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Old 4 November 2016, 02:34 AM   #1
Intluser
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Servicing watches before selling?

I wanted to unload two watches. Is it best to service them before selling? Also, there are a few scratches on the band. Is it best to send it in to RSC? What do I ask for? Service and polish?

Thank you.
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Old 4 November 2016, 02:36 AM   #2
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I would not. Leave the option to the buyer.


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Old 4 November 2016, 02:41 AM   #3
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I serviced a Cartier Roadster before selling ($700), and the watch dealer - Alan Furman - told me that added zero value as his watchmaker would have to open it up before re-selling. So basically I threw away $700.

Don't service before selling unless watch is not working.
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Old 4 November 2016, 03:18 AM   #4
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Do not service. You will not get that money back in the sale.
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Old 4 November 2016, 03:23 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by locutus49 View Post
I serviced a Cartier Roadster before selling ($700), and the watch dealer - Alan Furman - told me that added zero value as his watchmaker would have to open it up before re-selling. So basically I threw away $700.

Don't service before selling unless watch is not working.
Interesting to hear John
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Old 4 November 2016, 03:25 AM   #6
japenney
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Do not service. You will not get that money back in the sale.
This.
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Old 4 November 2016, 03:27 AM   #7
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If it was a Patek, i would only because they are troublesome and those buyers can be a bit more particular. Thus when it is freshly serviced and still sealed i DO find resale seems to be higher, and easier. As for a Rolex, agree with others let the buyer decide.
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Old 4 November 2016, 03:51 AM   #8
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I would not service before selling.
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Old 4 November 2016, 03:52 AM   #9
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Generally no. An out of warranty Rolex that's badly in need of a polish maybe but probably no lol ��
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Old 4 November 2016, 03:59 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Intluser View Post
I wanted to unload two watches. Is it best to service them before selling? Also, there are a few scratches on the band. Is it best to send it in to RSC? What do I ask for? Service and polish?

Thank you.

These things are up to you.

You may increase interest with a freshly serviced and pristine watch, which could result in a quicker sale. You will not be able to sell your watch at the increased cost that would cover the service charges..

If you want to "unload" them around here I would advise you to familiarize yourself with the Forum rules and guidelines.
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Old 4 November 2016, 04:03 AM   #11
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I would not. Leave the option to the buyer.


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Couldn't agree more.
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Old 4 November 2016, 04:54 AM   #12
Intluser
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Just a few scratches on the bottom of the watch. Nothing more.
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Old 4 November 2016, 05:01 AM   #13
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As a private buyer it made a difference to me.

When buying a 16610lv recently I chose one with a recent RSC service for peace of mind on authenticity as well as the two year service warranty.
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Old 4 November 2016, 05:02 AM   #14
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Old 4 November 2016, 05:44 AM   #15
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As one who prefers to buy used over new, I love picking up a freshly serviced watch and will pay a premium over a similar unserviced one. As a buyer, I know that when a piece has just came back from a Rolex service that there will be no surprises (like parts to replace) and I can expect it to function perfectly for the next 5-10 years. I would also say that it increases the saleability of a watch when it has been serviced and has warranty and is looking fresh from a light polish. Just my 2 cents...
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Old 4 November 2016, 05:52 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by milov View Post
As a private buyer it made a difference to me.

When buying a 16610lv recently I chose one with a recent RSC service for peace of mind on authenticity as well as the two year service warranty.
If in the market, agree that a RSC service with accompanying documentation would make a difference to me.
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Old 4 November 2016, 06:38 AM   #17
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I would purchase a watch that was recently serviced as it would give me a better piece of mind knowing that I'm getting a quality product that has a warranty. I would also consider the costs of a service if the timepiece hasn't had any service in some time.
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Old 4 November 2016, 07:24 AM   #18
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I also agree, as a private buyer, that a recently serviced watch will be my preference, and as such, might add to the list of potential buyers.

But if you just want to sell them cheap and quick, then no, don't spend your money on servicing before selling.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
These things are up to you.

You may increase interest with a freshly serviced and pristine watch, which could result in a quicker sale. You will not be able to sell your watch at the increased cost that would cover the service charges..

If you want to "unload" them around here I would advise you to familiarize yourself with the Forum rules and guidelines.
Quote:
Originally Posted by milov View Post
As a private buyer it made a difference to me.

When buying a 16610lv recently I chose one with a recent RSC service for peace of mind on authenticity as well as the two year service warranty.
Quote:
Originally Posted by nathanield View Post
As one who prefers to buy used over new, I love picking up a freshly serviced watch and will pay a premium over a similar unserviced one. As a buyer, I know that when a piece has just came back from a Rolex service that there will be no surprises (like parts to replace) and I can expect it to function perfectly for the next 5-10 years. I would also say that it increases the saleability of a watch when it has been serviced and has warranty and is looking fresh from a light polish. Just my 2 cents...
Quote:
Originally Posted by JayLo View Post
I would purchase a watch that was recently serviced as it would give me a better piece of mind knowing that I'm getting a quality product that has a warranty. I would also consider the costs of a service if the timepiece hasn't had any service in some time.
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Old 4 November 2016, 07:59 AM   #19
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When I buy my next pre-owned my preference is for the watch to be freshly serviced.
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Old 4 November 2016, 08:47 AM   #20
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you will not get more money for them being serviced in my opinion... i would just be upfront with the buyer and tell them they could use a servicing
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Old 4 November 2016, 09:41 AM   #21
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you will not get more money for them being serviced in my opinion... i would just be upfront with the buyer and tell them they could use a servicing
This is a valid approach, being upfront is paramount ..... but.... IMHO if you can get it authenticated in addition to (specially in the case of not having papers) it might be worth more, I like seeing pictures of the movement for instance or the papers that state that it was just serviced by an AD, even the receipt with proof, sometimes people post pictures with a peek of the service papers, I would be more willing to buy a preowned or even pay more for this... My 2c.

But no polishing at all.... that is 100% buyer...
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Old 4 November 2016, 09:52 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tifosi View Post
Do not service. You will not get that money back in the sale.
depends on the buyer and the watch

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tools View Post
These things are up to you.

You may increase interest with a freshly serviced and pristine watch, which could result in a quicker sale. You will not be able to sell your watch at the increased cost that would cover the service charges..

If you want to "unload" them around here I would advise you to familiarize yourself with the Forum rules and guidelines.
true

Quote:
Originally Posted by milov View Post
As a private buyer it made a difference to me.

When buying a 16610lv recently I chose one with a recent RSC service for peace of mind on authenticity as well as the two year service warranty.
exactly. it answers/covers provenance, warranty and many would pay the additional $550 - $800 for the added POM. if you're new to buying used, this is a huge plus.

Quote:
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you will not get more money for them being serviced in my opinion... i would just be upfront with the buyer and tell them they could use a servicing
honesty always wins.
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Old 4 November 2016, 09:52 AM   #23
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You would get some but not all of the RSC costs back since most people would prefer documented servicing for piece of mind. You would certainly be able to move the watches more quickly with RSC service. Otherwise without RSC you might have more low-ball offers IMHO. Everything moves at the right price. Good luck and Cheers!
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Old 4 November 2016, 11:53 AM   #24
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Nope, you're p(//8!( any investment into a service away. This is why I've pretty much stopped buying/selling on the boards. Very few "hobby" buyers/sellers anymore.

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Old 4 November 2016, 02:54 PM   #25
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I personally would not advise it. The only time I would do an RSC service would be to authenticate an unusual piece before resale (that can add value).-
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Old 4 November 2016, 05:15 PM   #26
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Wasted money - if the new owner wants to service it he/she should pay....plus you may limit your market as I personally don't like my watches polished.
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Old 4 November 2016, 06:53 PM   #27
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An official RSC service with the paperwork has added value, but refrain from any other.
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Old 4 November 2016, 08:41 PM   #28
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I too would not service before selling. My experience has been that it adds no value in terms of the cash (or trade value) received on your end for the watch in question. Obvious issues like chipped crystals would be something I'd consider replacing before selling, depending on the severity, but that's it.
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Old 4 November 2016, 11:26 PM   #29
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As long as you describe and disclose everything before selling, you don't need to.
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