What to ask when buying pre-owned?

[DocChand]

Hi all!

I’m looking at a pre-owned watch that’s available with a couple of TRF Trusted Sellers. Since this will be my first pre-owned watch, what are some questions I should be asking? Below are some I’ve thought of:

1. Is the watch worn or unworn?
2. If worn, what’s the condition - scratches, dings, etc.

I just want to avoid any surprises because I live in Asia and any returns will be a pain.

Really appreciate everyone’s input.

[SwissmadeTexan]

Year produced, condition, polished or unpolished, if there are any marks ask for close ups, any specific details about the particular model you’re wondering about, what it comes with, has it been pressure tested, any warranty, what happens in the event of a lost/stolen package since you’re in Asia, also find out about import fees and such, check references on seller if not a huge dealer like David Sw or similar.

[dpt.calvin]

“Is it real?”

“Box and papers?”

[DocChand]

Originally Posted by SwissmadeTexan

Year produced, condition, polished or unpolished, if there are any marks ask for close ups, any specific details about the particular model you’re wondering about, what it comes with, has it been pressure tested, any warranty, what happens in the event of a lost/stolen package since you’re in Asia, also find out about import fees and such, check references on seller if not a huge dealer like David Sw or similar.

Thanks! One of the dealers is David SW; the other is Takuya.

[Vesper Lynd]

Can you give me a discount on the inflated price?

[Daveclock]

Why is it more than it was new?

and don't forget "Box and Papers Bro!"

[GGGMT]

Originally Posted by DocChand

Thanks! One of the dealers is David SW; the other is Takuya.

Highly legit sellers I’ve bought from both. Questions:

1. Replacement parts? Come with all parts it was born with?

2. Amplitude?

3. COSC specs?

4. Service?


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[rambo99]

specifically which model you are looking for?

[edisonstar23]

Box and Papers and polished?


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[Passinthru]

Sales tax?
Discount if paying by wire transfer?

[Hemdog]

Is this a good investment mate?

[alex.cicollo]

I have only bought one “used” watch - but my question (in addition to the other ‘serious’ replies you got) is whether they reseller has the original sales receipt on the name of the original owner. That, for me, shows provenance.

[SwissmadeTexan]

Originally Posted by DocChand

Thanks! One of the dealers is David SW; the other is Takuya.

Those 2 are some of the best. You’re in good hands with those 2.

[JRell]

Why can’t I wait for a watch for thousands less at my ad, and know it is real?

[Mathematoxic]

Originally Posted by JRell

Why can’t I wait for a watch for thousands less at my ad, and know it is real?

Most ADs in Asia, if not all, do not entertain waiting lists. Basically you have to spend a certain amount on “Junks” before getting the watch you want. And the required spending don’t quite make sense, hence buying from grey is the better option as the capital outlay required is much lesser.

The situation is so bad that it’s impossible to queue for any sports models(including explorer 1) in my country. Not even if you are willing to wait 1 year or more. The sales guy will never call you. Spending history is COMPULSORY.
😂

[JRell]

Originally Posted by Mathematoxic

Most ADs in Asia, if not all, do not entertain waiting lists. Basically you have to spend a certain amount on “Junks” before getting the watch you want. And the required spending don’t quite make sense, hence buying from grey is the better option as the capital outlay required is much lesser.

The situation is so bad that it’s impossible to queue for any sports models(including explorer 1) in my country. Not even if you are willing to wait 1 year or more. The sales guy will never call you. Spending history is COMPULSORY.
😂

Stinks - I would honestly not buy Rolex then or pick a new hobby, not worth that.

[Mathematoxic]

Originally Posted by JRell

Stinks - I would honestly not buy Rolex then or pick a new hobby, not worth that.

Yeah I believe many people are turned off by this situation. Yet the grey market is flooded with very hot models haha 😆

[DocChand]

Originally Posted by JRell

Why can’t I wait for a watch for thousands less at my ad, and know it is real?

Looking for a 214270 Mk2…since it’s discontinued, going pre-owned is my recourse. The interesting thing is that for significantly lesser than the outlay on a pre-owned 214270, I could get an unworn OP41 from a grey dealer. Weird world we live in!

But I do take your point…seriously considering just getting an Aqua Terra for pretty much 40% of the price.

[DocChand]

Originally Posted by Mathematoxic

Most ADs in Asia, if not all, do not entertain waiting lists. Basically you have to spend a certain amount on “Junks” before getting the watch you want. And the required spending don’t quite make sense, hence buying from grey is the better option as the capital outlay required is much lesser.

The situation is so bad that it’s impossible to queue for any sports models(including explorer 1) in my country. Not even if you are willing to wait 1 year or more. The sales guy will never call you. Spending history is COMPULSORY.
😂

Yup! I live in SG and the situation sucks!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by DocChand

Thanks! One of the dealers is David SW; the other is Takuya.

You’re in very good hands

[DocChand]

Thanks for all the responses! These are all very helpful!

Now for another naive question:

For a 2019 watch, should I be only interested in unpolished examples? I'm looking at a 214270 on WatchBox. Pricing is fair for a 2019 but the watch has a lot of scuffs and will be buffed before shipping. Is "buffing" something I should be staying away from?

I asked WatchBox about buffed vs. unpolished and they maintain that being unpolished is more a recommended practice when buying vintage pieces; for newer pieces, it's not that critical. I'm guessing they mean that a vintage unpolished piece will be more valuable than a vintage polished example?

Sorry for the ramble but this is the first time I'm buying pre-owned. Buying from WatchBox means I don't have to worry about any customs duties or authentication since they have an established presence in Singapore, where I'm based.

[Sandpit]

Originally Posted by DocChand

Thanks for all the responses! These are all very helpful!

Now for another naive question:

For a 2019 watch, should I be only interested in unpolished examples? I'm looking at a 214270 on WatchBox. Pricing is fair for a 2019 but the watch has a lot of scuffs and will be buffed before shipping. Is "buffing" something I should be staying away from?

I asked WatchBox about buffed vs. unpolished and they maintain that being unpolished is more a recommended practice when buying vintage pieces; for newer pieces, it's not that critical. I'm guessing they mean that a vintage unpolished piece will be more valuable than a vintage polished example?

Sorry for the ramble but this is the first time I'm buying pre-owned. Buying from WatchBox means I don't have to worry about any customs duties or authentication since they have an established presence in Singapore, where I'm based.

Personally speaking, if I was going to buy something polished I would want guarantees that it had been polished by Rolex, and not some grey dealer looking to bump up his prices.

So that said, I would buy based on used condition. If the model you're looking at with Watchbox has too many scratches for your liking I'd skip and wait for them to get something more suitable.

The best piece of advice I can give is DO NOT RUSH. Take your time and wait for the right example. Work with Watchbox and tell them what you're looking for - they will get something for you.

If you just snap up the first thing you see you never know if there's something else right around the corner.

Just remember there's likely thousands of these watches available globally. They're not rare or hard to find so wait for a nice unpolished example with a full set of paperwork and box (is what I would do).

[joli160]

Originally Posted by DocChand

Thanks for all the responses! These are all very helpful!

Now for another naive question:

For a 2019 watch, should I be only interested in unpolished examples? I'm looking at a 214270 on WatchBox. Pricing is fair for a 2019 but the watch has a lot of scuffs and will be buffed before shipping. Is "buffing" something I should be staying away from?

I asked WatchBox about buffed vs. unpolished and they maintain that being unpolished is more a recommended practice when buying vintage pieces; for newer pieces, it's not that critical. I'm guessing they mean that a vintage unpolished piece will be more valuable than a vintage polished example?

Sorry for the ramble but this is the first time I'm buying pre-owned. Buying from WatchBox means I don't have to worry about any customs duties or authentication since they have an established presence in Singapore, where I'm based.

Polishing is an art, easy to mess up. I trust only the RSC and not anyone from WatchBox.
Pay more and buy one which doesn’t need this.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by DocChand

Hi all!

I’m looking at a pre-owned watch that’s available with a couple of TRF Trusted Sellers. Since this will be my first pre-owned watch, what are some questions I should be asking? Below are some I’ve thought of:

1. Is the watch worn or unworn?
2. If worn, what’s the condition - scratches, dings, etc.

I just want to avoid any surprises because I live in Asia and any returns will be a pain.

Really appreciate everyone’s input.

Buy the seller first - i.e., make sure they’re established and have a positive reputation. Ask for several high resolution photos, and do your or homework, or lean on someone with knowledge to help.

If returns were easier (but know they’re not), would leverage an established watchmaker to help perform a sanity check during a 72 hour window offered by seller. Good luck and be careful.

[Moondoggy]

Originally Posted by Mathematoxic

Most ADs in Asia, if not all, do not entertain waiting lists. Basically you have to spend a certain amount on “Junks” before getting the watch you want. And the required spending don’t quite make sense, hence buying from grey is the better option as the capital outlay required is much lesser.

The situation is so bad that it’s impossible to queue for any sports models(including explorer 1) in my country. Not even if you are willing to wait 1 year or more. The sales guy will never call you. Spending history is COMPULSORY.
😂

just embarrassing, seriously why people play these games.

Talk about selling your soul.

[Firex]

Agree with what’s been said. I only want to buy a wat h that has been polished by Rolex Service Centre. If the watch has been serviced, ask for a pic of the service invoice. Then call the RSC to verify that the invoice is legit and matches the serial and reference number for your watch. Many resellers will do an in-house polish job so the watch looks nicer. Polishing is an art and can mess up the fine grain finish if not done properly. Also I ask if the watch is fully linked. Check how many links that model is supposed to come with. Check the pics of the complete papers - sometimes the ad will say box and papers but it’s missing the manual or warranty booklet or hang tag.

[tudk]

Match the serial number on the watch to the warranty card
or ask for photos of both .

[Moondoggy]

Just ask what is different from this watch now compared to the point of sale, other then time.

[bullies]

Those two are legends on the grey market -I've bought a lot from DSW (and have had to send a few in for servicing etc AP/Rolex- Never a problem, never anything other than OEM parts). You're in good hands

[amh]

As everyone said, DavidSW and Takuya are _more_ trustworthy than even the AD themselves. You'll pay the markup yes, but just think of the all the worthless diamond rings/bracelets you'll avoid!