New or Pre-Owned?

[Scotsjon]

Hi all,

I have no doubt this has been covered but can’t seem to find in a quick search.

I am now in a position and committed to buying my first Rolex. I have decided on a Submariner but with only two AD’s here in New Zealand I am somewhat restricted with supply. My initial choice is the 116610LN which retails at $12,100NZD but comes down to $10,800 if I take advantage of picking up at airport when I go on holiday (tax off). However the wait time is around 6 months. I am off to the States in Feb and have came across Bobs Watches who offer a large selection of Pre Owned watches. For the same money as the above I can secure a two tone 16803 (1985/6 model) which looks stunning and as good as the current model at twice the money. What are your thoughts on buying a 20 year old watch in comparison to a brand new one?

Thanks in advance for all comments.

[kd_submariner]

If it were me (and it was about 6 months ago), I’d buy my first watch new. That’s what I did and have no regrets.

IMO There’s something to be said for your watch’s “story” to begin with you

[tamiya]

The old one you'd probably want to get it properly serviced & resealed to be waterproof if you're intending it to be a daily wearer. That'll jack up your cost by at least a grand.

Twotone also "wears" different to a SS, not everybody can pull it off successfully.

All else considered, assuming both at same price I'd prefer new - even though I'm a vintage guy warranty & modernity is handy for daily wear

[Ballaratboy]

Honestly, if it was me, I would wait 6 months and get a new one. I bought a pre-owned Rolex from Bobs Watches earlier this year and I now find its not smooth to wind, which probably means it needs a full service by RSC.

[asiparks]

If you're going to begin the States for a week or 2, there are better options than Bob's....

[joli160]

Buy the new 6 digit 116610

[tyler1980]

First Rolex always buy new as its a milestone. After that, unless you like vintage or are going to sell it later, still buy new.

[Torque Time]

New or used depends on your style and taste.

My first Rolex was a 1601 vintage circa 1971...my birth yr (look at my avatar). I too waited until I was in a financial place where I could afford what I wanted.

Buy what you want, spend what you can afford, wear it everyday, and be proud to be an owner.

Happy Shopping

[maton12]

Unless you can get one GST free, start planning your watch purchase to coincide with your trip to the States

Spend some time in the For Sale section here. You will soon notice plenty of consistent names. Any of the US Trusted Sellers will ship to where you're staying

Good luck in your search



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[LAFLARE]

Being uneducated and slightly ignorant, I bought my first Rolex used and sold it within the week. It was a terrible buy and completely unsatisfing. I knew that my first Rolex had to be brand new. I cherish my decision still to this day. If your first Rolex is a big deal and marks an important time in your life, which it did for mine, I would always suggest and advocate for a new, first Rolex.

Of course, everyone has a different taste. You just have to know which category you fall in and whether you're okay with having a used watch as a first or not.

You will find plenty of places to go shopping for Rolex in the US. I know you will make the right decision. Happy hunting and good luck!

[ejvette]

If your coming to the US in February a Sub can be had in almost any AD wait and buy it here.

[Moggo]

I have 2 new Rolex and 1 preowned and find I don’t have the same attachment to the preowned for some reason. That’s just me though.


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[JR16]

I would base your decision on what you like better and what sits better on your wrist. 6 digits and 5 digits are different watches IMHO. Personally, I wish I had gotten a pre-owned pre-ceramic sub rather than a SubC but I was young and naive then (ie had not yet joined TRF). Either way, exciting decision for you !


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[Muzz]

I wouldn’t bother with a used TT and I would get the NIB piece. As other pointed out you could easily get one in the US or do the 6 month wait.

[1William]

I think that the Submariner is a great selection. I would wait until you are in the states to make the purchase and I would explore our Trusted Sellers here. Save yourself some money and time. I would not buy from Bob's as the prices are high for the market for a informed consumer. Stay away from a twenty year old watch unless you are completely sure of the history and service. Also account for any service time and cost from your country when you consider the purchase. Based on the numbers quoted you could buy a Submariner-C ND, 6K, and a Omega Speed Master Professional, 3.2K, slightly pre-owned complete with box, papers and warranty. Good luck on your quest.

[duc888]

Buy your first Rolex new at a local boutique.
It´s a great experience and you will always have a special relationship to this watch.

[watchwatcher]

A 20 year old two tone? No. Now if you find a great deal on a 6 digit bluesy, then OK..

[polowatch]

go for the go for the ceramic sub, it is an awesome piece.

[CyclePath1]

I bought my first Rolex new (SubC Date) to mark a milestone and will enjoy building a history with it for years to come. Other watches may come and go but this one will be handed down to my future generations.

If your intentions are similar to mine, I suggest buying new.

[Nikrnic]

I've done both and would suggest being your first, buy new. My most recent purchase was new and a great experience as well as a great price. New sub 114060, no tax and a tiny bit more to round it off. Good luck and Enjoy it.

[T4ME]

Buy new for your first

[run23]

I almost always go used with watches— the automatic depreciation when buying new bugs me, and I couldn’t care less about being the first to wear it.

If you get it from a trusted sell you can get something that is in near perfect condition, often with a known service history.

[machob55]

First one new, second and beyond used is good. If you go with U.S. dealers that offer lifetime warranties better yet!!! "Jewelers on Time" is one of these, but search around...Good luck

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[Scotsjon]

Hi, thanks for all the informative comments. Think I will go "New" on the date Sub. Longish wait here in NZ and both AD's want the $$$ up front!!! I will be in Vegas in February but from what I can gather prices are a bit high there. I am flying out of LAX but from memory cannot remember if there is a AD there? Being a tight Scotsman I am always looking to save $$ regardless of what I buy. I will be flying to UK in May so could possibly purchase there and claim the VAT back when I leave the country (20%) or wait till I get to Dubai and purchase at the airport duty free. Any thoughts on this from people on the pulse of prices worldwide?

[ingoodtime]

My first was preowned and i still have and enjoy it. My second was brand new. I dont know about a 20 year old model. My preowned was 4 years old when i purchased it in 2008. In 2013, I had to send it to Rolex for an overhaul and it looks and runs like new.

[keschete]

Originally Posted by ingoodtime

My first was preowned and i still have and enjoy it. My second was brand new. I dont know about a 20 year old model. My preowned was 4 years old when i purchased it in 2008. In 2013, I had to send it to Rolex for an overhaul and it looks and runs like new.

My first two were New. My 3rd and 4th Pre-Owned (Sub date and Sub serti) and the last 3 have been New. I think a good mix is the norm for most collectors. My used Sub is my most worn watch. I also want to add a two tone Daytona with a white diamond dial and an older 16660 Sea dweller.

To the OP, buy what sings to you! Also prepare for the addiction now!

[Dr.Smellody]

I'll never justify buying new.

[geebob]

So far I bought mine (Omega and Rolex) new.
I do not worry about depreciation. I figure, everything new or old will depreciate over time. Besides I don't plan to sell it...but I'm ready to sell it if I ever need the cash and I'm willing to take the hit.

However, if there's a pre-owned one that I really like and want, I wouldn't have a problem buying it.