Shopping for first Rolex

[emt1581]

I've been doing very well at my practice so as a little acknowledgement of that I'm looking to buy a Rolex. Currently I wear a Jean Marcel which I love. This is why I'm drawn to the OP and DJ models of Rolex. They are simple but, with the date function, are exactly what I need.

My wife and I also visited the local Rolex Dealer (Murphy Jewelers) to try on a few Rolexes. Initially I thought it was between the white and black dials. However, the clear winner for her was silver dial and for me...I LOVE the blue.

I've found that the best bang for the buck (with pre-owned) is at Crown & Caliber due to selling excellent condition with a 1 year warranty. In my mind, that alleviates the need for paperwork in regard to service history, at least somewhat. And it's more attractive that buying from an individual on watchrecon or the like.

But if there is somewhere else to compare to what I'm seeing price/quality at C&C, please let me know. A place that accepts paypal and credit card is also preferable. C&C accepts both.

Above all, I'd appreciate any advice on buying my first Rolex. Other than wear/damage, what should I concern myself with? Maybe generational differences? Things that will lead to disappointment in the future if missed?

Thanks!

[Navarino]

Welcome to the forum! Regarding your question about checking out other options, I'd recommend checking out some of the Trusted Sellers' inventory. A few examples are: DavidSW, Takuya, and OC Watch Guy.

There is also a For Sale sub-forum right here on TRF: here's the link.

If you're just trying to get a feel for price, Chrono24 may be a useful data point as well.

[skhan007]

Welcome- I'm new here as well and in the same boat. Currently researching trusted sellers and so far, the guys on this forum have been very helpful and supportive.

[shapa]

The DJ41 is a great piece. You can't go wrong with any dial option.

[faz]

Datejust is a fantastic watch, hard working and great way to get into Rolex. Seems like you know what you like already.

For your first Rolex (yourself and the wife) see if you can work something out with your local AD. It is a good idea to form some type of a relationship with them. For a datejust, your loss (vs. going to a grey dealer) may not be much, and relationship may be well worth the extra money.

But if you want to buy online, look at the trusted sellers here on the forum (davidsw, takuya, ocrolexguy, justrolexes, au_911tt, SOHAIS, etc. and buy from them in confidence.)

[emt1581]

Thanks for the replies!

I want to clarify....do any of those mentioned/suggested include warranties and/or servicing prior to selling? I don't want to buy new. But at the same time I want to hedge my bets as much as possible so I don't end up footing an additional $800+ if I get it and it doesn't work or doesn't keep time well.

The C&C warranty...while they said they are NOT an authorized dealer...have the ability to send it to Rolex for repair on their dime or fix it themselves. That's comforting for me.

Thanks!

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum. For a first, I’d go the AD route, but it’s a personal preference thing.

[huncho]

i'm pretty sure the prices on the pre owned watches at the store you mentioned will not be worth it, watch stores that sell pre owned usually have inflated prices. if you don't want to buy new i would go with a trusted seller on here. you can get a pre owned watch that's essentially new from like this year or last year with 3-4 years left on the warranty and the price will surely be better. otherwise as mentioned i would go new from an AD for your first

[emt1581]

Originally Posted by huncho

i'm pretty sure the prices on the pre owned watches at the store you mentioned will not be worth it. if you don't want to buy new i would go with a trusted seller on here. you can get a pre owned watch that's essentially new from like this year or last year with 3-4 years left on the warranty

Even if my budget is ~$4k?

Why would you think the watch from C&C wouldn't be worth it?

Please understand, I'm not arguing because I have almost no experience here. Just trying to educate myself.

Thanks!

[huncho]

Originally Posted by emt1581

Even if my budget is ~$4k?

Why would you think the watch from C&C wouldn't be worth it?

Please understand, I'm not arguing because I have almost no experience here. Just trying to educate myself.

Thanks!

i edited my post to mention that but generally watch stores that sell pre owned have inflated prices, at least in my experience. you should post the ones you're interested in and you'll find out if they are priced well, or search around the for sale section here and try to compare

[emt1581]

This is the one I really love look and feature-wise!...

EDIT: Can't post links yet. But it's its Item No. 10-10-ROL-CM8N5B at C&C

[Seibei]

If you are new to pre owned Rolex, then ONLY buy from an ultra reputable seller.

[emt1581]

Originally Posted by Seibei

If you are new to pre owned Rolex, then ONLY buy from an ultra reputable seller.

On another forum I was told that C&C was ultra reputable.

And again, I'm not married to C&C...it's just what little info/experience I have on the matter at this point. Just trying to get the most bang for my buck with as little risk as possible.

Thanks!

[JePro]

Originally Posted by Carry The Interest

Welcome to the forum! Regarding your question about checking out other options, I'd recommend checking out some of the Trusted Sellers' inventory. A few examples are: DavidSW, Takuya, and OC Watch Guy.

There is also a For Sale sub-forum right here on TRF: here's the link.

If you're just trying to get a feel for price, Chrono24 may be a useful data point as well.

this

[emt1581]

Originally Posted by JePro

this

OC Watchguy has a "mint" and "modern" (year) DJ with blue dial for $5k. Just comparing apples to apples...what's that extra $1.5k buying me compared to a late 90's/early 2000's DJ with blue dial for $3.5k at C&C?

Thanks

[emt1581]

Originally Posted by emt1581

OC Watchguy has a "mint" and "modern" (year) DJ with blue dial for $5k. Just comparing apples to apples...what's that extra $1.5k buying me compared to a late 90's/early 2000's DJ with blue dial for $3.5k at C&C?

Thanks

Anyone?

Thanks!

[jjc78]

Originally Posted by emt1581

OC Watchguy has a "mint" and "modern" (year) DJ with blue dial for $5k. Just comparing apples to apples...what's that extra $1.5k buying me compared to a late 90's/early 2000's DJ with blue dial for $3.5k at C&C?

Thanks

Here's a rundown of differences..

Size: The OP Date at C&C you mentioned is smaller 34mm v. 36mm for the DJ. Have you tried on 34mm and 36mm watches? These are both on the smaller end.
Bracelet: The OP Date has an older style bracelet with hollow endlinks and center links. The modern DJ has a much heavier bracelet with solid endlinks and center links. This is a personal preference. The DJ has a fliplock clasp that is generally nicer.
Movement: Both have a 3135 movement.
Case Shape/Look: While both are attractive watches, the DJ is a modern Rolex that essentially looks brand new. The OP Date has an older look, but one which many folks prefer.

Both great watches, but they have different aesthetics that might not be obvious without seeing both in the metal. Happy hunting!

[huncho]

Originally Posted by emt1581

OC Watchguy has a "mint" and "modern" (year) DJ with blue dial for $5k. Just comparing apples to apples...what's that extra $1.5k buying me compared to a late 90's/early 2000's DJ with blue dial for $3.5k at C&C?

Thanks

the one you're looking at is a 34mm date which is steel with an engined bezel, whereas a new 6 digit datejust (actually a current model) with fluted bezel is whitegold (bezel) with steel. imo if the difference between a recent datejust and the watch you're looking at is 1.5k i would take the datejust every time. you get a modern watch with perfect reliability for almost the same price as a discontinued model thats 20+ years old

[SG56]

Originally Posted by huncho

the one you're looking at is a 34mm date which is steel with an engined bezel, whereas a new 6 digit datejust (actually a current model) with fluted bezel is whitegold (bezel) with steel. imo if the difference between a recent datejust and the watch you're looking at is 1.5k i would take the datejust every time. you get a modern watch with perfect reliability for almost the same price as a discontinued model thats 20+ years old

+1

If you have to, wait and save up some more. Do not compromise, else you will look at it for years to come and wish you had waited a little longer.

Or try to sell, lose money on sale, and still spend the money on a newer DJ.

[emt1581]

Originally Posted by huncho

the one you're looking at is a 34mm date which is steel with an engined bezel, whereas a new 6 digit datejust (actually a current model) with fluted bezel is whitegold (bezel) with steel. imo if the difference between a recent datejust and the watch you're looking at is 1.5k i would take the datejust every time. you get a modern watch with perfect reliability for almost the same price as a discontinued model thats 20+ years old

That's really helpful. I didn't know there were any real changes between a 20 year old model and a recent one. I thought they stayed the same over time...which made them timeless.

One more thing...you mentioned "date" and "datejust"....those two different things??

Thanks

[emt1581]

Originally Posted by SG56

+1

If you have to, wait and save up some more. Do not compromise, else you will look at it for years to come and wish you had waited a little longer.

Or try to sell, lose money on sale, and still spend the money on a newer DJ.

Not to sound arrogant, but it's not really a matter of needing to save up more. I could buy a new Submariner if I really wanted it. But personally, I appreciate the simpler designs more. Maybe in time I'll grow fond of others.

But point well taken. As I mentioned in the previous reply, I just didn't know there was any significant differences between a 70's, 90's and modern Rolex. But then I've had watch enthusiasts tell me this is about appreciating the movements/etc....not flashing the crown.

Thanks