Possible To Get Used Rolex For Under 2k?

[aperez1988]

Hello my fellow Rolex lovers!


I have about a 2k budget and I'm curious if It's possible to find a used Rolex within my budget. Any help on models, year, serial that I should be looking for would be super helpful.

[crew]

Welcome aboard Aaron.
It's possible to buy a Rolex for 2k, or even a little less. However almost any watch at this price is likely to need a service which will add over $500 to the cost. I'd also caution you that if a price looks too good to be true it probably is. Be very careful, I understand you don't want to pay too much but you don't want to pay too little either.
I've seen some Datejusts in this range.

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by crew

Welcome aboard Aaron.
It's possible to buy a Rolex for 2k, or even a little less. However almost any watch at this price is likely to need a service which will add over $500 to the cost. I'd also caution you that if a price looks too good to be true it probably is. Be very careful, I understand you don't want to pay too much but you don't want to pay too little either.
I've seen some Datejusts in this range.

Well an independant watchmaker could probably do the job for less than that if it's just a matter of having a regular service but you're right, you especially have to be careful because such watches will be rather old and if they were wound without a service there is a chance that some parts were damage inside the movement, this is what will cost much more if you have to have it serviced.

Still, you can find one. You must also be careful with the condition of the watch, I love beaten up watches just like the next guy but instead of paying 1 800$ (for instance) for a Datejust that has been rugged up a lot you may want to save a few hundred dollars more and get one in a much nicer condition. Sometimes a little difference in the budget can get you a bracelet, a case and a crystal in a much better shape!

[AaronR15]

I picked up a beautiful all original Blue Dial OysterDate for 1650 shipped... I love it! Go on ebay and take a look at some Oysterdates or Datejust... Just to see what they are going for, just be cautious about buying one.

[mmmk604]

Originally Posted by AaronR15

I picked up a beautiful all original Blue Dial OysterDate for 1650 shipped... I love it! Go on ebay and take a look at some Oysterdates or Datejust... Just to see what they are going for, just be cautious about buying one.

Be very cautious. eBay Rolexes often have aftermarket parts (specifically bracelets).

If you do find something on eBay, you can post in the WatchOut! section to ask for TRFs opinion though

[Brushpup]

Look here. There are plenty of OP's and Airkings for sale right now. You could get into a ROLEX for 2K with a little effort.

[lavaman]

agreed, maybe a 60s or 70s vintage DJ or Airking should be easily had at that price.

[Kingair]

That's possible but with Ebay . . . watch out !

Buy the seller . . .

And ask your questions !

Good luck

HAGOne

[Lgear080]

Yep just bought a solid 70's oyster date for $1.4k

[gwalker]

Yes but it won't be a popular sports model. OPs and AKs and oyster Dates can be found in that range easily.

[Ksersoze]

I picked this up for less than $2K from a reputable seller on Craigslist. It's a 14010 Air King P-Series (2001). Came with the original box and receipt from the AD. Make sure you buy the seller before you buy the watch. Good luck!

[joe100]

Reputable, Craigslist and eBay are not words I like to use in the same sentence. Keep an eye on the sales section here or contact one of the trusted dealers. You will be able to find a lot of nice watches sub-$2k.

[Solo118]

If you try hard enough you may be able to find a nice 16014 (datejust)

It just takes patience, and of course be careful when buying. Don't let a good deal fool you!

I fully understand your budget, but if there is any way you can put together another $1,500 I have seen very nice 16570 Explorer IIs in the $3500 range.

[gwalker]

Originally Posted by joe100

Reputable, Craigslist and eBay are not words I like to use in the same sentence. Keep an eye on the sales section here or contact one of the trusted dealers. You will be able to find a lot of nice watches sub-$2k.

There is too much crap on Craigslist but eBay is different. There are plenty of great sellers on eBay that have hundreds of high end watches. I know there are sellers that list here and on eBay. Yea there are some sellers on eBay I wouldn't buy from but to imply there are none is wrong. It's not hard to tell if the seller can be trusted on eBay either. eBay has gotten better at policing questionable items and usually when I find one it's pulled off the site pretty quickly in most cases. The only issue I'm having with eBay lately are the fees. Fees on eBay are getting very high and that cost is being passed on to the buyers now. The great deals on eBay are harder to find now.

[Brian J]

Ebay is fine as long as you do your homework. You can look and see what other items they've sold. They might have a couple hundred feedback 100% positive but if all they've sold are $1 pens and pencils that's a red flag.

The biggest grey dealer in my area has a brick and motor store but does most of his business through ebay.

[slcbbrown]

Originally Posted by Ksersoze

I picked this up for less than $2K from a reputable seller on Craigslist. It's a 14010 Air King P-Series (2001). Came with the original box and receipt from the AD. Make sure you buy the seller before you buy the watch. Good luck!

This AK is exactly what I was going to suggest. If you're patient and learn a little about the brand, you can probably find one for under $2k. You almost certainly would have to budget a service, so you're really looking for about a $1,500 watch. I've bought used Rolex and not serviced them for a year or two, but knew the service cost was coming.

You might also find a Date for under $2k, and it isn't impossible to luck onto a DJ for the same $'s. But, the all stainless AK would be tough to beat.

[aperez1988]

Thanks for all the advice, greatly appreciated :) I'll defiantly try some of the mentioned tactics and try to find a nice datejust or airking.

[LeslieC]

Look for an air king 14000

[Hairdude1]

Best of luck in your search!

[Hairdude1]

Best of luck in your search!

[finnluck]

I have gotten a rolex and some other high end swiss watches on ebay and have never had a problem. You can definitely get a a oyster date or an air king for under 2k, and if you ask the right questions and make sure you are buying from a reputable seller, you should be fine. Things I look for in a seller: great feedback on a large number of sales that are all or almost all for high end watches, pictures of the movement and serial number (though the last digits may be blocked for security), a seller that has a brick and mortar store, and a seller that is up front about the year, condition and any replacement parts on the watch. Some of the bigger jewelry stores even have in house rolex trained techs that service all watches prior to sale. The key question to ask yourself is, what am I looking for in this watch? A piece that will have collector and resale value should have all of it's original components and no refurbishing. This is the way I have bought swiss watches on ebay, and I would imagine that is the preferred package for most on the forum. However, if your goal is to get a start in the quality and tradition that is rolex while staying on budget, you may be willing to buy a watch that is without the bracelet (just the head) and put it on a leather or Nato strap. It may never be collector pristine, but if it is going to be your first and cherished piece in what will probably some day be a large collection, that may not matter :)

[aperez1988]

Also just to add if anyone is selling a nice quality Rolex feel free to message me!

[joe100]

eBay is fine if you know what you're looking for. I bet terms like "service dial" and "re-lumed" aren't in the vocabulary of the average shopper. So don't say that eBay is all lollypops and punch because its a minefield.

Finding a trusted dealer here is the safest bet for a new watch enthusiast.

[NYMike]

My Friend got a 1982 (roughly) DJ with jubilee in good condition for 1700 or so on heritage auctions. He Paid 1500, with a messed up band. He changed 1/2 the jubilee band, polished the plexi, and it worked great. He had a watchmaker look at it and saw that it was operating well. He probably will send to service soon.

http://www.ha.com/c/search-results.z...4+791+792+2088

[Jim M]

I picked this nice 1601 up for $1,500.00 so you should be able to secure a nice preowned Rolex within your budget amount.

[Ditch]

IMO the trick to getting the best deals on eBay:

1) Auctions that end during the day Mon-Fri will fetch lower prices
2) Research
3) Ask seller plenty of questions, including 'If I win, do you mind if I take it to a specialist to be verified/chek movement etc and return it to you for a full refund if there are any issues?'
4) Don't deal with anyone that doesn't respond, or responds negatively to the above question.
5) Place one bid during the last 30s of auction
6) Always pay by PayPal through eBay (not a separate transaction) for protection.

[gregdolley]

Yes, you can get a Rolex for under $2k, but it's going to be an old model (1980's) and, like others have said, require service from the get-go.

[Solo118]

Theres a DJ that was just posted on the classifieds. At $1900... not bad! Check it out