Just bought a Rolex - but have a concern...

[Corporate666]

I just bought a Datejust... fluted bezel, rhodium dial, jubilee bracelet.

It is brand new in box. The dealer has been very nice and it was a pleasant experience - my only concern was that it's a 2006 model (Z serial number). They told me this is very common and that if you were to walk into a shop store and buy one today, it's unlikely that it would be a 2009 model. I see various Rolexes online listed as brand new that say "M serial" at the bottom, so maybe this is accurate?

More importantly, the dealer told me that there is no difference at all between the Z serial unit I bought and a brand new latest-serial model. He said EVERYTHING is identical - absolutely no difference, still has the same hologram, bracely, links, EVERYTHING is 100% the same.

Is that correct? Or are there differences? If there are differences, what are they? And is there a price/value difference between a brand new unit and a Z serial unit?

I felt like I got a good price on the watch - not sure if we are allowed to say prices here, but I will post it if it's OK to... but it's only a good deal if I got what I wanted, which was a brand new Rolex identical to the latest/current model.

I trust the dealer, I just wanted to be sure. And you guys are the experts :)

Thanks!

[moviefreak]

does it have the Rolex engraving on the Rehaut... I am not sure if the Z or M DateJusts have that feature.. but that could be the only difference.... and not everyone is in love with the ROLEXROLEXROLEX thing...

[dkpw]

If you enjoy the watch - what does the serial matter?

[Numismatist]

There's a lot of debate on this here...

Yes, you have the exact same watch as a V serial (current serial) in all technical aspects so it really shouldn't matter.

However...

It could effect resale (if you were to sell it later) as it will be considered 2 years or so older than a V serial.

Also, it's reasonable to suggest that a Z-serial has been 'sitting' at the AD for a couple of years. While the warranty is still the same, if conventional wisdom is that a watch be serviced every 5 years, you should really consider it in the next 3 years due to its age already.

Either way, enjoy the watch, it's fine! I bought mine as an M-serial when I knew the V's were out...

[Corporate666]

Originally Posted by dkpw

If you enjoy the watch - what does the serial matter?

Well, why does it matter why it matters? It just does

I am just curious if the dealer is correct in their assertion. I haven't been able to find a concrete answer online, just want to know.

In general, with newer models come new features. I bought this watch "brand new" and I want it to have all the latest features that Rolex offers, so I just want to be sure that is the case.

[Corporate666]

Originally Posted by moviefreak

does it have the Rolex engraving on the Rehaut... I am not sure if the Z or M DateJusts have that feature.. but that could be the only difference.... and not everyone is in love with the ROLEXROLEXROLEX thing...

Rehaut.

Geez... is that what it's called?

I've had a hard time explaining that to some people I've talked to. I've just said "the sloped area around the permiter of the dial that goes up towards the crystal" - but nobody seems to be able to visualize it from my description.

I haven't received the watch yet... it will be here on Wednesday. I did specifically ask the owner of the shop if it said "ROLEXROLEXROLEX" around the dial and if it had the hologram as the newest models do, and he said "Yes" and that "it is identical in every way to the newest model".

I personally prefer the rolex text around there, so I expect it will have it, as the dealer claimed it did.

[kyle L]

Originally Posted by Corporate666

Well, why does it matter why it matter? It just does :)

I am just curious if the dealer is correct in their assertion. I haven't been able to find a concrete answer online, just want to know.

In general, with newer models come new features. I bought this watch "brand new" and I want it to have all the latest features that Rolex offers, so I just want to be sure that is the case.

Rolex hasn't really changed much over the years...

[Corporate666]

Originally Posted by Numismatist

There's a lot of debate on this here...

Yes, you have the exact same watch as a V serial (current serial) in all technical aspects so it really shouldn't matter.

However...

It could effect resale (if you were to sell it later) as it will be considered 2 years or so older than a V serial.

Also, it's reasonable to suggest that a Z-serial has been 'sitting' at the AD for a couple of years. While the warranty is still the same, if conventional wisdom is that a watch be serviced every 5 years, you should really consider it in the next 3 years due to its age already.

Either way, enjoy the watch, it's fine! I bought mine as an M-serial when I knew the V's were out...

Thank you for your comments.

It's actually a gift, not for me, but I know he will love the watch. I wish it was for me

I am sure this watch will never be sold, so I don't care so much about the value down the line... just wanted to be sure it was infact the same.

[Corporate666]

Originally Posted by kyle L

Rolex hasn't really changed much over the years...

True, but they do add "little things" don't they? I am no expert on watches, but they added the ROLEXROLEX lettering around the dial, and the solid end links, and the hologram in the crystal. None of them are "big deals" and perhaps I am too picky, but when I buy something brand new (whether it's a car or a watch) I always like to get all the latest features.

I noticed Rolex added a Datejust 2. I love the silver dial with blue arabic numerals... beautiful watch!

[kyle L]

Originally Posted by Corporate666

True, but they do add "little things" don't they? I am no expert on watches, but they added the ROLEXROLEX lettering around the dial, and the solid end links, and the hologram in the crystal. None of them are "big deals" and perhaps I am too picky, but when I buy something brand new (whether it's a car or a watch) I always like to get all the latest features.

I noticed Rolex added a Datejust 2. I love the silver dial with blue arabic numerals... beautiful watch!

That's very true. I think he'll enjoy the watch, great gesture!

[train-time]

A "Z" serial DJ will have the engraved rehaut and will be identical as a current V serial. Chris is correct that it may impact resale a couple years down the road because it will be viewed as older production. If you got a good price or plan on keeping it forever, then it won't matter. I have seen Z's and earlier (D and even F) in dealer's cases and Rolex and a dealer considers them all new. Enjoy your watch and welcome to the Forum.

[Warnsboy]

Unlike cars, Rolexes are most likely to appreciate with time. Your's has a head start............Enjoy giving the gift. I'm sure he'll appreciate it.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by Corporate666

.....the dealer told me that there is no difference at all between the Z serial unit I bought and a brand new latest-serial model...........Is that correct?

Yes.

Originally Posted by Corporate666

.....Or are there differences?

No.

Originally Posted by Corporate666

If there are differences, what are they?

There aren't any.

Originally Posted by Corporate666

Thanks!

You're welcome.

[Corporate666]

Originally Posted by Warnsboy

Unlike cars, Rolexes are most likely to appreciate with time. Your's has a head start............Enjoy giving the gift. I'm sure he'll appreciate it.

Thats funny! I like that... I'm gonna steal that quote from you

The dealer was Connoisseur of Time and I dealt with Brandi and she was exceptional.

[dannyp]

By "hologram" you mean the engraved crown, not the green sticker on the caseback, right? The green sticker hasn't been used in a few years. The watch should be identical, as has been stated. I see a lot of watches bearing Z serials still in shop cases. Figure the most it'll ever cost over and above a brand new one is one extra servicing over the course of its entire lifetime (because it may one sooner than if it hadn't been sitting for two years). Especially if it's a gift, resale shouldn't matter, and what will make the watch special is who it's from, not the year it was built.

[Defiancekofb]

If you definitely know your friend won't be selling the watch, then this is a non issue. If he IS gonna resell the watch then it is an issue. Buyers of used watches definitely bring into account the serial of the watch. Still, I would feel uneasy, if I paid full price for a 2 year old watch. If you received a substantial discount, then the universe is in balance I suppose.

[OrchidDR]

If I were to receive a "brand new" Rolex as a gift, I couldn't care less if it's one, two, or even three years old! It's brand new to me and I would be honored and thankful!

If you'd like my home address to SEND ME one (smiling), I promise I won't complain (and I don't think he will either).

Awesome gesture!! Well Done.

[cobblecanyon]

Originally Posted by Corporate666

Thats funny! I like that... I'm gonna steal that quote from you

The dealer was Connoisseur of Time and I dealt with Brandi and she was exceptional.

If I am not mistaken, they also have a Ebay account and they sell Rolex on Ebay. They have over 1000+ feedbacks and are 100% positive.

I purchased my Rolex as a Serial M knowing darn well there was a V out there. I don't plan on selling my watch so it didn't matter if it was a M or V. I knew both model are identical and both Serial has the inner ingraving RolexRolexRolex w/SN too. So all in all, I wouldn't be too concerned if it's the latest/greatest Rolex in the style you want. Most important thing is, does it have all warranty and if it does, enjoy it!

[mb hawaii]

2009 "V" series are available and not very difficult to find depending on the AD. It does matter as far as value goes, I personally would check 2006 prices for that watch and ask for a discount on top of that (close to 20% off 2006 price would be my goal). Some people say it doesn't matter, however if given a choice between a "V" or a "Z" for the same price, which do you think those people would pick? Most just mean that it won't matter if the price is cheaper. They're just willing to settle.

[cobblecanyon]

Originally Posted by mb hawaii

2009 "V" series are available and not very difficult to find depending on the AD. It does matter as far as value goes, I personally would check 2006 prices for that watch and ask for a discount on top of that (close to 20% off 2006 price would be my goal). Some people say it doesn't matter, however if given a choice between a "V" or a "Z" for the same price, which do you think those people would pick? Most just mean that it won't matter if the price is cheaper. They're just willing to settle.

You have a valid point, if it's the later Serial than I would definitely ask for a discount.

[Numismatist]

ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX Rehault:

[sturgeon123456]

What about the blue parachrom hairspring? The Z may not but a V most definately will have that.

[Corporate666]

Originally Posted by Defiancekofb

If you definitely know your friend won't be selling the watch, then this is a non issue. If he IS gonna resell the watch then it is an issue. Buyers of used watches definitely bring into account the serial of the watch. Still, I would feel uneasy, if I paid full price for a 2 year old watch. If you received a substantial discount, then the universe is in balance I suppose.

Well, they had the exact watch I wanted in stock and I think the price they offered was fair for both of us (around 1/4 off retail), so given it's the same as a V serial model, I am happy.

It also shows that what Paul at the dealer told me was absolutely true - there is no difference. Not that I doubted them, they have been very nice but it was my first dealing with them so I wanted to check.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by sturgeon123456

What about the blue parachrom hairspring? The Z may not but a V most definately will have that.

I didn't think that the DJ had received that yet. I thought that so far it was the GMT, Exp. II and Daytona that had it (not sure about the DD)?

[Corporate666]

Originally Posted by dannyp

By "hologram" you mean the engraved crown, not the green sticker on the caseback, right? The green sticker hasn't been used in a few years. The watch should be identical, as has been stated. I see a lot of watches bearing Z serials still in shop cases. Figure the most it'll ever cost over and above a brand new one is one extra servicing over the course of its entire lifetime (because it may one sooner than if it hadn't been sitting for two years). Especially if it's a gift, resale shouldn't matter, and what will make the watch special is who it's from, not the year it was built.

You are correct, I meant the hologram in the face/crystal, not the one on the back.

I agree that resale doesn't matter - I just wanted to be sure I was getting the latest model.

Thanks for the info!

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Corporate666

Well, they had the exact watch I wanted in stock and I think the price they offered was fair for both of us (around 1/4 off retail), so given it's the same as a V serial model, I am happy.

It also shows that what Paul at the dealer told me was absolutely true - there is no difference. Not that I doubted them, they have been very nice but it was my first dealing with them so I wanted to check.

This is a case where the Dealer may be absolutely correct.. The watch you saw, outfitted exactly like you wanted, may not be in a prefix any newer than the one you found... or it may be so rare in your area as to be impossible to find..

It just is not true that one prefix stops, then another starts with all models and model/dial/accessory combinations...

[Corporate666]

Originally Posted by cobblecanyon

If I am not mistaken, they also have a Ebay account and they sell Rolex on Ebay. They have over 1000+ feedbacks and are 100% positive.

I purchased my Rolex as a Serial M knowing darn well there was a V out there. I don't plan on selling my watch so it didn't matter if it was a M or V. I knew both model are identical and both Serial has the inner ingraving RolexRolexRolex w/SN too. So all in all, I wouldn't be too concerned if it's the latest/greatest Rolex in the style you want. Most important thing is, does it have all warranty and if it does, enjoy it!

They are backing it with a 2 year warranty, and my understanding is that since they are not a Rolex AD, it will not come with the Rolex (1 year?) warranty. I'm not *too* concerned about that, as I expect the watch won't have any issues within what would have been the Rolex warranty period, and if it does, they say they will stand behind it and based on their feedback and my experience so far, I am sure they will.

I am glad to hear they have over 1000 feedback on eBay, and yes, it is the same people. They were very nice to deal with - they did everything they said they would promptly, answered all my questions fully, were kind and courteous, gave me a very fair price (IMO), and were very easy to deal with in terms of paying them and getting the watch to me in the timeframe that suited me.

I would certainly recommend Brandi and Paul to anyone who is in the market for a watch. From their "sold" page, it seems they deal in various brands and vintage of watch.

Of course I haven't got it in hand yet but so far everything is looking good!

[Corporate666]

Originally Posted by Numismatist

ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX Rehault:

Ahhh the infamous Rehault

Why is it called a Rehault? Does it mean something in another language or is it just an obscure term? Dial, crown, bezel all make sense... but rehault isn't a familiar English word at all to me.

[mainspring]

Hello
Just bought my first Rolex. GMT II.
I plan to use watch winder on days of rest.
What's the appropriate direction and turns per day?
Thanks
JU

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Corporate666

Ahhh the infamous Rehault

Why is it called a Rehault? Does it mean something in another language or is it just an obscure term? Dial, crown, bezel all make sense... but rehault isn't a familiar English word at all to me.

Rehaut.......... it's French.. it means Flange