Can I trust the Classified Ads

[Mattyr95]

Hi all,

My watch collection consists of a Omega Constellation (circa 1960's) and a solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision (circa 1950's). There is an existing thread about the Rolex here from back in 2010 when I first acquired it: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=153677

I've since had these watches serviced and had their straps replaced and are kept under lock and key (I'm a bit funny about wearing them as they are family heirlooms).

However, I have definitely been bitten by the watch collection and restoration bug and was hoping for a little advice. The obvious place to look for a used second hand Rolex for sale would be places like eBay or Craigslist. But what success have others had with this strategy? I'm more than happy to pay for an authentic watch that needs work and repairs but I don't want to find myself with something beyond economic repair or, worse still, fake.

Can anybody offer any advice?

[MonBK]

Since you're worried about authenticity the worst place to look for a watch would be e-bay and craigslist.

I would recommend you check out the for sale forum here on TRF.

[crowncollection]

Check out the forums for sale section


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[J!m]

I got my amazingly original Tudor 9411 from eBay; however I have spent hundreds of hours before and since educating myself.

Why not work with a trusted seller here?

[Mattyr95]

Thanks for the advice guys. I can appreciate the merits of working with a trusted seller here on the forum. It makes obvious sense.

Originally Posted by J!m

I got my amazingly original Tudor 9411 from eBay; however I have spent hundreds of hours before and since educating myself.

Why not work with a trusted seller here?

J!m, would you go the eBay route again given your previous experience?

[J!m]

I would yes. But I think I'm the exception on this forum.

[Mattyr95]

Originally Posted by Mattyr95

The obvious place to look for a used second hand Rolex for sale would be places like eBay or Craigslist. But what success have others had with this strategy?

J!m, what would be your overall approach if you were to do so again if you don't mind me asking?

[Mattyr95]

Originally Posted by MonBK

Since you're worried about authenticity the worst place to look for a watch would be e-bay and craigslist.

I would recommend you check out the for sale forum here on TRF.

Originally Posted by crowncollection

Check out the forums for sale section


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MonBK & crowncollection, any particular traders you would recommend on the for sale forum?

[crowncollection]

The big boys are the ones to buy from if you are a novice. I don't like recommending but look in the who's who's section it's all about sellers


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[J!m]

Originally Posted by Mattyr95

J!m, what would be your overall approach if you were to do so again if you don't mind me asking?

Know your target. Just like when hunting. Look at hundreds of genuine watch photos; learn all the slight differences that occurred as models evolved. Handle every one you can. Feel the fit, finish and function. You have to commit and it is by no means a small task. I've been studying certain Rolex (and Tudor) sport models for over ten years and the first Rolex I bought was through a trusted seller here.

Otherwise, trust the seller you choose will treat you well. Look for return privilege and open comms with the seller before, during and after the sale.

There are no short cuts- either you invest the time or the money. You can't skimp on both and expect to not be burned.

[Mattyr95]

Originally Posted by Mattyr95

Hi all,

My watch collection consists of a Omega Constellation (circa 1960's) and a solid gold Rolex Oyster Precision (circa 1950's). There is an existing thread about the Rolex here from back in 2010 when I first acquired it: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=153677

I've since had these watches serviced and had their straps replaced and are kept under lock and key (I'm a bit funny about wearing them as they are family heirlooms).

However, I have definitely been bitten by the watch collection and restoration bug and was hoping for a little advice. The obvious place to look for a used second hand Rolex for sale would be places like eBay and Craigslist. But what success have others had with this strategy? I'm more than happy to pay for an authentic watch that needs work and repairs but I don't want to find myself with something beyond economic repair or, worse still, fake.

Can anybody offer any advice?

Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience guys and for the common sense and practical guidance. I'll be very cautious moving forward. Thanks again.

[Mattyr95]

Originally Posted by J!m

Know your target. Just like when hunting. Look at hundreds of genuine watch photos; learn all the slight differences that occurred as models evolved. Handle every one you can. Feel the fit, finish and function. You have to commit and it is by no means a small task. I've been studying certain Rolex (and Tudor) sport models for over ten years and the first Rolex I bought was through a trusted seller here.

Otherwise, trust the seller you choose will treat you well. Look for return privilege and open comms with the seller before, during and after the sale.

There are no short cuts- either you invest the time or the money. You can't skimp on both and expect to not be burned.

So it certainly requires a great amount of patience, passion and determination by the sound of things. I have my work cut out for me. Thanks again for the guidance J!m.

[Mattyr95]

Here is a photo of the Omega Constellation I own by the way. Apologies for the poor quality. (There are photos of the Rolex elsewhere on the forum.)