New or Slightly Used, That is the question.

[Solo118]

Depends if you like peeling the stickers off yourself. I personally rather it come with a few desk diving marks so I do not have to be so careful when first wearing it.

Another thing to mention is your name won't be on the warranty card on a used watch. Some people care about this, personally I do not.

[evlkoala]

Originally Posted by Leojmcca

Buy used. You can get an explorer II for around another $1,000-$1,500. just keep your eye on the classifieds!

Originally Posted by tommy91

Please tell me where you buy your watches at that price

I think Leojmcca is saying to add additional $1,000-$1,500 on top of the initial budget of $2,500. Around $4,000 for an used Exp II.

[SL BRABUS]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

If your budget allows for your first Rolex, would get new from AD

Agree....^^^.....

[George Spring]

Originally Posted by ragingcao

Watch Replica.com 😛😅

wow

[dysondiver]

used , not abused is the secret.

[mschafer]

If you're 100% sure what you want, don't care if it's slightly used (say, under 2 years) then i'd say look here, BNIB about 15% less than list, then discount from there. Usually also no sales tax. That gives you the most bang for your buck and service is still a bit away and you even might have some warranty time left. Rolex is just amazing, nothing compares to the tool watch line up, so worth to save up for and enjoy. Congrats on the new job, that's a crown moment right there...

[T&Tom]

Hi. I want buy 18k white gold Cellini Rolex 6673. Please contact me if you have it and want sell it. Thanks

[T01]

I've experienced both, really just depends on if you want the AD experience or not.

[TheMethod]

After purchasing from DavidSW and takuya here, I prefer purchasing from the trusted sellers and saving a bit of money as well.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Speed

With all due respect to members who have received foot massages, mocha-cappuccino-made with exotic kivet-coffee and Swiss chocolate whilst buying a watch at a local AD, the "AD" experience is not all that - IMO. Many ADs don't even have a place for clients to sit down.

You sound like a decent watch for a low price is the way you want to go. Therefore, find a reputable seller - perhaps on here if/when you get comfy wiring money to a person you've never met...this takes some time and research so don't rush it.

Good luck.

Airports come to mind.

[GB-man]

Message davidsw. End of story. Unless you are a good negotiator, you're likely to get bent over at the AD. Make Life easy. For that matter we have many good sellers here, I only vouch for david because I have done several deals with him.

[Joearch]

Preowned is a great way to go. I have done both. David SW is a great source for what you are looking for. Very good pricing on Explorer II.

[1F1Fan]

Does Davidsw have a store front?

[myc ritz]

For a current Explorer II, buy slightly used. $2k that you can do something else with!

[Mr. O.L. Field]

I guess ill be the exception to the majority of this thread. Personally if I was buying a modern Rolex I would buy new from an AD. I have bought all mine new from an AD(I only own modern Rolex's though). Having all the warranty cards, instructions, the box and tags gives me peace of mind. They all say my name on them and show proof of ownership. Not to mention it has my AD's name and address on the card as well. The only problem is that the boxes take up real estate in my safe. I have a great relationship with my AD they give me discounts on watches and other jewelry. They invite me to their galas and showings. I can also call them anytime and order anything I want. I have even got them to get me "Rolex" branded accessories for free. The relationship I have with them and the peace of mind I get is worth spending the extra money in my opinion.

There are how ever exceptions even for me. If for say I wanted a discontinued model(i.e Ref. 116263) or a vintage submariner obviously I would need to get used and the closer to original condition the better.

Its all on what your comfortable with. No one would call you an idiot for spending extra on "new". Someone had to buy all these used ones that are on the market new at some point.

Good luck hopefully it helps in the decision. If you do pick one make sure to post some pictures.

[Tseg]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

If your budget allows for your first Rolex, would get new from AD

This^^^^ ....is what I did. I'm glad I did not only for the experience but also because I did not want to butcher my watch during the resizing, since it was my first Rolex and intended to be my life-long companion and heirloom to my son.

With that said I bought my BLNR a year ago when Trusted TRF Resellers were discounting maybe $100 for BNIB... so really I took the hit on the tax... ~$500. In the big scheme of things I'm happy with the decision and experience. Certainly my next Rolex will be from a Trusted TRF Reseller but now I know a whole lot more what I've got myself into.

[SeaAndSky]

I thought the question was "to be or not to be?"

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by 1F1Fan

Does Davidsw have a store front?

Not that I am aware of but he will gladly meet you in person to do a face to face deal. Don't walk, run from anyone who doesn't offer face to face deals. Brick and mortar only increases costs that would be passed on to you

Originally Posted by Mr. O.L. Field

I guess ill be the exception to the majority of this thread. Personally if I was buying a modern Rolex I would buy new from an AD. I have bought all mine new from an AD(I only own modern Rolex's though). Having all the warranty cards, instructions, the box and tags gives me peace of mind. They all say my name on them and show proof of ownership. Not to mention it has my AD's name and address on the card as well. The only problem is that the boxes take up real estate in my safe. I have a great relationship with my AD they give me discounts on watches and other jewelry. They invite me to their galas and showings. I can also call them anytime and order anything I want. I have even got them to get me "Rolex" branded accessories for free. The relationship I have with them and the peace of mind I get is worth spending the extra money in my opinion.

There are how ever exceptions even for me. If for say I wanted a discontinued model(i.e Ref. 116263) or a vintage submariner obviously I would need to get used and the closer to original condition the better.

Its all on what your comfortable with. No one would call you an idiot for spending extra on "new". Someone had to buy all these used ones that are on the market new at some point.

Good luck hopefully it helps in the decision. If you do pick one make sure to post some pictures.

Glad you have built a report with your local AD. It really is a great way to buy watches. But I must say you can easily get a watch in your name through trf sellers, in case your local AD is not so generous (my situation for rolex)

[bdex75]

Originally Posted by 1F1Fan

Does Davidsw have a store front?

He has a website (davidsw.com)?? and is in the Orlando area for f2f deals.

If you know that EXP2 is what you want no worries at all with dealing with David. Even if he had to ship. They do not get any higher character than David.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cab56]

OP, Enjoy the search. Buying from an AD or a TRF trusted seller is a safe way to get a real Rolex. Buying from eBay, craigslist, or your friend's brother's neighbor is not a safe way to get a real Rolex. Some people buy new cars and Rolexes and others buy low-mileage used cars and Rolexes. The new/used decision is emotional and you probably know which feels right to you. A Rolex will last a life time, so a used Rolex is still an excellent watch. I have a 20-year old one that looks new and runs fine (and I inherited my father's 50-year old one which looks vintage and runs fine). Take your time and enjoy the search.

[engin33r]

Wear it a couple of times and your brand new watch will be slightly used anyway. I've owned new, slightly used and used watches. I prefer slightly used because it costs less, some slightly used watches are close enough to bnib condition.