Box & Papers

[MYK]

I'm interested to hear how important B & P are when buying a second hand watch (from a trusted dealer). Would you buy say a V serial Sub 16610 watch only that is in far better condition over a complete F serial sub 16610 for the same price?

Thanks,

[Ray T]

why would someone with a V serial sub be missing box and papers already?

but for me regardless, i would prefer complete, mainly for peace of mind.

[beebox]

I will go for the V series personally if it is from a trusted dealer and better condition.

But if u are a "chronic flipper" i guess the B&P will be easier.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by MYK

I'm interested to hear how important B & P are when buying a second hand watch (from a trusted dealer). Would you buy say a V serial Sub 16610 watch only that is in far better condition over a complete F serial sub 16610 for the same price?

Thanks,

The only time the so called papers which in the real world is just a warranty are important to me is if that warranty is still valid.As for the box well its just a box and IMHO not the best watch box around.Myself always buy condition of watch and never ever rely on the box or so called papers to prove authenticity of any watch.Then if no service history and say watch is over 5 years old then it would be wise to have a full RSC service.After said service you will have a paper with all the watches details and that bit of paper will be a current 2 year warranty, as for the box well if you must have one easy to find on net.

[77T]

As for the watch choice - take the one in better condition if both are from same trusted seller.

If you plan to sell later on, the B&P just helps you attract a wider audience of potential buyers. This is due to a belief that there is "magic" in those papers. Truth is what Peter said.

[J Durham]

Originally Posted by Ray T

why would someone with a V serial sub be missing box and papers already?

but for me regardless, i would prefer complete, mainly for peace of mind.

Believe it or not, I know several people who just throw that stuff out preferring instead to keep their pieces in a jewelry box or a safe... some are even comfortable leaving their watches on the corner of some wooden side table in their bedroom.. It's all about personal preference

Not everyone is an avid collector...

But, don't let that throw you off. If you know Rolex then you'll be able to gauge it's authenticity regardless

[beshannon]

I would prefer a complete package

[Gaijin]

I am a big fan of papers and tags. A box I can get anywhere. That being said I prefer a complete package. My OCD won't let me buy a Rolex that is not a complete set.

[Armyguy03]

Originally Posted by 77T

As for the watch choice - take the one in better condition if both are from same trusted seller.

If you plan to sell later on, the B&P just helps you attract a wider audience of potential buyers. This is due to a belief that there is "magic" in those papers. Truth is what Peter said.

Wait, there's no magic in my papers!!!!!!!

[TimeToGo]

Originally Posted by Armyguy03

Wait, there's no magic in my papers!!!!!!!

I knew there was an unknown force with papers....but magic

[kilyung]

Not important but some folks like the completeness.

[bungle]

Ive bought both 'complete sets' and watch only from my independent. It isn't a consideration for me either way.

Of prominent importance is that I trust the seller. If I didn't trust the seller, a box and hang tags aren't going to change my mind.

[Armyguy03]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

I knew there was an unknown force with papers....but magic

I purchased my first from a grey market no papers. Flipped it and got a Sub C from an AD so it came with. My next SS Sub from grey market with no papers. I'm a minimalist and look at my AD bag weekly and want to toss it as its considered "garbage" in my eyes as I don't ever plan to sell either of my watches. So I guess it depends really. I guess even if I wanted to sell my watches without paperwork there is a huge market.

[Htab]

I would go with the v serial with out box and papers just because of the condition.

[financeman]

I think the advantage to having box and papers is that it is easier to sell with a full set. I like to have everything that originally came with the watch but I will still but a nice example if it doesn't have it all.
If the watch comes with it then that is great, if it doesn't, no big deal. I am only wearing the watch anyway.

[alex456gt]

I suppose as long as the watch is in good shape and is real then nothing else matters, especially if you get a good deal on it. I like the box/papers because it makes it feel complete but I leave the daily on the night stand and the rest of the gang resides in the watch case until they are called upon to keep my time for the day.

regards,

Alex

[kooltzar]

Any watch as from 2000 should have its box and papers, otherwise something is dodgy, it might be stolen or fake.

For a vintage, box and papers are a "nice to have", but seldomly available. There you need to thoroughly check the seller and the watch!

[Speed]

If these answers do not satisfy you can do an advanced search on box and papers. You will have months of reading material with Tools and Padi poo poohing nix and papers and others pointing out that today you will take a hit if / when you resell.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by MYK

I'm interested to hear how important B & P are when buying a second hand watch (from a trusted dealer). Would you buy say a V serial Sub 16610 watch only that is in far better condition over a complete F serial sub 16610 for the same price?

Thanks,

I personally would not consider buying a watch without the boxes, papers, and every original accessory. I know not everyone feels the same way, but I simply do not contemplate "watch only" purchases.

[porschejeff]

If you plan to keep the watch and never sell or flip it, the box and papers don't matter much.

[bayerische]

Papers and Boxes are nice, but not a necessity, and I wouldn't pay more than a few hundred euros extra for them.

[bayerische]

Some people think they are worth thousands. (side note)

[4therightcause]

I prefer complete sets. I bought a watch one time without papers and it always bothered me. Also papers help ensure that everything is original for example a 16613 serti may have started out as a 16613 black dial and been switched out personally even if it was a genuine rolex dial that would bother me. I will only consider watches with box & papers.

[Clay]

I see B&P as just another area of the hobby...
All of the watches I own (Both modern and vintage) are complete with all B&P's etc...
Not because I feel it makes them "better", I just enjoy the search for nice complete sets (as they are harder to find) and what I have learned from them has been very interesting..
Not better, not worse...Just different!

[lhanddds]

Only if you are possibly selling in the future. Your credentials cannot easily be verified. They are a help but they are faked also. If you are a critical collector, complete sets do add some value. For me, not a big deal.

[Jase0851]

I have everything relating to all 4 of my watches Rolex,omega and breitling but I would still buy a watch without box or papers

[4therightcause]

Also although several watches without papers are fine 99.9999% of stolen watches will not have papers.

[Speed]

One other debatable point is...A watch owner who cares enough to save his box, papers and other bits more often is anal enough to take very good care of his stuff...ergo, the watch you are buying will likely be in showroom condition or at the very least, been serviced regularly / completely.

This is certainly not true in all cases...but many IMO.

[Tools]

Condition should always be paramount..

You should never buy a bad watch just because it claims to have a box and paperwork.. you don't wear the paperwork..