I acquired my 1st from an AD, but subsequent pieces from awesome sellers here in TRF. Happy Hunting!

11 June 2010, 11:13 PM	#14
Christiaan "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Christiaan Location: Fort Mill, SC Watch: 67' Breitling Navi Posts: 1,617	A "Y" series should be from 2002.... __________________ "Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities" Frank Lloyd Wright. "For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been and there you will long to return." DaVinci

12 June 2010, 06:33 AM	#15
dynamyte43 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4	thanks all! you've been super helpful. it doesn't seem that much service was done to it except to check the movement for authenticity and whatnot. i think i'll just be patient until i find the "one".

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