Buying from Craigslist

[algibbs77]

I am looking forward to buying my first Rolex and I keep seeing reasonable deals on preowned Rolexes on Craigslist. Does anyone have any thoughts or tips on buying a preowned Rolex from Craigslist? I have read several articles online that all say to never buy from Craigslist. I understand why you need to be cautious but I don't understand why you should never buy a Rolex from the site. It seems to me that if you have some common sense and you are cautious about what you buy there are some good deals on used Rolexes. Not everyone out there can be trying to scam you. If you understand that if it is too good to be true it probably is and if you have the watch authenticated by an Authorized Dealer, why not buy one? Of course I would only buy locally and in person. Are ADs not willing/able to verify the authenticity of a Rolex? I am sure there are plenty of people out there that have purchased a Rolex from someone or someplace other than an AD. I am really interested in reading your thoughts and opinions.

[onkyo]

You are playing with fire my Californian friend.

For your first Rolex, buy from an authorized dealer OR there are some very good/reliable sellers here on TRF (sellers/buyers section) that will beat most dealer prices.

[mck22]

I bought my first one off of craigslist. I went to an AD and had them look at it. They told me it was the real deal and I bought it. Easy transaction and worked out great for me. Like everyone on here say buy the seller first and then the watch!!! Cant wait to hear your story if it works out for you!!

[jbjenkins]

I've got the tools and the knowledge. I just tell them beforehand i'm going to open the watch, take off the band, and subject it to the same scrutiny that an AD would (even if I cannot). 90% say "um, no thanks" the rest are real. :-)

[stevemulholland3]

I have bought close to ten rolex from craigslist...and everyone has been absolutely correct..but I also have the knowledge to weed out all the obvious and not so obvious fakes before I ever communicate with them..

[TimeToGo]

Knowledge goes a long way!

If anything, have them meet you at an AD!

[algibbs77]

For those of you that said you wouldn't buy one from Craigslist, what is the risk if you have the watch certified by an AD?

For those of you that have used and AD to certify a watch how has the AD responded. Are the usually willing to help you out or do they get irritated that you aren't buying a new watch from them?

[DSJ]

Andy, if you have a relationship with the AD, then there's usually no problem. If you have never done business with an AD, then you would reasonably expect to pay them for this trouble, so ask what they would charge (remove caseback to verify movement, remove bracelet to verify s/n).

[stusrt]

this is what I do -
contact the seller and tell him I will pay the $50 to have an apprisal done on the watch at the AD of their choosing.
90% of the time you don't hear back from the seller.

But I have found a few legit deals on craigslist. You just have to shovel through tons of garage to find them.

[greekbum]

Buying from Craigslist ebay or anywhere is always buyer beware.The reason you are looking there is to get what you think is a deal.Its like anything if you are trying to get a DEAL on something you better know what you are looking at or else the deal you thought was a deal turns out to be a nightmare.I would suggest to anyone who doesnt put the time in this or have the knowledge and tools to pay the fair market and sleep at night.I have bought watches off of Craigslist and have been shown the best fakes i have ever seen from craigslist also.The best was this guy who had 3 months earlier bought a submariner new at mayors swapped it with a high grade fake and brought me the recipt box papers etc.When I asked to take the band off he got pissed off and told me I would scratch it so we went to mayors where they remebered him and VERIFIED that the watch was indead authentic cause he bought it there.My trained eye called him out in front of the AD salesman and I asked them to take the band off.Guess what the ad said it was a fake and than they got into an argument and I left.Scammer all the way.Any other person would have bought it.

[chenx15]

i've had 3 rolex purchases in craigslist all genuine all for the best prices!

[mretzloff]

Your first Rolex should be from an AD.

If you cannot afford a new one (I'm not meaning this in a derogatory way), buy a used one from an AD.

You're asking to be scammed. And if you are, you'll regret it.

[ijen0311]

Craigslist is the breeding ground for nutjobs.
Evidence:

[cody p]

Originally Posted by ijen0311

Craigslist is the breeding ground for nutjobs.
Evidence:

yikes!

[stevemulholland3]

what the f&c%??
ho my goodness!!

[ijen0311]

Originally Posted by stevemulholland3

what the f&c%??
ho my goodness!!

Craigslist for imitation crab meat
Craigslist for Rolex:

[walds11]

Jen, that is hilarious. He is from Philly :)

[technicaldirector]

I've purchased two Rolexes and an Omega off Craigslist without any hassle. I consider myself a pretty good judge of character and know what to look for. :)

[Flaxmoore]

I'd have no problem if the watch were authenticated by an AD before purchase.

[Numismatist]

Some things to consider on Craigs or eBay or anywhere other than an AD:

An AD may be able to authenticate a Rolex; however, you are trusting the judgment of that employee at that AD who sometimes are not as educated on Rolex as one might think.

Even if it is a legit Rolex, the AD may or may not be able or willing to determine if it is functioning properly.

It may be a real Rolex but stolen - Rolex may confiscate it if you ever need to send it in for repair.

If you meet face to face, you have now alerted someone to the fact that you have enough cash to buy a Rolex...

Anyone else got any to add?

[arhant]

Well, I have purchased 2 Rolex watches from CL sellers and one from Watchnet. I'm not an expert, but used common sense. Buy the Seller is number one. Make sure the story makes sense. Meet the seller personally. Know what you are looking at. I bought a transitional Submariner and the guy invited me in to his house. We had an hour long visit talking about his other collectibles. Number 2 is, if the price is too good, stay away. I got good deals, but not 'steals'.
I would never recommend anyone purchase from an Enay seller. However, this forum seems like a great place to pickup a preowned watch.

[mikeym]

meet at a dealer, if they give the thumbs up take it!

[Paul B]

I bought one on Craigslist, had it opened and checked by an AD and everything was fine.



Paul

[SLS]

If you know what you are doing, you will be fine. I can open any Rolex caseback and confirm what I am looking at is legit. AD's may be useless in this process. Like ebay, Craigslist has many scams.
~Scott

[Terry Newton]

The train show was scary. Bad scary images floating in my head tonight; i.e., near naked men. Now I am suffering from PTSD and will have to sue CraigsList for damages.

Terry Newton

[JimW]

hmmmmm

[rosspanics]

Always buy the seller! I bought mine on Craigslist, the seller was a local CEO that I knew I could trust. He had all of the paperwork, boxes, etc and we even met at his office. I doubt a guy who makes megabucks is going to try an scam me out of $3k. He just has a dozen+ and was unloading a few.

[rosspanics]

(sorry, double post)

[Nanny]

Trust you best judgement, dont fall in love with the watch and let you lust over take common sense. Do your due dilligence and cover all your bases. You can find great deals on CL and Ebay. Not everyone out there is out to scam others.

Like many have said buy the seller, then the watch.

In todays economy people are in need of cash and are parting with valuables at rock bottom prices. I just picked up a TT Blk U serial Sub off CL for $3,900 with box and papers. Watch was in mint condition.

[sond86]

Seems like nowadays Craigslist " buyers" want your Rolex for like half the market price