New vs. Pre-Owned Sub? Help a 1st-time Buyer

[mig50]

First time Rolex buyer looking for some advice on purchasing a new watch vs. a pre-owned one - any input would be greatly appreciated.

I have narrowed my search to a modern, stainless steel submariner. It looks like I should be able to get a pre-owned version sold in the last 10yrs with papers, etc. in the $5-6k range vs. the new one at $8k. My initial thought is that $8k is a bit steep, but if it is THE only way to 100% guarantee authenticity, I would bite the bullet.

As of now, just looking to have a watch for life, not looking to be wheeling and dealing for upgrades in the future (though that may change as the more I find out about watches, the more interesting it gets).

Key Questions:

1. What would you do?

2. If going pre-owned, where you would go to buy it and how would you guarantee authenticity?

3. How important is it to have the original certificate? All else equal, what should the monetary difference be for a watch that has the papers vs. one that does not?

4. Do the improvements made in the newer subs (ceramic bezel, clasp, anything else?) justify the increase in retail? I believe they are going for $2k more today than they were just a few years ago....

Thanks in advance for the advice.

[Passionata]

Key Questions:

1. What would you do?

2. If going pre-owned, where you would go to buy it and how would you guarantee authenticity?

3. How important is it to have the original certificate? All else equal, what should the monetary difference be for a watch that has the papers vs. one that does not?

4. Do the improvements made in the newer subs (ceramic bezel, clasp, anything else?) justify the increase in retail? I believe they are going for $2k more today than they were just a few years ago....

Thanks in advance for the advice.[/QUOTE]

1
I d take a nice pre loved 5digit reference
2
Take
one of the trf dealers ,it will be okay if the seller is okay.if somebody deals here for years with solid references won t screw you.
3
Buy it w papers,better
4
For me its an easy one since don t like the recent stuff-most of the 6digit reference numbers-so those improvements doesn t worth me a dime.but if you like the blingy stuff just go ahead,general rule buy the one you like the most.

Hope it helps

Best
George

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Oyster Junkie]

I'd get a newer sub from one of the trusted sellers here on the forum like DavidSW. You can get a 116610LN for around $7100 for a mint pre-owned one. An older 16610 can be had for around $5-6K.

I would opt for the newer model due to the solid link bracelet and glidelock clasp.

[689maple]

I would buy one from a TRF trusted seller. If you want your name on the papers, they can arrange that for you and save you money on BNIB watches. If that isn't critical, you can get your lnib watch at a great savings. I just picked up a BNIB Daytona on here and while it doesn't have my name on the warranty, it tells the same time as if it did and David SW made me a deal I found very acceptable. . I wish I had found TRF years ago, I could have saved enough buying from trusted sellers to have an extra watch.

[billyr]

I bought a 2005 had it 4 days and traded in for a new one. i had the same questions that you have. And i just like the new look.

[gwalker]

IMHO first Rolex buy from an AD. Search around and you will find an AD that will discount. As for authentic watches there are tons of GREAT dealers that sell nothing but used authentic watches. It's very easy to make sure it's an authentic watch. Buy the seller first then the watch. Personally when it comes to current production models I buy from an AD. Build a relationship and you will pay pretty much the same price from an AD as you pay from a grey dealer.

[byeedo]

You've got to look personally at the models of watches you are interested in. Next, look for what you want here on TRF. I could have saved money if I had started here!

[Htab]

buy the new style sub off the forums from one of the trusted sellers

[Lagunatic]

Originally Posted by mig50

First time Rolex buyer looking for some advice on purchasing a new watch vs. a pre-owned one - any input would be greatly appreciated.

I have narrowed my search to a modern, stainless steel submariner. It looks like I should be able to get a pre-owned version sold in the last 10yrs with papers, etc. in the $5-6k range vs. the new one at $8k. My initial thought is that $8k is a bit steep, but if it is THE only way to 100% guarantee authenticity, I would bite the bullet.

As of now, just looking to have a watch for life, not looking to be wheeling and dealing for upgrades in the future (though that may change as the more I find out about watches, the more interesting it gets).

Key Questions:

1. What would you do?

2. If going pre-owned, where you would go to buy it and how would you guarantee authenticity?

3. How important is it to have the original certificate? All else equal, what should the monetary difference be for a watch that has the papers vs. one that does not?

4. Do the improvements made in the newer subs (ceramic bezel, clasp, anything else?) justify the increase in retail? I believe they are going for $2k more today than they were just a few years ago....

Thanks in advance for the advice.

PM sent

[w4rmk]

I would recommend you visit some local dealers, both AD and non AD so that you try on and handle both the new ceramic version and the older style. That way you can decide if the upgrades are worth the extra cost to you. They as both fine watches and have their own appeal besides the cost difference. In the end you'll always save money buying on the forums versus an AD or retail store. Buy from a trusted seller with good feedback and I wouldn't worry about authenticity. Papers are nice to have but not necessary if you find the right deal. I recently bought an Explorer II without papers because it was priced well below any comparable listings. Since the papers just sit in the closet they aren't something to get overly worried about unless you aren't planning to keep the watch.

[up2nogood]

First you need to decide which models you like best. Look at the differences between the old and new Sub cases, see which is better for you.
If you like the older, buy from one of the regular and trusted dealers here.
If you like the ceramic, and can buy new for $8k, then buy new from an AD. If you can't, then gently used from trusted dealer here for whatever you settle on with them.

Stay off EBay and Craigslist, unless they have a huge rep for selling gen product. Beware of eBay sellers who sell Rolex with aftermarket parts.

[JohnBoy]

I'd go for a 'gently used' watch, letting someone else take the hit on depreciation. And, after my experiences, here and elsewhere, I'd give the TRF sellers my business! Take your time and decide wisely. Best of luck!

[BQueenan]

I was in the same boat.

Expecting to own only one Rolex, I went new. My logic is if I an on holding onto it for years, a few extra dollars really does not matter that much.

As for price, I went TRF (DavidSW), and found the difference between BNIB and LNIB really quite small. So the hit on depreciation was really not that much.

So I now have a BNIB Rolex Submariner (116610LN). My name is on the warranty card. It is my daily watch and I couldn't be happier.

[mrbill2mrbill2]

First thing to do is to decide if you like the maxi case or the old style.

[closetothebrink]

Originally Posted by mig50

As of now, just looking to have a watch for life, not looking to be wheeling and dealing for upgrades in the future (though that may change as the more I find out about watches, the more interesting it gets).

That's a good intention that I started off with (as did many others). I've recently picked up my third Rolex and now planning my fourth!!

Anyway, some good advice given above. The Sub is a great first (or only) Rolex. But do compare the "old" with the "new" to see which one appeals to you the most. I chose the old 16610 in preference to the new ceramic version as I personally preferred it.

Good luck in your journey!

[CPD]

Not really big on buying someone else's pre-owned problems. Spend the extra cash and buy new.

[Joey_V]

If yOu have a good AD nearby and it is for a decent price, I'd go new. If your AD sucks, then go with forum friends.

That said, a first Rolex should be from an AD... But choose your AD well.

[ecsub44]

These watches were designed and manufactured to last for decades. Someone else putting a few years in a watch won't affect the overall longevity.

Buy used. It's what makes the most sense.

To me.

[rxdoc81]

I had the same dilemma..When I was ready to buy my first Sub I had to decide either pay $5500-$5700 for a pre-owned, which is more than it was going for (BNIB) before it was d/c for the new Sub-C. Or get a deal $6700-$6800 for a slightly pre-owned Sub-C which retails for 8K. The new upgrades and the maxi dial with the Sub-C, along with the savings in price made the decision easier for me. Buy from DavidSW and you won't regret it!!!

[Duc5150]

Save some coin and buy used from trusted dealer here.....for your first one, I would however tell you to buy one with papers, that way you'll have the warm and fuzzies


My $.02

[blue lion]

I bought a used 16613 off Ebay. New it was $9300 and I got it 6 years later for $6600. Like new but no papers or box (still had the clear stickers on the watch). It has been great.
Do your homework, compare TRF and elsewhere and enjoy.

[flcusat]

Originally Posted by 689maple

I would buy one from a TRF trusted seller. If you want your name on the papers, they can arrange that for you and save you money on BNIB watches.

Excused my ignorance, but how important is to have your name in the papers if the watch is still under warranty and you need to use it? I'm also assuming that this is the only instance where that would matter, correct?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by flcusat

Excused my ignorance, but how important is to have your name in the papers if the watch is still under warranty and you need to use it? I'm also assuming that this is the only instance where that would matter, correct?

Name isn't as important as where the watch came from. Rolex does not honor Gray Market watch warranties, and any such reputible Dealer will tell you that. If the warranty is from a known Grey Market area, Rolex may ask for an invoice to prove that the watch was properly purchased from a letitimage AD.

[cid]

Please make sure you know who you're buying from if you choose to buy preowned from non AD. There are a lot of VERY good fakes out there. Your new Rolex buying experience will be a great disappointment if you find out later that you were duped into buy a fake. Spend the extra money and buy yourself assurance.

Two online dealers that I trust are http://www.europeanwatch.com/index.htm and http://www.bernardwatch.com/Rolex/Submariner. These two companies have been doing this for a long time. Each watch is opened for inspection before it's sold. If they ever sold a fake their reputations would be ruined and business would be irreparably damaged.

If I were you I'd buy nothing older than 5-6 years unless the watch has rarely been worn or recently serviced. I love the maxi dials on the new subs. That's worth the extra $ to me.

[flcusat]

Let's say that I get a watch that is still under the two years period of the Rolex original warranty, and I do have all the paperwork from the original purchase at the AD, would it make any difference if the paperwork is under the original buyer's name or my name?

[flcusat]

Originally Posted by cid

Please make sure you know who you're buying from if you choose to buy preowned from non AD. There are a lot of VERY good fakes out there. Your new Rolex buying experience will be a great disappointment if you find out later that you were duped into buy a fake. Spend the extra money and buy yourself assurance.

Two online dealers that I trust are http://www.europeanwatch.com/index.htm and http://www.bernardwatch.com/Rolex/Submariner. These two companies have been doing this for a long time. Each watch is opened for inspection before it's sold. If they ever sold a fake their reputations would be ruined and business would be irreparably damaged.

If I were you I'd buy nothing older than 5-6 years unless the watch has rarely been worn or recently serviced. I love the maxi dials on the new subs. That's worth the extra $ to me.

Thanks for the tip. I'm actually looking for a BNIB piece, not really interested in nothing pre-owned . But I've seen a couple BNIB ads that look interesting due to the substantial amount of money in savings. I'm assuming that most of the BNIB offered are still under the two year warranty period but I might be wrong.

[flcusat]

By the way it is possible to get a deal from a big AD like Mayors or they are pretty firm in their prices?

[Rags]

Go with one of the trusted sellers here on TRF, you won't regret it...

[cid]

Originally Posted by flcusat

Thanks for the tip. I'm actually looking for a BNIB piece, not really interested in nothing pre-owned . But I've seen a couple BNIB ads that look interesting due to the substantial amount of money in savings. I'm assuming that most of the BNIB offered are still under the two year warranty period but I might be wrong.

The Bernard site sells new never been worn pieces too. You just have to keep checking. I think the two two-tone subs he has at the bottom of the page are never been worn - might be out of your price range though.

[gwalker]

Guess the OP made 1 post and left.