Should I Buy This From Craigslist?

[floater156]

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/jwl/2802953519.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/jwl/2802953519.html

I'm looking to purchase my first Rolex. I also have my first child due in April so I'm trying to not break the bank. What do you think about this advertisement?

[FeelingTheBlues]

Welcome to TRF, I can't say if you should or shouldn't with the baby coming (you know your budget and finance) but I personally think it's a good deal and the fact that the seller offers you to have it authenticated is very nice as well. I would take it to an AD, check it and if everything is in order I'd spoil myself!

[MortgageGuy]

Welcome to TRF... I personally would not purchase a Rolex on craigslist as there are just too damn many things that can go wrong. If you are looking for pre owned I would check out the sales section right here on TRF and our trusted sellers... Perhaps a local AD with some used inventory too however the price will not be as good but craigslist... That would be a no for me.


Good Luck

[Jason71]

When I read the title of your thread, I said....."Nope, wouldn't buy my first Rolex from Craigslist". I don't even need view the links.

Welcome to TRF

[dddrees]

Welcome to TRF.

Rule #1 - Buy the Seller.

There are so many reasons why I would not buy a Rolex from Craigs list.

[FeelingTheBlues]

For the people who didn't read the ad, the seller offers to have the watch authenticated at an AD and said he still had the boxes and papers. Should everything go fine at the AD, why shouldn't he purchase it then?

[floater156]

He's even including a Steinhausen dual watch winder, which retails for around $300.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by FeelingTheBlues

For the people who didn't read the ad, the seller offers to have the watch authenticated at an AD and said he still had the boxes and papers. Should everything go fine at the AD, why shouldn't he purchase it then?

I don't know who this person is.

I have concerns it could be stolen.

Where would we meet and might he try to rob me.

For me there are extra precautions and concerns I would have which I would not have if buying from an AD or a trusted seller here.

I personally would not buy a Rolex from Craigs List.

This does get discussed here from time to time.

I'll try to find other threads with some of this info.

[opaline460]

Originally Posted by FeelingTheBlues

For the people who didn't read the ad, the seller offers to have the watch authenticated at an AD and said he still had the boxes and papers. Should everything go fine at the AD, why shouldn't he purchase it then?

[floater156]

Those are definitely real concerns. If I were to do this. I would meet at AD. If watch checked out I would have him meet at my bank so I could withdraw the funds. Can ADs run serial number checks to make sure it's not stolen?

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by dddrees

I don't know who this person is.

I have concerns it could be stolen.

Where would we meet and might he try to rob me.

For me there are extra precautions and concerns I would have which I would not have if buying from an AD or a trusted seller here.

I personally would not buy a Rolex from Craigs List.

This does get discussed here from time to time.

I'll try to find other threads with some of this info.

Very true Dan, one needs to be aware of the risks and should make sure he gets to the AD and leaves safely. Therefore I would strongly recommend the OP to get over there with a friend of his or a relative (if not more) to make sure everything is going fine.

I understand this subject is probably being discussed from times to times but I just thought I could help as much as I can.

[dddrees]

Here is one thread and there are others. From what I have read some of the posters say they have or would and some say they wouldn't. However even those who say they have say you need to be real careful and know what you are doing. This may very well work out for some, however personally it's not something I would be willing to do.

http://www.rolexforums.com/~trfcom/s...ght=Craigslist

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Here is one thread and there are others. From what I have read some of the posters say they have or would and some say they wouldn't. However even those who say they have say you need to be real careful and know what you are doing. This may very well work out for some, however personally it's not something I would be willing to do.

http://www.rolexforums.com/~trfcom/s...ght=Craigslist

Thank you for the link Dan, I'm sure the OP will be able to find a lot of different arguments in this one! Again, one should always be very careful when buying a pre-owned watch!

[floater156]

It sounds like I should probably just wait until I see one of these come up on the sales forum. I was at an AD today and tried on a TT 116233 with a champagne/stick dial and fell in love. They had it listed for $10,100 but said they would sell it for $8,000. They also indicated that on Feb. 1 Rolex was implementing a double price increase (totaling 13-15%). However, that was probably just a sales tactic :-)

[SS Oyster]

Watch winders are for those with a lot of watches who want to keep them in time. Otherwise a waste. Since this is your first Rolex, I would assume you would wear it most of the time.

Two tone DJ's are not my thing and will only lose value. I mean if it sings to you - that's all you need, but I'd bet you'd beat that price here on that same type watch.

If you want to buy something that will never lose a penny, buy right ... right here from a trusted seller ... and buy a sport model. In your price range, you might find a great older ND sub 5513 or 14060 (maybe even an early 14060M). Can't go wrong with a sub.

Good luck and welcome aboard! You will thank me once you've learned more about these fine timepieces.

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by floater156

It sounds like I should probably just wait until I see one of these come up on the sales forum. I was at an AD today and tried on a TT 116233 with a champagne/stick dial and fell in love. They had it listed for $10,100 but said they would sell it for $8,000. They also indicated that on Feb. 1 Rolex was implementing a double price increase (totaling 13-15%). However, that was probably just a sales tactic :-)

I'm not sure about the exact date but Rolex often raises the prices of their watches so I wouldn't take this as a sales' tactic (unfortunately)!

[Andad]

Originally Posted by FeelingTheBlues

Welcome to TRF, I can't say if you should or shouldn't with the baby coming (you know your budget and finance) but I personally think it's a good deal and the fact that the seller offers you to have it authenticated is very nice as well. I would take it to an AD, check it and if everything is in order I'd spoil myself!

Good advice Mom.

And 156 can have it authenticated if he wants.

What year is it?

Is that price a bit high if it needs a service?

[Cuts33]

To the OP, I would have no issue with buying from that person or I should say at least meeting with them.

I agree with other comments that the first instinct with regards to craiglist is "not a chance in..."

But the pictures look good and if you are willing to go to an AD to authenticate it near where the seller lives, then I don't see an issue with it.

Assuming this guy is from where he says he is and meets you in that area, you are safe. Northbrook and Glenview are two of the safest and affluent areas in the Chicago area.

Go to an AD nearby - probably a 90 minute drive from you. They typically have off duty cops as security around there. If the guy seems legit - good. If not, walk away.

[phillycheez]

I honestly don't see what all the fuss is about.

I bought a Rolex from craigslist. Met him at the mall near an AD. I knew the watch like the back of my hand before I bought it.

Meet in a public place. Do the deal. And walk off. It's really that easy. Hell.... Bring a friend if you are seriously uncomfortable about it.

Good deals can be had on craigslist. I prefer face to face any day than paying ridiculous paypal fees and shipping AND I get to see it and verify in person.

[xjeeunitx]

Price is a little high...

[experimentjon]

Originally Posted by dddrees

I have concerns it could be stolen.

Where would we meet and might he try to rob me.

The former is a real risk.

The latter, I don't think it is as much of a problem. I've bought and sold many musical instruments over Craigslist (I'd imagine they're a pain to ship to/from Hawaii.) And I've met with some pretty sketchy people in their apartments. Looking back on it, some of those probably weren't such good ideas...but nothing happened and from each of those deals, I walked away with a very good price. Granted, Hawaii is a relatively safe place...and if something weird happened, I always carry pepper spray on my keys anyway.

But in general, especially when doing a medium/high-dollar purchase on CL, I usually don't carry more cash than usual and meet in a public place with a bank/ATM. With those precautions, it is highly unlikely that you'll get abducted/mobbed/raped/killed.

[Captain Kirkwood]

I've purchased on the forums. I've sold on the forums. I've purchased on auction sites. I've done deals face to face. The sellers I've purchased from haven't always been well known. And I am certainly not well known. Haven't had a sour deal yet. I wouldn't have a problem doing a deal through Craigslist. But I always do my due diligence. I always use common sense. I'm always skeptical. And if I'm doing a face to face deal, I always meet in a public place.

[rolexkiwi]

Man that's a thread all on it's own without the link

[bayerische]

Wonder where the "silver" is in the bracelet...

Meet at the AD. Don't think he will rob you there.

[HL65]

Short answer: NO.

[DD GT3 RD]

Just be careful. Just saw on the news an attempted robbery of a guy trying to buy and iPhone from someone on Craig's list I believe

[brownbear]

everyone is afraid of CL..
Just as any other classified section, use caution..
There are legit buyers/seller on CL just as there are legit buyers/sellers in your local newspaper..
ask the right questions, use good judgement then exercise proper caution.

If there is a 2009 Lexis in great condition with 5k miles for 3k.. Hey, it is probably a scam..

[1bad750]

dont be afraid to meet an a jeweler and have it checked out, orig owner and all papers seems pretty legit to me. You can get a good deal here but I would much rather be able to see it in person.obviously use common sense and meet at a public place for sure. I have bought rolexes off craigslist before ebay before and the forum, they all worked out well but i did use common sense and had them checked out too.

[Ed Rooney]

I operate under the assumption that all of the Rolex on Craigslist and half on eBay are fake. Not good odds.

[kmleffler]

I have sold many things over Craigslist without a problem. I would meet in a very public place at a specified time and make sure that you get there early. If possible, go with a friend. If everything checks out your fine, if not walk away.