Alfred's Checklist for buying Rolex watches

[joe100]

It is important to not get caught up in the excitement and buy without checking these things first. A good checklist indeed

[dirapa7z]

You have given the awesome checklist. Alfred

[manilenyo]

Thanks for sharing, Alfred. This will be very useful for future purchases.

[highlander8]

Originally Posted by FNFZ4

Since there have been so many post about items not as described recently, I believe that a checklist should be in order for both buyer and seller.

When I buy a Rolex watch, here are the things that I look for and I believe is important.

1.) Crystal Crystal Crystal!

The one thing I hate the most is that when there are blemishes, imperfections on the Crystal. I always run my finger nail on the rim of the Crystal to check for chips. I hate chips... I would never sell a watch that has even a tiny chip on the Crystal.

2.) Bezel and Insert

Is it original? is it dented?
Is it aligned?
Is it turning properly (for sport watches that have rotating bezels)

3.) The Case

Dents?
Dings?
Rust?
Sign of Laser Soldering?
Incorrect Polish/Over Polish of the lugs?

4.) The Bracelet

Clasp code match with serial number in terms of estimated production date?
What is the condition of the Coronet?
Is there any stretch on the bracelet?
Does it have complete links?
Are the screws fine and not over torque?
Does the clasp close properly?

5.) The Engine

Does the date change?
Does the hour and minute hand change?
Shake the watch, can you feel the rotor inside (if yes needs a service)
Wind the watch, it should be very smooth. If its coarse, needs a service

Hope this helps...

Do I need this checklist if i'm gonna buy a brand new Rolex watch from a Rolex dealer in my city?

[FNFZ4]

Originally Posted by highlander8

Do I need this checklist if i'm gonna buy a brand new Rolex watch from a Rolex dealer in my city?

You will be surprised what you buy from and Authorized Dealer sometimes...

[TAKUYA]

Great Jobs, Alfred!

[highlander8]

Originally Posted by FNFZ4

You will be surprised what you buy from and Authorized Dealer sometimes...

What kind of surprises are those?

[pensbay]

.

[pensbay]

Originally Posted by Soflobusinessman

Shake the watch, can you feel the rotor inside (if yes needs a service)
Wind the watch, it should be very smooth. If its coarse, needs a service

Hope this helps...

.............

This would be quite noticeable in case of other watches and I have read this could be normal in some cases....(for instance, Breitling Chronomat).

[highlander8]

Thanks more the info guys!

[strafer_kid]

This is a very useful and welcome post - just one query you might help with though with regard to winding - I have a number of vintage, all serviced fairly recently. They tend to wind differently though, some tighter than others. One of them, my 1675 GMT, would be the tightest in that regard, yet serviced by my AD (and bought) just a few months ago. Could different watches have different design or build characteristics as regards winding?

[bsandiford]

A crystal can be easily and relatively cheaply replaced. Is a very small chip that much of an issue??

[FNFZ4]

It would be a case by case basis. I dont like selling watches that have scratches or chips on the crystal. An original Rolex crystal costs me 150 to replace. Thats not cheap IMHO

[bsandiford]

It's just that I think when you buy used IMHO an issue like a chip on a crystal is nothing to avoid buying a watch for. When you buy used you are looking for an honest watch and you can then negotiate the price down based on chips and scratches. To expect a 20 yr old rolex to be flawless when buying from a private buyer can be a bit of a tall ask.

[unclesallie]

I think this is a great general checklist. Thanks!

[ReMember]

Very useful for a local/FTF transaction, and very useless if you are half-way across the United States or the world. How are you going to inspect the watch if your seller is on the East Coast and you are in California? I'd like to see you wind a watch that's in NY. LOL

Originally Posted by FNFZ4

Since there have been so many post about items not as described recently, I believe that a checklist should be in order for both buyer and seller.

When I buy a Rolex watch, here are the things that I look for and I believe is important.

1.) Crystal Crystal Crystal!

The one thing I hate the most is that when there are blemishes, imperfections on the Crystal. I always run my finger nail on the rim of the Crystal to check for chips. I hate chips... I would never sell a watch that has even a tiny chip on the Crystal.

2.) Bezel and Insert

Is it original? is it dented?
Is it aligned?
Is it turning properly (for sport watches that have rotating bezels)

3.) The Case

Dents?
Dings?
Rust?
Sign of Laser Soldering?
Incorrect Polish/Over Polish of the lugs?

4.) The Bracelet

Clasp code match with serial number in terms of estimated production date?
What is the condition of the Coronet?
Is there any stretch on the bracelet?
Does it have complete links?
Are the screws fine and not over torque?
Does the clasp close properly?

5.) The Engine

Does the date change?
Does the hour and minute hand change?
Shake the watch, can you feel the rotor inside (if yes needs a service)
Wind the watch, it should be very smooth. If its coarse, needs a service

Hope this helps...

[RolExplorerMan]

Excellent Checklist! Thank you!
IMHO I like to see the box and goodies that come with it (for older watches too).. This tells me that the watch is well taken care of, and may not been through too many hands.

Important parts to my list research a little before going to see a watch, there are small details that make one watch more desirable to another, ( like Meters or Feet first on a Sub. I learn't this the hard way after loosing a rare-er Sub Meters first Sub for cheap..)

Next is Matching numbers on Case, Bracelet, Clasp. And bracelet stretch.
And last is the Dial and hands original. Or are the original ones available from the seller..

Lastly. Does the seller have the receipt from where they purchased the watch from..

Hope this helps! Happy searching! Here is a site I love the read

http://tumblr.hodinkee.com/

[Challenger Deep]

So, if i can feel my rotor rotate to the point where the watch moves with it, then it needs service?

[Jay Mac]

Checking out a sub tomorrow, my first Rolex, its from an AD but this info was invaluble..thanks so much !

[NYMike]

Checklist is good - BUT for a used watch I think you can be a little flexible about crystal. My experience is that the sapphire will get micro-chips on the edges within about 1 month of normal wear. I don't mind scratches and some normal things. It's all about price and what you can live with, but I am not a collector - I am someone that wears one of 3 everyday and everwhere. For me it's my go to accessory,which get's used, and will show signs.
Laser marks, dents, deep gauges, broken pins etc are a different story. Then again, sometimes you can get a deal if you know what's an easy repair and what's not.

[Dishpro01]

excellent advice!! THANK YOU

[pearjam]

very nice summary
BTW is the paraflex system a meaningful advance or more for show?

muhle glashutte rasmus orange face

[sea-dweller]

Good advice!

[FNFZ4]

Originally Posted by takuya

Great Jobs, Alfred!

Thanh, I am not Jobs... I like that new saying though! ill use that from now one instead of great scott! So cool

[FNFZ4]

Originally Posted by ReMember

Very useful for a local/FTF transaction, and very useless if you are half-way across the United States or the world. How are you going to inspect the watch if your seller is on the East Coast and you are in California? I'd like to see you wind a watch that's in NY. LOL

I am sorry that you think the list is useless. I buy from all over the nation and when i receive the watch i do go through my checklist and if i find something is not right, i contact the seller right away to let him know. If the watch is not as described, you have every right to return it for a refund.

[skydriver]

Thank you for enlightening us.

[Jay1204]

Thank you for your education.

[irocku]

Thanks for the detailed checklist, since I'm learning everything about the Rolex, it's very useful to me tho. Besides I'll buy my first Rolex from the AD soon. My choice would be the submariner 116610ln for sure. Just wondering how many links and spare links should come with this watch together in the box. Great day to everyone:)

[CAL3135]

Thanks for taking the time to write this, Alfred. Very helpful information.

[Ragna]

nice