First time buyer question

[Jao-Quin]

Hi everyone,

First time poster, so please forgive me if I've put this in the wrong place.

I'm a branding consultant in London, UK. I've admired beautiful watches (inherited a sterling silver pocketwatch from my grandfather) but never really considered buying one, until now. A close relative had a milestone birthday this year and also completed his postgraduate studies, so I would like to buy him a Rolex from his birth year as a gift.

It's my first time buying a luxury watch, so I'm a bit nervous. I've been reading the comments on this site about how to spot fakes and bad sellers and I realise that I probably won't have the skill or knowledge to identify one at this point.

This particular model has been hard to find, but I found one in London and another through an online seller. The price is almost identical between them, with both saying the model is in high demand this year.

The London shop doesn't allow returns (only exchange). The online seller offers returns (as required by law) but charges 3% surcharge for credit card payments and doesn't take PayPal or escrow. The surcharge comes to a considerable amount, but I'm not so comfortable transferring that much money directly on a first purchase. He also had a very negative review in a long thread from last year. I would like to have a return option for peace of mind, in case something goes wrong or for some reason the recipient doesn't like it.

Does anyone have any advice where to start, or how to check a particular item before purchase?
Are there sellers on here that anyone would recommend when looking for a very specific piece?
Or tips on dealing with either in-person or online buying?

(Apologies if this is already covered in a thread I haven't seen yet.)

Thanks so much in advance! Looking forward to learning and getting to know all of you!

[Old Expat Beast]

Moved to RGD.

[Azpathfinder]

Read a lot of the seller reviews on this site.. Look for recent feedback as well as feedback going back some time. Look for recent messages from them posting new watches, and updates that others are sold. Once you find a trusted seller listing the watch you want, do a search for their username to see what others have said about them. If someone has been scammed or had a bad deal they would certainly post about it.

All of the above is how I found RolexFreak and could not be happier with my purchase. I hear a lot of positive things about DavidSW and a few others as well.

[Jao-Quin]

Thanks Azpathfinder! Appreciate the tips.

Is it OK to post the photos from the one I've seen or is that frowned upon?

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by Jao-Quin

Thanks Azpathfinder! Appreciate the tips.

Is it OK to post the photos from the one I've seen or is that frowned upon?

Photos are helpful and highly appreciated!

[rootbeer7]

what model and year are you looking for? Pictures definitely help

[sutats]

Welcome to the forums. If you're paying by credit card you should have purchase protection cover if things head South.

If you're dealing face to face, always bring a friend with you and deal in a public place with good lighting and CCTV coverage where possible and avoid access points. You could deal in the lobby of the London Rolex Service Centre and have the watch inspected by them while you're there.

[Jao-Quin]

Thanks all for the advice.

I'm looking for a Rolex from 1977. Preferably Submariner as it's the classic, but willing to consider other models from that year.

The Vintage Watch Company in Burlington Arcade in London had two of them (one sold now), both with Date bubbles.

The one I'm looking at online is this one:
... oh, I'm not allowed to post links ... or inline images... see attachments. :)

From what I can see it looks like it's in good condition with the pre-Comex dial.

Seller had a bit of an issue last year: [this forum]?t=391178

Any thoughts on what to check?
Thanks again!

[tamiya]

On pics alone doesn't look too bad for a 40yo unit... but just me personally I'd find that dent in bracelet at 1oclock real annoying. I'd be hoping the bracelet wasn't original to this unit, because that'll be a pretty solid whack to do that, wouldn't do movement any favours. Like a used car that's been t-boned on RHS... dunno, even if it's patched up bad thought still gnaws at me.

What are your expectations personally?

Playing with vintage, it's all a compromise between price/condition/availability.

Luckily with most Rolex being mass market, their Marketing Dept seriously hates me for saying it but there's plenty of stock out there in the wild. Patience is a hunter's best ally.

[GradyPhilpott]

I'll tell you what my watchmaker said when I dropped my DJ about five feet onto concrete.

He shook it and said, "It's fine."

I said, "How do you know."

He replied, "It's working and it doesn't rattle.

He was correct and I've never had a problem with it.

If you buy from the local guy, maybe he could have it checked to be sure.

[rootbeer7]

It looks like a good piece. Hands may have been changed

[Jao-Quin]

rootbeer7, thank you for the feedback.

Tamiya: Thanks, I was so busy looking at the face I didn't notice the knock on the strap. If I get it, I'll be sure to check closely.

As it's a gift and vintage, my expectation is to get a watch that looks good and will hold value (i.e. not fake) and won't stop working as soon as the cooling off period is over.

Availability is a challenge for 1977 models; I imagine others have had the same idea as me this year.

[j0oftheworld]

Hands are lighter in color, no case shots to see if it's been worked on. Had it been serviced/opened/appraised?
Looks amazingly clean though. ��

[Jao-Quin]

Thanks j0!

How could I tell if it's been worked on from the case? Scratches?

[kauffee]

Originally Posted by Jao-Quin

Thanks j0!

How could I tell if it's been worked on from the case? Scratches?

There are virtually no scratches on the brushed parts of the case which is impossible if it's been worn - especially considering the ding on the bracelet. But it looks like a pretty decent polish so I wouldn't worry about it. Doesn't look overpolished, which is good.

[Jao-Quin]

On second glance, the ding on the bracelet looks more like a bezel. There's one on each strap on the outside.

[Stevec14]

If you are in London and authenticity is a concern, put it into rolex service at st James. They will give a service estimate (no obligation), but will tell you if fake or aftermarket parts. Hopefully the seller if they have nothing to hide would do that.....

Peace of mind and job done....

[Jao-Quin]

Originally Posted by Stevec14

If you are in London and authenticity is a concern, put it into rolex service at st James. They will give a service estimate (no obligation), but will tell you if fake or aftermarket parts. Hopefully the seller if they have nothing to hide would do that.....

Peace of mind and job done....

Steve, thank you! That's brilliant advice. I will do exactly that.

[j0oftheworld]

Yeah man, based on the age and condition it's a fine example!
All the normal signs of reconditioning are not a bad thing, just part of a watches life.
If you can have an expert look at it then you have the insurance plus more accurate pricing. I know these are creeping into the 5 figure range quickly. :)

[socalwatchcollector]

Have them open it up before you do anything..