need some advice buying 1st rolex

[p3rsian]

Hi there,
Im planning to buy a used 90's datejust 31mm for the wife. I have bought some omegas in past but never a rolex.
I live in the middle east at the moment but travel to the US often. I started by visiting some so called "reputable" shops (middle east). I saw watches with comparable prices to chrono24 sellers. But what made me worried is when I asked him if all the parts of the watch are original he stated that a rolex watches cant have any unoriginal parts which I was like I was surprised to see how clean the watches the shop had were specially the dials and hands on 1980-1995 range watches. He asked me if I wanted to look at his diamond dial versions which I said im not interested in those he promptly replied that he can change the diamond dial to a regular dial which I was like . all these things made me worried so Im thinking of buying one from a reputable seller chrono24 in the US and taking it in to a RSC to get a service estimate to make sure everything is okay

Am I on the right track here?
I mean from what I have been reading on rolexforum it seems that there are alot of "Frankenstein" watches on the market and it is quite possible to have unoriginal parts on an original rolex.

And replacing an original dial and hands with unoriginal or custom dials does indeed decrease a value of a watch ?
am I on the right boat here?

thanks in advance for the help and advice

[boothus]

Others here will have a lot more experience but here’s my two cents:

With second hand it’s best to buy from a dealer you know and trust. However, you might not have one or depending on what you’re after it might be a while before they come across the piece you’re after. So if you don’t want to wait then verified dealers on Chrono24 might be a good option. Good dealers should have good pictures and be willing to (somewhat) jump through hoops to sell you a watch.
They should be responsive and knowledgeable and offer a comprehensive warranty and money back. Use the trusted checkout and you’re about as safe as you can be with a pre-owned online purchase from a marketplace.

If you take the watch to an RSC post purchase they can give you a service estimate, which will include the cost of replacement of parts that need replacing, including any parts that may not be original - they’ll offer to bring it back to its original state best they can, with the parts they have available.

Personally, I’d steer clear of anyone offering to switch out bezels or other parts between watches - that is exactly how you end up with a watch that doesn’t match your serial.

Ben

[joli160]

Save up and buy new, you can still get some nice deals on a 28 or 31 DJ

[Bizcut1]

My vote would be to deal with David SW or Takuya here on the Forum. They ship internationally and have the experience and integrity that is unquestioned.

Good luck! Ben.

[StackLexus17]

Eliminate all of your worries and buy new from an AD.

You'll be able to breathe easy and also start to begin a purchase history which could favor you in the future (watch for yourself, earrings for the lady, etc.)

[Johny]

Originally Posted by joli160

Save up and buy new, you can still get some nice deals on a 28 or 31 DJ

I agree. Buy new.

[TreiseKL]

1980's and 1990's become franken quite often to make it more blingy with the use of diamonds or MOP dials.

Buy from reputable dealers and have all authentic.

[p3rsian]

Originally Posted by Bizcut1

My vote would be to deal with David SW or Takuya here on the Forum. They ship internationally and have the experience and integrity that is unquestioned.

Good luck! Ben.

wasn't able to find anyone under the username david sw

[Rado63]

This is always the dilemma with buying something entering the age range when multiple services may have been done. Never know what parts are original to the watch, need to buy from someone who specializes in vintage or older pieces, HQmilton is one example.

[Bizcut1]

OP...here you go...highest recommendation!


https://www.davidsw.com

[p3rsian]

[QUOTE=Bizcut1;9972161]OP...here you go...highest recommendation!



thanks

[Dchan83]

I would step it up to 36mm...has great wrist presence and can find a lot more dial options...they are plentiful on the used market

[p3rsian]

Originally Posted by Dchan83

I would step it up to 36mm...has great wrist presence and can find a lot more dial options...they are plentiful on the used market

I think thats a bit too large for a ladies size watch, no ?

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by joli160

Save up and buy new, you can still get some nice deals on a 28 or 31 DJ

Exactly

[p3rsian]

If purchasing a watch on chrono and calling the seller, are there any specific like questions you guys would ask ?

[Seibei]

Buy new from AD. No ifs and buts.

[p3rsian]

Originally Posted by Seibei

Buy new from AD. No ifs and buts.