Purchasing advice for DJ SS

[210]

Hello

I appreciate any help or advice. I am new to the world of rolex. Never owned one but I am in the market for one.

Found someone who is selling a SS DJ with no papers but with a aftermarket diamond bezel. He claims its authentic and probably a late 80s or early 90s model. He is willing to meet at a store to authenticate but will an AD appraise the watch? He also claims to have it serviced 2 years ago in houston but does not have any documents for that. from the pictures he sent me the watch looks like its in pristine condition. What would a watch like this be worth and will the diamond bezel increase or decrease the value? He does not have the original fluted bezel.

thanks again!

[210]

Also

I am in the "hospitality" business, always in water and stuff. Would a DJ be a good everyday wear or is it a delicate piece of jewelry. I am not too woried about it getting worn but I dont want it to break in 2 weeks though...

[Tools]

It's probably not worth as much as he wants for it..

Without proof of a service, there is no service !! An aftermarket bezel will not increase it's value, it simply changes the market as many do not want such a modification.. it could be worth more if the original bezel was included.

If it is an 80's model, it may have an acrylic crystal. With those, the bezel is part of the water seal, and so the aftermarket bezel may have compromised it's water proofness.. Not so much if it is a 90's with a sapphire crystal.

It's up to you if you want to purchase a watch with an aftermarket diamond bezel that is 20-30 years old... values can be found all over the Internet. Condition is key whether you are at the high end of those values or at the lower end.

[210]

Thanks for the info. He wants 3k. Seems kinda high but Im just reluctant now because of the lack of papers...

[zeuloa]

I would ask for the name of where it was serviced, find the number online and call to check if they have any record.

I would also meet him at an AD, and agree to buy if he pays for a Rolex bezel ordered from the AD.

[Feras]

Welcome to TRF, personaly i wouldnt buy a piece with aftermarket diamonds :-)

[Brushpup]

Welcome to the forum. You've gotten some great advice already. I would only add that while considering this one, shop around and see what else is out there. A properly serviced Datejust will be water proof to at least 300 ft down. They are also extremely rugged watches contrary to what a lot of people perceive. If you have one in Gold it will scratch and ding more easily, but that's all. Diamonds or not I think you can find a better deal on a DJ than that. Especially one that age.

A lot of us around here enjoy the fact that our Submariners and such can go down to a 1000 ft or more, even though they seldom see the bottom of the pool or hot tub.

Again, welcome to TRF. Hope you stick around and tell us how you make out.