My Paperless GMT

[Nilsdej]

Got a GMT Master 2 for my 18th, 2 tone absolute beauty, Bought it from http://www.watchcentre.com/ also known as Watches & Jewellery of Bond Street, got it in store of course.

For it to fall in our price range the previous owner had lost the papers, it came with their (Watchcentre.com/Watches and Jewellery of Bond Street) certificate of authenticity and the box.

Just wondering on your opinions about the company and the situation of not having the papers.


Thanks in advance,

Nils

[MitchSteel]

Never heard of them, but they have quite the vintage selection.Post some pics when you get it.Welcome aboard

[SLS]

Not a big deal to have a watch w/o papers IMO. As you stated, you got the best watch you could for your money. A simple service at your local RSC (Rolex Service Center) will get you "Service Papers" which are not quite as good as having the original paperwork, but verify that the watch is legitimate should you ever want to sell it.
Scott

[james1787]

If there is any doubt, have it checked out at an AD.

Otherwise, lets see some pics!

[Chainring]

Originally Posted by SLS

A simple service at your local RSC (Rolex Service Center) will get you "Service Papers" which are not quite as good as having the original paperwork.

I disagree. A card certifying recent service and giving the watch a new two year warranty is better than orginal, expired papers, possibly with someone else's name on them anyway. Some collectors like having all the original stuff that came with the watch but for others the watch itself is the most important thing.

[kieselguhr]

Congratulations! As mentioned previously by others, just send it in for a service and voila! paperwork. Not that paperwork means anything these days. If you need to authenticate, nothing beats popping the case-back (have this done professionally).

[SWISSAHOLICS]

Originally Posted by Chainring

card certifying recent service and giving the watch a new two year warranty is better than orginal, expired papers, possibly with someone else's name on them anyway.

You read my mind

[MitchSteel]

+1 on that.I don't care if the original papers aren't present, as long as the watch is period correct and not a hodgepodge of ebay parts.Now, if the watch I'm buying, lets say, belonged to Chuck Yeager, then yes, I'd pay through my ears for all corresponding provenance.

[Chainring]

Originally Posted by MitchSteel

+1 on that.I don't care if the original papers aren't present, as long as the watch is period correct and not a hodgepodge of ebay parts.Now, if the watch I'm buying, lets say, belonged to Chuck Yeager, then yes, I'd pay through my ears for all corresponding provenance.

You can't have it. Chuck promised it to me.

[MitchSteel]

Dammit

[SLS]

Originally Posted by Chainring

I disagree. I card certifying recent service and giving the watch a new two year warranty is better than orginal, expired papers, possibly with someone else's name on them anyway. Some collectors like having all the original stuff that came with the watch but for others the watch itself is the most important thing.

I guess we will agree to disagree then! From what I have seen, most collectors would prefer original papers over service papers. Don't get me wrong, service papers are better than no papers. Yes, the 2 year warranty is nice, but here in the US it is meaningless, as the warranty is not transferable. But we are both entitled to our own opinions!
Scott

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Nilsdej

. . .
Just wondering on your opinions about the company and the situation of not having the papers.


Thanks in advance,

Nils

Despite what you hear or read, there are no such thing as "papers" for a watch in the sense that they are necessary for anything, verify anything, or are of any use after the original warranty period.

If you are a collector and you have a very rare example (a GMT II is not), and it has it's original warranty paper, etc., it is a very rare find indeed and some collectors do pay extra for these rare pieces..

A GMT II will not be any more valuable with or without it's original warranty paper if you are a buyer, only if you are the seller.. .

Condition would be the driver for value first, and then anything extra is up for negotiation..

A "Certificate of Authenticity" from a seller is a marketing tool and doesn't really "Certify" anything, but usually does give you some return privileges if it turns out to be less than authentic..

[Chainring]

Originally Posted by SLS

I guess we will agree to disagree then! From what I have seen, most collectors would prefer original papers over service papers. Don't get me wrong, service papers are better than no papers. Yes, the 2 year warranty is nice, but here in the US it is meaningless, as the warranty is not transferable. But we are both entitled to our own opinions!
Scott

It's all good. In this case disagreeing isn't a bad thing because I think we are both right. I did say some collectors prefer to also get the original paperwork. As for me, i like orginal boxes and papers also, but I give more weight to a recent service over those things.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Nilsdej

Got a GMT Master 2 for my 18th, 2 tone absolute beauty, Bought it from http://www.watchcentre.com/ also known as Watches & Jewellery of Bond Street, got it in store of course.

For it to fall in our price range the previous owner had lost the papers, it came with their (Watchcentre.com/Watches and Jewellery of Bond Street) certificate of authenticity and the box.

Just wondering on your opinions about the company and the situation of not having the papers.


Thanks in advance,

Nils

The so called papers are nothing more than a warranty and depending on age of watch valid for 12 or 24 months after warranty as ended well its just a bit of paper.Today far to much importance is placed on a bit of mostly outdated bit of paper.Condition and service history of watch is far more important and never rely on these bits of paper to prove authenticity of any watch.As with today's technology these bits of paper or plastic are the easiest to fake.So if no service history and watch is 5 plus years old get it serviced at a RSC then you will get service paper/card with all watch details on and that paper/card will be a full two year warranty.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Chainring

I disagree. A card certifying recent service and giving the watch a new two year warranty is better than orginal, expired papers, possibly with someone else's name on them anyway. Some collectors like having all the original stuff that came with the watch but for others the watch itself is the most important thing.

Agreed. And even if you can't afford a service, an RSC will do a polish for a much lower price and still give you a receipt (and a Rolex pouch) that proves it's been worked on at an RSC, and is therefore authentic.

[jerseyden]

Have dealt with them in the past and have had no complaints. Always seem knowledgeable, helpful and reputable.

[JGX]

They've been around for a number of years. Prices are. . . well. . . it is Bond Street but they have a good rep.

[Rolex-10]

Firstly congrats!!
Don't know the shop but as they're in Bond Street I cant imagine anything other than a first class establishment.

Therefore totally legit. But as mentioned for peace of mind pay up for a service.
That's better than anyone's certificate of authenticity.

If it's not legit Rolex wouldn't service it.
The original paper would only bother a collector.

Enjoy!

[AK797]

Watchcentre are a good outfit. Post pics of the watch here and we can tell you if there is any problem with the watch.

[bayerische]

You don't need the papers.

[The D]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Agreed. And even if you can't afford a service, an RSC will do a polish for a much lower price and still give you a receipt (and a Rolex pouch) that proves it's been worked on at an RSC, and is therefore authentic.

No they won't.

[Nycturbovr6]

yeah I wouldn't worry to much

[strafer_kid]

Certainly plenty of debate on the value (or not) of papers - some guys feel that for total completeness, they are a must......who knows? Anyhow, main thing is you got what you want, though for total peace of mind, a quick look inside by an AD might be the way to go- good luck!

[mr.president1]

What they all said x2!!! And Let's see some wrist shots!!! Always love a good wrist shot!

ConGratS & WelComE!

[DiamondJack]

In terms of price, you have already said that to get the GMT in your price range you had to get one without papers.

Therefore, whilst such items are just paper (or plastic these days), even after the expiry of the 2 year guarantee period they must still have some value...... as evidenced by your transaction..... But as others have said, it is vintage watches that benefit from the highest premium if they have the original box and papers.

In terms of The Watch Centre themselves, they have a very good reputation and I visit them frequently on my West End watch tours as they always have a good inventory. Indeed, I have bought from them on a few occasions and been pleased with the purchases.

[skprd13]

Papers we don't need no stinkin papers! Congrats on your watch post some pics man!

[AK797]

Papers help you to sell it so Id want them unless you don't sell/trade watches but being on this forum makes that very difficult.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by AK797

Papers help you to sell it so Id want them unless you don't sell/trade watches but being on this forum makes that very difficult.

Now with the rare vintage watches yes then the original box and warranty would bring a premium.But modern day Rolex with most sports models made in the many thousands possible millions,you can keep your box and outdated warranty.I buy condition of watch and not a bit interested in a outdated warranty because that's all it is.And Rolex service papers/card will have all the watches information and that will be a current valid two year warranty.

[ChuckFinlay]

They've been around for ever, and I would imagine Rony and his family are probably not far off as wealthy as Rolex themselves

As for the papers, there is an inherent value in them for most people, trust me, I sold a watch yesterday and the guy was umming and ahhing when he came to collect it as it didn't have the bezel protector, I kid you not!

[anilzat]

you are only going to wear the watch and not wear the papers who cares