Buying without papers

[LegalEeze]

Honestly, I'd probably value an original bill of sale the most.

[melrob1]

I personally would not but without. However sending it in for service get you paperwork.

[yannis]

Originally Posted by .brian.

Of course. What would you say the order of importance is?

1) Warranty card
2) Both boxes
3) White hangtag
4) Red or green hangtag
5) Info booklet
6) Bezel protector

?

I do not claim to be an expert but the order you got it makes sense.

[Bmorelli11]

Box and papers for me too

[SeaDweller50]

1) Warranty card (not replaceable)
2) White hangtag (with barcode and serial number. not replaceable)
3) Boxes (replaceable)
4) Red or green hangtag (replaceable)
5) Info booklet (replaceable)
6) Bezel protector (replaceable)

[AK797]

Money is important but so is my time and avoiding the hassle factor which having no papers will increase with buyers. If you don't mind or can avoid all the crap that will come then go for it.

[HORNBLOWER]

My choice in order of preference
1. Real watch with papers
2. Real watch with no papers

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Maybe he doesn't work in a pawn shop?

Maybe not but that's how I feel. The point is simple. If you are on the fence about buying a watch without papers or warranty card don't do it.

[speedmaster73]

Originally Posted by breitlings

Sell it to bobswatches.com. A certain person you mentioned came in almost $1000 less than what bobswatches.com paid me. Bobswatches was fast professional and trustworthy.

so what your saying is bobwatches offer more than davidsw

[speedmaster73]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

If you're already considering resale, why even buy it? The same people that tell you the card is worthless are the same people who will low ball you when you sell it because it doesn't have papers.

rolex is fast becoming the brand where people buy to sell

every thread now is about re-sale value down the road as clearly more and more do not intend to keep their rolex long term

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by dph473

I just traded a 16610 to DavidSW without the warranty card. His price was the same as Bob's Watches. I stuck with DavidSW because I have flipped watches with him in the past and he currently had a piece I wanted.

From personal experience, I had one heck of a time trying to sell the 16610 on my own without a warranty card. Sounds like they're a good chance your going to flip the Daytona, get one with B&Ps to save yourself some headache. There's more people that care for that box and card than you know.

Did you ask Carol for more? I am sure she would have worked with you.

[sea-dweller]

I would never buy a pre-owned Rolex unless it was complete. I'm finicky.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by speedmaster73

so what your saying is bobwatches offer more than davidsw

Idk across the board but davidsw was very curt and offered me way less on my particular 16622 without box or papers. Bobs was very nice I asked for a bit more they were very nice and agreed and gave me free shipping with insurance and basically same day payment thru wire or a few days via check. I would very much consider bobs. I appreciate bobs may not sponsor the site but they treated my deal very professionally and a fair price. I am sure I could have perhaps sold it for more after months online and perhaps dealing with scammers but bobs was quick easy and professional. If davidsw isn't working with you about b&p then you would be remiss not to ask bobswatches.com.

[varkom]

Originally Posted by speedmaster73

rolex is fast becoming the brand where people buy to sell

every thread now is about re-sale value down the road as clearly more and more do not intend to keep their rolex long term

thats because its the only brand that actually holds its value.

you buy a rolex brand new, at most you'll lose 5-10% on the resale. You buy most luxury watches brand new, by the time you walk out the door, you'll lose 20-30%

[Kingsking]

Originally Posted by breitlings

Idk across the board but davidsw was very curt and offered me way less on my particular 16622 without box or papers. Bobs was very nice I asked for a bit more they were very nice and agreed and gave me free shipping with insurance and basically same day payment thru wire or a few days via check. I would very much consider bobs. I appreciate bobs may not sponsor the site but they treated my deal very professionally and a fair price. I am sure I could have perhaps sold it for more after months online and perhaps dealing with scammers but bobs was quick easy and professional. If davidsw isn't working with you about b&p then you would be remiss not to ask bobswatches.com.

I had a less than impressive email exchange with Davidsw too, i'm sure he is a great guy and is very busy but he was very quick with me and never followed up like he said he would, I ended up buying from another trusted seller instead.

[Timesurfer]

Originally Posted by joli160

No papers, no go for me

Same here, to each his/her own...

[Bigsykedaddy]

Originally Posted by LegalEeze

Better "get the papers. Get the papers."

One of my favorite movies.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by LegalEeze

Better "get the papers. Get the papers."

What papers its a single bit of paper or plastic card, and in most cases just a outdated warranty.So when buying used, never rely on the warranty to prove authenticity of any watch, as today these items are far easier to fake than the watch.Myself would never pay extra for these so called papers on any modern day Rolex watch.If no service history and over 5-7 years old ,have watch serviced by RSC then watch will have service paper/card and that will be a valid two year warranty.

[Punchthefatkid]

Originally Posted by LegalEeze

Honestly, I'd probably value an original bill of sale the most.

This is a very good point.

I think it is more a 'Peace of mind' thing to have as much of the original stuff that came with the watch as possible.

The original bill of sale certainly puts to bed the thoughts of 'Is it stolen' or is it fake/franken' etc

For one model at least the original warranty card is essential and should NEVER be purchased without it.

The 50th anniversary Submariner. The original warranty card/papers will be clearly marked LV - but this is the ONLY place they appear. The watch itself has no LV markings.

So without the original warranty card it is impossible to tell whether it is a genuine LV or a regular Sub with a green bezel swap... you have been warned! lol

[peterskinner]

Originally Posted by speedmaster73

rolex is fast becoming the brand where people buy to sell

every thread now is about re-sale value down the road as clearly more and more do not intend to keep their rolex long term

I feel this; so much of the discussion is about money, not watches....there is a difference. I will always have a Rolex, indeed I just bought a new gold one, but the 'money, money, money' theme is slowly alienating me.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by speedmaster73

rolex is fast becoming the brand where people buy to sell

every thread now is about re-sale value down the road as clearly more and more do not intend to keep their rolex long term

Have agree afraid Rolex watches today to many are little more than £££$$$$ just look at the DaytonaC, most bought then flipped to the grey market for profit where there are hundreds of them for sale.

[1bad750]

It always comes down to price. If you can get a watch from a trusted seller for a great price and the watch itself is amazing.. Go for it. If thats the case i
AlwAs ask for a receipt and an appraisal. That way you have a papertrail for the watch and if u sell u also have something. Most people feel more comfortable w papers as its an extra measure to prove its real. Now would i buy off craigslist w no papers?? Uhh no

[ronricks]

The card you get from a service from Rolex will trump the original papers that are outdated and meaningless. Buy the watch based on condition not because it has old outdated invalid 'papers'.

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by speedmaster73

rolex is fast becoming the brand where people buy to sell

every thread now is about re-sale value down the road as clearly more and more do not intend to keep their rolex long term

I really get a kick out of people trying lowball when buying, but then get upset when someone low balls them. Personally, I but to keep. Only flipped one Rolex. I had a 16613lb and upgraded to the 116613lb. No regrets. I know several here who have lost enough money flipping to buy a new Rolex. To each their own. As long as they're happy, that's all that matters.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by peterskinner

I feel this; so much of the discussion is about money, not watches....there is a difference. I will always have a Rolex, indeed I just bought a new gold one, but the 'money, money, money' theme is slowly alienating me.

This is a phenomena that we have seen in only the past few years, and mostly from those relatively new to Rolex.

It doesn't take long to find who is really a watch aficionado and who is "trending" and perhaps brand-name following.

Nothing really wrong with either approach/position, as long as we don't let those obviously different mind-sets to tangle and affect our enjoyment.

[droptopman]

Box and papers are nice but on a watch that is out of warranty not a must for me. I would simply adjust my offer to fair market value if there are no box and papers. Of course dealing with a reliable and proven seller.
Recently purchased a 2014 model with no box and papers from a seller I have done many deals with. Warranty is over anyways and the price reflected the missing items. Saved me a few bucks and the watch is perfect in every way. At some point if it needs a service I can send to RSC to get a updated card. I generally use an independent, but in this case may choose RSC just to get the card.

[ag986]

Originally Posted by droptopman

Box and papers are nice but on a watch that is out of warranty not a must for me. I would simply adjust my offer to fair market value if there are no box and papers. Of course dealing with a reliable and proven seller.
Recently purchased a 2014 model with no box and papers from a seller I have done many deals with. Warranty is over anyways and the price reflected the missing items. Saved me a few bucks and the watch is perfect in every way. At some point if it needs a service I can send to RSC to get a updated card. I generally use an independent, but in this case may choose RSC just to get the card.

x2

The box and papers are nice to have but are not necessary if the price is right.

[adrianw]

When it's time to sell the Daytona send it to Rolex for servicing who will return it like new with a warranty to maximise your return on investment.

[daveo5]

Warranty papers only useful if the watch is still under warrant. After that???

[daveo5]

Warranty papers are only useful if the watch is still covered under the warranty. After that?? Until Rolex, thankfully, discontinued the use of the ubiquitous green hologram on the case back. It was common for dealers and sellers in the USA to include the famous words " still has full or partial hologram". It was and added inducement to buy, simply implying "better?". Of course it had nothing to do with the quality or desirability of the piece.