I would appreciate some advice on buying a Rolex

[Garys]

I'm finally at the point of buying a Rolex and would appreciate some advice from people with more street knowledge than myself.

First, the model. I've pretty much decided on an Explorer II though I keep looking at the new Explorer. But the lack of a date tends to bug me even though I seldom am without my cell phone.

My dilemma comes in the method of purchase. As I see it I have three options, AD, eBay & pawn shop or used watch dealer.

I live in Portland, OR which has a well established used high end watch dealer, a couple of ADs and a lot of pawn shops.

If I were to go to an AD should I expect to get a discount in today's market? If so how much?

If I go to a pawn shop what should I watch out for? There are only a couple of shops that deal in Rolexes regularly so I am not too worried about being sold a fake and I've seen enough fakes that I don't think I'd miss one.

What about eBay? Am I safe if I stick with an established dealer?

If I buy a used watch should I have it opened by a trusted jeweler to check condition?

Any advice would be appreciated.

BTW, I plan on making the purchase in late January hoping that I can find a hungry salesperson that needs to deal.

Thanks in advance.

[moviefreak]

You can buy wherever you feel comfortable as long as it is the real thing and you can verify it and make sure everything is correct... Pawn shops most of the time do not carry full sets... It is all up to you...ADs you should get 10-20% discount sometimes...
And always check the movement inside the watch, it is one of the few things it can not be reproduced...

[thesmallwave]

I will buy from AD, is safe and secure and you know what you getting.

[Puffy]

hit up some of the TRF sellers....

[Mockingbird]

If it's your first Rolex treat yourself to the AD experience.

[tfarchio]

Why wouldn't you just buy from an established seller on these forums? Much safer than eBay IMO. Without papers, I personally wouldn't buy anything from eBay. It's not just about buying a fake. I agree that with some experience, anyone can get pretty good at spotting an outright fake. But what about watches that have been refurbished (e.g., refinished dial, replacement hands, etc.)? Even if the person used genuine rolex parts, some people don't like buying watches that have been refurbished. But I guess it's a matter of preference. The other thing I was always worried about when looking at watches on eBay was something others have referred to as "Franken-watches." These are watches which include essentially "all original" rolex parts, but from a few different watches that are pieced together by the seller (or by someone else in the past). ADs are the safest way to go, but usually you'll have to pay a premium. I bought an Explorer I on the forums for around $3k. The same model (but in worse condition) was offered at a local AD for close to $5k. I'm sure I could have negotiated a better price but why bother when there's so many really good dealers here on the forum that already offer such good deals.

Good luck in your search.

[DG123]

Try on watch models and decide which one it is you will most likely enjoy wearing. After that decision is made you can think about what price you are comfortable paying and find a seller at that price; be it AD new, grey market new, or pre-owned.

Originally Posted by Garys

I'm finally at the point of buying a Rolex and would appreciate some advice from people with more street knowledge than myself.

First, the model. I've pretty much decided on an Explorer II though I keep looking at the new Explorer. But the lack of a date tends to bug me even though I seldom am without my cell phone.

My dilemma comes in the method of purchase. As I see it I have three options, AD, eBay & pawn shop or used watch dealer.

I live in Portland, OR which has a well established used high end watch dealer, a couple of ADs and a lot of pawn shops.

If I were to go to an AD should I expect to get a discount in today's market? If so how much?

If I go to a pawn shop what should I watch out for? There are only a couple of shops that deal in Rolexes regularly so I am not too worried about being sold a fake and I've seen enough fakes that I don't think I'd miss one.

What about eBay? Am I safe if I stick with an established dealer?

If I buy a used watch should I have it opened by a trusted jeweler to check condition?

Any advice would be appreciated.

BTW, I plan on making the purchase in late January hoping that I can find a hungry salesperson that needs to deal.

Thanks in advance.

[DT14]

If you are going to buy an Explorer 2 I HIGHLY recommend buying used since they don't seem to hold their value all that well. You can find one in great shape and save 2-3K, but granted you will not get "the AD experience". It really is not that hard to find a reliable aftermarket seller, on this forum or others. Some common sense and you will be fine.

[Brenngun]

Save yourself money by purchasing from one of the trusted sellers here on TRF. The optimum word is "trusted".

[Watchdog]

Don't go pawnshop.

AD if you want the experience and maybe a little discount.

TRF trusted seller. No butt-kissing from an A.D. but a heck of a good price for the watch you want delivered to your door.

[kctt]

Originally Posted by Puffy

hit up some of the TRF sellers....

x1

I do like Rolex sales people though... they treat you like royalty.

[Speed]

Why eBay? Why??? If you want to get taken on your first Rolex, be my guest. Pawn Shop? Why??? Frankenwatches / sold by non-experts. No thanks.

I recall when I first came to this site and people suggested I buy from a trusted seller I was not comfy at first. The idea of wire transferring several thousand dollars to a guy I did not know scared the heck out of me. I did it eventually - four times with no regrets. However, I know this may not work for your first watch.

You will get little to no discount on a stainless steel watch. If you know someone who has purchased from a local AD, go with him...maybe you will get a deal.

But PLEASE....PLEASE...NO EBAY OR PAWNSHOP.

[Z06]

Originally Posted by Puffy

hit up some of the TRF sellers....

+1...talk to Tony (Justrolexes) he was great to deal with! (and i'll do it again)

David is also a great guy I am told...those are the only 2 guys for me, that I communicated with before I purchased, that I trust.

[Chipmunk]

If you want to get a good discount, buy from TRF trusted sellers. Good luck.

[Garys]

I'd like to thank those that have taken the time to reply.

After reading the replies I've decided to buy either from an AD or a forum reseller.

The only problem will be if I can get the sixteen posts required before I can post in the classified and want to buy forums.

I can understand the need for some sort of verification before you can sell on TRF but it seems counterproductive for someone wanting to buy a Rolex to not be able to ask questions before making sixteen posts.

#2

[Watchdog]

Originally Posted by Garys

I'd like to thank those that have taken the time to reply.

After reading the replies I've decided to buy either from an AD or a forum reseller.

The only problem will be if I can get the sixteen posts required before I can post in the classified and want to buy forums.

#2

Just do what everyone else does . . .

Lots of or or or or or or or or or
and you'll be at sixteen posts before you know it!

[CashGap]

Originally Posted by kingkongkelley

Just do what everyone else does . . .

LOL But I'll try to be substantive with the rest of my posts.

[dmc]

Look in the buyers/sellers section.

DavidSW has a great reputation, as do Mosco, Bodybump, Theken, JUSTROLEXES, and Tempoking. And many others deserving of mention.

I personally bought 2 from DavidSW, and he is a class act.

Recieved 1 from TRF via Tools/Larry, also a class act.

I think when I bought my first watch from DavidSW, my post count on TRF was "5". LOL

Good luck on finding a watch.

[Andad]

Welcome to the Forum.

All good advice.

I am sure you have some quality questions that you want to ask before you make your purchase.

Your posts will soon qualify.

[jamesworthy52]

Go to an authorized dealer and figure out which watch is for you. Once you do, try and negotiate the best price possible but do not buy. Then, come back to this forum's for sale section and see what kid of deal you can get... It will likely blow away the price from an AD. If you choose a trusted seller like DavidSW (David), bodybump (Oscar), or justrolexes (Tony), you will have nothing to worry about and they ship overnight. I would not go the eBay or pawn shop route... Just too much risk.

[sea-dweller]

Buy from an AD, or from a reputable seller on this forum.

[cat3roadracer]

Gary,

Go to your local AD. Establish a relationship with your AD.

Negotiate a deal, approx 20% off of your new watch. Pay with cash. Have the watch shipped to your friend out of state and you will not pay sales tax.

Good luck.

[kwokhhc]

Agree. Go to AD and experience what you can get from buying a watch. That's really enjoyable.

[Singslinger]

Originally Posted by Mockingbird

If it's your first Rolex treat yourself to the AD experience.

I agree.

[RedwinGV]

Nice question and great feedback.
I'm in the same boat. I'm in the GMT-c boat. Now I have to figure out how to get the dang thing.
I'm not going with an AD, but one thing that is in the back of my mind is a bit of a warranty. No doubt that an AD gets you that. I don't think the sellers here offer one, but I'll be exploring that.
I guess it's time for me to get cranking on getting my GMT.
Best of luck to you.

[Garys]

Thanks for the replies.

Fortunately, I live in one of the few states without a sales tax.

Gary

[cr6man]

Lots of great advice here....as always. I will echo what some here are stating...I have purchased from an AD myself....it is somewhat exciting especiall the first time. The Trusted Sellers here at TRF really are top notch.....and also provide a good purchasing experience,but more,one you can have confidence in. I just completed a rather high dollar purchase with one of the Trusted Sellers,the watch was better than described and was delivered very quickly. Hope that helps!

[dddrees]

At least go to the AD and check out your options. This way you will have a better idea as to what it looks like and feels like in person before committing.

[Steve260]

Originally Posted by RedwinGV

Nice question and great feedback.
I'm in the same boat. I'm in the GMT-c boat. Now I have to figure out how to get the dang thing.
I'm not going with an AD, but one thing that is in the back of my mind is a bit of a warranty. No doubt that an AD gets you that. I don't think the sellers here offer one, but I'll be exploring that.
I guess it's time for me to get cranking on getting my GMT.
Best of luck to you.

Many of the TRF trusted seller's watches indicate that the purchase date and purchaser information is left blank on the Rolex paperwork, so you can fill it in when you buy the watch. I believe this means you get the same official Rolex warranty as if you had purchased from an AD.

I have seen quite a few LNIB GMTII-C's for sale by the trusted sellers - at least one comes up for sale every week. Good luck - I know you'll love your new GMTII-C when you get it!

Steve