New Member - Need Advice

[Triple Black 88]

Hi guys... I've dabeled with replicas over the past 10 yrs or so due to money problems, but have decided to bite the bullet and buy a genuine Rolex. I have decided on a yellow gold President bracelet day/date. I want to stay under $15k which puts me in the pre-owned market. I looked on ebay and noticed a bunch of aftermarket add ons, etc...
Can anyone give me the basic guide to buying a pre-owned Rolex?
-What to look for/what to avoid
-Any years better/worse then others

Any input would be appriciated.
Thanks,
Steve

[LouCan]

I wish i could help. I believe if your going to spend 15 K i would buy brand new. I would never buy from ebay. your just asking to get robbed. I just spent close to 10K on a TT YM MOP dial. I found a great AD in south Jersey. I dont know where u r in relation to NJ but if u decide to buy new. i can give u the stores name. Mybuddy bought the same watch two days later. Good Luck

[Triple Black 88]

That's a beautiful watch Lou. Here's a linc to a watch I saw on ebay. I have looked at this watch and the quote was for $22K. I'm not sure I coul find this new for $15.
What are your thoughts on this one...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=018

[BLSampson]

You can get a lot of Rolex for 15K. Stick with an AD. Good luck

[USMCsilver]

Want eBay? I'd focus on these sellers; from what I've read on the forum, they are some of the ones with positive comments here.

• beckertime
• buckojoe
• topnotch-watch
• u$aveontime

However, $15k ain't chump change. I'd highly reconsider the eBay route. I'd hate to see a fellow member lose $15,000.00. Hell, that's a freakin' car (for some people)!

Also, there's always www.alanfurman.com or even www.preownedrolex.com. From what I've read, Cayce from POR is a great guy!

[Gaijin]

I'd buy something for $15 on EBay not $15,000.

Only buy something on there that you are willing to lose the money/get scammed on.

[Dan Pierce]

You've bought replicas in the past and now you want to spend 15K? I'd go to an AD and buy the watch that "sings" to you. Ebay can be a disaster if you don't know what you're doing. If you got ripped off you'd never buy the real deal again.
If you can't live without a DD then save more $$ and buy new.
Good luck,
dP

[Triple Black 88]

Thanks guys...AD it is.

[Downing]

Three pieces of advice:

1. Don't buy on eBay
2. Whatever you do, don't buy on eBay
3. For God's sakes, man, DON'T BUY ON EBAY

Otherwise, there's a really good chance that in the near future we're going to be reading a post from you telling us that you got ripped off, perhaps intentionally and perhaps not, and asking for advice on how to deal with it.

I kid you not. Read this: My Post#1- And It's Bad News

Good luck with your search.

[S2000 Driver]

Originally Posted by Triple Black 88

Hi guys... I've dabeled with replicas over the past 10 yrs or so due to money problems, but have decided to bite the bullet and buy a genuine Rolex. I have decided on a yellow gold President bracelet day/date. I want to stay under $15k which puts me in the pre-owned market. I looked on ebay and noticed a bunch of aftermarket add ons, etc...
Can anyone give me the basic guide to buying a pre-owned Rolex?
-What to look for/what to avoid
-Any years better/worse then others

Any input would be appriciated.
Thanks,
Steve

Steve,

The 118238 Models appear to be what you're looking for and they're right (about) in your price target range:

http://www.alanfurman.com/noframes/rolex1.html

[Triple Black 88]

Thanks Downing...that's a scary thread. I've been scammed on ebay before, but have relied on feedback in order to determine weather or not the seller/items are legit and have had good luck over the years. No use taking a chance on something like this.

[Gaijin]

There have been fakes discovered by members here on this forum being sold by sellers on EBay that had good feedback. Don't do it.

[Triple Black 88]

Great site Driver, but is this an AD? The watch that caught my eye was the 18238 in the pre-owned section. Their about 3 hrs away...might be worth a trip down there.

[Downing]

Originally Posted by Triple Black 88

Great site Driver, but is this an AD? The watch that caught my eye was the 18238 in the pre-owned section. Their about 3 hrs away...might be worth a trip down there.

Alan Furman is what is commonly referred to as a "grey market dealer" (as opposed to a "black market dealer"), which is not an AD but in this case is probably the next best thing.

I've heard nothing but good things about them. Probably the way to go, especially if you're not buying new, as AF will certify the watch as genuine--a big plus over your typical eBay "Power Sellers."

You should definitely drive to their store in Baltimore and check out the watch in person since you're so close. Make a day of it, stop and eat some crab cakes, take in a ball game, etc.

In addition, once there you should be able to arrange to have the watch shipped to you so you avoid the sales tax.

My aunt lives in Baltimore, and next time I visit I'm definitely going to check out AF, although I'm pretty loyal to my AD and sales tax is not an issue here.

Keep us posted!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Welcome to TRF!

Best advice:

ONLY buy from an AD!

BTW: I really love the DD, too:



I'd LOVE to have one exactly like that one!

[Flyjet601]

Avoid eBay like the crabs!!!!

Go to an AD, you can get a smokin' nice watch for 15K believe me.